Programs on the four major networks are as dull as ever. Second-rate sitcoms, recycled cop and medical dramas, and reality TV dominate. There are exceptions of course, but most of these shows are hardly appointment television.
Rescue Me, which airs Tuesday nights on cable's FX, is a textbook example of must-see-TV. The first two episodes of season five, which recently started, are spectacular and as good as anything the show has done. The long wait following season four was well worth it.
Grief a Focal Point of New Season
Grief appears to play a central role in the new season. A French author who is writing a book to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of 9/11 visits the firehouse. Her inquiries open up a lot of old wounds.
Also, Tommy (Denis Leary) is not coping well with the recent lost of a loved one. The rest of his family is able to openly mourn the loss, but Tommy is angry and unable to express any sorrow.
Personal Lives Still Messy
The personal lives of the guys are as complicated as ever. Janet (Andrea Roth) has a new boyfriend, played wonderfully by Michael J. Fox. He relishes taking cheap shots at Tommy, which Janet seems to enjoy as well.
Also, one of the men is secretly in love with Colleen (Natalie Distler) but he is terrified of telling Tommy. Meanwhile, Franco (Daniel Sunjata), Sean (Steven Pasquale) and Mike (Mike Lombardi) are going to open a bar together. It seems like an endeavor that can't end well.
Perfect Balance of Humor and Drama
The first two episodes exemplify why Rescue Me works so well and is such an excellent show. It strikes a perfect balance between the serious and the hilarious.
One scene in particular stands out. Tommy and his family have gathered to watch old family videos as part of the grieving process. When they are done, everyone but Tommy is crying. Someone wants to know what his problem is. He explodes and rants about how much he dislikes the deceased and why mourning them is misguided. In doing so he manages to insult just about everyone in the room. It is very funny but also painful. Tommy is clearly hurting and (as usual) lashes out at the people who care about him the most.
The firehouse also provides many hearty laughs. As per usual, the guys have provocative conversations relating to topics like who masturbates the most in one day. When one of them describes the firehouse by saying "take away the rig, gear and testosterone, and it's a sorority," he hits the nail on the head.
Capturing Male Behavior
The show, misguidedly labeled misogynist by some, has always captured male behavior extremely well (for better or worse). These guys are mostly clueless when it comes to gender relations. They are arrogant, self-involved and sometimes just plain stupid. Their banter and camradarie is as entertaining as ever.
This season is not going to shy away from tough subjects. It looks as if 9/11 is going to be front and center. One person in the firehouse is a conspiracy theorist. They have their say just like everyone else. The horror of that day is mentioned early on, in unsparing detail.
As with just about everything it discusses, expect Rescue Me to handle these subjects with truth, wit and complexity. Expect nothing less from what is easily one of the best shows on television.
