September 12, 2007. That was the last time the boys from Truck 62 graced our television screens. Thankfully, they have returned. The timing couldn’t be better considering we’re about to enter the dead zone as far as new programming is concerned. After such an interminable layoff, the FX execs have wisely decided to roll out 22 brand spanking new episodes of Rescue Me. To quote Borat, “Very Nice!!!
As season premieres go, this one was good, not great. To be fair, it will take me a few chapters to get reacquainted with the characters and their many afflictions. Some things around the firehouse haven’t changed a bit. Tommy is still an ill-tempered womanizer, but at least his sobriety is intact. Sean and Mike are still utter nitwits, but they are partnering up to start a bar. Sheila is still a basket case, but at least she’s in therapy. Don’t worry, there are plenty of new developments, too.
Tommy’s section eight hearing is just around the corner. I think he’ll come out okay, despite his rocky relationship with Chief Feinberg. Colleen continues to excel at pissing off dear ol’ dad; now she’s “sleeping” with Bart. This should make for some interesting confrontations down the road. Father Mickey goes on a serious bender and Tommy must talk him down in a nice role-reversal scene. Could Tommy Gavin become a caring, responsible human being? No way in hell! The writers are toying with us. Besides, Tommy is much more entertaining when he’s a disaster.
I have extremely high hopes for this season. The fireworks motif in episode one should be a harbinger of things to come. It appears Denis Leary and Peter Tolan are going back to basics and centering the action inside the firehouse. The dynamics between the core group of guys is what made Rescue Me so compelling the first two seasons. The Tommy/Janet storyline has been played out, so it’s about time it gets shelved.
I’m also looking forward to the French author who will be arriving at the house to interview the gang for a book she’s writing about the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The memory of that unforgettable day still haunts the characters in ways not yet explored. As much as I enjoy the comedic banter, it’s the honest drama that appeals to me the most. I suspect we’ll be receiving a heavy dose in future installments.
Here are a few more impressions from the premiere:
Was the season opener a winner or a loser?
I really loved it, and it only gets better from here. This is definitely going to be a great season!