Ep 5. Sparks

Tommy Gavin isn't coping well with the recent tragedy that hit his family at the start of Rescue Me season 3 and episode 5, titled "Sparks." Though he's been trying to power on, the emotions are starting to catch up with him, and he's struggling to balance his role as a firefighter, friend, and father.

The episode starts off with Tommy in full-throttle mode, trying to distract himself from negative thoughts by focusing on his work. He and his fellow firefighters get into a heated argument when Lou breaks the rules and takes a nap during their shift. While tensions between the men are high, things take a turn for the worse when a call comes in about a fire on Roosevelt Island.

Tommy's initial excitement to be out in the field again quickly wanes when he realizes that it's his own house that's on fire. The guys work tirelessly to put out the blaze, but the damage has been done. Tommy's wife Janet and his daughter Colleen end up moving out, and he's left feeling even more adrift than before.

Throughout the episode, we see Tommy trying to connect with his young daughter by taking her out for ice cream and apologizing for yelling at her earlier on. He's also trying to make amends with his estranged wife, but she's not interested in his attempts at reconciliation. Tommy feels stuck in a rut, uncertain of what the future holds, and unsure of how to move forward.

"Sparks" does an excellent job of showing the complexity of Tommy's character. On the one hand, he's a dedicated firefighter who is passionate about his job and committed to saving lives. On the other hand, he's a flawed individual who has made mistakes in his personal life and struggles with guilt and regret.

One of the most memorable scenes in the episode takes place when Tommy attends a group therapy session for 9/11 survivors. Though he's reluctant to go at first, he eventually opens up about his feelings of despair and hopelessness. The others in the group are able to connect with him on a deep level, and Tommy begins to see that he's not alone in his struggles.

Overall, "Sparks" is a poignant episode that does an excellent job of humanizing the characters on Rescue Me. It's a reminder that life is messy and complicated, and that even the toughest of firefighters can struggle with their emotions and relationships. The episode also sets the stage for some interesting developments later on in the season, as we see how Tommy's personal struggles impact his work and relationships with others.