Pratfalls, Laughs and Lots of Moustache
Kevin Heffernan and Steve Lemme have tons of experience as comedy writers and performers. The duo are part of the comedy troupe, Broken Lizard, that produced such well-known titles as Super Troopers, Club Dread and Beerfest. In 2019, their sitcom, Tacoma FD, debuted on TruTV. It streams on Hulu, along with the wrap up talk show, Talkoma FD.
The Cast
The show features Heffernan as fire station Chief Terry McConky and Lemme as Captain Eddie Penisi. The rest of the station crew includes Andy (Eugene Cordero), medic “Granny” Smith (Marcus Henderson), and firefighter/exotic dancer Ike (Gabriel Hogan.) They are joined by the newcomer, aka “probie”, Lucy (Hassie Harrison.) Lucy just happens to be the chief’s daughter, and as the only female, she is constantly fighting for her equal voice and rights on the crew.
Many of the hijinx come from the writers’ real world experiences. They also play on stereotypical aspects of the firefighter community. This includes the constant rivalry with the local police department, pride in their facial hair, and firehouse superstitions.
The Cameos
The Tacoma crew never hesitate to bring in additional talent to tell their stories. Broken Lizard members Nat Faxon and Paul Soter show up. Ventriliquist Jeff Dunham shows up with a dummy that needs mouth to mouth. Blade Runner actress Joanna Cassidy plays former sex bombshell Trudy Towers. Suzy Nakamura steals every scene as councilwoman Linda Price.
Joe Pantoliano shows up late in Season One as Penisi’s father, Eddie, Sr. The direction for the storied actor was most likely “just be Joe Pantoliano.” Martin Starr plays the super goth LARP-master, Toethar.
The Format
Each episode tells its own story, usually with a cold open. As the series begins, McConky’s station has earned a reputation for troublemaking and not being professional. This is followed by the rivalry with the cops. There are some one-off jokes like when the team responds to a marijuana dispensary on fire. Another favorite is when an arsonist hits an adult toy shop and the sign language interpreter mimes the various objects destroyed in the fire.
One more aspect is the recurring jokes, like the captain’s proclamation, “I’m Eddie Penisi” or the fact that the chief has one testicle. Ike gets at least one exotic dance routine per season, showing off Hogan’s physique. Members of the team routinely get to interact with other stations, shifts, or groups, which gives them some new perspective.
Conclusion
Tacoma FD is a fast-paced sitcom with a talented cast and years of experience. Lemme and Heffernan have great chemistry together and both are fearless in the name of comedy. Cordero, Hogan and Henderson are open to any challenge from the directors and writing room. Harrison is a standout since Lucy’s dynamic is so different from the others.
The show provides an endless supply of physical comedy, great dialogue, and ridiculous scenarios. It’s well written and delivered by a talented cast, enhanced by an endless stream of cameos and co-stars.