Karen Jackson is introduced as Lip Gallagher’s (Jeremy Allen White) complicated and unpredictable girlfriend on Showtime’s hit show Shameless . In the early seasons, Karen’s character is defined by her erratic behavior and tumultuous relationship with Lip. She navigates life by caring for her agoraphobic mother, Sheila (Joan Cusack), but is also manipulative, which causes tension with Lip.
Karen’s relationship with Lip is fraught with ups and downs. She initially sleeps with Lip’s father, Frank (William H. Macy), who is also involved with Sheila at the time. Later, Karen marries Jody (Zach McGowan) while possibly being pregnant with Lip’s child. However, the pregnancy test reveals that Lip is not the father, but Karen doesn’t want to keep the child either. In the end, Sheila raises the baby, named Hymie, while Karen leaves her family and runs away.
In Season 3, Karen returns and attempts to rekindle her romance with Lip, though he is hesitant to get back together. Lip’s current girlfriend, Mandy (Emma Greenwell), strikes Karen with her car in an act of revenge, which leaves Karen with permanent brain damage. Following this, Jody and Karen move to Arizona with Hymie, disappearing from the show.
Karen Jackson On Shameless (Image via Getty)
After her role as Karen, actress Laura Wiggins — also known as “Laura Slade Wiggins” — continued to make her mark in the entertainment industry. Before Shameless , Wiggins debuted in the TV movie Not Like Everyone Else and appeared in 30 episodes of the series throughout three seasons. She once shared in an interview that she didn’t expect to return for Season 4, hinting that the writers were moving away from Karen’s storyline to focus on the Gallaghers.
Post- Shameless , Wiggins maintained a steady career in television and film. She guest-starred on popular shows like Law & Order: SVU , Chicago P.D. , and CSI . She also had a recurring role on The Tomorrow People , a short-lived CW series. In addition, Wiggins appeared in the Lifetime TV movie Starving in Suburbia .
Beyond TV, Laura ventured into film, with notable roles in 20th Century Women , Along Came The Devil 2 , and Rings , the third installment in The Ring franchise. In 2019, she starred as Helen in the children’s movie Nancy Drew & The Hidden Staircase .
However, after 2020, Wiggins took a break from acting, with no new appearances in either film or television since then. Fans are hopeful that this is only a temporary hiatus, and that she will soon return to the screen, whether in indie films, horror projects, or other genres.
Jackson West, portrayed by Titus Makin Jr., was unexpectedly written out of “The Rookie” in a dramatic turn of events. His character’s departure occurred in the Season 4 premiere, titled “Life and Death.” The episode revealed that Jackson, along with fellow officer Angela Lopez, was kidnapped in the Season 3 finale. His death was confirmed when security footage showed Jackson being shot in the back by his kidnappers.
This event marked the end of Titus Makin Jr.’s time as a series regular. The decision to kill off Jackson was a result of Makin’s personal choice not to return for the upcoming season. In an interview with TVLine, showrunner Alexi Hawley discussed how the team needed to wrap up Jackson’s story in a way that honored his importance to the show.
Makin had been a beloved character since his introduction as a rookie cop. Over the seasons, Jackson West became a key part of the team at the Los Angeles Police Department. His growth and development were central to the storyline, making his sudden death all the more impactful for fans.
The writers were tasked with creating a meaningful and respectful exit for Jackson. While the decision was ultimately made due to Makin’s choice to leave, they wanted to ensure his death wasn’t a trivial one. Jackson’s death was both tragic and significant, allowing the show to maintain its emotional weight while also closing a chapter on his character’s journey.
Jackson west and Angela Lopez (Image via Getty)
In the same interview, Hawley emphasized that the writers had a responsibility to ensure Jackson’s exit felt earned. The show had built up his character over several seasons, and it was important that his departure resonated with the audience. They carefully crafted his final moments to reflect the relationships he had built with his fellow officers, particularly Angela Lopez, who had been by his side since the beginning.
Jackson’s death was not just a plot device but a narrative decision that affected multiple characters. His absence left a noticeable void, particularly for Angela, who had developed a close bond with him. His death also marked a shift in the dynamic within the precinct, forcing the team to cope with the loss of a trusted friend and colleague.
Jackson West’s death was a carefully planned moment in the series, and it served as both a tribute to the character and a way to move the story forward. The decision to say goodbye to Jackson was ultimately a combination of Makin’s personal choice and the show’s need to evolve, making it one of the more emotional and memorable exits in the series.
A middle-aged man, John Nolan, starts fresh as the oldest rookie at the LAPD, balancing his life challenges while navigating police work, learning the ropes in a dangerous but rewarding profession. The show blends crime procedural drama with personal growth and relationships.
