The notion of subjectivity has been a driving force in this season of Rescue Me – especially as it pertains to the events of 9/11 and its effects on the first responders and their loved ones. Franco’s steadfast dismissal of the government’s “official report”, Lou’s melancholic poetry, Tommy’s insular repression, and Sheila’s downward spiral are all held up to the light by Genevieve, the inquisitive French reporter—and in turn, we learn things about these characters that were previously hidden from view.

It’s fitting, though, that this should be the episode called “Perspective,” because not only do we finally discover how Tommy really feels about what he calls “the greatest rescue mission in the history of the service,” but we also find out how Genevieve, the foreigner, feels about that day. She tells Tommy that France tried to warn America—citing the Algerian War as a learning experience—and goes on to reminisce about the good will that was lost as quickly as it was gained in light of America's vengeful wars. Moments after she encourages Tommy to dig deep, she leaves him dumbfounded, angry, and grasping for words.

Franco, for his part, finds that his controversial views on the subject of 9/11 sit poorly with his countrymen, leading to encounters with everyone in 62 Truck, a "visiting" firehouse from Brooklyn, and Sheila, who asks him not to turn her husband’s death into a hobby. Actor Daniel Sunjata’s pet cause took a beating on the show this week—it will be interesting to see if his opinions are granted more leeway later in the season.

This episode also benefited from Sean Garrity’s deft balancing act of drama and comedy. He had some truly dark material to work with, so the fact that he managed to turn a consultation with his cancer doctor into the episode’s funniest moment is a minor triumph. Likewise, his use of subterfuge to convince Mike into letting him hold the bar's earnings was inspired. Rescue Me has a long history of killing off major characters, but let’s hope Garrity makes it through this battle.

Watch "Perspective" again—or for the first time—at the Showcase video centre, where it's streaming for a limited time.

Final thoughts:
-To witness Tommy talking about the World Trade Center buildings while standing outside Ground Zero, it’s amazing to think that FX originally wanted to try and film this show in Toronto. Sure, it worked for Death Wish 5, but this is a show about New York City…
-For the second week in a row, there was no montage at the end of the episode. It’s a welcome change for longtime viewers, and it’s one that's working quite well.
-Janet and Tommy’s firehouse scrap was as close to a “love scene” as we’ve seen between these two in quite a while. Predictions on those two getting back together before the season is through? It’s well-worn territory, but you never know…
-“How do I tell Tommy his daughter’s a slut?”