In the aftermath of Damian’s on-the-job accident, Tommy, Sheila, and the guys of the 62 truck have done their best to work through the tragedy and get on with their lives. Things have slowed down for Tommy, both at home and on the job, until a news reporter decides to feature Jimmy as the subject of her 9/11 retrospective. When she delves too deep into the personal lives of her subjects and suggests fault within the FDNY, Tommy turns on her and soon finds himself jobless.
With Tommy absent, Lou at less than hundred percent, and Feinberg deteriorating fast, Franco seizes the opportunity to take on a leadership role. Under Franco, the house sees order unlike ever before. But Franco’s inexperience leading the troops into battle proves to be treacherous.
Love is in the air as Black Shawn and Colleen plan the mother of all weddings. With the help of Mike and Garrity the event goes down as one for the ages in the debaucherous tradition of the Gavins. Tommy and Janet see the event as an opportunity to renew their vows, Garrity realizes he has found true love, Mickey and Sheila rekindle their romance, Teddy engages an unlikely partner, and Needles finds his true calling.
When the crew ride to a suspicious five alarm fire their skills as firefighters and commitment to one another are put to the test. In the aftermath, the guys are forced to re-examine what it means to be a crew.
“Does that surprise you or scare you?” – Colleen
“Uh… 50/50.” – Black Shawn
Watching Rescue Me over the past six seasons has been one unforgettable experience that I will always cherish. I was immediately enthralled when I first tuned in and am just as intrigued with what there is to expect for the seventh and final season of the show which premieres tonight. The series just as entertaining as it has been in the past however it might be safe to say that the premiere has more comedic moments (including a Jersey Shore & Flava Flav racist debate at the firehouse) than moments high in dramatic volume. We’re basically reminded about where we left off and what we can hope to see be resolved by the end of the series. In this, I mean the bonding time between a now pregnant Janet and Sheila which we rarely see that brings about a very funny moment between Sheila and Tommy about Sheila’s past kidnapping incident.
The “walking hard on” of Tommy Gavin attempts to be the good guy to Janet, with the guidance of Sheila. This compassionate side of Tommy is something that fans should look forward to seeing more of this season, the final season. Every character has come so far since season one. And to see Tommy actually working hard on having healthy relationships, well, the day has come and gone before but this is it baby! What comes next is it! So the premiere was more basic built in anticipation than anything else. Tommy finds himself out of a sponsor with a not so sober Colleen and Colleen finds herself taking her relationship with Black Shawn to the next level. Will we get to see the big event before the season is over? There are only nine episodes of the series so I sure hope so! As the tenth anniversary of 9/11 draws near, it will be very interesting to see what is addressed between then and now.
Having the first seven episodes of the season myself (in which Maura Tierney returns), expect my further thoughts soon! My closing thoughts for tonight’s episode… what a hard hitting and equally beautiful shot of Tommy standing over a passed out Colleen with three ghosts racing their glasses in unison. I won’t spoil it for who as to who exactly Tommy finds himself talking to in the end… but its scenes like these with Tommy conversing with his past to help him in the present that have kept me so enthralled over the years. What a gift and a curse it has been for Tommy, hopefully it will be more of a gift in the final season. Also, I loved the double meaning in the last line, “The party’s over assholes.” It really is coming to an end this fall! It is the beginning of the end and the beginning is bittersweet, so you do not want to miss it!
Rescue Me premieres tonight at 10/9c on FX.