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The Best Episodes of Rescue Me Season 1

Every episode of Rescue Me Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Rescue Me Season 1!

Binge this in 9h 48m•Peaking at 8.7/10

The aftermath of 9/11 has left the firefighters of the NYFD traumatized, and no one more so than Tommy Gavin. Recently separated from his wife and their three kids, Tommy drifts between sorrow and anger

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Rescue Me Season 1 Episode 13 - Sanctuary
    8.7/10(326 votes)

    S1:E13

    The hockey game rematch between the NYPD and the FDNY is right around the corner and Tommy must figure out a plan to save himself from being pummeled by the cops who have it out for him. Tommy's relationship with Sheila is discovered by the guys and they must adhere to tradition to handle it in their own way. When Tommy is visited by his demons during a fire, Franco comes to his aid... with devastating results.

    Directors:Jace Alexander, Peter Tolan
    Writers:Denis Leary, Peter Tolan

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  2. Rescue Me Season 1 Episode 1 - Guts
    8.5/10(585 votes)

    S1:E1

    New York City firefighter, Tommy Gavin, cannot escape the ghosts of those who have died around him as he faces the everyday challenge of saving lives while trying to fix his own.

    Director:Peter Tolan
    Writers:Denis Leary, Peter Tolan

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  3. Rescue Me Season 1 Episode 4 - DNA
    8.3/10(359 votes)

    S1:E4

    A "friendly" date between Tommy and the widow of his dead cousin takes a unexpected turn when she makes a move on Tommy. Franco's ex-girlfriend shows up at the firehouse and claims he's the father of her five-year-old daughter, turning his life upside down.

    Director:Jace Alexander
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Rescue Me Season 1 Episode 8 - Inches
    8.3/10(331 votes)

    S1:E8

    Tommy attempts to handle the insanity of his father while defending Colleen's new lifestyle to Janet. At the firehouse, Sean and Mike the Probie unknowingly launch a full blown wager among the crew.

    Director:John Fortenberry
    Writer:Stephen Belber

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  5. Rescue Me Season 1 Episode 12 - Leaving
    8.3/10(282 votes)

    S1:E12

    When Janet needs more money to cover house repairs, Tommy turns to Uncle Teddy and his "little" friend to help him out with extra cash. When Franco's father has a stroke, Franco finds himself trying to juggle work and raising his daughter on his own. Meanwhile, a goodwill tribute to the firefighters lost in 9/11 goes awry and the firehouse is put in jeopardy.

    Director:Peter Tolan
    Writers:Denis Leary, Peter Tolan

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  6. Rescue Me Season 1 Episode 5 - Orphans
    8.2/10(332 votes)

    S1:E5

    Tommy comes to terms with the reality of his broken family as a result of a shocking experience with his father. When a freak accident occurs, Franco must make a life-changing decision, and Chief Reilly is forced to expose a family secret in order to save his career.

    Director:Jace Alexander
    Writer:Salvatore Stabile

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  7. Rescue Me Season 1 Episode 2 - Gay
    8.1/10(411 votes)

    S1:E2

    When a retired gay firefighter makes a published claim that several firemen who died in 9/11 were closeted gays, Chief Reilly is determined to set the record straight. While attempting to mask the pain of losing his wife and kids, Tommy does Jimmy a favor and spies on his widow which leads to a surprising discovery. The probie must deal with the unexpected repercussions of being a hero after making his first save in a fire.

    Director:John Fortenberry
    Writers:Denis Leary, Peter Tolan

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  8. Rescue Me Season 1 Episode 3 - Kansas
    8.1/10(365 votes)

    S1:E3

    Tommy decides to make life a living hell for his wife's new boyfriend by wreaking havoc on his business and finances. Meanwhile, Chief Reilly faces possible suspension as the result of an altercation with a fellow firefighter and Lou decides to share his poetry.

    Director:John Fortenberry
    Writers:Denis Leary, Peter Tolan

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  9. Rescue Me Season 1 Episode 6 - Revenge
    8.1/10(320 votes)

    S1:E6

    Tommy takes one step forward by convincing Janet to leave Roger but two steps backward when she stumbles onto his latest fling. The boys convince Sean to date a woman but neglect to tell him that she is actually a he. Franco discovers he can't shake his newfound fatherly instincts.

    Director:Adam Bernstein
    Writer:Michael Caleo

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  10. Rescue Me Season 1 Episode 11 - Mom
    8.1/10(287 votes)

    S1:E11

    While Tommy attempts to make reason of the chaos in his life, he continues to defy death while pulling dangerous stunts on the job. Lou admits his infidelity to his wife and receives an unexpected surprise. When tragedy strikes his family, Tommy must come to the rescue of his father.

    Director:Jace Alexander
    Writers:Denis Leary, Peter Tolan

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  11. Rescue Me Season 1 Episode 9 - Alarm
    8.0/10(303 votes)

    S1:E9

    When Tommy discovers a secret that Janet is keeping from him, he must come to terms with the possible consequences. At the firehouse, Chief Reilly preps the boys for their new female replacement. With the help of Franco and Sean, Tommy tracks down the man responsible for Billy's death.

    Director:John Fortenberry
    Writer:Salvatore Stabile

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  12. Rescue Me Season 1 Episode 10 - Immortal
    8.0/10(297 votes)

    S1:E10

    When Tommy struggles to help Janet in a financial crunch, he must turn to his Uncle Teddy to help him out. The new female addition to the house fights to be accepted by the guys while they do everything they can to drive her nuts. Just as Mike is getting fed up from sleeping on the firehouse couch, he is offered a helping hand with a free place to stay... at a steep price.

    Director:Jace Alexander
    Writers:Denis Leary, Peter Tolan

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  13. Rescue Me Season 1 Episode 7 - Butterfly
    7.9/10(312 votes)

    S1:E7

    When Tommy asks for extra vacation time, Chief Reilly tips him off on how to get a free two week vacation from headquarters. While building a deck for Tommy's neighbor, Tommy takes advantage of his "free" advice which leads him to make a bold move in reconciling with Janet.

    Director:Adam Bernstein
    Writer:Robert Krausz

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Sanctuary" is the best rated episode of "Rescue Me" season 1. It scored 8.7/10 based on 326 votes. Directed by Jace Alexander, Peter Tolan and written by Denis Leary, Peter Tolan, it aired on 10/13/2004. This episode is rated 0.2 points higher than the second-best, "Guts".