Tacoma FD Initial Impressions

Over the past year, I had been hearing about the concept of the new TruTV show, Tacoma FD. For a channel like that, they have been trying their hand at getting some scripted material. Stuff like Those Who Can't, I'm Sorry, and maybe Amy Sedaris (Is that scripted? I feel like it is) have stuck around and have given chances to shine in the wake of many Impractical Jokers reruns (I like the show, doesn't mean it needs 10 hours of reruns like Law and Order on USA) For the first two episodes so far, they are hilarious and is the lighter firefighter version of Super Troopers.

This all starts with Terry McConkey, played by creator Kevin Heffernan. If you're expecting a Farva type guy, you're going to be disappointed since he is serious about the job. Things have to be done professionally, and Terry tries his best to keep things at bay, which usually fails. Doesn't help his friend, Eddie Penisi, played by creator Steve Lemme, is looking to cause mischief with the other firefighters. Given the other firefighters, they usually do what Eddie or Terry ask or tell them to do.

As far as the premise, Tacoma ain't great for battling fires. Wettest town in the country. But they still do stuff like get kids out of wells and help people get back into their homes after being locked out. The last episode involved a war between the cops, giving a Reno 911 type scenario, but with pranks instead of incompetence. And at the end of it, there is no happy ending for both sides. With the humor, I saw a bit of some of their stuff on a web series Heffernan and Lemme did back in 2013 and it works better here than it did on their web series. Some of the other ways of doing comedy is very laugh out loud.

My only concern will be whether this stuff will hold up for audiences and if they can do more with a second season if given a green light on that. I don't know. However, they could create some interesting moments with the next episode going forward when Terry's daughter joins the squad and how she handles the mischievous side of the group. For now, as a fan, I am sticking to it until it comes a point where there's a few mediocre episodes in a row.