Rescue Me (2004 — 2011)

Rescue Me (2004–2011) is an American comedy-drama television series that aired on FX from July 21, 2004, to September 7, 2011. The show centers around the personal and professional lives of a group of New York City firefighters. The main character is veteran firefighter Tommy Gavin, whose troubled family and co-workers face real-life challenges like post-9/11 trauma and personal issues. As a result of losing his cousin and best friend Jimmy Keefe in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, Tommy struggles with grief and memories of other fallen firefighter friends. In ghostly dreams, Jimmy frequently visits Tommy.

Season 1 (2004). The first season of Rescue Me premiered on July 21, 2004, introducing the team from New York City Fire Department’s fictional Ladder Company 62. They were stationed with Engine Company 99 and the Chief of the Battalion (first the 15th, then later the 30th) at a firehouse in northeastern Harlem. During this time, Chief Jerry Reilly got into a physical altercation with a former firefighter who had spoken to the press claiming that many of the firefighters who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks were gay. Meanwhile, Sean Garrity began dating one of Franco Rivera’s ex-girlfriends and discovered he had a daughter with her when Rivera took custody after her mother’s death. In another forbidden romance among firefighters, Tommy started seeing his deceased friend Jimmy’s widow, Sheila. At the same time, Probationary Firefighter Mike Silletti kept his relationship with a woman named Theresa under wraps because she was deemed ‘fat’. Additionally, Lieutenant Ken Shea coped with his feelings about 9/11 by writing poetry in secret and later began an affair upon discovering his wife was planning to leave him anyway.

Season 2 (2005). The second season of Rescue Me debuted on June 21, 2005. Tommy finds himself at a new firehouse on Staten Island, where his replacement Sully quickly becomes everyone’s favorite. During a response to a fire at an underground sex club, they come across Sully dressed in a black leather skirt and bustier. Embarrassed, Sully requests a transfer the following day, knowing he will never live it down with the crew. This allows for Tommy to return to his old house. However, once he’s back, Tommy’s attention turns towards locating his family and dealing with his father who went on an unannounced vacation and returned with a new wife named Jenny Ng. Sheila experiences a miscarriage but keeps it secret in order to keep Tommy close.

Season 3 (2006). The third season premiered on May 30, 2006. Janet becomes pregnant and decides to keep the baby, hoping it will fill the void left by Connor. The crew discovers that Mike may be gay and Tommy stands up for him to prevent the team from falling apart. Franco starts a relationship with Alicia (portrayed by Susan Sarandon), an older and wealthy woman who takes his daughter away from him. Unfortunately, Franco is unable to intervene as he had illegally taken his daughter out of foster care without permission and therefore does not have legal guardianship. Lieutenant Shea moves in with Tommy and begins dating Theresa, a soon-to-be ex-nun whom he plans on moving to Florida with to work as first mate on his cousin’s boat. Meanwhile, Chief Reilly takes on a second job at a bar in order to cover his wife’s increasing healthcare costs.

Season 4 (2007). Rescue Me’s the fourth season debuted on June 13, 2007. Following a dramatic rescue by volunteer firefighters, Tommy and Sheila find themselves facing accusations of arson and insurance fraud. Meanwhile, Janet has given birth and although Tommy has grown to accept the child as his own, their suspicions arise when the baby’s hair is revealed to be ‘jet black’, leading them to believe it may actually be Johnny’s son. Teddy is released from prison and promptly abandons his new wife Ellie at a coffee shop. In the midst of family turmoil, Colleen runs away from home to live with her boyfriend Sean Murphy, leaving her parents irate. After being informed that his heart condition disqualifies him from active duty, Jerry sinks into depression and takes a desk job. But when he uses his computer access to clear Tommy’s name of the arson charges, Jerry tragically takes his own life. This tragedy prompts the firehouse to bring in a new chief.

Minisodes (2008). On June 23, 2008, the first season of webisodes premiered on both Crackle and FX. A total of ten episodes were released. These webisodes feature standalone stories, showcasing the group in action as they rescue individuals from fires or explore dream-like scenarios, such as Tommy’s night out with his romantic interests. They also offer glimpses into the daily routines at the fire station. Among these tales is one that follows Truck 62 and their preparations before heading out to respond to the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center.

Season 5 (2009). Season five of the series Rescue Me (2004–2011) was renewed for 22 episodes, and saw the addition of Michael J. Fox to the cast as Janet’s new love interest. Meanwhile, Truck 62 was plagued with conspiracy theories, particularly from Franco, which created tension within and outside the crew. At the same time, Tommy and Lou both pursued the affection of a woman writing a story about 9/11. In other events, Silletti received insurance money and an inheritance after his mother’s death in season four, leading Franco and Garrity to encourage him to invest in a bar that soon became a popular after-hours spot for the fire crew. Unfortunately, Garrity was dealing with renal carcinoma and required surgery, leading him to reconcile with his estranged mother and brother. On top of all this, Damian (Sheila and Jimmy’s son) finished his training and joined the firehouse as a probie.

Season 6 (2010). The sixth installment of Rescue Me aired on June 29, 2010. After Tommy’s miraculous rescue, he has a frightening vision during his ambulance ride to the hospital. In light of this, he makes a promise to change his ways – no more drinking and striving to be better as a person, firefighter, father, and husband. Janet informs Tommy that their now-adult daughter Colleen is struggling with alcoholism, prompting him to take drastic action. Meanwhile, she confronts him about cutting ties with Sheila for good. Despite Sheila’s manipulative attempts using their son Damian and his role in Tommy’s fire crew, she begins a new relationship with his cousin Mickey who left the priesthood. As all this unfolds, Tommy and Janet patch things up while facing disapproval from their daughter Katy who is leaving for a private boarding school out of the city.

Season 7 (2011). The seventh and final season of the series premiered on Wednesday, July 13, 2011. Tommy confronts Janet about her pregnancy, but she insists that he give up his dangerous job with the FDNY if they are to have a child. Sheila stands by Janet and both women find solace in their shared sorrow over the loss of a son, despite Damian still being alive. Meanwhile, Tommy’s stress grows as Colleen and Black Shawn announce their engagement. His frustrations escalate during an interview discussing 9/11 and his fallen colleague Jimmy. In a fit of rage, Tommy storms out of the interview after hurling profanity at the reporter. The incident fuels Franco’s desire to leave 62 Truck before he becomes too jaded, leading to clashes with Needles and Tommy.