The episode " But at Last Came a Knock " (Season 1, Episode 9) originally aired on March 6, 2011, and features the pivotal return of the Gallagher matriarch, Monica.
: Frank attempts to lure his ex-wife, Monica, back to Chicago solely to get her signature on settlement documents for some "settlement money" he's owed. To his surprise, Monica arrives with her new partner, Roberta, and announces her intention to take baby Liam away with her.
Reviewers from Vulture and The A.V. Club noted the episode's shift from dark comedy to deeper desperation, particularly as Lip realizes Frank might actually be "the good one" compared to their mother.
: One of the most famous monologues in the series occurs when Fiona confronts Monica. She asserts that Monica has no right to pick and choose which kids to care for after years of abandonment.
: Debbie’s suspicion of Steve leads her to a house in Lake Forest where she discovers his real name is Jimmy and he comes from a wealthy family. In exchange for her silence, Steve buys Debbie gifts and reveals he bought the house next door for Fiona.