Are you a Shameless fan?
I’ve been watching with interest for several years. I was even lucky enough to interview the show’s Jim Hoffmaster – who is known as the bar-fly Kermit to regular viewers.
Season 11 might be the show’s last appearance if rumours are to be believed. The season also holds one of the biggest surprises the show could have thrown in. Even if you aren’t familiar with the plot or characters yet, it’s something more viewers should get to see.
If you’re wary of spoiler alerts and would like to save it for later, bookmark this post and stream some Shameless first.
If you don’t mind the spoiler, keep reading. It’s one of the most powerful seasons of any television show bridge players could hope to see.
Here’s what you should know about the surprise in Shameless Season 11 (& how it relates to bridge).
Recapping, first
Shameless is an adaptation of the UK-aired television series of the same name. Here, we’re talking about the United States version produced by Showtime – and even though there’s a cross-over with character names, expect entirely different settings and stoylines.
If you’ve never seen an episode, the show follows the Gallagher family and their neighbours in Chicago’s South Side.
The family is beloved, dysfunctional, and extremely memorable all at the same time.
Surprisingly, they are also relatable to common experiences: at some point, everyone has known or felt like one of the Gallaghers.
That’s the short version.
For more, watch Shameless on Showtime.
What happens in season 11 of shameless?
The plot twist isn’t evident until halfway through the Season – although once the big reveal is made, viewers will notice that the writers have been hinting at the reveal since the first episode of the season.
Frank Gallagher has alcoholic dementia.
That’s a big reveal.
And for thousands of people worldwide, a sudden diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is a reality.
If more people are encouraged to research, contribute, and recognize dementia and Alzheimer’s from here, that’s a good thing.
As you might already know, bridge is linked to reducing mental decline and the symptoms associated with these conditions.
What is alzheimer’s disease & dementia?
No, dementia and Alzheimer’s are not the same condition.
Alz.org has a clear definition, quoted below:
Symptoms might include episodes of anger, confusion, or memory loss that might increase in frequency or intensity over time.
If someone seems different (or if you yourself experience emotions or memory in a different way than you are used to), it’s time to see a doctor.
If you have a family history of dementia, Alzheimer’s, or unexplained eccentricity in some family members, there might be more reason to check.
The SAGE test for self-assessment
The SAGE Test was designed by Ohio State University experts, and serves as a way for self-assessment of some of the most common symptoms associated with cognitive decline, dementia, and other conditions.
SAGE is short for the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination.
More information is availableby clicking here.
How the ACBL & bridge can help
The ACBL Longest Day is a special event from the American Contract Bridge League, with proceeds donated towards essential causes and research for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Playing bridge helps, too. An active mind can be a healthier one.
Mark your calendar for The Longest Day on June 21st this year and find out what you can do. For more information just click this link.