I love a man in uniform, especially a firefighter, couple that with the comedic charm of Denis Leary and you should be on a winner.  However this series from FX Network is not the fluffy hot guys in uniform series that you could be forgiven for expecting.  It’s hard hitting, in-you-face and controversial.

The FX Network describes their show as:

Rescue Me revolves around the lives of the men in a New York City firehouse, the crew of 62 Truck. Examining the fraternal nature and relationships of firefighters, the series tackles the daily drama of the life-and-death situations associated with being a firefighter, while exploring the ways the men use dark humor to protect their true emotions.

It doesn’t do the show justice or describe the true level of darkness that runs through the show.  I tend to take most things in stride, but the first season of this show was really confronting.  The level of homophobia and misogyny is extremely high.  Unfortunately I think it’s used in context.  I say unfortunately, because it’s a sad reflection on American society.

Denis Leary plays Tommy Gavin, an Irish American who is battling his demons.  The aftermath of 9/11 has left a major scar on Tommy’s psyche.  His alcoholism flares sporadically and he is on and off the wagon continually.   His relationships are strained, both personal and professionally.  His world is brutal, not because of his profession but because of the social conditioning and expectations placed on him.

The drug use, sexual situations and level of violence in this series is confronting; there’s no other word to describe it.  The writing is sharp and holds no punches.  It’s a credit to the writing and the vision of Leary and his creative partner Peter Tolan.  It’s no wonder that the show has been nominated for Emmy‘s and Golden Globes.

The series is now in it’s fifth season.  The journey has not been a simple one for the crew of 62 Truck.  Their personalities have grown and evolved over the season, however at the core of everything is their job.  It’s the thing that binds them together and offers them a safe haven when the world seems to put them through so much.  The fire house is the only place they have any control, and even then it’s only fleeting.

At times it’s too hard to watch, there’s enough violence and suffering in the world without inviting into your home.  Despite this Rescue Me beckons you to watch.  It serves as a warning to American society, and all those that would willingly follow in its footsteps.  The effect of the Seven Deadly Sins is something that resonates through this series.  It seems that Leary has taken his Catholic upbringing and parlayed that into an amazing series worthy of its nominations.