Until tonight, I’ve actually been enjoying Showtime’s new series SHAMELESS, starring William H. Macy. Sure, it’s definitely a show that tries to be edgy, controversial and shocking, even maybe trying too hard at times, but it’s always been funny, till now…

I was watching the newest episode called “Three Boys” when I discovered the series’ writers chose to hop on the band wagon of ignorantly misusing Tourette Syndrome as a comical crutch. I support and respect the creative team’s right to say what they want with their art, but in doing so I question their intelligence and ability to create worthwhile comedy, regardless of how shocking, without crossing the lines.

Here’s the deal… a little bit of research reveals that the one most commonly used most “tic” associated with Tourette Syndome — uncontrollable use of profanity — is also amongst the most unrepresentative and rare of “tics” and unfairly misrepresents the condition, adding to the negative social stigma attached to kids dealing with Tourette Syndrome. At that moment, I stopped watching the “Three Boys” episode and removed the series from my DVR, never to watch it again. I have plenty of other shows to watch, so in the grand scheme of things, Shameless will not be missed.

* P.S. - Coincidentally, this is a good example of how the “gentleman” in the video from my previous post could have better communicated his opinion and have received a potentially more open audience. I’ve politely and respectfully said my peace, have determined I for one will no longer partake, and am now moving on with life.