Frank starts a booming import-export business. Fiona considers moving into her own place after Ford (special guest star RICHARD FLOOD) shows her a side of Chicago she's never seen. Meanwhile, Lip interviews new sponsors, Ian confronts a pastor trying to "pray the gay away" and Debbie deals with being unemployed while looking for a way to afford school and raise Franny.
Frank’s trafficking business takes a turn for the worse, sending him on the run through the Great White North. Meanwhile, the video of Ian confronting a minister brings him some unexpected allies, and pushes him to take his message further. Lip must decide whether to tell Sierra about Charlie’s past. Fiona meets Ford’s eclectic group of friends and discovers she doesn’t fit in at all. And Carl’s new girlfriend is having separation anxiety at the thought of him going back to school.
Ian’s fame in the LGBTQIA community explodes, but his sudden surge of “followers” may be more than he can handle. Frank, however, finds a way to cash in on Ian’s fame. Fiona struggles with her conscience when she learns new details about the worker who fell off her roof. Meanwhile, Lip realizes his relationship with Professor Youens may not have been as special as he thought; and Carl’s girlfriend, Kassidi (recurring guest star SAMMI HANRATTY), tests his commitment to their relationship.
Fiona’s homeless tenants have barricaded themselves in her apartment and taken her dog, Rusty. Lip takes in a terrified Sierra and Lucas when her father is released from prison, while Ian, despite warnings of legal ramifications, provides sanctuary to a runaway teen. And while Frank considers his retirement, Debbie must choose between paying for school and paying for surgery to keep her toes.
In the season eight finale, Fiona has to tap deep into her Gallagher roots if she truly wants to get the homeless family out of her apartment and to dismiss their lawsuit. Meanwhile, Ian and some of his followers go into hiding from the authorities after an explosive incident. And while Lip must make a difficult decision in order to have the life he really wants, Carl looks for a way to go back to school without upsetting Kassidi. Debbie considers letting Derek back into Franny’s life. And Frank schemes to take advantage of Liam’s wealthy friend.
In the season nine premiere, Frank’s latest sexual escapades get him into trouble with the Hopkins Academy PTA. Fiona struggles with her decision to bail Ian out of jail, while he continues his Gay Jesus antics inside. Lip juggles taking care of Xan with a potential romance. Debbie fights for equal pay at work, and Carl has to prove himself at military school. Kev and V have trouble with the twins without Svetlana (series star ISIDORA GORESHTER).
Fiona makes a play for a risky investment opportunity, ignoring Ford’s advice. Frank discovers the financial incentives of local politics. Carl bolsters his West Point application in unexpected ways. Debbie struggles to find allies in her battle against sexual harassment. Ian is overwhelmed by the Gay Jesus movement. Kev and V try to find the perfect preschool for the twins.
Frank faces obstacles in his new role as a campaign manager. Fiona prepares to close her real estate deal. Carl enlists V to help him get a West Point recommendation from a congressman. Xan’s medical emergency puts Lip in a compromising position. Debbie gets closer with her partner in crime. Ian embarks on a spiritual journey.
Election day puts Frank and Fiona in a head to head battle as they each try to round up votes for their candidates. Lip has to make an important choice about Xan’s future. Debbie gets in over her head with Alex. Carl’s killer instinct is put to the test. With his trial looming, Ian struggles to decide how to plead.
Frank’s new liver medication comes with tragic side effects. Ian tries to get away from Fiona’s hovering. Lip has to keep himself occupied during a day of temptation. Carl makes a connection at a West Point mixer. Debbie tries to repair things with Alex.
Frank employs Liam to help him chase down a romantic connection, while Lip spends the day wrangling an alcoholic actress (guest star COURTENEY COX) who hired him to be her sober companion. Meanwhile, Fiona struggles to keep up with the demands of her new investment as Ford pushes her to get serious about their relationship. Then, Kev and V run into trouble at the twins’ preschool when show and tell goes awry.
William H. Macy
Frank Gallagher
Emmy Rossum
Fiona Gallagher
Ethan Cutkosky
Carl Gallagher
Shanola Hampton
Veronica Fisher
Steve Howey
Kevin Ball