Ep 3. Balls

Tommy Gavin and the rest of his firehouse crew return in Rescue Me season 2 episode 3, titled "Balls". The episode centers around Tommy's struggle with his old drinking habits, which come to the forefront when he's given a bottle of wine by a friend. Meanwhile, the crew is called to a chaotic scene involving a woman who is attempting to kill herself using a chainsaw.

As the episode begins, we see Tommy struggling with his sobriety as he attends an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. He shares with the group the difficulty he has had since his wife's death, but he is hesitant to commit to the program fully. After the meeting, he runs into an old friend, Genevieve, who invites him to her apartment for dinner and a bottle of wine. Tommy is initially hesitant, but he ultimately agrees to go.

At the firehouse, the rest of the crew is busy preparing for a charity event where they'll be playing softball against the police department. Lou, the firehouse's resident know-it-all, takes charge of the team and insists on choosing the line-up himself. When Tommy shows up after his dinner with Genevieve, Lou confronts him for being late and not being a team player.

Soon after, the crew is dispatched to a call where they find a woman in her backyard attempting to cut off her own leg with a chainsaw. The situation quickly escalates as the woman becomes more frantic and aggressive towards the firefighters. The episode illustrates the inherent danger faced by firefighters as they rush in to save lives. The scene is intense and chaotic, serving as a reminder of the bravery displayed by first responders every day.

Back at the firehouse, Tommy is struggling with his decision to drink the wine with Genevieve. His sobriety is tested as he reflects on his past and the events that led to him joining AA. He seeks advice from Father Phil, the chaplain of the firehouse, who reminds him that addiction is a lifelong journey and that he must be vigilant in order to stay sober.

As the softball game approaches, the firefighters are ready to take on the police department. However, they quickly realize that they're underprepared and outmatched. The game is riddled with mistakes, and the firefighters quickly fall behind. In an effort to motivate his team, Lou reveals that he's been diagnosed with testicular cancer, and that his upcoming surgery has left him feeling scared and vulnerable. His vulnerability spurs the firefighters to rally and win the game, even though they previously seemed destined for a loss.

The episode concludes with Tommy seeking guidance from his deceased cousin, who appears to him in a dream. His cousin reminds him of the importance of sobriety and of the loved ones who rely on him. Tommy wakes up renewed, determined to stay sober and be there for his family and friends.

Overall, Rescue Me season 2 episode 3 is a powerful exploration of addiction, bravery in the face of danger, and the importance of community. It's a poignant reminder that firefighters are not just first responders, but also individuals with complex lives and struggles. The episode showcases the show's fine acting and writing, which have made it a standout in the world of television dramas.