As Fiona tries to raise the profile of the neighborhood, Ian helps Trevor to raise money for a new youth shelter. Meanwhile, Carl loses his scholarship and gets creative with securing the tuition, Lip stands up to a friend and gets hurt and Frank teaches the parents at Liam's school all about the working class.

Fiona is forced to reflect on her own life after a lonely tenant dies and the duty of cleaning out the apartment falls upon her. Meanwhile, Debbie has a pregnancy scare and winds up in a compromising position, Lip enlists Carl's help to search for his sponsor and Frank enjoys having his first-ever credit card.

Ian tests Fiona's patience and resolve by bringing a messy “Occupy Fiona” movement right to her front door. Lip struggles to get Professor Youens to court for his DUI trial. Meanwhile, a now unemployed Frank goes on a job hunt and Carl gets a feisty new rehab client with a plan to help him get the rest of his tuition.

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.

Debbie finds Fiona at a low point and helps her pick up the pieces as Fiona continues to face pressure from Max Whitford on her investment hubris. Frank enjoys the honeymoon period of his relationship with Ingrid.

Frank searches for ways to finance Ingrid's vision for their future together. Fiona's anger issues cause problems at Patsy's. Lip is forced to confront his real feelings for Tami.

When a blackout hits the South Side, Kevin and Veronica come up with a plan to bring the neighborhood together. Carl grows suspicious of Debbie’s attempts to get closer with Kelly. Fiona receives guidance from an unexpected person and Lip has to deal with the fallout from Xan’s DCFS visit.

Frank milks his injury for all its worth as Debbie, now the self-elected leader of the Gallagher family, cooks up a scam of her own. Lip and Tami get a surprise. Carl returns home from military school and Liam faces an identity crisis.

Liam gets to know his newfound family members as Frank revels in his new position in the Gallagher house. Lip looks for support as the pressures of fatherhood take their toll. Ian and Mickey make a decision about their future, and Carl tries to woo Anne despite Lori’s efforts to get in his way.

Frank hatches the idea for a new scheme when an unexpected visitor shows up at the Gallagher house. With Tami back in the house, Lip struggles to give up control of Fred. Debbie’s fight for child support escalates and Carl tries to juggle multiple romantic prospects. Ian returns home and is immediately thrown in with a corrupt parole officer.

An incident in the Tamietti family presents Lip and Tami with a new opportunity. Faye’s betrayal lands Frank in front of a judge. Mickey’s antics drive Ian to online dating. Carl makes an unexpected discovery at his new job.

Liam out-Gallaghers Frank, Lip works to convince Tami to stay in Chicago with their baby, Debbie turns over a new romantic leaf and Kev’s new business takes off, but V wonders where the money is going.

Debbie loses track of Franny, while Frank and Franny have a day of weed runs and adventure. Ian and Mickey question who is the "man" in their relationship. Carl gets a new training officer. Lip and Tami help Brad and Cami with their baby.