Sometimes watching a TV series can be heart-breaking. Sure, a favourite character could be killed off, or some new characters come in who you’re not really that keen on. But nothing can be worse than having your favourite show cancelled, right? Wrong.

Denis Leary’s show about a bunch of firemen living and working in NY was picked up by Sky One. It played out for three series then... blew out like a pilot light. Here’s the thing though, the series continued to air in the States. It was offered to other UK channels, but none of them decided to pick it up. So while UK viewers languish in a state of limbo, The US is currently enjoying the remaining episodes of the show’s fifth series, with a sixth on its way.

So what is a UK fan of the show to do? Well, currently, this is the latest series available on DVD region 2, which has already aired in this country. If you have a multi-region machine, the fourth season is available on import. If not, well, you’re a bit stuffed really.

This third though, is a cracker, and even if you have already seen it, it’s well worth watching again.

Aren't you supposed to pin the tail on a donkey? That's no donkey...

It picks up where the dramatic series two finale left off, with Tommy (Leary) and the rest of the family coming to terms with the loss of son Connor. It’s a series with not only the regulars enjoying their fair share of great lines, but also a nice bundle of guest stars: Marisa Tomei, Susan Sarandon and Tatum O’Neal all show up along the way.

What manages to cement the show however, is the often inane banter between the crew of Ladder 62: the ribbing, the name-calling and the silly put-downs. This, balanced with the fight many of them are having with their inner demons, makes this a show that, quite frankly, still deserves to be shown on our screens. Which begs the question: which TV acquisitions peep's desk do we have to set a fire under?