In the aftermath of the fire, the members of 62 truck struggle to pick up the pieces and look towards the future. Down at The Rock, the new probies receive a familiar speech and stand before a new leader.
The final season of Rescue Me has been more breathtaking than I could have ever imagined. Watching Sheila’s struggle caring for an injured beyond repair Damien while Janet glowed during her pregnancy… the contrasts couldn’t have sent me on a more complicated emotional ride. The problems that the fire house and mainly Gavin dealt with in the beginning of the season with the press were small compared to what else took place. Lou’s health almost costs him his job. Colleen’s wedding was hijacked by a drunken Sheila who begged for Janet and Tommy to renew their vows, only Janet did not agree until Tommy agreed to retire from the job and give his family the wholeness that it has yearned since the beginning. It answers the question of who Tommy Gavin is when not a fire fighter. The little bit that we do get to see of this new Tommy has given me enough laughs (and concerns) to last me a life time.
Ah, family.
It’s in this moment when Tommy transitions from a fire fighter to a retiree and stay at home dad that the title of this show, “Rescue Me” resonates with all that is Tommy Gavin more than ever. And while Colleen’s wedding is without a doubt the most uplifting moment of the season (and the wedding jokes are that good) and while Franco’s position as Chief for a day is definitely an unforgettable highlight of the series, all of the smiles, laughs, tears, arguments, and more come to an end in “Ashes.”
The introduction of the series finale will leave you either speechless or spewing out words that you never wanted to say. Luckily, that’s just the beginning and not the reality that Denis Leary will leave us with to end the series. Though someone does die. But what is so magnificent about this episode is that while there is tragedy, there is also death and life in each and every character. Because of the events that take place, the guys at the fire house are forced to go through their own metamorphosis. Where it leads them is satisfying because the show has always been in good hands and the writers know how to send Rescue Me off on a high note, no dysfunction necessary.
The writing is fantastic, always has been. The way that the Leary, Tolan, and Reilly have incorporated and balanced the comedy in a one hour drama… it is the best lesson on tone and consistency that a writer could ever receive. The collaborative creative process here between these three guys and the cast was like no other on TV. It’s clear that there was a lot of improv on the show and that’s because Leary gave this cast more freedom than the average series could even dream to do. With the combination of the writing, the incredibly talented cast who have such an organic and loving relationship, the action sequences, and the setting… I will never hesitate to say that Rescue Me is one of my favorite dramas (and comedies, even though the Emmys has refused to acknowledge it as such) of all time.
Steven Pasquele brought the comedy like no other actor on the show (which is ironic considering he was known for his dramatic talent before the series) and even his musical talent was showcased (very well, I might add), remember those episodes? Callie Thorne has also brought the comedy but in the most disturbing way possible. She has played the most psychotic character that I have seen and probably will ever see on television. Her fearlessness in taking on all that is Sheila Keefe will always be appreciated more than she will ever know. It is mind boggling knowing that she never received Emmy acknowledgment for her role on this show.
Let’s not forget recurring actors like Dianne Farr and the guest stars, that brought something fresh and exciting as each season went on. Oh, the guest stars! We all know who Susan Sarandon, Maura Tierney, Marisa Tomei, and Michael J. Fox are without a second glance and their contributions to this series have been so moving, it overwhelms me at me at times. But Jennifer Esposito, Tawny Cypress, Deanna Russo, Will Chase, and theatre favorites Idina Menzel, Kate Burton, and Gina Gershon are also among my favorite guest stars throughout the show’s seven seasons.
Focusing on the last season, Tierney’s character mirrored her real life and I still cannot wrap my head around what a challenge that must have been for Tierney, to really open up here after going through what she did. Art imitated life for others too such as Jack McGee who was a fire fighter for 10 years in New York and Michael Lombardi, whose band was able to play a set on the show. Life clearly inspired the show in more ways than one after its creation and that is a testament to just how dedicated Leary was in giving this series life.
Intense does not even begin to describe the journey that Leary has taken us on. There is so much depth and meaning, purpose to every scene, every word, every action. The most breathtaking, the most captivating moments are hands down the moments in which Rescue Me took on so many controversial issues ranging from race, gender, and sexual orientation to 9/11 conspiracies head on. Rescue Me is the only series bold enough to take on these topics not only head on but with no apologies. There’s not enough gratitude to express to the cast and crew for making such work. This is art.
Everything about Rescue Me shouts dysfunction with a determination to succeed. Every character strives for contentment and every journey could not be any more different and yet so similar as they strive for redemption. The final season of Rescue Me exemplifies bravery, courage, and strength, all of the qualities that every character has struggled with from day one in various aspects of their lives and in the season finale, it clicks. That journey was without a doubt worth watching, so thank you for showing us what it means to have fear and live life anyway. I don’t think you’ll ever know just how many people you have rescued.
Watch the series finale of Rescue Me Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 10/9c on FX.