'Rescue Me' back Wednesday July 20, Previews, and some thoughts

By April MacIntyre Jul 15, 2011, 4:51 GMT

Synopsis from FX: The guys go stir crazy waiting to catch a job. Lou fakes his physical, a news team memorializes Jimmy, and Tommy is saved by an unfamiliar face.

FX series "Rescue Me" is a tough series to say goodbye to.

The group of actors hired were perfect fits for their respective characters.  Uncle Teddy WAS Lenny Clarke and vice versa. And Tommy's dad, was there ever a more heart wrenching scene than the end of season four when Charles Durning (John Michael Gavin) died in Denis Leary's character Tommy Gavin's arms? 

Denis Leary's portrayal of Tommy Gavin, rife with survivor's guilt and a lack of any kind of personal discipline to keep his sexual and alcoholic demons in check, made for great TV season after season.

Leary's natural high wattage energy was the perfect delivery for Gavin's staccato id, letting loose on his brethren and strangers alike.

Even Tatum O'Neal as Maggie (Gavin-Garrity) -totally flawed and addicted just like in real life, and the hilarious comedic actor Adam Ferrara as Needles, the Battalion Chief trying to herd cats in Engine 99 Firehouse - Ladder 62. 

So many great characters and poignant scenes interrupted by shockingly hilarious moments to balance the cloud of grief that lingered over Tommy's head since the carnage of 9/11.

FX’s series airs Wednesdays at 10:00 PM ET/PT.

Wednesday, July 20 at 10:00 PM ET/PT is Episode #612: “Menses”

Synopsis from FX: The guys go stir crazy waiting to catch a job.  Lou fakes his physical, a news team memorializes Jimmy, and Tommy is saved by an unfamiliar face.