Rescue Me..back on April 7th

[BABY1]

Tweet5 Things You Didn't Know

One of the most successful shows of recent years, FX’s Rescue Me is also one of television's most provocative and controversial series, confronting a broad range of topics, such as rape, homophobia, drug abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder. On the other hand, Rescue Me -- which follows the trials and tribulations of FDNY fire fighter Tommy Gavin in a post-9/11 world -- is a Denis Leary gig all the way, meaning the show is sarcastic, intelligent and, of course, funny as hell.

Denis Leary's connection to firefighters is both deep and personal; he runs the Leary Firefighters Foundation, a non-profit foundation that raises money for various causes associated with fire departments in New York and the New England area. In recognition of one of cable's best shows, we present five things you didn't know about Rescue Me.

1- It features actual 9/11 artifacts

The first of our five things you didn't know about Rescue Me is that it has featured actual artifacts from 9/11. The most notable of these pieces came in the show's pilot episode, when Denis Leary wore a turnout jacket (part of a firefighter's external protective gear) that belonged to New York firefighter Captain Patrick "Paddy" Brown, one of the hundreds of FDNY personnel who died in the 9/11 terror attacks.

The tragedy of 9/11 is not the only inspiration behind Rescue Me; Denis Leary's cousin and a childhood friend were among six firefighters who died in the Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse fire in Worcester, Massachusetts.

2- Battalion 15 is a real FDNY battalion

Rescue Me centers on Denis Leary's character, Tommy Gavin, and other firefighters who work out of Engine 62, Battalion 15 in New York City, a station whose personnel, like those across the city, was utterly devastated by the 9/11 terror attacks. Perhaps not coincidentally, there is a real Battalion 15 in the Bronx, known as the "Wakefield Warriors." There is also an Engine 62, Ladder 32, which is also in the Bronx and home to the "Gunhill Gang."

3- Michael J. Fox will be in Season 5

Another thing you didn't know about Rescue Me is who will be appearing in Season 5: somewhat reclusive actor Michael J. Fox. Fox will play the new love interest for Janet Gavin, the ex-wife of Leary's character and the woman over whom he obsesses to the point of spying on the men she dates. It will be the first substantial acting work in a few years for Fox, who suffers from Parkinson's disease. Most recently, Michael had recurring roles on both Boston Legal and Scrubs.

4- Denis Leary turned down The Departed to do Rescue Me

The fourth point of the five things you didn't know about Rescue Me concerns what Denis Leary passed on in order to commit his time and talent to the show. Reportedly, Denis Leary had been tapped to appear in Martin Scorsese's The Departed along with Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon, but chose to do the show instead. His role ultimately went to Mark Wahlberg, and the film went on to win four Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture. He also reportedly turned down a role in Bobby, the Emilio Estevez-directed film about the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy.

The last of the five things you didn't know about Rescue Me...

5- Denis Leary cowrites most episodes of Rescue Me

Besides being the creator of Rescue Me along with producer Peter Tolan, Denis Leary also stars in the show, produces it and cowrites a majority of the show's episodes, putting him squarely in control of a television show that enjoys both commercial and critical success. These episodes aren't Leary's first writing credits. In addition to his own stand-up material, Leary is credited as a writer on the TV show The Job (which he also cocreated with Peter Tolan) and on 1996's Two If By Sea, among other credits.

[BoobooKitty]

TweetCan't wait for this show to come back on. I love it!!!!!

[daved150]

Tweeti really like this show. i think it's awsome. just pisses me off that it goes 10 years between seasons!! i cant even remember where it left off!!!

[Doink the clown]

Tweet^^^^they held the show for so long due to overall tv ratings being bad on all the networks.I think this show rocks.

[BABY1]

TweetDon't forget!! It's back on tonight!

[daved150]

Tweetjeez...too many shows to watch!! i think fringe is tonight too!!!

[FUZO]

Tweetlast nights episode was kick ass

[daved150]

Tweetyep...good show. now what? 6mo's or so we should get antother episode......that is, unless they move american idol to a second channel!!!