One of the best and funniest shows you NEVER saw on network TV this decade was The Job. Created by Peter Tolan and Denis Leary and co-starring Leary, The Job was unlike any cop show you had ever seen. Essentially a comedy, The Job showcased Leary as an NYPD cop that while loyal to his job suffered from multiple demons including infidelity, alcoholism and weariness with the society that he has sworn to protect. With Leary’s crackling dialogue and masterful delivery along with a standout cast of supporting actors, The Job was poorly marketed by ABC as a cop drama and scheduled at one of the worst time slots possible. As a result it only lasted two seasons, 2001-2002.
While that might seem like something you’ve seen, what made and has made Rescue Me so unique is that it focuses more on the personal lives of these men and women. You see the demons they live with, their imperfections and how it not just affects them but their families. This review will deal with the recent release of all 13 episodes of Season Three released to coincide with the premiere of the fourth season set to air Wednesday June 13 on FX. Much like FX’s banner show The Shield, if you haven’t watched the previous two seasons, you will be COMPLETELY lost as to what is going on. This show is character rather than plot driven which makes it imperative to start with season 1 episode 1.
Tommy is the archetype Leary character; quick-witted, stubbornly Irish, acid tongued, alcoholic, self-deprecating and angry at everything and everyone around him. It is because of Leary’s unique charisma and acting ability that you are able to not just sympathize but root for this tortured shell of a man who you see self-destructing in front of your face. You almost get the sense that Leary isn’t acting but rather exploring a side of his persona that could’ve been. It’s as magnetic and dominant a character role as you’ll see outside of Jack Bauer, Tony Soprano and Vic Mackey. These men are inherently flawed, tortured and constantly in a state of pain or regret. Outside of Jack Bauer, none of the men are overtly heroic, sympathetic or admirable. Tommy’s only salvation is his job and the men he serves with at station house 62 including the gambling addicted Chief Jerry Reilly (Jack McGee who also played a firefighter in Backdraft), the sensitive father of the house Kenny Shea (John Scurti), the macho Franco Rivera (Daniel Sunjata), the dim-witted Sean Garrity (Steven Pasquale), and the Probie Mike Silletti (Mike Lombardi) who is constantly being harassed by the other firemen because of his Probationary Officer status. Each character is given their own story arc while, subsidiary to Tommy’s, are still emotionally vivid and capable of making you laugh out loud or bringing you to tears in an instant.
Sheila’s son Damien is having an affair with his teacher who Tommy promptly beds then gets a Chlamydia scare. Tommy tries to one-up his brother by having an affair with his former fiancée Angie (a never hotter Marisa Tomei) and discovers the joys of Viagra. Tommy and Janet still have an emotional connection and attraction that manifests itself in an extremely destructive and violent way that brought the show some heavy controversy and criticism. The episode in question, “Sparks”, drew heavy cries of misogyny and glorification of rape pointed towards Leary and Tolan. This is part of the show’s greatness in that it can bring about such inspired debate in regards to such personal issues between men and women. To be sure, women are not portrayed in the greatest light on this show; most are seen as sexual conquests by Tommy and his firefighting brethren.
You have to watch the show in order to decide which side of the fence you fall on. What is true is that the male/female relationships are vividly portrayed and man or woman, you will be able to relate to SOME aspect, whether it is positive or negative. Many if not all of Tommy’s relationships in regards to women are highly destructive and volatile but that fits in with his overall character. He is incapable of emotional intimacy and is almost like a child in arrested development. This particular aspect of the season, like most hot topics that the show touches is resolved through karma, which grounds the show in reality. No good or bad deed goes unrewarded or unpunished and depending on how you feel about Tommy at the end of the “Sparks” episode, he does get his karmic retribution in the “Satisfaction” episode.
Probie, as he nears the end of his probationary status, ponders whether or not to leave the department, as do Tommy and Kenny for their own reasons, and also goes through a sexual identity crisis where he swears he’s not gay but does enjoy getting oral sex from men. While this plot line is also somewhat clumsy, it does provide big laughs when the rest of the firehouse finds out. Kenny is at a low point after having been duped of all his savings by a porn star at the end of season 2 and is drowning himself in drink and self-pity. He has the perfect role model though as he ends up living with Tommy later on. Meanwhile the Chief has his own money problems taking care of his Alzheimer’s afflicted wife and having to find ways to raise extra money.
Bravest Traditions and Fighting Fires in a Vertical City features interviews with real-life firemen discussing long-time firemen traditions as well as the difficulties of battling fires in a city as large as New York. Also included is an extremely disappointing Season Four preview as well as some unnecessary previews of other Sony DVDs.
In the end, the show lives and dies with Leary’s Tommy Gavin. His tortured psyche constantly fighting between good and evil will make you laugh, cry and at times, make you wish him pain. He is one of the most unique and fascinating characters ever on a TV show, cable or network. You could almost compare him to a more tortured, crueler version of Andy Sipowicz only instead of being a cop; he’s a fireman. You don’t find many three dimensional characters like that on TV and that is what makes this show one of the best out there. Much like The Shield, you wish the seasons were longer. If you haven’t seen it yet, rent the first three seasons and catch the fourth season.
Rescue Me - The Complete Third Season is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
TLOJun 8th, 2007 - 20:16:20
I love this show!
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