It's the last week of summer -- booooo! But that means that television will finally start to heat up in earnest next week, and that deserves a yay! One of the pleasures of this summer was Rescue Me, which favored us with an extra long season (by cable standards) to make up for its strike-induced absence last year. While the star turn of Denis Leary, who will never stop being underrated for his work here due to his career as a comedian, remains a major pleasure, what I appreciate most about the series is its evocation of life on the job, and what we learn about the kinds of people who fight fires for a living.

The fifth season finale (FX, Tuesday 10 p.m.) is titled "Drink," which might be seen as ominous considering Tommy's predilections. Sheila's plans go off the rails, setting additional problems in motion. And the latest tragedy to befall the Gavins is felt particularly hard by Teddy, although the extent of his pain may not be recognized until it's too late. This is a series that isn't afraid to end its seasons with enormous downers, so I'm worried for pretty much everyone.

Also this week:

Monday: The Rachel Zoe Project (Bravo, 10 p.m.): I don't know if I had forgotten this series was still on the air, or if I had blotted it out from my mind. This week's crisis: the Oscars are upon us, and nominee Anne Hathaway (she's a Zoe client?) needs the perfect red carpet gown. Also, Taylor wonders if she is wearing out her welcome.

Wednesday: Man vs. Wild (Discovery, 9 p.m.): Bear Grylls visits Texas, which is exotic and potentially deadly -- and that's just the cheerleader competitions. The deserts of southwest Texas contain brutal terrain and a whole bunch of rattlesnakes, which should provide Bear with not just a good meal, but a chance to upgrade his wardrobe.

Thursday: Real Housewives of Atlanta (Bravo, 10 p.m.): We're being promised that an actual crisis more serious than a restaurant losing a reservation strikes one of the Housewives this week. Elsewhere on this potential Very Special Episode, NeNe takes charge at a photo shoot, and Kim's numerous demands may have her new nanny walking right back out the door.

Friday: Kevin Nealon: Now Hear Me Out (Showtime, 9:30 p.m.): I was barely even aware the Weeds star had a stand-up act. This taped concert appearance features Nealon covering topics such as becoming a father in middle age, people who get under your skin, and phrases that don't make any sense. I guess he saves all his cutting edge for the marijuana scenes.

Saturday: The Bill Engvall Show (TBS, 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.): Should we conclude anything from the time slot that TBS gave this series? The third season ends with Bill being none too helpful as Trent prepares to get his first car (first episode); and the Pearsons finding themselves arguing with their neighbor over the critical matter of trash cans (second episode).

Sunday: Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami (E!, 10 p.m.): Maybe I've just gotten too cynical, but I'm wondering if Kourtney's breakup with Scott/pregnancy/makeup with Scott sequence was all about creating storylines for this show. On this episode, the (cough) single Kourtney sows wild oats in the Miami night, while Khloe hosts a charity lookalike contest featuring transsexuals. Since when is Khloe famous enough to impersonate?

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