We'll be looking at the much-debated "rape scene" in the episode SPARKS. I refer you to the earlier post including readings on the show and on this particular episode for your review.
The female characters in the show have been written about my many television critics, with most writers agreeing the female characters, in particular Janet (Andrea Roth plays Tommy's ex-wife) and Sheila (Callie Thorne plays his cousin's widow and Tommy's on-off girlfriend) are very strongly written and acted.
Some very fine actresses have made cameo and regular appearances on the show, from Tatum O'Neal (who plays Tommy's self-destructive sister Maggie) and Maura Tierney (who plays a volatile love interest), to Gina Gershon, Marisa Tomei and Amy Sedaris. But the central female characters are the two who are seemingly constantly vying for Tommy Gavin's affections. The sexual politics (or "lady troubles" as some have called it) among the female characters certainly make for some of the show's most dramatic and dynamic moments.
When a face-off between Janet and Sheila finally occurred, it was generally agreed that it had been a long time coming. Fan forums discuss, often crudely, the relative merits of each. Interestingly these woman are well aware of Tommy's shortcomings, but can't seem to let go of him. Is this indicative of their weaknesses? Or Tommy's strengths? 
To be fair, both Janet and Sheila have their flaws: both are manipulative women who use sex to get what they want. For a meta-cultural take on this, real firefighters weigh in on the all-important question, Sheila or Janet?I'm interested in hearing your responses to the episode viewed in class in its full context, particularly whether you believe your response to it may have been affected by reading the internet discussions. Do you think the appellation of "rape" is appropriate for the aforementioned scene? Why or why not?
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