"Rescue Me" and Me
Posted June 13th, 2007 by Rich Heldenfels
Tommy Gavin and his guys are in a state of confusion. I know the feeling …
Tommy first: I've seen the first three episodes of the new season of "Rescue Me," which starts tonight, and I expect to be back for more, but I'm still kind of on the fence about it.
That reflects some confusion within the show itself. Oh, it has plenty going on, and it has put Tommy in a very difficult spot regarding the fire that ended last season. There's a lot of funny business, and a painfully dramatic moment a few episodes in.
But it didn't feel as sure-handed as it usually does, more like a bunch of things tossed together without any clear idea of where it will all lead. And I still remain on edge about what I still consider the rape episode last season, because I think the show has shrugged it off, and the event deserved more serious treatment than that.
I've been meaning to watch and write about some other things. Only got through the first episode of
"John from Cincinnati," for one thing — although it may be sufficient judgment that I didn't charge immediately through the second. And I've been carrying around the Newsweek article about "beta males" because it fits with some of what I've been seeing in pilots for the fall, including "Reaper," which you should put on your viewing calendar now, and not only because Akron's Ray Wise is a superb Devil in it.
I've seen some other pilots, too, and have a few notions. For example: How many times did the makers of the new "Bionic Woman" watch "Blade Runner," and did they think Rutger Hauer's stealing the movie from Harrison Ford meant that Katee Sackhoff should do likewise to the supposed star of "Bionic Woman"?
But I've found myself dragging too much lately. And I've had some different demands on my time — metro shifts on Saturday and on Monday night — as well as attempts to get ready for vacation. Still, I get twitchy when I don't write on a break, so you can expect fresh posts from me even if I'm sunburnt while writing them.
Anyway, that's a long explanation for the gaps here, and for the terseness of my "Rescue Me" notes. Watch tonight, and let's argue.
June 13th, 2007 at 11:55 am
Re: Bionic Woman–obviously since I have not seen the pilot I really can't comment as to what you said about Katee Sackhoff stealing the show being part of the plan for it. However, having seen Michelle Ryan in her previous role on EastEnders on Dish Network pay-per-view, I'm thinking this could happen because she wasn't a very good actress on that and perhaps she hasn't grown very much in the interim?
June 14th, 2007 at 9:27 am
I wondered if you were going to mention "John from Cincinnati." I quite enjoyed it. Already it has some of the quirkiness of "Six Feet Under" and plenty of, well, "unusual" characters with stories to tell. I gave myself three episodes to love it or leave it. I'm looking forward to the next two.
June 14th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Not sure how good an actress Ryan is. But Sackhoff is way better in their scenes together. She also seems to have a better role. As for "John," check in after the second show, Stacy. What I watched of it felt even talkier than the first episode, and I was restless early. But I'll probably take a longer look at it.
June 18th, 2007 at 9:44 am
Still diggin' it. I watch a lot of TV and I'm always excited when a new show introduces multi-dimensional characters or unusual structure (Twin Peaks, Heroes, The X-Files). Hopefully the show can maintain … or it could be Lost.
I was saddened (but not surprised) by Shaun's surfing accident. Obviously it's supposed to help drive the show's "supernatural" angle. I find Bill's paranoia charming. I hope Mitch and Butchie don't argue like teenagers in every episode. John is there to help the boys. Not quite sure how, just yet. His frequent question (What do you want, Butchie?) speaks volumes. I suppose you gotta have the bad guys (Cass and Linc) but I hope the Yost family dysfunction plays out a bit longer before they dominate the show.
June 23rd, 2007 at 10:57 am
I will try to give it another look.