I could go on forever about the moral breaking, jaw-dropping scenes included in the roster of shows on the F/X network. With shows like Nip/Tuck, Dirt, The Shield, and Rescue Me, they all push limits that are both bold and perilous. Don't get me wrong though... I love 'em! I am not saying that breaking morals is good, but the network does an excellent job of getting a message through to viewers.
With summer now in full swing, that means Rescue Me has the spotlight. Besides Nip/Tuck, this is my favorite show on the network. Being about NYC firemen, the show is something that is easy to relate to with scenes including disoriented families, alcohol/drug problems, and relationship drama. The show stars Denis Leary, a hard-mouthed, alcoholism-fighting father of three. His daily struggles are mounted high with a newborn baby and an out of control 18-year-old daughter, not to mention the fires he battles on a regular basis by putting his life on the line.
Rescue Me is built around lies -- thick lies. These lies have destroyed friendships, families, and the inner soul of Tommy (Denis Leary). Still feeling the aftermath of 9/11, Tommy sees -- hallucinates -- all the people who have been close to him and died. It's quite an interesting twist in the show. Last night's episode contained the usual craziness with Tommy's daughter running away with her rock star boyfriend. Tommy finds her, scolds her and punches her boyfriend in the face. She yells at him, freaks out, and storms away with him. She refuses to get in the car with him going on a tirade of how it was hard to live at home with all the alcohol, lies, and cheating.
Tommy is taken back, but can you blame her?!? Being a lucky young man who grew up in a tight-knit family often referred to as 7th Heaven from friends, I have no idea what that would be like... thank God! The sad thing is, almost half my friends and people I know would. America has lost its family-oriented spirit. It is no wonder that we really do have kids running away from home and acting out! Sure, there are still strong families but not compared to how many there used to be. Let's use this summer to restore the ties -- both friendship and family.
Rescue Me is a great example of how I would never want things to end up in my life. With a messed up childhood it is no wonder Tommy is a lying/cheating jerk to a lot of people. He feels like he is a victim. But the thing is -- America loves him! I think he is a good guy, just gets thrown in the wrong situations. The truth can hurt, and life is not easy, but we must always remember: it is what we make of it that counts.
For these reasons, shows like this will continue to flourish. American cannot seem to get enough! I myself can't get enough of shows like Rescue Me, Nip/Tuck, etc. Why?! The excitement! The drama! And maybe... the cold reality of America.