review - Rescue Me

"Rescue Me" is one of my favorite television programs. FX is still on a creative roll with shows like this one, "Sons Of Anarchy" and "Justified". Now in its sixth season, "Rescue Me" is still lighting dramatic fires.

For those of you who may not know, the comedy/drama centers on the professional and personal lives of a group of New York City firefighters in the fictional Ladder 62 / Engine 99 firehouse. Primary focus is on the series star, Denis Leary (playing firefighter Tommy Gavin). He is ill-tempered, self-destructive, hypocritical, manipulative, a relapsed alcoholic and most importantly, funny. Top that off, the guy has to deal with an ever troublesome family as they deal with real life issues, either with post 9/11 trauma or domestic problems. Tommy has to struggle with the loss of his cousin and best friend Jimmy Keefe, who died on September 11, 2001, and frequently visits Tommy in visions.

One of the best things about the show is the in-house banter between the guys in the firehouse. Reminds me of my days in the military and hanging around with people unfettered by political correctness. They call life as they see it, much to the chagrin of others. But when you have a job like this for a living, you deserve to let off a little steam.

Because of that frank "talk" and other controversial situations, "Rescue Me" has been pretty much ignored by Emmy voters and the mainstream press. Even with plenty of comedic elements each episode balancing out the drama, viewers are hell bent on looking at other things. I have my theories on this but I digress.

Now for the bad news. FX is ending the show once its seventh season comes to a close in 2011, marking the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks in 2001. I am confident the show will end in grand fashion, but a bit disheartened that yet another quality show goes under the radar (like "The Wire" did and others). So check it out while you can, its a great ride.