Review: Rescue Me, S7, E5 - "Head" - Your Entertainment Corner

Airdate: Wednesday, August 10, 2011, 10:00 pm ET/PT on FX

Rating: ★★★★★

Tommy (Denis Leary) gets a 30-day suspension for his interview with reporter Pamela Keppler (Geneva Carr), during which he gave her, and the American viewing public, the finger. You know there’s no way he’s going to take this lying down, not if the guys have anything to say about it. Despite everything they’ve been through season after season, you know they’re going to stick together. They always do, so why should this be any different?

A very contemplative Tommy Gavin (Denis Leary)

Tommy’s old pal, Joey (James Colby), aka King Joey the Third, who is there as a department representative, arrives at the fire station, along with Supervisor Balsbaugh (Daniel Oreskes) to inform Tommy of his suspension. I got a good chuckle from Tommy’s story about how Joey got his nickname, as well as his introduction of Balsbaugh.

Tommy to the guys: “Oh, this is Inspector Ballpee? Bald spot? Bald face.”

Balsbaugh: “Balls…baugh!”

Balsbaugh is one hell of a prick – I think he’s actually happy about this whole thing. He takes great pleasure in informing the guys if anyone gives Tommy access to the firehouse during his suspension, they also may be suspended and fined. Oreskes is quite an actor, making me dislike him as much as I do. I love how irreverent Lou (John Scurti) is after Balsbaugh asks if anyone has any questions about the edict he’s just issued.

Lou: “I’m trying to figure something out. It’s a tactical question really. The third tit – the midget tit. Did it come with a little midget nipple?”

Everyone’s laughing, except for Franco (Daniel Sunjata). I don’t like this new Franco. He used to be as raunchy as the next guy, willing to do whatever it took, and now he’s got a stick up his ass because he’s bucking for lieutenant. Word on the street though, is Keppler may be going after everyone’s personal lives, not just Tommy’s. And we know each and every one of them has something they’re not proud of — including Mike (Michael Lombardi), who had oral sex with some guy at headquarters. Needles (Adam Ferrara) puts a plan into action, saying, “Ya gotta fight fire with fire,” but Franco wants no part of it:

“You know, I’m moving up Chief and I want to do it clean. I’ve already been dragged through the mud with these guys by proxy and I ain’t doin’ it again. Here on out, I walk a straight line.”

Sean (Steven Pasquale) finally decides to tell Emily (Cody Horn) about the awful smell in her apartment that he only notices when they’ve finished having sex. What a surprise when she confesses she’s responsible. She has a rare medical condition that causes her to fart after intercourse. Sean is so cute when he kisses Emily but when she mentions his “small penis,” he’s somewhat taken aback. Come on! No guy wants to hear that from his girl. For a minute there, I thought he was going to leave but who am I kidding? Sean isn’t exactly known as a ladies’ man. It was a nice touch having them accept each other for who they are – adorable even.

Sean: “Everyone has their flaws.”

Emily: “I don’t see them as flaws. They’re just who we are.”

As Colleen (Natalie Distler), Janet (Andrea Roth) and Sheila (Callie Thorne) argue about where Colleen’s wedding will be, who’s going to pay for it, and who will be invited, Tommy finally gets his balls back and lays down the law. All I can say is, it’s about damn time Tommy gets his head screwed on straight! He also tells them he has “a secret evil plan” to combat those in the outside world who are coming after them and each of them plays a role in it. Tommy has come up with some devious ideas throughout Rescue Me’s run, so I can only imagine what he has in store this time.

Tommy asking a favor of the cops while a brawl is going on inside the bar

I don’t want to ruin the fun you’ll have watching everyone’s plans come to fruition. I will tell you it involves getting dirt on Keppler, a free-for-all at a bar between the cops and the firefighters, figuring out the name of the guy Mike slept with and confronting him, and an award-winning performance by Callie Thorne for delivering the blows that end Tommy’s suspension. You just can’t keep a good man down. Wait. Did I say ‘good?’

Best speech:

Needles to Tommy about sleeping with the widows of firefighters:

“We’re doing this for our fallen brothers. Look, she [Keppler] starts naming you and Sheila, she’s gonna name all the other firefighters that are sleeping with the widows. Me and you know it’s about emotional bonding and shared grief, but to these people, this is tawdry sex and headlines, my friend.”

Tune in to Rescue Me, Wednesdays at 10:00 pm ET/PT only on FX.

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Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!