Ray Donovan

(series)
Trailer 2
USA, (2013–2020), 74 h 49 min (Length: 45–61 min)

Creators:

Ann Biderman

Composer:

Marcelo Zarvos

Cast:

Liev Schreiber, Paula Malcomson, Eddie Marsan, Kate Moennig, Kerris Dorsey, Frank Whaley, Jon Voight, Elliott Gould, Ambyr Childers, Devon Bagby (more)
(more professions)

Seasons(7) / Episodes(82)

Plots(1)

Set in the mecca of the rich and famous, Ray Donovan does the dirty work for L.A.'s top power players. The series stars Liev Schreiber as the go-to guy who makes the problems of the city's celebrities, superstar athletes, and business moguls disappear. This powerful drama unfolds when his father, Mickey Donovan, is unexpectedly released from prison, setting off a chain of events that shakes the Donovan family to its core. Ray works with two associates – his #1, Avi, an imposing Israeli, and Lena, a laconic, hardboiled lesbian who serves as his #2. Most of Ray's work is for the most powerful law firm in town led by his confidante and mentor Ezra Goodman, and his partner, Lee Drexler. The only problems he can't fix are those involving his own family. Ray's brother Bunchy was abused by a priest and now can't stay sober; his brother Terry was left in the boxing ring too long and developed Parkinson's; and the ghost of their little sister -- who committed suicide when she was a teenager -- haunts them all. Additionally, his wife Abby is still adjusting to their suburban life while raising their two children, Bridget and Conor. To Ray, all of their problems can be traced back to one person: their father Mickey, a gangster with the Irish mob who never protected his family. But everything is turned upside down when Mickey, after twenty years in a cage, makes his way to Los Angeles and is hungry for revenge. He wants money, a new life, and his place at the head of his family. (official distributor synopsis)

(more)

Reviews of this series by the user Necrotongue (78)

Horses (2017) (S05E08) 

English Every time I praise something, it seems to backfire. I get that the eighth episode's topic might deeply affect some people, and I apologize in advance, but for me, it was pure agony. I'm not exactly living the dream myself (more like just getting by), so I watch movies and TV shows for entertainment, not to sit through a fifty-minute-long drawn-out suicide. It felt like boredom mixed with a heavy dose of emotional manipulation. ()

Mister Lucky (2017) (S05E09) 

English After the previous episode's letdown, the series got back on track, even though the creators couldn't proceed without throwing in some cancer drama. The story moved at a much faster pace and the plot was more engaging, so I wasn't bored at all. However, it did feel a bit odd that Maria wasn't mentioned at all. 3*+ ()

Bob the Builder (2017) (S05E10) 

English The episode wasn't perfect, but I was thrilled to finally see some developments that I actually enjoyed. It's amazing how much more engaging the show becomes when I'm not constantly checking the clock. ()

Michael (2017) (S05E11) 

English Just when I thought things were picking up, the show's pace unpleasantly slowed down. Maybe I would've been more forgiving if Bridget was even a little likable, but as it stands, it was a bit of a snooze. And the new twist between Brandon and Theresa didn't do much to improve things either. ()

Time Takes a Cigarette (2017) (S05E12) 

English Finally an episode I can praise. Things were happening non-stop, keeping me engaged the whole way through. I'll just ignore that rather obvious nod to MeToo. Overall, it's definitely the standout episode of the season for me. ()

Season 6 (2018) (S06) 

English What a psycho season. The slow-paced and lackluster story in the first half made me think I was wasting my time but the second half brought a significant improvement and the last four episodes only confirmed it. Although this season was far from perfect, it definitely beat the previous oncological nightmare. ()

Staten Island, Part One (2018) (S06E01) 

English This episode introduced a major change: the storyline moved to New York. That’s the only thing I’m sure about right now. I’m hesitant to make any judgments about the other developments just yet. For now, I’m sticking with three stars and waiting to see how the creators will impress me. ()

Staten Island, Part Two (2018) (S06E02) 

English The story's pace wasn't sluggish, but it wasn't exactly gripping either. Ray's handling of the tricky situation was a highlight for me, but I can't say I'm thrilled about the return of that old plotline from the first season involving Brandon and Mickey. ()

He Be Tight. He Be Mean. (2018) (S06E03) 

English The third episode felt like a really bad joke. Sure, there were some highlights, like Ray's attempt to sway a TV debate, but the rest? An escaped convict cruising from Los Angeles to New York without a soul batting an eyelid? Seriously? And let's not even get started on Jay's kidnapping. When night falls, it seems like the security for movie stars just vanishes into thin air. It's all a bit too much, to be honest. ()

Pudge (2018) (S06E04) 

English There's definitely a noticeable improvement compared to the previous episode. I was even considering giving it four stars. But then came Terry. Ever since the first season, the creators have been drilling it into my head that the only Donovan with a screw loose is Brandon, and now this. Well, let's see how it all pans out... ()

Ellis Island (2018) (S06E05) 

English Despite Bridget's occasionally grating presence and Ray's peculiar journey, I decided to bump up my rating to four stars. The plot managed to keep me entertained, particularly Ray's dealings with the political assignment. 4*- ()

A Girl Named Maria (2018) (S06E06) 

English The sixth episode showed promise, and I felt the creators did a much better job with the characters' emotions this time. But then, Mickey and Brandon stole the spotlight. The bus robbery scene, coupled with the lack of police response, left me disappointed. And when the same scenario played out during the bank robbery, I was downright frustrated. ()

The 1-3-2 (2018) (S06E07) 

English The seventh episode was a fun ride for me. I dug how things heated up around Ray's political gig. It's cool to see Ray staying on top of his game amidst all the chaos, while others struggle to keep pace. Mickey, though, kind of soured things for me, the old man's escape from the policeman had me scratching my head. ()

Who Once Was Dead (2018) (S06E08) 

English Gotta say, the second half of the sixth season is shaping up way better than the first. Even this episode wasn't half bad, though I could've done without Bridget's tearjerker moment – but hey, that's just me not clicking with that character. ()

Dream On (2018) (S06E09) 

English The ninth episode wasn't exactly flawless, but I chose to overlook the hiccups this time because, for the first time in the last two seasons, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole ride. It had momentum, kept me engaged throughout, and even Ray's face-to-face meeting with Bridget didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. ()

Baby (2018) (S06E10) 

English I'm not sure if it's a smart move for the creators to hold onto the best episodes until the last third. It could end up driving viewers away if they have to slog through boredom to get to the good stuff. But hey, I'm still here, and I gotta say, I was pretty darn satisfied with this episode. ()

Never Gonna Give You Up (2019) (S06E11) 

English I absolutely loved the blend of horror and black humor in this one, but I have to admit, Sandy got on my nerves a bit. I mean, Jake brings enough comedic relief to the table for me. Overall, though, the action was solid, the tension was real, and the atmosphere was on point. ()

The Dead (2019) (S06E12) 

English The finale of Season 6 wrapped things up with a bit of a mixed bag for me. On one hand, that blood-soaked opening scene was intense, blending slaughter with cemetery vibes. But then, it took a sharp turn into this tender winter romance that felt a tad out of left field. The sudden reversal on Bridget's character arc felt a bit like the onset of real schizophrenia. ()