I've watched every episode until now and pretty much enjoyed it all because ultimately its been (just about) believable. Season 9 episode 1 is one of the worst pieces of television I have ever seen and its all down to the writing. The Frank storyline is just a bad joke, I'm surprised the actors didn't just say 'whoa - stop, this is ridiculous'. The Carl storyline is equally preposterous. Lazy, lazy writing. And the perfect Irish dude with Fiona? Pure unintentional comedy. So, so bad.