Premise: Set primarily in Los Angeles, “Ray Donovan” delves into the life of its titular character, a “fixer” for a powerful law firm. Ray’s job is to make the problems of the city’s elite vanish, often employing morally questionable means. While he’s adept at managing the lives and troubles of others, Ray’s personal life is a chaotic mess, deeply influenced by his troubled past in South Boston and a complicated relationship with his family.
Main Characters:
- Ray Donovan (Liev Schreiber): The cool-headed and emotionally distant fixer. His traumatic childhood casts a shadow over his present, affecting his relationships and moral choices.
- Mickey Donovan (Jon Voight): Ray’s estranged father and a career criminal, he constantly complicates Ray’s life upon his unexpected return from prison.
- Abby Donovan (Paula Malcomson): Ray’s wife, who grapples with her own issues while trying to maintain her family’s cohesion amidst chaos.
- Terry Donovan (Eddie Marsan) and Bunchy Donovan (Dash Mihok): Ray’s brothers, each with their own set of challenges. Terry is a former boxer with Parkinson’s, and Bunchy is a sexual abuse survivor trying to find his way.
Themes: “Ray Donovan” tackles themes of trauma, family dynamics, moral ambiguity, and the stark contrast between the glitzy façade of Hollywood and its dark underbelly. The series delves deep into how past traumas can affect present decisions, the lengths one would go for family, and the blurry lines between right and wrong in a city built on illusions.
Critical Consensus & Rating: 3.9/5. “Ray Donovan” was largely praised for its sharp writing, gritty portrayal of Los Angeles, and stellar performances, particularly those of Liev Schreiber and Jon Voight. However, some critics felt the series occasionally drifted into melodrama and didn’t fully utilize its ensemble cast.
TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-MA. The series contains mature themes, explicit language, violence, and sexual content, making it suitable for mature audiences.
Broadcast Details: “Ray Donovan” aired on Showtime from 2013 to 2020.
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Streaming Services:
Currently available to stream on Paramount+
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