Ep 10. Solo

Tommy Gavin, played by Denis Leary, has gone through a series of tumultuous events since the beginning of Rescue Me. He's struggled with his alcoholism, the death of his cousin, Jimmy, and the new ownership of the fire department. At the beginning of season four, Tommy is still reeling from a recent tragedy that shakes his entire world. He's lost his daughter Katie in a car accident, and is quickly spiraling out of control. In episode ten, "Solo," Tommy's world comes crashing down once again.

The episode centers around the FDNY's annual sports day where they compete against other firehouses in various events. Tommy has always been competitive and eager to win, but this time, he's taking things too far. He's seeing hallucinations of his daughter and is drinking even more heavily than usual. Despite everyone's concerns, Tommy goes ahead and competes in the solo event, which involves climbing a tall building.

As the competition gets underway, Tommy's drinking and reckless behavior become apparent. He struggles to climb the building and eventually falls, injuring himself badly. The incident forces the department to confront Tommy's ongoing struggles with alcoholism and his emotional instability. The episode ends on a somber note as Tommy is taken away on a stretcher, leaving his colleagues and family to worry about his future and well-being.

One of the overarching themes of "Solo" is the toll that trauma can take on first responders. Tommy has seen a lot of horror and death as a firefighter, and his inability to cope has led to a downward spiral. The episode highlights how critical it is for first responders to have support systems in place to help them deal with the mental and emotional tolls of the job.

Another significant theme of the episode is the importance of community and comradeship. The annual sports day is a bonding experience for the firefighters, and even though Tommy's behavior sets him apart from the group, his colleagues still rally around him when he's injured. The episode underscores how essential it is for firefighters to have each other's backs, and how the bonds they share can help them overcome even the most difficult challenges.

Overall, "Solo" is a powerful episode of Rescue Me that highlights the ongoing struggles of its main character. It's a poignant reminder of the emotional and physical toll that comes with the job of a first responder, and how important it is to have support systems in place. While the events of the episode are heartbreaking, they serve as a testament to the resilience and strength of the men and women who risk their lives to keep others safe.