This show is severely underrated. There's article after article about how hot the firefighters are (I'm not going to deny that's part of the initial draw), but after one episode, I promise you'll realize that doesn't make the top 5 reasons this show is amazing.
In fact, don't you worry, because I'll talk about the top 5 reasons and Taylor Kinney and Jesse Spencer's bodies won't be one of them.
THE CREW
Both the actors and the characters are diverse and unique. This isn't a crew of white, middle-class twenty-somethings complaining about their love lives and how hard their jobs are, which is actually hilarious because none of them are currently part of a successful romance (okay, one guy is happily married) and their jobs are basically impossible. While the focus was originally on Kelly (Kinney) and Casey (Spencer), the rest of the firehouse now receives an equal amount of attention. Dawson (Monica Raymund) and Shay (Lauren German), the house's resident EMTs, who are regrettably the only regular female characters, get their own storylines almost every week. It's a refreshing change of pace because they fill the roles well by being exactly as tough and smart as every other character on the show. They aren't treated like "females" specifically, but just like members of the family. Because that's what this group of people are: a family. They risk their lives for each other daily and force each other to be the best kind of firefighters, friends, and people they can possibly be. Whether it's Mills (the newest member) still learning the ropes or Mouch (the eldest member of the team) running for Union President or Otis (the group's comedic relief) causing general antics - they're never alone. Someone reaches out and assists, no questions asked. Like most workplace shows, there's a connection these characters share that no one else could possibly understand. And because their work is so difficult and dangerous, their bond only gets stronger with each emergency they handle. Maybe they have to cut a child out of the back of a car or climb crumbling stairs to save a family or maybe they're stuck handling an incoherent homeless man. Whatever it is, they do it with a level head, which requires a certain kind of person - the ability to juggle emotional turmoil and physical pain all at once over and over again is no simple feat. I think the most interesting aspect of this group is that they're all heroes. No one is more of a hero because all of them are doing the same job. These people aren't flawless, in fact, they're far from it, but they save lives everyday and they do it together regardless of any other drama they might be dealing with that day. And while doctors and the police are also heroic on a regular basis, there's just something about firefighters. They don't face any negative stigmas because all they do is run into horrific situations and bring innocent people to safety. I dare you not to love them.
THE INTENSITY
This is a show where the main characters almost die on a regular basis. And they'd be believable deaths, it's not like a soap opera that gives everyone cancer and then hits them with a car. They're always in dangerous situations because they have no choice. Because the show tries to remain true to the lives of firefighters, someone could be killed at any moment and I'd totally buy it. I think one of the most impressive aspects of this show is the detail they give to each accident. Often the characters arrive on the scene, handle the emergency, and then leave. Because that's what firefighters do, they don't investigate or give lasting medical care. They get in and out as fast and possible. On the show, this happens anywhere between three and seven times, yet each catastrophe is fully executed. There's no holding back because this is how horrible these accidents can really be. In fact, I read in an article when the show premiered that they try to base each incident on one that has actually happened - making them that much more terrifying to watch. They also fail and people die. This isn't failing exactly because it's usually not their fault - the injury was fatal or the death was immediate. But it's not like House where he miraculously cured almost every single patient to darken his hospital room. Aside from the fact that I have no experience being a victim or a savior in these situations, they feel incredibly real. Both dangerous and exhilarating so you're watching these scenes on the edge of your seat thinking "Why would anyone ever do this job?" and "Part of me wants to be on that ladder saving that kid's life."
THE STORY ARCS
This is going to be short because otherwise it's going to get really confusing. Essentially, this show is quick; they give arcs enough time to climax and then let them peter off. We don't have to watch two characters fight for some inane reason longer than friends actually would, which is extremely refreshing. The two in the picture (Mills and Dawson) have a ridiculously believable story arc. They meet, flirt, kiss, date, fight, make-up, fight, break up. It's real and it's quick and it's emotional. As exes they aren't best friends but they don't avoid each other either. Not everything has to be so freaking dire, and I appreciate that this show pick and chooses which storylines need time to fester before wrapping them up. There's still underlying tension over some decade-old lies, which makes sense. But a miscommunication regarding a one night stand was solved with a confession and a punch to the face. Maybe this is because they deal with life and death everyday, so while the rest of their lives are still important to them, they have some perspective, because at least they aren't drowning in a car.
THE RELATIONSHIPS
This is Kelly and Shay - they're best friends and it's awesome all the time. Since she's gay, there's no awkward sexual tension or unrequited love. They're simply best friends with a deep connection that they aren't afraid to discuss or fight for. Relationships on this show are often like that. The Chief is their boss and he has no problem acting like it, but he cares about his people and he tells them that regularly. While the crew bickers constantly and hazes the newbie daily, there's a love between them all that they cling on to. I'm starting to repeat myself because there isn't any other way to say it. These are good people deep down and while that's tested regularly, they never fail. Casey's best friend was killed in a fire, his wife later ends up in jail due to a DUI, and he takes her kids in without question. Kelly finds out that his ex-girlfriend is pregnant so Shay (his roommate) makes room for the rest of the family. Mouch's internet girlfriend comes to visit and despite the fact that the crew finds this endlessly amusing, they are nothing but kind to her. Maybe this all stems from their inherent need for each other, but either way the strength in their connection is forever unwavering.
THE FACES
I only promised I wouldn't talk about their bodies...
No comments:
Post a Comment