According to The Young Folks' Allyson Johnson, "Crazy Love," which currently hovers around a 9 on IMDb, "is the epitome of 'Shameless' on its A-game." In this mid-Season 5 episode, the recently wed Fiona has a violent reaction to the long-lost Jimmy showing up at Patsy's Diner. Initially unimpressed with his tale of forced slave labor at a cocoa processing facility in the Brazilian rain forest, she eventually feels moved by his return. Despite her new marital commitment, the two sleep together, spurring deep regret on Fiona's part — and deep frustration from the other Gallaghers. In addition, Kev and V deal with their own baby-induced relationship strife, everyone ignores a sick and unconscious Frank, and half-sister Sammi seizes control of the Gallagher household, demanding payment for food and setting a curfew for the crew.
Most significant, though: After years of hints regarding Ian's fragile mental state, he finally suffers a psychotic break — and we watch the heartbreaking series of events that follow, in which he runs away from Mickey (and from Chicago) with baby Yevgeny in tow.
As Smash Cut's Michael Wampler says, "this episode is packed with emotional gut punches, and is just astounding on a scene-by-scene basis," and we wholeheartedly agree. From Fiona's infidelity to Ian's terrifying spiral into manic depression, the episode offers a painfully urgent narrative, boasting hard-hitting drama, layered characters, and impressive emotional depth under its veneer of outrageous comedy.
