What I’m Watching: Rescue Me

Rescue Me: Season 6, Episode 3 “Comeback” (B-)

I think the chances of this show getting completely back on track as about as likely as Tommy permanently quitting drinking. After two decent introductory episodes, this show is starting to slip as the only consistent, forward-moving plotline is a desperate attempt to hang on for dear life for the ailing firehouse. Tommy being convinced that there’s a big party in the works for him and not letting it go is just plain uncomfortable and a huge waste of time. There’s something somewhat interesting about Mike and Sean discussing just how dumb they are and trying to do a good deed, which elicits a ridiculous conversation about George Clooney and Brad Pitt, but it makes the show feel even more sluggish and aimless. A near-rumble between the firefighters from the rival houses, complete with both Sean and Damien hitting on the female probie, is a much more interesting direction that the show should explore in the coming episodes. Tommy’s assertion of “me, I’m happy just being a firefighter” was a good line, and having Sean and Black Shawn talk about being with the Gavin family ladies was a nice throwback to long-forgotten plotlines. It’s unfathomable that Franco is clueless that Tommy might be bothered by his blatant flirting with Janet, and that’s quite frustrating. It’s bittersweet to have the crazy Sheila back, freaking out when she learns that Damien’s getting a medal and acting all loopy when the fire trucks drive past, because her insanity is something entertaining but also something that often gets taken too far. I was pleasantly surprised by the sudden appearance of Peter Gallagher, who began a regular gig on “Covert Affairs” during this very timeslot, who came in to praise Tommy’s rescue of the statue. Hopefully we’ll see more of him in the coming episodes. Of course there are much more pressing matters to attend to, like Lou’s health. His character has been a bit off for a while now, but it’s hard to imagine what the show, and more importantly the firehouse, would be like without Lou.