When Does Ray Donovan Get Good?
Fans of Ray Donovan will tell a new viewer that the show can feel like a slow burn, but has a rewarding run in the middle of the series, with highlights really coming in the third through fifth seasons. The story builds over time and the gritty narrative can be rewarding for fans of Liev Schreiber and Jon Voight.
What Fans Say
Ray Donovan fans often praise the show for its gritty storytelling, compelling characters, and masterful performances, particularly by Liev Schreiber as the titular character and Jon Voight as Mickey Donovan. The series explores the dark side of Hollywood and power dynamics, weaving complex familial drama with intense crime narratives. Fans appreciate the show’s mix of emotional depth and action-packed sequences, along with its ability to tackle themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. Many highlight the intricate relationships between Ray and his dysfunctional family as the heart of the show.
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What Haters Say
Critics of Ray Donovan often point to its sometimes repetitive themes and occasional over-reliance on melodrama. Some viewers feel that the show struggles to maintain its momentum across seasons, with plotlines that sometimes meander or feel overly familiar. Additionally, some detractors argue that while the show delivers strong performances, it can fall into the trap of being overly dark and humorless, making it harder for certain audiences to connect with its characters.
Does the Show Fall Off in Quality at Any Point?
Many fans and critics agree that Ray Donovan starts off strong, with its early seasons offering fresh and engaging storylines. However, by later seasons, some believe the show loses some of its edge, as certain plotlines become less impactful or overly convoluted. The seventh season and the abrupt cancellation before a proper finale left fans feeling the story was unresolved. Thankfully, the follow-up Ray Donovan: The Movie helped provide some closure, though opinions on its effectiveness vary.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
| Season | Rotten Tomatoes Rating | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 76% (Critics), 89% (Audience) | 8.3 |
| Season 2 | 75% (Critics), 85% (Audience) | 8.2 |
| Season 3 | 80% (Critics), 88% (Audience) | 8.3 |
| Season 4 | 87% (Critics), 85% (Audience) | 8.1 |
| Season 5 | 69% (Critics), 80% (Audience) | 8.0 |
| Season 6 | 86% (Critics), 83% (Audience) | 8.1 |
| Season 7 | 71% (Critics), 79% (Audience) | 7.9 |
Critics have largely praised Ray Donovan for its initial seasons, with many applauding its ability to combine family drama with the high-stakes world of Hollywood fixers. Schreiber’s and Voight’s performances have consistently earned acclaim, anchoring the show even when its storytelling falters. The series is lauded for its sharp dialogue and character-driven approach, but later seasons faced criticism for narrative stagnation and a reliance on familiar tropes. Despite its flaws, Ray Donovan remains a significant entry in the crime drama genre.
Overview of Ray Donovan
Ray Donovan premiered on Showtime in 2013, created by Ann Biderman. The series follows Ray Donovan, a fixer for the elite in Los Angeles, specializing in making problems disappear for celebrities, athletes, and business moguls. Ray is excellent at solving others’ problems but struggles to handle his own, particularly the chaotic dynamics of his Irish-American family.
The show deftly balances its focus on Ray’s professional exploits and his personal turmoil, often interweaving the two. Ray’s father, Mickey Donovan, played by Jon Voight, is a constant thorn in his side, bringing chaos and danger wherever he goes. Other key characters include Ray’s wife, Abby, and his brothers, Terry, Bunchy, and Daryll, each grappling with their own issues and contributing to the family drama.
Ray Donovan explores themes of loyalty, morality, and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. The series is known for its dark tone, intense performances, and ability to delve into the psychological complexities of its characters. It paints a vivid portrait of the underbelly of Los Angeles, blending Hollywood glamour with the gritty realities of crime and corruption.
Across its seven-season run, Ray Donovan received numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy nominations. While some argue the later seasons lacked the punch of earlier ones, the series remains a compelling exploration of family and power, capped by a feature-length movie that aimed to provide closure to its intricate narrative.
Season Highlights
Season 1:
The first season introduces Ray Donovan, his family, and his dual life as a fixer and a family man. The arrival of Mickey Donovan from prison sets off a chain of events that destabilizes Ray’s carefully constructed life. This season establishes the show’s tone and central conflicts, with standout performances by Schreiber and Voight.
Season 2:
The second season dives deeper into Ray’s psyche as he faces new challenges from Hollywood executives and law enforcement. The family dynamic becomes even more strained, with Mickey’s schemes causing further problems. Themes of betrayal and revenge dominate.
Season 3:
Season 3 focuses on Ray’s attempts to expand his empire while dealing with threats from both his past and present. The addition of Ian McShane and Katie Holmes as powerful new characters adds intrigue, but some fans felt the plot began to feel overstuffed.
Season 4:
This season sees Ray grappling with the fallout from his past actions, attempting to rebuild his life while facing new enemies. The exploration of his guilt and redemption provides emotional depth, though some critics noted the pacing was uneven.
Season 5:
The fifth season takes a darker turn with the death of Abby, Ray’s wife, and its impact on the family. Flashbacks are used to piece together the events leading up to her death, creating one of the show’s most emotionally charged seasons.
Season 6:
Relocating to New York, this season injects fresh energy into the series but retains its familiar themes of crime and family loyalty. Ray’s struggle to adapt to his new surroundings is juxtaposed with his continued efforts to protect his loved ones.
Season 7:
The final season brings Ray’s story full circle, with longstanding secrets and conflicts coming to light. While it provided intense drama, fans were frustrated by the lack of a definitive conclusion until the release of the follow-up movie.
Similar Shows
- The Sopranos
A groundbreaking exploration of family and crime, The Sopranos delves into the life of a mob boss struggling to balance his personal and professional worlds. - Breaking Bad
This critically acclaimed series chronicles a high school chemistry teacher’s descent into the criminal underworld, blending family drama with intense suspense. - Boardwalk Empire
Set during Prohibition, this show explores the rise and fall of a political fixer involved in organized crime, with complex characters and morally ambiguous decisions. - Dexter
A forensic expert by day and a vigilante serial killer by night, Dexter Morgan’s double life mirrors Ray’s struggles with morality and identity. - Sons of Anarchy
This motorcycle club drama explores themes of loyalty, power, and family, resonating with fans of Ray Donovan’s gritty storytelling.
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- Billions
With its intense focus on power struggles, morality, and complex characters, Billions offers a similar mix of intrigue and personal drama. - Mad Men
While not a crime show, Mad Men captures the same character-driven storytelling and emotional depth, exploring the dualities of its protagonist. - Ozark
This Netflix hit follows a family caught in the web of crime and corruption, echoing the tension and moral dilemmas central to Ray Donovan. - The Shield
A gritty police drama that delves into corruption and moral ambiguity, offering a similar tone and character complexity.