The fallout from Tommy's 9/11 interview hits like a ton of bricks, and reporter Pam Keppler begins probing Tommy's personal life as well, which promises to bode ill for everyone in 62 Truck. So Needles proposes "to fight fire with fire," but Franco won't go along. Meanwhile, Sean works up the nerve to confront Emily over "the smell," and Tommy lays down the law to his family (Sheila included).

Lou delivers Tommy's letters to Sheila and Janet behind Tommy's back. And "Francostein" runs a tight firehouse as Lou's interim replacement. Then he gets an opportunity to test his leadership skills on a call.