I just have to dive in and say that I adore this show and am nothing shy of elated that it's FINALLY back on the air with a new season on FX.
I'll update this review with more detail & perspective, but here's a top-line take.
It's in that rare genre of incredibly authentic shows. The characters feel like real people you've known forever - especially if you have the pleasure of knowing any blue collar new yorkers.
Dennis Leary is masterful. His brilliant role is SO dialed in that it's palpable, disturbing, and heartwarming all at the same time. The ensemble cast is impeccable - particularly those who act so well that you can easily love to hate and/or be annoyed by them.
The toggle between heavy drama and slapstick jr-high-locker-room comedy is nothing short of fine art. Seriously. And it feels real - really, really real. Which is so very refreshing - whether or not it's actually true to life - a good drama should leave you convinced that it IS.
Catch up from the start, and prepare to scrape your jaw up multiple times an episode.