Rescue Me: The Complete First Season

Basically a firehouse version of NYPD Blue in which Denis Leary (who also collaborated with Peter Tolan in creating and writing the program) plays an Andy Sipowicz-like antihero, this FX-aired series follows Tommy Gavin (Leary), a veteran firefighter struggling to come to terms with painful losses--Gavin's firefighting cousin died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and he's separated from his wife, who lives directly across the street from him with their three children. Rescue Me revolves around on Tommy's personal and professional problems, and in this 13-episode first season the overall arc focuses on his decline and fall. Often appearing to be at the end of his proverbial rope, Tommy is surrounded by a stable of colorful supporting characters, the foremost among them being his coworkers--a burly captain, handsome ladies' man, less-than-brilliant hunk, frumpy longtime buddy, etc. Also important are the various women in his life, including the dead cousin's widow with whom Tommy is having an affair, and a female firefighter who's foisted upon the somewhat unreceptive squad. Throughout, the dialogue is deliberately raunchy with lots of crude sexual banter, and like its schedule-mates The Shield and Nip/Tuck, the show fits its network's edgy image with its dark, cynical attitude and in-your-face style. DVD extras include audio commentaries by Leary and Tolan on the first and last episodes, four “making-of” featurettes, a selection of deleted scenes, and a blooper reel. Highly recommended. (F. Swietek)