We can finally start a HD thread for Rescue Me.

The 22 episode season 5 begins Tuesday at 10:00 EDT on FX

Originally posted on the HOTP thread
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=16202169&postcount=32858

TV Notes
Back and On Fire
'Rescue Me' returns with an extended fifth season of FX
By Rob Owen, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - April 5, 2009

TV's best (only?) blue-collar drama, FX's "Rescue Me," returns for its fifth season this week, 19 months after the last original episode premiered in September 2007. Blame the writers' strike and FX programming strategy for the delay.

When viewers last saw New York firefighter Tommy Gavin (Denis Leary), his father had died in the seat next to him at a baseball game. Tommy, always on the verge of becoming unhinged, reacts angrily while another family member falls off the wagon.

In addition to Gavin family psychodrama -- emphasis on "psycho" -- the show's emphasis remains, as always, on the firefighters in their off hours. Lt. Kenny "Lou" Shea (John Scurti) describes their often profane firehouse conversations as "gripping exchanges of deep thought and personal wisdom." These include debates over whether it's better to lose an eye or a testicle.

Plots this season include a new boyfriend (guest star Michael J. Fox) for Tommy's estranged wife, Janet (Andrea Roth), and firehouse interviews by a French journalist (Karina Lombard) writing a book to be published to coincide with the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

All 22 episodes in this season of "Rescue Me" -- expanded from the usual 13 for a cable series -- will air over the coming 23 weeks with the season finale slated for Sept. 8. A sixth season of 18 episodes has already been ordered.

Normally the series only produces 13 episodes a season but producers are not drained by this season's larger order.

"We're just full of ideas and energized in a way that we haven't been before, which is a shock to us," said executive producer/director Peter Tolan. That bodes well for the new season, necessarily so because some viewers and critics felt the fourth season disappointed. (Tommy threatening the life of a newborn? Really?)

"Most shows have a sophomore slump. We waited, I think, until our fourth year to do it," Tolan acknowledged at a January FX press conference. "Now, a slump for us I don't think is a marked difference in the quality of the show. ... I think it was a lack of focus. That's all."

Leary joked that it was planned.

"I think we did it on purpose so that we could have a [stinky] season and then this season would look so much better in comparison," he said.

One upcoming plot explores the belief held by firefighter Franco -- and shared by the actor playing the role, Daniel Sunjata -- that 9/11 was an inside job. In next week's episode, Franco calls 9/11 "a massive neo-conservative effort that's been in the works for 20 years."

"I think that the way the show addresses the issue is going to be socio-politically provacative," Sunjata said.

As far as limits on the show's often outrageous plots, Leary could think of only one limit imposed by FX executives: His salary.

"I had a crazy idea of getting paid, like, $250,000 an episode," Leary said. "They put limits on that, let me tell you. That's Kiefer Sutherland money right there."

'Rescue Me'
When: 10 p.m. Tuesday, FX.
Starring: Denis Leary

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09095/958195-67.stm

I have seven episodes of Heroes and 9 of Lost on the DVR. This is one show that will not pile up on the DVR. I am sooo looking forward to this one.

I really, really hope this show will be on TWC's F/X On Demand, where Damages and Nip/Tuck currently are. No F/X for me until May 26, 2009! :(

Can't wait.

I hate how FX has like 2 years in between seasons (ok, that's a small exaggeration, but the last new episode was way back in September of 2007). I can't remember what the hell was going on that long ago.

Had the same issue with The Shield. Why are their seasons spread so far apart?

Can't wait.

I hate how FX has like 2 years in between seasons (ok, that's a small exaggeration, but the last new episode was way back in September of 2007). I can't remember what the hell was going on that long ago.

Had the same issue with The Shield. Why are their seasons spread so far apart?


The reason for the long delay was the writers strike. It's also why there are 22 episodes this season.

How long has it been since the last season? I don't think I remember that much from the last one.

How long has it been since the last season? I don't think I remember that much from the last one.

See my note above. The last new ep aired in September of '07. I remember Leary's dad died at a baseball game, but that's about it off the top of my head.

I didn't realize this season was going to be 22 eps, so that's good. And I didn't realize it was going to be in HD, so that's double-good.

They had a bunch of short webisodes to fill in some time last summer.

I really, really hope this show will be on TWC's F/X On Demand, where Damages and Nip/Tuck currently are. No F/X for me until May 26, 2009! :(

Yes, it will be available ondemand on TWC in HD if you have the right box

Why didn't FX rerun last season this week?

Why didn't FX rerun last season this week?

Because they're out on DVD :rolleyes:

They had a bunch of short webisodes to fill in some time last summer.

Those webisodes can be found at Hulu, along with previous seasons of Rescue Me. Like many here I couldn't remember the last episode I had seen, I kept thinking it was the burning beach house episode although I knew that didn't seem right. Watched the webisodes and the last ep of S4 and I'm right back up to date. That last S4 episode touches on just about all the ongoing storyline so watching it alone will probably work for most folks, I recommend it for those that are in a bit of a daze as to where the show is at story-wise.

Sweet! I had no idea it was about to air again until I saw this thread.

Sweet! I had no idea it was about to air again until I saw this thread.

If you followed the Hot Off The Press thread you would always know when a show begins. Here is a link to another Rescue Me story posted there.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16208997#post16208997

If you followed the Hot Off The Press thread you would always know when a show begins. Here is a link to another Rescue Me story posted there.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16208997#post16208997

that thread is counter productive
Too Much Info
they post everything there, including death notices?
Dad and Fred seem to be in some kind of competiton!

There was an article in Newsday today. A+ review!!

http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/ny-ettel0712618479apr03,0,7111284.story

Not a great episode last night. One of the reviews I read did say it doesn't really get going until the 4th episode.

I'm opting to bail for this season until I hear how things go - then I'll rent the set.

After last season went totally off the rails, followed by the really long wait, I completely lost interest. The same thing happened with The Shield.

The sad part is, I loved both shows in their early seasons.

Yes, it will be available ondemand on TWC in HD if you have the right box
The first new episode became available in HD yesterday (Friday) on TWC VOD. The HD version is 46 min, whereas the SD version is 61 min.

UPDATE: Actually, the HD versions are 61 min as well. They are incorrectly advertised as being 46 min.

Finally got to watch the first two episodes last night.

Season opener was so-so.

But the second episode was TERRIFIC!! All the guys making their own individualized plays for Karina Lombard was hilarious. The Michael J. Fox and Janet storyline is hilarious. The Section 8 hearing was hilarious.

The writing, acting, and editing this season seems to be top-o'-the-line. Their scene-enders, with something funny or a terrific zinger followed by blackout... terrific.

I mean laugh-out-loud clever, sarcastic, thoughtful... terrific. The way they fight fires... terrific. Homage to 9/11... terrific.

I love Callie Thorne (from back in "Homicide" days). Always have, always will.

I'm very very happy that this is a 22-episode season, running through early September. Between this and the upcoming season of "SYTYCD" (plus the 7 episodes of "Lost" and 11 episodes of "CSI: Original" I have yet to watch) I'll have no problem filling out my summer HD watching.

Finally got to watch the first two episodes last night.

Season opener was so-so.

But the second episode was TERRIFIC!! All the guys making their own individualized plays for Karina Lombard was hilarious. The Michael J. Fox and Janet storyline is hilarious. The Section 8 hearing was hilarious.

The writing, acting, and editing this season seems to be top-o'-the-line. Their scene-enders, with something funny or a terrific zinger followed by blackout... terrific.

I mean laugh-out-loud clever, sarcastic, thoughtful... terrific. The way they fight fires... terrific. Homage to 9/11... terrific.

I love Callie Thorne (from back in "Homicide" days). Always have, always will.

I'm very very happy that this is a 22-episode season, running through early September. Between this and the upcoming season of "SYTYCD" (plus the 7 episodes of "Lost" and 11 episodes of "CSI: Original" I have yet to watch) I'll have no problem filling out my summer HD watching.

I'm new to Rescue Me and like it so far.

I'm new to Rescue Me and like it so far.The previous seasons have been very very rich in ongoing story lines and characters to go with. Wonderful pace, adult subjects, adult treatments, rapid-fire dialog, lots of sarcasm, very clever and intelligent.

You may not know all the back stories if you're new to the series, but as TV series go this one really crams in a lot of material into its hour. And everybody talks so fast, and the zingers are flying so fast... you've got to pay attention.

Wonderful.

This is my first season watching it in HD, but I've been with it in SD from the start. Looks great in HD.

The previous seasons have been very very rich in ongoing story lines and characters to go with. Wonderful pace, adult subjects, adult treatments, rapid-fire dialog, lots of sarcasm, very clever and intelligent.

You may not know all the back stories if you're new to the series, but as TV series go this one really crams in a lot of material into its hour. And everybody talks so fast, and the zingers are flying so fast... you've got to pay attention.

Wonderful.

This is my first season watching it in HD, but I've been with it in SD from the start. Looks great in HD.

that's why this is my first season, just recently got fx hd
i refuse to watch SD

that's why this is my first season, just recently got fx hd
i refuse to watch SD

If I recall correctly, all the previous seasons are 16x9 widescreen via DVD and online.

I love Callie Thorne (from back in "Homicide" days). Always have, always will.

Me too.

Adding Karina Lombard this season just adds to the fact that Rescue Me has the sexiest female cast on TV. I don't mean girls, I mean women.

Someone now needs to write Jennifer Tilly into the show.

Oh, yeah. The show is funny again and seems to have better direction too. :D

Adding Karina Lombard this season just adds to the fact that Rescue Me has the sexiest female cast on TV. I don't mean girls, I mean women.Her slightly raised eyebrow response to Franco's "so, are you single?" question closing out his response to her opening questions regarding 9/11, then cut to black, was great.

I've liked her since "L-Word" early seasons and hoped she would re-surface. This season of "Rescue Me" is looking great, just based on episode 2.

I'm guessing I will not be loading up episodes on the DVR for future watching, as I've apparently done with "CSI: Original" and "Lost". This one will be watched DVR-weekly.

Season 5 gets an "A" review from Entertainment Weekly (http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20269412,00.html).

+100 for 'p*ssy feng shui'.

Isn't anybody else watching this show this season???

IT IS SCREAMING OUT LOUD HYSTERICAL FUNNY!!!

"No wonder you French never go to war. You're too busy bangin' each other!"

"This place is as dark as an a**hole's a**hole."

That brief sequence where Tommy tells Colleen she should be having sex with black Shawn, overheard by white Sean. Just a riot. "I'm going to tell mom." "Don't tell mom." "You're not talkin' about buying a car, are you?"

That whole mother/daughter back-doctor gag was about the funniest thing I have ever seen. What a fantastic concept. I had to re-watch white Sean's reaction (since he got the mother) when Frank came back from his visit (where he got the daughter) five times... it was so absolutely funny. I've been laughing for days, every time I re-think about it. I thought Sean was going to hurl, he was so dumbfounded when Frank told him about his own experience. Eventually, "YOU ARE SICK!". Just flatout screaming hysterical, with the scene written perfectly with each involvee totally unaware of the mother/daughter explanation to both of their different experiences. Just HYSTERICAL!

And the final scene, with Tommy trying to explain to Gina Gershon's character why he smells like wine... after coming home late from "that thing, you know that thing I told you I had to go to". And the final fadeout, with each of the unfinished threads visually leading silently into next week and beyond... just wonderful.


This season is hand down the absolute best so far. Also the HD video from the handheld camera is superb, and the DD5.1 sound is just spectacular. Crisp, clear, present... just fantastic audio.

If you're not watching this show, you're really missing something.

Isn't anybody else watching this show this season???

Dude relax ... it's the age of the DVR. The age of instant gratification is over. Some of us didn't get around to watching it until last night. :)

Dude relax ... it's the age of the DVR. The age of instant gratification is over. Some of us didn't get around to watching it until last night. :)Me too! Just finally got around to it last night.

Nevertheless, commentary over the past three weeks has been quite minimal.

But the wisecracks from those "the house" have been coming fast and furious.

"My daughter turned Amish on me - how is that possible?!" - Tommy

Commentary on this episode. (http://www.tvsquad.com/2009/04/22/rescue-me-wine/)

My Comcast system doesn't carry the FXHD channel so I have to wait until the following evening to view it on HD-On Demand. I agree this season has been especially brilliant.

Concur with previous posts, this season has been especially good so far, they didn't miss a step during the long layoff.

I am getting tired of the women on the show instantly trying to jump in bed with Leary. He's turning into the James Bond of the 70's.

It's almost as if he still hires the women based solely on who he fantasizes about having sex with. :rolleyes:

I am getting tired of the women on the show instantly trying to jump in bed with Leary. He's turning into the James Bond of the 70's.


That's why I quit watching Nip/Tuck, actually. Not that I got anything against sex, but it was the whole "oh, a new pretty woman is on the show...I wonder if Christian will sleep with her"......fast forward 5 minutes to where Christian is sleeping with her.

Rescue Me is great though. Glad to see Michael J. Fox back into acting (although it's almost painful to see what's become of him....I always liked that guy)

TWC has not yet offered the 4/21 episode on VOD, but they started offering the 4/28 episode a few days ago. Someone is dropping the ball.

It's almost as if he still hires the women based solely on who he fantasizes about having sex with. :rolleyes:

Yeah, like you wouldn't do the same thing in his position...really, otherwise what's the point of having all that fame and money?

Yeah, like you wouldn't do the same thing in his position...really, otherwise what's the point of having all that fame and money?

In his position hiring them shouldn't be necessary. ;)

I've no problem with hiring hot women to be on the show but he could spread the love interests around.

The last time I remember Mikey getting some action was when he got beaten up with a baseball bat.

In his position hiring them shouldn't be necessary. ;)

I've no problem with hiring hot women to be on the show but he could spread the love interests around.

The last time I remember Mikey getting some action was when he got beaten up with a baseball bat.

And thats the thing that sucks the most. This series is so well done when it comes to being comical and playing to the heart strings. When Lou found out he was conned, I had that same stomach punch feeling the character did the next day. It was an incredibly well done storyline that I cannot remember seeing on any TV show before. I just wish they would allow for more character development to the auxiliary characters, especially when it comes to love interests.

Still, one of my favorite shows on TV.

This weeks ep had a scene with another bunch of firemen coming to the 62nd to kick Rivera's ass for his 911 conspiricy theory views.

One of the guys was the Optimum guy. Pretty funny.

Has Rescue Me skipped a week this season? On HDOD I only have 4-21, 4-28 and 5-12. Shouldn't there be a 5-5? I haven't been following F/X in SD at all ever since this show went HD and we're due to get F/X HD in about 10 days. :D

Has Rescue Me skipped a week this season? On HDOD I only have 4-21, 4-28 and 5-12. Shouldn't there be a 5-5? I haven't been following F/X in SD at all ever since this show went HD and we're due to get F/X HD in about 10 days. :D

I don't remember a skipped week and Hulu is listing regular air dates.

3 Wine Full Episode 43:28 04/21/2009
4 Jimmy Full Episode 43:02 04/28/2009
5 Sheila Full Episode 42:16 05/05/2009

Rescue Me did not skip a week...they missed a week on HDOD. I've seen this happen with other series in the past.

I thought this season started off pretty well but after the last two weeks I'm almost ready to give up now.

The Tommy/Horny Janet/Crazy Sheila triangle/duo storyline is going nowhere every season. It just keeps coming back to the same thing again and again.

Instead of killing off Jerry they should have removed either Sheila or Janet permanently so they could move on to a different storyline.

There's nowhere near enough firehouse scenes either and the rest of the cast is taking a back seat. The previous week with Tommy and Janet at school felt like it wandered in from another show.

Yeah, the firehouse is definitely taking a back seat, and those relationships/banter I actually care about.

The whole "every woman can't keep her panties on when Tommy is around" storylines are annoying, and that seems to be most of this season, and the whole Janet/Sheila/Tommy triangle was played out at least twice before from what I remember. I do like seeing Michael J. Fox back into acting though, although it is kindof sad to see him like that, but just seeing him acting is nice.

this week was slightly better but the Sheila/Tommy storyline just annoys me now. It's a really tired scenario.

And we had another show with an actor singing. As usual my first thought was "he must have an album coming out" and surprise, the band on the show is Mike's actual band "Apache Stone." :rolleyes:

I think the only show I've seen on TV where a cast member sang without it being just a weak excuse to promote their other "career" was Eli Stone. And that's because they were not very good and only doing it to support the concept. Everyone else is just getting some free promotion time.

What was with that ending last night?

what you didn't like Garrity's song and dance number, until his brother got into the picture?
I thought it was hilarious when he stopped singing and shot at him

what you didn't like Garrity's song and dance number, until his brother got into the picture?
I thought it was hilarious when he stopped singing and shot at him

hey and guess who just released his first jazz album? :rolleyes:

It's time to end this show now. When it starts turning into one plug for a music career after another and writing storylines just to serve the viewpoints of the actors it's a sign they've run out of ideas.

Pity, because this episode had it's moments.

* Also due for an album release: Natalie Distler. So expect Colleen to have to sing for no reason next week.

I really hope they don't blow it this year. If the last two episodes end up as 'throw-aways' by season's end, I'll be fine with that. Every show has one or two of this if the season is long enough (except for 'The Shield' and 'Sons of Anarchy' IMO). I can easily get passed the singing firemen episodes if this is the end of that crap. Being a '24' fan, I'm well conditioned to accepting throw-away episodes:)

I have to think, though, that Dennis Leary isn't that stupid to get sucked into this promotion game for the costars. Maybe they thought it'd be funny, or provide a stage (no pun intended) for some new humor the fans hadn't seen yet. IMO, it sucked, but at least they tried something new (as long as it stops now!:).

what you didn't like garrity's song and dance number, until his brother got into the picture?
I thought it was hilarious when he stopped singing and shot at him

+1

I have to think, though, that Dennis Leary isn't that stupid to get sucked into this promotion game for the costars. Maybe they thought it'd be funny, or provide a stage (no pun intended) for some new humor the fans hadn't seen yet. IMO, it sucked, but at least they tried something new (as long as it stops now!:).

If it had been done for no reason, it would have played out well because it was funny at the end. But the timing, the fact they never do fantasy musical numbers in the show and that for the past few weeks they've been plugging Mike's real band in the show too ...

well you can draw your own conclusions from that but it looks self-serving to me.

It's like the show is being written by the ego department this season.

If it had been done for no reason, it would have played out well because it was funny at the end. But the timing, the fact they never do fantasy musical numbers in the show and that for the past few weeks they've been plugging Mike's real band in the show too ...

well you can draw your own conclusions from that but it looks self-serving to me.

It's like the show is being written by the ego department this season.

Worst Season Ever....

Worst Season Ever....

I actually think this has been their best season. The writing has been above any season so far. I don't let product placements get to me like some of you. I understand what it is and overlook it.

I actually think this has been their best season. The writing has been above any season so far. I don't let product placements get to me like some of you. I understand what it is and overlook it.What's interesting about this series is that it has a very large envelope surrounding its "best" and its "worst". Most other dramas have a bit less variability.

This one has a very large swing. When it's good, it's VERY VERY good. And when it's not so good, well, it's definitely not so good.

For example I thought the first Michael J. Fox episode was terrific, but the second one not so much. I like Callie Thorne so much that just about any episode she's featured in I enjoy, especially when she's skimpily clad and talks like an adult. But sometimes she just has crummy lines to say and she sounds like a spoiled child, which I don't care for as much.

Personally, I am enjoying the ongoing Tommy-Sheila-Janet triangle, and don't think the fact that he seems to be "desirable" to the ladies to be a stretch. Similarly I don't complain about Christian Troy's ridiculous behavior in "Nip/Tuck"... which again revolves around his apparent irresistability to every female and the fact that there is clearly a class of hot-looking male/female out there who are simply quite sexually open and active.

I didn't know anything about Mike or Sean doing any singing in real life so I didn't watch either ep with that in the back of my head and I thought those parts were fine. The Sean sequence was particularly good, though I wish someone would beat his brother's ass.

This week I was dying at the beginning with the whole Tommy/Black Sean sequence.

I didn't know anything about Mike or Sean doing any singing in real life so I didn't watch either ep with that in the back of my head and I thought those parts were fine.

Neither did I. It's just one of the biggest cliches in television. If someone is singing in a drama and they are not intentionally terrible, then they've got an album to promote.

As much as I don't really think Rescue Me is a good show for a singing/dancing routine, I must admit that the two they've done both fit in with White Sean's "dumber-than-dirt" personality, and they have made me laugh. Last night's had me rolling at the guys in wheelchairs (esp. the one falling out at the end) and also when he did his little tap-dance routine and looked for applause (and got none).

They also had some good banter between the characters (Tommy/Luis, the gang outside Sean's hospital room, the dinner, etc).

Still, I hope they get back to to firefighting and stuff soon. Based on the preview, it looks like next week's will be more around that.

Neither did I. It's just one of the biggest cliches in television. If someone is singing in a drama and they are not intentionally terrible, then they've got an album to promote.

so that was really "Sean" singing? He's GOOD!

Enough with the friggin' show tunes. I'm so glad that was at the beginning of the episode and not the end. The remainder thereafter was SOOOO much better that it helped me forget about that crap. Actually, the rest of the show was pretty damned good (thank GOD!!!). In the great spectrum of the show's run, if this is really the last of the song and dance, great! If this becomes regular/more frequent, I'm going to get really annoyed.

This was always meant to be serious dark comedy. Imagine if Jack Bauer started doing a little dance, making a little love, and getting down tonight? I know the themes of the shows are different, but the seriousness taken by those involved has always been there.

This was always meant to be serious dark comedy.

Was it? I thought it started as a drama and the humor was there to naturally represent the characters in real firehouses. As the show goes on it's turned more farcical with very little realistic personal drama at all.

The characters used to have serious personal issues to deal with, like divorce, grief, child separation, Alzheimers, depression, financial problems, racism, sexism etc.

Not so much now. It's about as realistic as Bones.

I guess dark-comedy and drama-with-humor are kinda the same in my mind. I'd bet we're saying the same thing, and maybe my interpretation was a little off for the words I chose.

Enough with the friggin' show tunes. I'm so glad that was at the beginning of the episode and not the end. The remainder thereafter was SOOOO much better that it helped me forget about that crap.

Jeez, lighten up. Not like you're gonna turn gay if you watch something like that... which is what they guys were discussing as the dance number began. I thought it was pretty damned creative and hilarious. Some of the best creativity we've seen on the show to date (especially the guy falling out of the wheelchair at the end of the bit).

Some of the best creativity we've seen on the show to date (especially the guy falling out of the wheelchair at the end of the bit).

If by creativity you mean "advertisement" then yeah, I agree.

Jeez, lighten up. Not like you're gonna turn gay if you watch something like that... which is what they guys were discussing as the dance number began. I thought it was pretty damned creative and hilarious. Some of the best creativity we've seen on the show to date (especially the guy falling out of the wheelchair at the end of the bit).

Believe me, I am the least bit concerned I will 'turn gay' because I'm watching a song-and-dance number. In fact, I happen to ENJOY theater and am the last person anybody who knows me would call 'homophobic'. To assume I don't like it because I'm homophobic is pretty small-minded on your part. I know there are TONS of bigots and sexists and outright douchebags in the forums, but believe me, that isn't me. I just didn't find it funny or in tune with the historic 'seriousness' of the show (if there is such a thing).

My point was that it was not in vein with the show, and has been discussed/proven to be an advertisement for the two co-stars' upcoming singing gigs, and that it really wasn't THAT funny. Like I said in my previous posts, it's great they tried something new a couple episodes ago. But it wasn't fantastic, and not nearly a big enough success for them to continue going to that well for entertaining this show's audience (in my opinion of course).

This season still has plenty of episodes left but this just in:

FX is expected to premiere the next season of Rescue Me in June 2010.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=16745442&postcount=37166

Now that was a great episode last night. The opening dance at least led into a good scene.

Now that was a great episode last night. The opening dance at least led into a good scene.

No joke. Thank goodness the rest of the episode was good. ENOUGH with the song and dance crap though! This time it wasn't even justified. The whole purpose behind it the first two times was because Garrity was in a coma. Now he's awake! Leave that crap behind!

On another note, it didn't surprise me at all to see Tommy become a self-cutter (or burner I guess). I kinda wondered if they'd ever go that route with him since he's SOOOO f-ed up in the head. But who knows, maybe he found a new calling with the kids in the cancer ward and he'll start to pull things together...doubt it though:(

On another note, it didn't surprise me at all to see Tommy become a self-cutter (or burner I guess). I kinda wondered if they'd ever go that route with him since he's SOOOO f-ed up in the head.

I thought that was just ridiculous. Made more worse by then using it for some titillating sex with Sheila. I thought it was just a poor attempt at trying to push the limits of the FX brand. Leary probably watched Crash recently.

The progression (or more accurately - lack of) in Tommy's character is just random and without any real direction. It's more a case of "what crazy situation or personal problem can we give him this week?" I thought last season dressing up as Jimmy was pretty weak. Either clean Tommy up and make him at least approaching a "regular guy" or have him commit suicide. If they forced Jerry to do it just because he had to retire, Tommy is more than qualified.

This was the first episode I've actually forwarded through two entire scenes. The opening number - again pointless - and yet another scene with Leary and his ghosts. They appear so often now (and never have anything new to say) that it just feels like the writers were regretting killing most of them in the first place. And they should.

There is literally nothing new in the show now. Everything is just an old storyline that's been dragged on far too long. Everything new that's been introduced has just been dropped or pushed into the background unless it was for album promotion. The book, the mystery of why Jimmy wasn't in tower one (So whose finger was it that Tommy found?), how the bar is doing, training Damien etc.

They still haven't explained why Tommy seems to be running the bar and handling cash when he was never a partner to begin with.

In the beginning this used to be a show about the real problems and personalities of firefighters. Now it's just a weak attempt to satiate the cast egos and a random collection of scenes that seem to be thrown in without any connection or vague attempt at realism.

Unfortunately I have to agree with you. Not unfortunate I have to agree with YOU, but the statement, because it shows what has happened to a once fantastic show on par with some of the greats to come from FX. Very disappointing. I didn't quite hit the fast-forward button, but man was I close! I've never walked out of a movie or shut one off either, so that's probably why I couldn't hit the skip.

You might want to go back and rewatch the "ghost" scene. It wasn't the same old, same old - in fact, it was very emotional and also sheds some light on the blowtorch incident. Great episode.

Is this a bad sign the show has been on with new episodes the last 3 weeks, yet no one has posted anything?

Is this a bad sign the show has been on with new episodes the last 3 weeks, yet no one has posted anything?

It was on this week? I recorded something but it seemed to be an infomercial for a band called "Apache Stone."

Where can I get a Russian bride like that?

Where can I get a Russian bride like that?

Sweden.

Is this a bad sign the show has been on with new episodes the last 3 weeks, yet no one has posted anything?

Nothing exciting has happened. The only "exciting" thing of the last few weeks was the kid stealing the fire truck (which I have to admit had me rolling with Lou hanging out of the window). They really need to get back to some firefighting and stuff, and less alcoholism/bar/Tommy's sex triangle. Maybe the best scene of the last few eps was Tommy at the scene of that accident where he was cleaning up the baby who was killed. Stuff like that is powerful. Stuff like a 5 minute conversation about Sheila's butt is not.

It was on this week? I recorded something but it seemed to be an infomercial for a band called "Apache Stone."

Yeah, that's getting a little annoying, especially since it's been 3 weeks now that they're doing this gig and there's constant comments like:
'What was the name of your band again?"
"Apache Stone"
"Oh that's right, Commanche balls"
"No Apache Stone"
"Apache Stone?"
"Yes that's right. Apache Stone."
"Ah...that's a good name. Apache Stone"
"You're right. Apache Stone is a good name"
"Apache Stone Apache Stone Apache Stone Apache Stone Apache Stone Apache Stone Apache Stone Apache Stone Apache Stone Apache Stone"

I gotta get me one of them Russian brides from Sweden, but I guess I should learn to speak Dutch first, oh well :\

Agree about that one accident scene being very well done. I'd also like to see more follow-up with Lou and the thieving hooker. Poor Lou, I'm sure he's going to get screwed again (and not in any way he'd like to be).

Yeah, that's getting a little annoying, especially since it's been 3 weeks now that they're doing this gig and there's constant comments like:
'What was the name of your band again?"
...


and this is where we came in.

Closely followed by more regurgitated Sheila/Janet soap.

If it wasn't for John Scurti I don't think I could tolerate this show any more. The drama is non-existent and any reflection on the lives of "real" firefighters is totally absent now.

I haven't watched it yet but my wife said it wasn't any good. Quick nosedive this show has taken.

Initially I was excited that it was going to be a longer season, but now I wonder if the longer season is causing all this "filler" crap. I'm hoping it gets back on track soon...was one of the best shows on TV the first couple of seasons.

apart from the one car wreck scene another thing which is annoying me is the slow motion fire incident montage stuff. It's like an excuse to have a music video or a way to stretch out a few scenes that would only run a minute or two in real time.

It was fine the first few times they did it, but it would be nice if we could actually see a fire rescue scene with no music and in real time and get back to the scene standing on the drama of the situation alone. I don't need slow motion MTV segments to make things appear emotional and powerful. The actors should be able to do that.

I noticed Maura Tierney is going to be in the show. Please, for the love of television, give her a role that isn't just another Denis Leary masturbatory fantasy.

The funniest part of this week's episode:

http://i32.tinypic.com/54t3xt.jpg

A much too long dream sequence, a far too long penis gag with a really weak payoff, and a scene with Sheila that despite having the genuinely sexy Callie Thorne bored me by being overlong and about a relationship that's was played out about two season ago.

That scene reminded me that Leary is 50 years old too. The first time I've actually seen it in his face.

Only the Lou and Needles boxing talk kept my interest thanks to some nice comic timing from John Scurti but this episode didn't have enough depth to make it even filler material.

At least Colleen hasn't started spontaneously singing yet.

So far.

This season just isn't very good. Looking forward to the return of Son's of Anarchy in this time slot on September 8.

I was really bored through most of last night's episode. I realized about 3/4 of the way through Sheila's little monologue at the end that I hadn't been listening to a think she was saying....nor did I care. I thought the penis gag thing was funny (if a bit long). Lou's reaction to having to get up to go look was great, as was him having to put on his reading glasses.

But the show is just too soap-operaish now: 90% Tommy's relationships, 5% other people's relationship, and 5% the stuff I actually like, which would be the firehall banter and emergency services stuff. Of course, I hate that every woman that shows up becomes instant Tommy-fodder. I'm surprised that Maura Tierney didn't hook up with him last night. I stopped watching Nip-Tuck when it got like that (except replace Tommy with Christian). I'm still holding out hope for Rescue Me though...not ready to give up on it yet.

Just caught up on last week's ep. The whole Sheila/Janet thing was great, but the rest of the ep was pretty weak.

I'm pretty far behind, and only just now catching up.

I enjoyed the whole side story with white Sean's brother (Freddie Cork, from "Brotherhood") and mother. HILARIOUS!

And that whole saying goodbye scene when brother and mother finally leave after Sean gets home from the hospital, and Sean confronts her with his claim that she always loved Terrence more... and she confesses. LOTS more!

And then she takes the $5 he left because he broke the toaster, to buy cigarettes for the drive back home. HILARIOUS!

This was a great bit of writing and acting.

Come on... the scene in the hospital room with the male "nurse" stripper who comes in to get a semen sample? And that whole scene where Sean confesses he skimmed from the bar to pay for his hospital expenses...

This was very very funny stuff.

I have to disagree with the comments focusing on Tommy/Sheila/Janet as the center of the season and resulting boredom. I think there's been LOTS happening outside of this that's been hysterical. How about the boxing match, where Franco's girl Carla is the brunt of the guys speculation about being a "lesbo", thanks to Colleen's suggesting it. I think "Heshie" is a great character here, just as he was in The Sopranos.

Look, a season that runs this long is bound to have its ups and downs. I'm only up to mid-July, but for me after a few mediocre episodes it's really bounced back in the past few episodes (up through mid-July, anyway). I've been laughing out loud and enjoying it alot. I know the Lou/Candy arc is bound to end badly again, but I really enjoy it as it develops. I thought the cancer kids intermezzo was very touching.

I'm likin' it.

I agree DS, I think there have been a lot more laughs this season compared to the last couple of season (especially last season)

I'm pretty far behind, and only just now catching up.

I enjoyed the whole side story with white Sean's brother (Freddie Cork, from "Brotherhood") and mother. HILARIOUS!

And that whole saying goodbye scene when brother and mother finally leave after Sean gets home from the hospital, and Sean confronts her with his claim that she always loved Terrence more... and she confesses. LOTS more!

And then she takes the $5 he left because he broke the toaster, to buy cigarettes for the drive back home. HILARIOUS!

This was a great bit of writing and acting.

Come on... the scene in the hospital room with the male "nurse" stripper who comes in to get a semen sample? And that whole scene where Sean confesses he skimmed from the bar to pay for his hospital expenses...

This was very very funny stuff.


Except Rescue Me isn't a sitcom. It's a drama with comedic elements.

The drama is severely lacking. Any vague dramatic storyline is forgotten after three episodes, the relationships are still playing out the same way - with the exception of Mike becoming a rock star and using the show to plug his band - the guest cast are wasted as eye candy, the personal problems they have are just for laughs ...

Most of the time you wouldn't even remember they are firefighters if they didn't sit in the firehouse. And even that used to actually reflect some office politics so at least it had comparison to the real world, now it's about as meaningful as cake.

Except Rescue Me isn't a sitcom. It's a drama with comedic elements.

The drama is severely lacking. Any vague dramatic storyline is forgotten after three episodes, the relationships are still playing out the same way - with the exception of Mike becoming a rock star and using the show to plug his band - the guest cast are wasted as eye candy, the personal problems they have are just for laughs ...

Most of the time you wouldn't even remember they are firefighters if they didn't sit in the firehouse. And even that used to actually reflect some office politics so at least it had comparison to the real world, now it's about as meaningful as cake.Well, I have to disagree. It is obviously up to the writers and show-runners to decide where to take the show, storyline, and characters. It is up to us to like it or not.

When was the last time you saw the polar bear on "Lost"? And yet, I think we'd agree that last season was fantastic (assuming you watch "Lost"). Who would ever have imagined that a plane crash on an island in Season 1 would become a story about time-jumping now? And yet... top notch enjoyment for the viewers (at least for me).

Personally, I think this season of "Rescue Me" got off to a terrific start with its use of Michael J. Fox's character and that whole storyline, although that arc does seem to have disappeared (for now, at least). Doesn't bother me. The replacement storylines have been totally enjoyable for me.

Also, I don't mind at all the ridiculous musical interludes, which seem fantastical and completely out-of-place, but thus are that much more entertaining (as fantasy moments).

I think this season is terrific, and I don't care that they don't necessarily fight fires every week and stay all serious. In my opinion it's always been about the cameraderie and wisecracking and sarcasm that goes on among the crew in this house which defines the show.

As Lou said... "I'm the one who comes up with the one-liners", but I've got to admit that Damian got off a few zingers when outing the group's thoughts on Carla to Franco.

It's an ensemble show, set in a fire station for background.

I think it's a great season. I'll be sorry to see it come to an end.

Hurry back Sons of Anarchy!!

Okay, the whole thing with Sean's pecker problem was hilarious.

Well, I liked the first part...up until the 10 minute Sheila scene again (I opened my laptop and did other things while she groaned on and on and on). And surprise surprise...Tommy and Tierney are hooking up. Shocker.

Oh, and only like 4 mentions of Apache Stone!

all in all though...ok episode.

I think I got 20 minutes in before I started hitting the FF.

As soon as Tierney started comparing Leary to Bowie I hit FF. Leary must be the most insecure person on the planet if he still needs to hire attractive women to tell him on screen that he's sexy, in every single episode.

I stopped briefly when Sheila appeared but when that lasted longer than a minute I hit FF and didn't stop until Lou appeared.

This season started really well. It had some gravitas and purpose. But now it's a collection of women fawning over Leary, plugs for Apache Stone and random comedy scenes that are about as cohesive as SNL - the show even has music segments now too.

"this weeks guest is Maura Tierney! And music from Apache Stone!"

<cue whoops and applause>

I usually don't bail on shows but Rescue Me and is pushing it. Why is there an unneccesary monogue in every episode lately?

How many more episodes are left this season? If there is 6 or so, I think I can hang on. The show was really gripping when drama was done right.

How many more episodes are left this season?

Just 3

Just 3

Thanks, some solid scenes in the last episode.

Liked the grocery shopping opening, and then it was Tommy/Sheila, followed by Tommy/Janet, followed by Tommy/Tierney for the next 50 minutes.

**groan**

I miss the "old" Rescue Me.

I thought this week's was the worst one by far. They should have dumped 99% of the Janet stuff two seasons ago and just had Tommy with Sheila, of course then I guess they wouldn't have had any material for this season.

Liked the grocery shopping opening

You didn't mention the now obligatory discussion about Mike's band during that opener!

Don't forget that. Apache Stone are relying on the show to make them famous.

You didn't mention the now obligatory discussion about Mike's band during that opener!

Don't forget that. Apache Stone are relying on the show to make them famous.

Yes, I paid attention to that, but (correct me if I'm wrong) they didn't actually mention the words "Apache Stone" this week, which surprised me. Usually they mention it about 1/2 dozen times intersperced with jokes like "What is your band again? Commanche Balls?"

Oh FWIW, I liked the couple of songs they've played. Go figure.

I almost thought this episode was finally going to be great after weeks of repetitive moans and groans.

The fight (although too short after the buildup) was pretty funny, the bridge scene and aftermath was well played ... except for how the guy died. That just left a bad taste in my mouth. I couldn't tell if it was trying to be darkly amusing but I didn't think it was. I thought the guy accidentally falling off was too stupid in the scene context to be funny and in bad taste to be dramatic. For Rescue Me that's saying something.

After that it was promo central. Apache Stone for ten minutes followed by an ad for the VW Routan.

Then Lou's story appeared and it ended his arc with a pointless conclusion that reset his character back to the beginning of this season and then rounded everything off with more drunken rambling. One or two people drunk can be funny. Every character at once. Not so much.

And the ending I saw coming as soon as Elbow kicked in. Because what's a season of Rescue Me without fatality? Used to be dramatic, now it seems a pretty cheap plot device.

It was better then most episodes this season, but that's not saying much.

Rescue Me is the third most time shifted show on ad supported cable this summer. Its ratings climb 63% when you include time shifting. I guess everyone wants to FF through all the Tommy love interest crap.

I don't care how silly it gets, I still love it. And there's a big supermassive black hole in my viewing schedule when it's gone.

Luckily, Sons of Anarchy will be back to slide right in. Bring on SAMCRO in two weeks!

I almost thought this episode was finally going to be great after weeks of repetitive moans and groans.

The fight (although too short after the buildup) was pretty funny, the bridge scene and aftermath was well played ... except for how the guy died. That just left a bad taste in my mouth. I couldn't tell if it was trying to be darkly amusing but I didn't think it was. I thought the guy accidentally falling off was too stupid in the scene context to be funny and in bad taste to be dramatic. For Rescue Me that's saying something.

After that it was promo central. Apache Stone for ten minutes followed by an ad for the VW Routan.

Then Lou's story appeared and it ended his arc with a pointless conclusion that reset his character back to the beginning of this season and then rounded everything off with more drunken rambling. One or two people drunk can be funny. Every character at once. Not so much.

And the ending I saw coming as soon as Elbow kicked in. Because what's a season of Rescue Me without fatality? Used to be dramatic, now it seems a pretty cheap plot device.

I liked this ep simply because there was no Sheila or Janet at all. A welcome relief.

And I thought the guy jumped. He took the jacket from Black Sean, hugged it, and just let go and fell backwards....certainly looked like it was on purpose to me.

From HOTP:

“Rescue Me” to End in 2011

19 more episodes to be produced, 10 for 2010, 9 for 2011.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17080347#post17080347

Since this is an HDTV thread I'll keep this post related to the quality of the HD I'm seeing in Rescue Me (HINT ). So far I've seen a couple of the HD broadcasts through Time Warner and they pretty bad IMO. Lots of grain in the darker sceens and every scene has a brownish tint. No impressed so far.

Erik

I liked this ep simply because there was no Sheila or Janet at all. A welcome relief.

And I thought the guy jumped. He took the jacket from Black Sean, hugged it, and just let go and fell backwards....certainly looked like it was on purpose to me.

I thought he jumped also.

I thought he jumped also.

Looked like he was trying to put the jacket on to me.

Looked like he was trying to put the jacket on to me.

Me too.

I thought he jumped also.

Looked like he was trying to put the jacket on to me.

Maybe you guys should rewatch that scene (about 4 minutes in):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM82DH2nfZY

It's obvious he just takes the jacket, tells Black Sean his name, then hugs the jacket and lets go.

Well that was pretty good. But are we really to expect he won't pull through. I hope he's still laying on the floor when the next season starts and not be like the season that ended with him in the fire with Sheila and then the next season started and it was like two months later.

Well that was pretty good.

Really? They skipped over what could have been actual drama (reacting to Teddy's wife's accident when it actually happened) and fell back on more of Sheila's tiresome histrionics for 30 minutes.

By the time the bar scene came around I was contemplating shooting myself as well rather than put up with Tommy Boy Triangle.

The end scenes were okay but if someone dies next episode, it won't be Sheila or Janet - the characters who really need to die to break the endless Desperate Housewives loop. I think it will be either Sean or Mike. So the actors can concentrate on their music career. But based on previous seasons they always kill the more interesting characters so it will probably be Lou or Black Sean.

And they still haven't addressed why in every bar scene Tommy is apparently running the place when he was never in on the deal to begin with.

surprise ending, pretty interesting

I just hope that the writers don't do a Sopranos with Tommy, and next season have him in a coma, and he gets to spend the 10 episodes next season with his cousin, brother, son, father, etc, and watching over those left behind. It would be a real cop out

I'm more interested in how the writers are going to wrap up the show in the very last episode on Rescue Me on 9/11/2011

Based on how the show threw away the good start to this season I'm going to watch the next season opener to see how they resolve the bar situation and then go straight to the end of the show.

They wasted so much potential this year it's unbelievable. Every chance they had for some real drama they threw away on music promos and The Tommy Triangle.

What happened with the book? Why was Jimmy at the other other tower? What happened to everyone in the FDNY who hated Franco for his 9/11 views? Do they fight fires more than once a year?

All these and many other dramatic storyline possibilities, were not answered, this season on Rescue Me.

agreed VisionOn

What happened to the writer's (and actors') claim that the series was reinvented for this season and so much better than previous seasons?

granted, this season has been better than the letdown of last season, but there is no comparison to the first couple of seasons of this show

I liked the description of Sheila as "...Joe Pesci with breasts".

I only started watching this season, but I absolutely love it!!... were the prior seasons as funny?... I'm planning on killing some days with the older DVDs.. is it worth it? (I'm sure it is)

I only started watching this season, but I absolutely love it!!... were the prior seasons as funny?... I'm planning on killing some days with the older DVDs.. is it worth it? (I'm sure it is)

Depends. If you like Rescue Me as the sitcom it now is then probably not.

If you like some drama with your comedy and an attempt to keep things vaguely realistic, than yes.

Depends. If you like Rescue Me as the sitcom it now is then probably not.

If you like some drama with your comedy and an attempt to keep things vaguely realistic, than yes.

I actually always found Rescue me to be a good comedy/drama mix. The first couple seasons are amazing. However, it used to be 90% dramedy and 10% love triangle/soap opera. This season it's more like 85% soap opera, 10% dramedy and 5% ads for bands and cars.

I hate the soap opera thing. So much time is devoted to the Tommy/Sheila/Janet/new girl interraction that I can't stand it.

Also, Tommy used to be a likeable character. Rough around the edges and misunderstood, but he got the job done. Now he's just an ass.

Also, Tommy used to be a likeable character. Rough around the edges and misunderstood, but he got the job done. Now he's just an ass.

Ass/psychopath. I forgot to mention the burning bed scene this week. That scene I just thought was creepy. Even if he didn't intend to set her on fire the psychological torture aspect just made me think they've pushed Tommy's character over the edge now. The writers have lost the point of being an anti-hero and made him into almost a villain.

Even Dexter is more likable as a human being.

Ass/psychopath. I forgot to mention the burning bed scene this week. That scene I just thought was creepy. Even if he didn't intend to set her on fire the psychological torture aspect just made me think they've pushed Tommy's character over the edge now.

As opposed to Sheila actually burning down the house, with T inside?? :)

Attempted murder vs. "mild" torture ... humm, I agree it's a fine line.

As opposed to Sheila actually burning down the house, with T inside?? :)

Attempted murder vs. "mild" torture ... humm, I agree it's a fine line.

Not even the same thing. Sheila was well established as being mentally unstable but she's only obsessed with Tommy. *

Tommy was a character who started out as a guy with regular problems, who bucked the system with good intentions. Now he's just turned into a violent psychopath who really doesn't care about anyone or his behavior and smashes or punches anything in front of him. Drunk or sober he's the same character now. The "emotional trauma" excuse doesn't even fly at this stage because that's barely a plot motivator now.

*and really Sheila's behaviour went over the top a few seasons ago. The fact she is still in the show is one of it's bigger problems now.

The "emotional trauma" excuse doesn't even fly at this stage because that's barely a plot motivator now.

I'm just saying that TG has, heretofore, pretty much put up with everything that Sheila has inflicted upon him and he kept coming back for more with little/no complaints. :) So he finally snapped .... .... I'm just saying there's a context here ...

I just started watching this show via Netflx streaming (I'm up to the middle of the third season). The show reminds me of the movie Bringing Out the Dead with Nicolas Cage. It's starting to get soap opera like with the relationships becoming a little too entwined but all and all one of the great reasons I enjoy streaming... I would have never purchased or rented the five seasons.

I just started watching this show via Netflx streaming (I'm up to the middle of the third season). The show reminds me of the movie Bringing Out the Dead with Nicolas Cage. It's starting to get soap opera like with the relationships becoming a little too entwined but all and all one of the great reasons I enjoy streaming... I would have never purchased or rented the five seasons.

Not that this helps, the show loses it's direction badly during the last two seasons.

The fact she is still in the show is one of it's bigger problems now.[/I]

The fact that she's on the show is one of the main reasons I keep watching. So to each their own, I guess.

The fact that she's on the show is one of the main reasons I keep watching. So to each their own, I guess.Agreed. I've been a Callie fan ever since "Homicide". Love watching anything she does.

Cal-lie! Cal-lie! Cal-lie! Cal-lie! Cal-lie! Cal-lie! Cal-lie!

The fact that she's on the show is one of the main reasons I keep watching. So to each their own, I guess.

As much as I like any appearance by Callie Thorne in any show her character has gone beyond anything entertaining on RM. She's just a one-note whining, mentally-unstable woman now and not even when she removes clothing does it make her any more bearable for me. She's more of a caricature than a character.

...when she removes clothing does it make her any more bearable for me. She's more of a caricature than a character.

OK. Your problem then is .... what? ;)

I loved the first couple of seasons...then it sucked when it turned into a relationship soap opera.

I will watch the final season though since the show still has brilliant moments (mostly all having to do with the firehouse and crew).

She's more of a caricature than a character.Consider yourself lucky you haven't met a few like her or you'd think just the opposite. :)

Season Six is coming soon:

Maura Tierney Returns to 'Rescue Me'
7 April 2010 1:20 PM, PDT | The Wrap | See recent The Wrap news »


By Wrap Staff

FX confirmed that Maura Tierney is reprising her role in the cable network's "Rescue Me."

The actress dropped out of NBC's "Parenthood" in September in order to undergo treatment for breast cancer.

Tierney previously appeared in season five of FX's "Rescue Me," playing Kelly McPhee, a love interest for series star and co-creator Denis Leary's character.

The series currently is shooting seasons six and seven, and Tierney's character will appear in four episodes of season seven, an FX rep said.

Season six begins airing in June. »

- Lisa Horowitz

The series currently is shooting seasons six and seven, and Tierney's character will appear in four episodes of season seven, an FX rep said.

Season six begins airing in June. »

- Lisa Horowitz

What?!?! I thought Season 6 (the upcoming season) was the last one. That was about the only reason I planned on watching it (to finish out the series)

Dammit...Hopefully they get it back on track and it's just not Tommy-love-triangle for every episode.

I also thought I had read that season 6 was the final one.

Edit: Nevermind found this on Wiki

It was announced on August 28, 2009 that FX had decided to end the series in 2011 after seven seasons and 93 episodes. The finale is expected to coincide with the 10th anniversary of 9/11.[1]

Two more seasons but they are short ones. Here is the post I made when it was announced with the link to the story.

From HOTP:

“Rescue Me” to End in 2011

19 more episodes to be produced, 10 for 2010, 9 for 2011.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17080347#post17080347

Ok...19 eps...I can deal with that, unless every episode is the aforementioned Tommy love triangle, only interrupted by him staring at a bottle/glass of booze....again.

I forget...did the last season end with Tommy bleeding out on the floor of the bar? I think that's where it ended. Lousy memory.:mad:

Consider yourself lucky you haven't met a few like her or you'd think just the opposite. :)

I have an old friend of 30 years I used to be involved with who is pretty much EXACTLY like her. It's scary how similar they are. So watching Calie is pretty much like a little trip down memory lane.

Not that this helps, the show loses it's direction badly during the last two seasons.I'm roughly halfway through the fifth season and so far I think the show is following the characters' natural progression. As you become older your outlook (and actions) change and I think the show is reflecting this rather nicely. There is a shift in your universe and for me the show is adding depth by allowing the characters to travel there. Now whether you enjoy watching their new reality as much as the younger fun times is completely fair. I still miss Laura (from season one) but like with many old friends I realize most things don't last forever. Even if you do the same thing ten years later it's not the same. :)

My DVR has scheduled the return. Tuesday at 10:00 et.

I agree with above poster, this series turned from a great drama to a soap opera.. I'll stick with it for the final season, but no more love triangle.. Don't turn it into: As the Hose Turns"..:D

Season opener gets good reviews in Daily News.. that's starting off on the right foot..
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2010/06/29/2010-06-29_rescue_burns_with_intensity.html

After the first half hour it got boring and I fell asleep.

the season opener was definitely a WTF!!
The only thing I can think of is that Tommy is in Purgatory, instead of waking up, and the entire season is going to have him reconcile his life, to decide where he going to wind up.
The series finale would end with his funeral

That would be lame if it turns out that way, NorthJersey.

For me, the season opener is easily the weakest episode yet. Given the exceptional awkwardness, it seems the direction of this season can virtually go anywhere.

That's what I like about this show. It's not predictable in any way. It does NOT cater to the dumbed down public who expect formula shows where they can predict the storyline. This is I like about some of the foreign TV series.

Some of the later seasons' plotlines have been quite predictable by following the show's own formula, and that repetition had indeed hurt the quality a bit. In fact, the essence of much of the character interactions in this episode has been seen plenty of times before on the show, but it instead treaded heavily into the surreal. It will be interesting to see where it all goes.

not much posting on this thread, had to do a search to find it.. As MSmith 83 says, it will be interesting to see where it goes.. Can't think of anyone else besides Leary that could play the lead..I'm in it to the finish..

no love for Rescue Me in it's final season?
I thought this week's episode was one of the funniest in a long time, especially trying to break Lou out of the hospital

no love for Rescue Me in it's final season?
I thought this week's episode was one of the funniest in a long time, especially trying to break Lou out of the hospital

This is one of my favorite shows. First couple episodes werent that great but this weeks was pretty good. I think there is going to be one more season and its going to end on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

A bit predictable, but still has some great comic lines. From the previous week:

Sean: "Angelina Jolie flew her adopted kids back to the U.S."

Mike: "I didn't even know she was a pilot."

Priceless.

Yeah, the interactions in the later episodes have been very funny. Perhaps one of the funniest moments was when the terms "gock" and "gunt" were explained.

I thought the last ep was one of the better ones, but man is this season a chore to get through. Honestly, I'd be fine with most of the characters being killed off at this point.

I couldn't really get into this week's episode. It seemed like they were trying to take the vibe of the Hangover movie, but turned it into too serious of an episode
though the last scene with the camera angle on the beach sure was an interesting one - like the Blair Witch

no love for Rescue Me in it's final season?

I've been recording all this season but don't have much enthusiasm to watch them.

It's fallen a long way from the must-watch status it was for me back in the first two seasons.

With so much Tommy, Janet, Sheila stuff in the last two weeks I have been able to watch the show in under a half hour on the DVR, since I just FF through those scenes. Last night it took up the first 10 minutes. It was so predicable what was going to happen in that last scene. Only one more episode left until next summer.

The end of another so-so season, I hope the final season next summer is better. Now on to a real show, Sons of Anarchy.

The final season starts Wednesday at 10:00 ET.

I gave up on the show at least a couple seasons ago.

I didn't even realize it was still on.

It doesn't sound like I missed anything.

Good series until as above member stated, it turned into a soap opera. That is what messed up "The Unit", too much wives, too little action..

Good article on the Daily News website about the new season. Leary promises that the finale won't leave folks hanging like the "Sopranos" did.. thank you Dennis

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2011/07/10/2011-07-10_farewell_to_rescue_me_fx_firefighter_comedy_drama_series_ comes_to_an_end_after_t.html

Good article on the Daily News website about the new season. Leary promises that the finale won't leave folks hanging like the "Sopranos" did.. thank you Dennis

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2011/07/10/2011-07-10_farewell_to_rescue_me_fx_firefighter_comedy_drama_series_ comes_to_an_end_after_t.html

I know, it is a nit picky thing, but he spells his name with one "N". Denis.

I gave up on the show at least a couple seasons ago.

I didn't even realize it was still on.

It doesn't sound like I missed anything.

Trust me. You missed a lot of good stuff. By good stuff, I mean the banter in the firehouse which was as good as ever.:)

I found it a classy show, way above the slop most networks serve as entertainment. It's almost like "off-Broadway."

UGH! Not a great start to the final season.

I must have missed the last couple eps. I vaguely remember the kid having the ceiling come down on him, but nothing after that - or were there some webisodes or something??

I thought it odd that Tommy's wife had her car keys when she had left her purse in the doctor's office. Normally the keys go into the purse.

I hope they shed some light on the whole Janet-Sheila relationship. How do they go from hating each other to laughing and smiling together like they are best friends?

I agree with Remy, a wasted episode considering there is only 8 left. Another soap opera nite focusing on pregnancy and booze.. Funniest part was watching the guys watch Jersey Shore in the firehouse..

I hope they shed some light on the whole Janet-Sheila relationship. How do they go from hating each other to laughing and smiling together like they are best friends?

"5 months later"

"5 months later"

I know that, but that doesn't really explain how they are friends after all this time.

On a side note, why did they keep saying 6 more months in regards to sex with Janet's pregnancy when it clearly said 5 months later?

Funniest part was watching the guys watch Jersey Shore in the firehouse..

Yep, the good parts of the episodes are limited to about 5 minutes for the last couple of seasons.

I know that, but that doesn't really explain how they are friends after all this time.

On a side note, why did they keep saying 6 more months in regards to sex with Janet's pregnancy when it clearly said 5 months later?

women dont just regain their figure overnight after having a baby....

Thank god this is the final season. It's burning out so quickly, it's kind of sad.

This show still has its moments. I laughed hysterically during the scenes regarding Lou's physical.

Aside from the scenes with all four women it was a very good episode.

Hope the finale makes up for the previous 2 soap opera episodes. Last nite was about 30m of soap opera, 20m of comedy (Lou's physical) and 10 minutes of action.. (all times are estimated)..47 days till a real action show: Sons Of Anarchy!! :D

http://sonsofanarchyforever.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=4898

Goodness, that was bad. Lou's physical being the exception, the whole thing was almost cartoon-like. The scenes with the 4 women together were just terrible, both writing and acting, including Leary. Here's praying it gets better than this as it wraps up.

Seems obvious the writing team has just flat run out of ideas. Killing a couple characters is about all that's left for them to do.

I thought the physical skit was bad too, like a low rent sitcom. Predictable at best.

Hope the finale makes up for the previous 2 soap opera episodes. Last nite was about 30m of soap opera, 20m of comedy (Lou's physical) and 10 minutes of action.. (all times are estimated)..47 days till a real action show: Sons Of Anarchy!! :D

http://sonsofanarchyforever.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=4898

so where do the 15 minutes of commercials fit in?

so where do the 15 minutes of commercials fit in?

yes that would be my ideal episode, no commercials..:D

What commercials? (He says pressing the 30 second skip). :D

That was the best episode in a long time. I think they could have ended the series with Feinberg's speech.

I wonder just how much time has been wasted on confrontations between Tommy and Sheila these past few seasons. While this kind of thing is likely to be repetitive in reality, it comes across as boring filler material on television.

As for the upcoming episodes, Franco as the acting lieutenant opens up lots of comedic possibilities.

That was the best episode in a long time. I think they could have ended the series with Feinberg's speech.

He usually does not get serious screen time but Jerry Adler really shined last night.

That was the best episode in a long time. I think they could have ended the series with Feinberg's speech.

He usually does not get serious screen time but Jerry Adler really shined last night.

I don't know what direction they are going with him. For a while it seemed obvious they were going with the Alzheimer's angle as he seemed to be forgetting a lot of stuff, but in this last episode he clearly had his wits about him.

I don't know what direction they are going with him. For a while it seemed obvious they were going with the Alzheimer's angle as he seemed to be forgetting a lot of stuff, but in this last episode he clearly had his wits about him.

I was thinking about that as well, but isn't Alzheimer's degenerative process rather slow? I imagine that those afflicted with the disease have their good moments in the earlier stages.

I also thought they were heading down the dementia path with the Chief. But, his scene about losing his Vietnam buddies was wonderfully done. Just really moving without being over the top or heavy handed in any way and a great metaphor for their 9/11 feelings. The show seems to do much better when it keeps the gang of women vs. Tommy stories at a minimum. Those are usually not very good, nor interesting.

I imagine that those afflicted with the disease have their good moments in the earlier stages.

Even in late stages, people can have crystal-clear moments or even hours.

The show seems to do much better when it keeps the gang of women vs. Tommy stories at a minimum. Those are usually not very good, nor interesting.

I cannot agree more. Just like the fall of Nip/Tuck the fall of the show was in its awful supporting characters. As sick as I am of "Tommy makes out with yet another woman this week" storylines of the past few seasons, I really wish they had written his family off and focused more on the fire house and those characters.

Also, I had a backlog of Rescue Me on my DVR, the 3 minute replays are great for those episodes you can tell arnt going anywhere.

I like this series because it is more like an "off Broadway play" than your usual TV series. But you have to have a taste for such a venue which the general public does not have.

I cannot agree more. Just like the fall of Nip/Tuck the fall of the show was in its awful supporting characters. As sick as I am of "Tommy makes out with yet another woman this week" storylines of the past few seasons, I really wish they had written his family off and focused more on the fire house and those characters.

Ditto. I'm actually looking forward to this show ending. I'd have quit watching if it weren't for the fact it's the last season. I love the firefighting, the firehouse, all of the characters and their banter back and forth.

As soon as it switches to Tommy and Sheila/wife/girlfriend/daughter/additional family/alcoholism I completely lose interest and couldn't care less.

Ditto. I'm actually looking forward to this show ending. I'd have quit watching if it weren't for the fact it's the last season. I love the firefighting, the firehouse, all of the characters and their banter back and forth.

As soon as it switches to Tommy and Sheila/wife/girlfriend/daughter/additional family/alcoholism I completely lose interest and couldn't care less.

Couldn't agree more. The firehouse banter is still priceless and will never get old.

I'm also in to the end. If there was another season left, I would bail out.. As the above poster said, enough with the booze, ladies and dysfunctional family problems.. That's what ruined "The Unit", too much story attention to wives, not enough action. Funniest fire house banter was when LT. and Tom reference "The Godfather". I'm going to take a nap, if the cupcake is there when I get back I know we have a deal..:D

Thanks to Netflix I just spent the summer watching this show. Just got caught up to season 6 and I absolutely love it. The worst part is reading some of the reactions on this board. Sheesh, if you dislike so much about the show, stop frickin watching it. I love the drama, I love the soap opera portions, I love the humor, I hate all the drinking, and I love love love Callie's character. Any scene she's in is just about perfect. Such a lovable little nut ball. All the whining about the band...jeez, shut up. Most of us didn't immediately run to Google to see if the guys actually had a band, because most of us don't care. It was entertaining! Can't wait to get started watching the final season.

The worst part is reading some of the reactions on this board. Sheesh, if you dislike so much about the show, stop frickin watching it.

Negativity has pretty much taken over this entire section of the Forum. It's not just this show. It's like everyone has turned into little Mikey ... they hate everything. :)

That being said, I find myself becoming very anxious for this show to finally end ... but for some reason I can't stop watching.

While I disagree that there isnt anything to complain about Rescue Me, I will agree that this forum has become very "Television without Pity" themed recently. It might be that shows have gotten worse or simply our ability to stomach bad shows has thinned.

I actually love taking a critical look at shows I watch. Taking them for what they are, but at the same time looking at what they could be.

Thanks to Netflix I just spent the summer watching this show. Just got caught up to season 6 and I absolutely love it.I streamed the series as well and found it refreshing. With its New York attitude it's different enough to be entertaining and I enjoyed it growing beyond the firehouse. I agree about the play aspect of the show as often I feel some segments are pretty much skits. I have only seen a couple of this season's episodes (via Hulu) and so far it has played towards wrapping up the various open plot lines which only makes sense.

There's a reason this show only scrapes barely 1.5 million viewers now and not the 3-4 million it used to. It's not because it has pretense of being theatrical. It only appears that way because of the massive disparity between the repetitive soapy histrionics that feed Leary's ego and groin and the down-to-earth ensemble scenes with the fire crew which it clunkily jumps to.

In the early seasons this show weaved the comedy and drama almost flawlessy because it involved all the characters equally and was about a firefighter group not just - Leary Scene/Firehouse Comedy Scene/Leary Scene/ Firehouse Comedy Scene etc.

If you want to see something akin to theater on television, rewatch Oz. With it's narrator tricks, inventive lighting, intimate dialog and small sets it makes Rescue Me look just like the haphazardly constructed television show it is. Oz was daring not just in it's violence but also in it's stage presentation.

The only constant to Rescue Me is that the firehouse was and is always funny and the show always worked best when it involved all of them. I'd take just watching the firehouse Webisodes over rewatching many of the episodes of the last two seasons because you could see where the show would go every time.

I haven't even made it all the way through the first episode of this season yet because if the season is anything like it usually is (which apparently it still is based on comments) it will be Shiela/Janet/Tommy fighting and banging and then five minutes with the firehouse for some diversionary laughs. Has Magnetic Tommy had sex with another female guest star this season or are they avoiding that cliche this year?

Using Nielsens to determine the quality of a show? Please. How does that explain the high sales numbers on iTunes and Amazon of current episodes? The days of Nielsens equating to anything of any worth are long since dead. There's simply too many better, more convenient ways to watch TV now. Loving the "soap opera"-ish elements of the show. The only slow/negative time for me was Mike's dalliance into homosexuality, and mainly because it was so poorly written. Everything else has been awesome, and each episode is like crack. When one ends I feel the need to start another.

Using Nielsens to determine the quality of a show? Please. How does that explain the high sales numbers on iTunes and Amazon of current episodes? The days of Nielsens equating to anything of any worth are long since dead.

Not in the context of before and after. Since you haven't been keeping up you obviously haven't followed the reaction to the show over the years. A lot of viewers bailed on this show after one particular episode and it's been dropping ever since.

And if you think iTunes and Amazon are more important than viewer ratings now then you are delusional. The percentage of viewers using both those services for viewing is not even close. Especially with the skewed click-based ratings service iTunes uses. Even Hulu does more business than those.

You think if this show was still getting the 4 million it used to that it would be cancelled?

And there's nothing convenient about streaming based video until every television incorporates the service and every home has broadband. It's still a toy for the tech-savvy with disposable income not a service for everyone.

There's a reason this show only scrapes barely 1.5 million viewers now and not the 3-4 million it used to.Making six seasons is an accomplishment in and of itself in today's TV. Plus, I never use ratings to determine if something is good or bad. Personally, I tired of the firehouse as it got rather redundant (for me). With my limited viewing so far this season has played as a third act. Reflecting on the two previous (act one firehouse, act two Tommy) and is clearly driven towards 9/11.

Not in the context of before and after. Since you haven't been keeping up you obviously haven't followed the reaction to the show over the years. A lot of viewers bailed on this show after one particular episode and it's been dropping ever since.

I must know what this episode is.

I must know what this episode is.

You don't remember the rape episode?

And the follow-up rape episode which made a bad situation more stupid?

You don't remember the rape episode?

And the follow-up rape episode which made a bad situation more stupid?

Oh right. I was debating between that and the funeral episode in season 3.

Oh right. I was debating between that and the funeral episode in season 3.

Ha, that's funny because now I have to go and look that up because I don't remember it! :D

I assumed it was the rape episode, but quite honestly I thought it was handled very well. Those are two damaged individuals. I had a harder time believing the Michael J Fox hookup. My favorite episode has to be the goofballs episode. That was awesome. I love the show despite hating all of the boozefests set to music.

Not sure if I have a favorite episode but I can tell you hands down the best story arch of the series was Lieu and his prostitute girlfriend. That had to be the biggest stomach punch I have ever gotten watching a show. I felt so bad for a fictional character that never actually had anything done to them. Now that was when Rescue Me was amazing.

Not sure if I have a favorite episode but I can tell you hands down the best story arch of the series was Lieu and his prostitute girlfriend. That had to be the biggest stomach punch I have ever gotten watching a show. I felt so bad for a fictional character that never actually had anything done to them. Now that was when Rescue Me was amazing.

I didn't mind that storyline, but they telegraphed the end result many many episodes ahead of it happening.

Hope the finale makes up for the previous 2 soap opera episodes. Last nite was about 30m of soap opera, 20m of comedy (Lou's physical) and 10 minutes of action.. (all times are estimated)..47 days till a real action show: Sons Of Anarchy!! :D

http://sonsofanarchyforever.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=4898

I find it hilarious that Sons of Anarchy is the example used as to what makes good TV. Holy crap the bar is low.

Wow, what a horrible episode today. Is the best they can do?

That was horrible.

I hope the show gets a good conclusion next week. It certainly deserves one.

The wedding scenes were some of the worst television I have ever seen, it was painful to watch. You knew something bad was going to happen in the final fire scene but the level of just how bad it was going to be took a few minutes before the ending became predictable. What was Tommy doing there anyway? So much for his vow. I expect more crap from the female characters in the series finale next week, hopefully Needles and Feinberg will give us something good to end on.

I have to agree, the wedding was so overwrought and overacted that it was difficult to watch. I really felt sorry for poor Sheila, who usually gets good stuff to do - to have to act out that drunken speech and other silliness was just awful. As usual, the best parts were the interactions of the guys (including the hilarious racially charged jokes and references). The ending had some tension building, but was pretty predictable in that there would be a major catastrophe with a cliffhanger of who lives and who doesn't. The soap opera side of this show has really been a dead weight around the neck of the much better firehouse side. It's time to end and next week is it.

Definitely not this show's best, but still really watchable and better than most shows on TV. Sad to see it end next week. Will miss Denis, the guys, and the crazy ladies.

I thought it was great, especially the ending. It brings it all right back to 9/11 and the situation that many of the guys probably had to face: comforting people they knew were going to die, knowing that they'd probably die as well, but still fighting until the end. I'm still not sure if everyone is gone, but if they all died, it is a fitting ending to a sometimes great show.

Is it bad that I don't care who lives or dies?

Definitely not this show's best, but still really watchable and better than most shows on TV. Sad to see it end next week. Will miss Denis, the guys, and the crazy ladies.

Rent Leary's old series The Job.

Same style, similar cast members, different profession.

Arguably a better series, but it was cancelled early and never had time to go off the rails.

Rent Leary's old series The Job.

Same style, similar cast members, different profession.

Arguably a better series, but it was cancelled early and never had time to go off the rails.

Unfortunately it's not on Netflix on Demand and I quit their delivery service when they jacked up the prices.

I think my opinion of Rescue Me is different than many of yours because I watched every episode in the span of just over a month. Currently doing the same with Sons of Anarchy, which I also find to be good but not as good yet. I think I prefer Rescue Me because it has more (and better) humor. Both shows had moments that made me almost want to stop watching. For Rescue Me it was the endless drunken montages. For Sons it was the last couple episodes of season one when Clay never for a second considered that the bugs on Opie could be part of a fed setup. That was just stupid. And the end result of it was predictable and stupid. Fortunately I stuck with it and so far season 2 is infinitely better than season 1. I have even grown to like the aussie guy from Undeclared as Jackson, although his American accent is terrible.

I didn't know much about FX before this summer, but I do now. And I like it.

I didn't know much about FX before this summer, but I do now. And I like it.

You should probably put Justified at the top of your FX watch list.

Stellar acting, and mostly fantastic Elmore Leonard inspired dialog and bad guys.

http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/justified/

You should probably put Justified at the top of your FX watch list.

Stellar acting, and mostly fantastic Elmore Leonard inspired dialog and bad guys.

http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/justified/

I'll check that out, thanks.

*Edit* Cool it has another of my favorites from Deadwood (Olyphant). I was happy to see the older sheriff in Sons of Anarchy (also from Deadwood).

I'll check that out, thanks.

*Edit* Cool it has another of my favorites from Deadwood (Olyphant). I was happy to see the older sheriff in Sons of Anarchy (also from Deadwood).

That would be Dayton Callie. There are at least a half dozen Deadwood alumni wandering through Justified.

Rent Leary's old series The Job.

Same style, similar cast members, different profession.

Arguably a better series, but it was cancelled early and never had time to go off the rails.

Leary is in top form in The Ref film. Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis weren't bad either.

Leary is in top form in The Ref film. Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis weren't bad either.

Yeah, that movie was outstanding.

Any bets on the finale tonite? They are previewing a funeral. My best guess is that it is Tommys. They go back to 9/11 and he died with his cousin and the series was all a dream.... ala Dallas!

Just makes sense ...:rolleyes:

Any bets on the finale tonite? They are previewing a funeral. My best guess is that it is Tommys. They go back to 9/11 and he died with his cousin and the series was all a dream.... ala Dallas!

Just makes sense ...:rolleyes:

Leary and Tolan have both already said in several interviews it isn't Tommy. Beyond that, they are not saying. Anyone else is up for grabs.

It has to be the Lieut.

It has to be the Lieut.

Yup, his actions will save the others.

My money is on Lt. because listings quote that probies listen to a speech from a new leader..Definitely not Tommy..

Sad to see this great show go. Looking forward to one last viewing of Denis and the guys and gals. Crazy as ever, I hope. Hopefully FX finds another quality program to take its place next year.

It was a good conclusion to a show that I've stuck with for all these years.

Most importantly, the episode stayed true to the characters and didn't sink itself to sappy drivel. Instead, despite the darkness looming over the characters, it delivered much of the irreverent comedy that made the show good.

The finale gets a 3-yawn rating from me, I actually fast forwarded through some of it.

it wasn't a bad series finale (better than Sopranos, but that's not saying much) but I wish that Leary and Co would have gone through on the idea of the entire crew dying in the building, instead of a sappy sendoff. I liked Lou the best on the crew, wished they didn't have to kill him off

I thought it was a good ending. Of course they had to throw us a curve ball with the Tommy dream beginning. Hands down Lt. Shea was the best character on the show and he delivered strong performances to wrap up the series.

it wasn't a bad series finale (better than Sopranos, but that's not saying much) but I wish that Leary and Co would have gone through on the idea of the entire crew dying in the building, instead of a sappy sendoff. I liked Lou the best on the crew, wished they didn't have to kill him off

I don't think it was a sappy sendoff. Tommy didn't necessarily end up better than he was before. He lost his best friend, and will seemingly continue on with his struggles. And it's not like Lou's death was treated with sappy overtones; it was treated mostly with a darker kind of humor even after the viewer got to see his charred body.

Having all of the principal firefighters die, although not unrealistic, would have been too simple of an ending. It is good to leave open some possibilities for at least some of the main characters. The creators of The Shield did that with the Vic Mackey character despite his tremendous faults and dangerous lifestyle, and I couldn't imagine a better ending for that show.

A classy ending to one of TV's greatest shows. It had it's ups and downs, with its highs being extremely high and the lows very low, but still one of the best shows to ever be televised. I hope to see DL on another show soon, but please be on a network that lets him speak freely. :p

While I was disappointed with the whole last season as a whole, this episode was a great ending. I just didnt like how this season didn't have as much "drama" as the previous seasons. No big moments, no montage's with music (one of my favorite things about the first few seasons was the music selection).

I agree with others, Lou was the best character throughout the series, and this ending was a great tribute. I loved the ashes scene in the truck, brought back memories of the first few seasons, with Leary turning sad situations into incredibly funny ones. Also liked how they ended the series just how they started it, I had a feeling that would happen.

It was a good conclusion to a show that I've stuck with for all these years.

Most importantly, the episode stayed true to the characters and didn't sink itself to sappy drivel. Instead, despite the darkness looming over the characters, it delivered much of the irreverent comedy that made the show good.

+1. Great ending to a great show! Loved the final two mins .....

hello all,

the series fanale was awwwwweful!!!!!!

Okay, now that it's over, I gotta ask.

What was the point with them hinting at Feinberg's early symptoms of Alzheimer's? That went absolutely nowhere and made no sense to even write it into the show.

Okay, now that it's over, I gotta ask.

What was the point with them hinting at Feinberg's early symptoms of Alzheimer's? That went absolutely nowhere and made no sense to even write it into the show.

to give the guy a chance to act a bit?
i dunno - i didn't understand it either.

Okay, now that it's over, I gotta ask.

What was the point with them hinting at Feinberg's early symptoms of Alzheimer's? That went absolutely nowhere and made no sense to even write it into the show.

You could make the same observation about most of the story lines from this season.

Okay, now that it's over, I gotta ask.

What was the point with them hinting at Feinberg's early symptoms of Alzheimer's? That went absolutely nowhere and made no sense to even write it into the show.

i think it fit in with the way the show has been written since the beginning. i think the basic storyline has been about each character trying to make sense out of the uncertainties and disappointments life throws at them. from season to season the lives of the main characters have moved fitfully forward with many of their major issues never getting resolved. feinberg is getting old, and the writers sent a message out that he may soon be dealing with some very real problems of aging. for me, had the last few episodes neatly wrapped up every open plot line like feinberg's, it would have taken away from what the series was all about.

Rescue Me was an above average show with moments of brilliance. The problem is that it ran just a few years too long. The show became predictable after awhile, and the finale follows form. While I enjoyed the final show, it lacked originality because we've seen nearly everything from these guys; almost nothing would have surprised us. I almost think it would have been better if they all had died except for Lou. But as it is, I enjoyed saying goodbye to the gang. The ashes bit has been done before, but it was still funny. And I'm sure nearly every one of us expected to see Lou's ghost at some point, and, again predictably (but no less enjoyable), there he was. Sure wish he had been eating a donut though. Thanks Denis, for a great run. Can't wait until your next offering.

A decent, satisfying ending if not superb. It ended like it started with Gavin lecturing some rookies. And the line about not finding the answers in a bottle was supposed to indicate Gavin has finally turned a corner I guess, with Lou predictably showing up as his last ghost companion. They tried hard to keep it edgy with the ashes and other dark humor in the face of 9-11 and Lou's death. The only element that rang a bit false for me was the near casual way in which they were shown dealing with Lou's death. I get the point, but in previous episodes they have been much more affected by personal tragedies and this one was handled almost cavalierly. Maybe more time had passed than seemed apparent, but I thought it was a bit too casual. Otherwise, decent ending to a great series that had decidedly more ups than downs.