"Rescue Me" (TV)

Season 4 of "Rescue Me" is now on DVD and I couldn't wait! This is an excellent show. Original episodes appear on the channel FX, but I don't have cable/sat. Denis Leary is a New York firefighter who is battling multiple demons -- alcohol, drugs, infidelity and the ghosts of fellow firefighters who died September 11, including his close-as-brother cousin. By Season 4, he is trying out clean and sober with OK results. I have to say, I think I liked the first three seasons better although this one still holds up well. Maybe I just like the drunk and drugged out Tommy Gavin better? A lot of folks compare this to "The Sopranos" and I can see similarities: very flawed main characters, a terrific large ensemble cast with story lines of their own and great writing with very creative cursing and insults (my favorite). If you liked "The Sopranos," you will probably like "Rescue Me." But "Rescue Me" is by no means an imitation and has a lot to offer on its own. *****