Looking Back on Top 'Rescue Me' Moments (VIDEO)

By Scott Harris Posted Jun 29th 2010 12:32AM

For the last six years, FX's 'Rescue Me' has performed one of the most compelling high-wire acts in television history, expertly mixing high drama with gut-busting comedy, often in the same scene. And at the center of it all, of course, has been Denis Leary, whose portrayal of a New York fireman dealing with personal demons has turned Tommy Gavin into one of the most memorable characters ever to grace the small screen.

Yet some of you still might not understand what all the 'Rescue Me' hype is about. Well, don't worry -- that's what we're here for. In order to prepare you for the penultimate season of 'Rescue Me,' premiering tonight, we've put together a list of some of the most memorable moments in 'Rescue Me' history. Because it's time to stop talking about how cool the show is and start watching the proof.

• Eight Fingers of Whiskey. Perhaps no clip encapsulates the paradox of both Tommy as a character and 'Rescue Me' as a show than this soul-bearing monologue, which Tommy delivers to a pub full of skeptical bar patrons, when asked to prove his membership in the FDNY.

• Sensitivity Training. Any number of shows, perhaps most famously 'The Office,' have spun comedic gold from the universally dreaded "sensitivity training." But most of those shows are on network television. Here, the gang from 'Rescue Me' shows how it's done, cable-style.

• The Wheelchair. Picture it: You're on a fire call -- there's heavy damage to the building and residents are trapped several floors up. Only one problem: the guy you're sent to rescue can only get around in a giant, robotic wheelchair. What do you do? Here's a tip: don't stand around laughing at him because, apparently, that's not really going to help anything.

• The Conversation. What do fathers and sons really mean when they shoot the breeze about sports and television? Tommy and his dad give an insightful look at the subtext present within every bit of male bonding.

• The Game. When Tommy suspects that his ex-wife is considering moving away with her new boyfriend -- and taking their children with her -- he comes up with a simple plan to find the truth: bribe his kids into telling him all the secrets of her relationship. Note -- this useful bit of parenting advice is not considered standard by most trained professionals.

• The Perfect Date. In this classic clip, we learn Tommy's idea of the perfect date: his lady cooking him a big steak while wearing something skimpy, followed by some post-dinner acrobatics on the dining room table. And if you happen to be as forceful and charismatic as Denis Leary, well, you might get away with this. But we really don't recommend trying it for your next date night.

Tags: denis leary, Rescue Me

Comments

(6)

Tuesday 29 June

By NANCAN

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Why this show doesn't win tons of Emmys is beyond me. It's such a good show.

By Linda

Rescue Me is a very good show. My fear is that it wont last just like Nip Tuck. The producers of FX suck.. when they put on a good show and has high ratings they make the viewers wait and wait for the next season to start. They wait sooooo long i think the viewers lose interest.Instead they start show after show that clearly are not gonna make it and put the hot shows on the back burner.They have done that with Rescue Me ..Nip Tuck and also Sons of Anarachy. Will they ever learn... i dont think so...just my opinion and everyone has one

By lgilbe9168

This show is great, it covers all emotions.

By TRF40

Dennis Leary is a wannabe firefighter.

By Fifi

Best clip should have been Leary addressing AA in the past season.

By Bonbon

I agree with the other poster, I loved Nip Tuck, don't know why they got rid of it. They'll probably do the same with Damages.

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