Sometimes, I like it when a TV show teases me. For instance, on serial dramas like "Lost" or "Damages," when there's a question raised and left unanswered for a few episodes, it frustrates me, but it also intrigues me. It keeps me involved, and keeps me watching.

But, sometimes a tease is just cruel. Take the 10 "Rescue Me" shorts that FX is airing this summer. Originally, the series was to start its fifth season this summer. However, my good friend the writers' strike messed that up, and the new season won't air until some time next year.

In an attempt to appease fans who have gotten used to seeing the show in the summer, FX decided to air the shorts, which it's dubbing "minisodes." Each is five minutes long and airs at 10 p.m. Tuesdays. The shorts are also available online at www.crackle.com the day after their original airing. The first 'sode aired last week and, I must admit, it didn't sate my "Rescue Me" appetite.

In fact, it made me more annoyed with the series than ever.

"Rescue Me" is a show with which I have a complicated relationship. It's an odd combination of comedy and drama centering on a group of New York firefighters. The main character is Tommy Gavin (Denis Leary), a womanizing, alcoholic emotional mess. Most of his co-workers are equally dysfunctional but, somehow, still lovable. The show is a lot of fun when it focuses on the camaraderie between the guys. However, it sometimes loses its way. I've written before about how I don't like the show's depiction

Advertisement
of its female characters, most of whom are completely irrational, shrill and unlikable.

I also think the show builds up certain storylines with little or no payoff. For instance, Leary and others involved with the show said there would be a big, shocking development last season involving Tommy's estranged wife Janet (Andrea Roth).

I watched all of last season and, if there was such a twist, I couldn't tell you what it was. Did I miss it? Did they save it for a later season? What happened?

In fact, last season in general was a bit lackluster. With the exception of the suicide of the crew's beloved chief Jerry (Jack McGee), there were few of the shocking, over-the-top moments the show is known for. And what was with that plot twist at the end that had Tommy running around in his dead cousin's fire uniform?

Yes, the series was still funny, but it was sorely in need of a tune-up. Others thought so too. So, you'd think Leary and the other creative minds behind "Rescue Me" would take the break provided by the strike to go back to the drawing board and fix some things.

But no.

They decided instead to use at least part of that time to make the minisodes. Now, I admit that I enjoyed last week's 'sode, which centered around dim-witted Sean (Steve Pasquale), maybe my favorite character, embarking on a cleansing fast. It was nice to see the guys again; nice to hear the coarse but hilarious banter between them.

Then, in just a few minutes, it was over. And I was left wondering what the point was. This didn't take the edge off my "Rescue Me" craving. It made me miss the show even more. Plus, it seems like time ill spent. Why waste the show's talented cast and writers on a bunch of skits when they can focus all of that talent and energy on making the series better than ever?

I don't know.

Will I watch the remaining minisodes? Eh. Maybe. I do like seeing the guys again. But they're gone so quickly, I'm left feeling lost, empty and satisfied.

It is, as I insinuated before, a tease. And not in a good way.

Newsroom@ctpost.com Amanda Cuda can be reached at acuda@ctpost.com. Visit her blog at forum.connpost.com/turnedon.