Ray Donovan premiered in 2013 as a cable drama about a man who fixes problems for powerful people. The show has aged into a sprawling, occasionally baffling epic of Los Angeles crime, politics, and family dysfunction. It ran ten seasons on FX, with the spinoff Ray Donovan: Family Business beginning before the main series ended. The show concluded in 2022, and the spinoff continues the saga.
The show follows Ray Donovan, played by Liev Schreiber, a fixer for the LAPD. He handles everything from political scandals to personal threats, often using violence to get results. The second season, released in 2014, deepens the mythology around his past and introduces new threats from both inside and outside his family.
Trailer, via HLCFilmingandEvents.
Season Two Picks Up
Season two picks up after the events of the first season. Ray is still working for the LAPD, but his relationship with Chief of Police Tom Shadid (Donovan) is strained. Ray has also been dealing with the fallout from a major case involving a corrupt politician, and the season opens with him trying to keep his family safe while navigating a power struggle within the department.
The premiere episode reintroduces Ray’s world. His wife Abby (Eve Best) is concerned about his health, and his son Terence (Pádraig-condon) is growing increasingly distant. Ray’s daughter Bridget (Madeline Zima) is struggling with her own issues, and his son Mickey (Jon Voight) remains a looming presence in his life.
The season also brings in new characters who complicate Ray’s world. Detective Mike Donovan (Steve Shainberg) becomes a recurring presence, and his investigations into Ray’s past threaten to expose secrets he has kept hidden for years.
Shadid’s Shadow
Tom Shadid is one of the most interesting figures in the season. He is a powerful police chief with a complicated relationship with Ray, and their interactions drive much of the tension. Shadid is suspicious of Ray’s methods, but he also relies on him to handle situations the department cannot manage publicly.
The season explores the nature of power and loyalty. Shadid trusts Ray, but he also knows that Ray operates outside the law. This creates a delicate balance that is tested throughout the season.
The Political Case
One of the strongest arcs in the season involves a political scandal. Ray is pulled into a case involving a corrupt politician, and the investigation threatens to expose corruption at the highest levels of government. The case forces Ray to confront his own moral compromises, and it tests his ability to navigate a world where truth is a luxury few can afford.
The political case is well-written and tense, with moments of genuine suspense. It also ties into Ray’s past, revealing more about his history as a fixer and the people he has worked for over the years.
Mickey’s Return
The return of Mickey Donovan is a significant event in the season. Mickey is Ray’s father, and his presence looms over the entire season. He is a powerful figure in his own right, and his reappearance forces Ray to confront the legacy of their shared past.
Mickey’s arrival is not a simple homecoming. He comes back with his own agenda, and his presence puts pressure on Ray in ways that are both physical and emotional. The season explores the complex bond between the brothers, showing how their relationship has been shaped by years of separation and shared trauma.
The Supporting Cast
The supporting cast is strong across the board. Eve Best plays Abby Donovan, Ray’s wife, with a grounded realism that makes her feel like a real person rather than a plot device. Madeline Zima is excellent as Bridget, bringing a sense of vulnerability and strength to the role. Jon Voight is commanding as Mickey, and his scenes with Schreiber crackle with tension.
The show also features a number of guest stars who add depth to the story. Steve Shainberg plays Detective Mike Donovan with a quiet intensity, and his investigations into Ray’s past are a driving force in the season.
What Works Well
The season is at its best when it focuses on character and relationships. The interactions between Ray and his family members are often the most compelling parts of the show, and the writers know how to use them to build tension. The season also benefits from a strong ensemble cast, with each actor delivering a committed performance.
The writing is generally sharp, though some episodes lean heavily on action set pieces that feel less essential to the overall story. The pacing can be uneven, with some episodes feeling rushed while others drag. However, the season as a whole holds together, and the final episodes deliver a satisfying payoff.
Where It Falls Short
The season is not without its flaws. Some subplots feel underdeveloped, particularly those involving secondary characters whose stories are introduced and then dropped without resolution. The show’s tendency to introduce new threats and then resolve them quickly can leave viewers feeling unsatisfied.
The show also leans on violence as a primary storytelling tool, and while this fits the genre, it can become repetitive. The season does not always find fresh ways to use violence, and some scenes feel more like set dressing than narrative advancement.
Final Word
Ray Donovan: Season Two is a strong entry in the series, building on the foundation laid in the first season. It deepens the mythology around Ray’s past, introduces new threats, and explores the complex dynamics of his family. The performances are excellent, especially from Liev Schreiber and Jon Voight, and the show’s handling of character relationships is often its greatest strength.
The season is not perfect, and it has moments where it struggles with pacing and underdeveloped subplots. However, the overall quality is high, and the final episodes deliver a payoff that justifies the journey.
| Aspect | Rating |
| — | — | — |
| Character Relationships | 8/10 |
| Acting | 8/10 |
| Storytelling | 7/10 |
| Pacing | 6/10 |
Key Facts
– Premiere: 2013
– Season two release: 2014
– Network: FX
– Score: 7.5/10
Ray Donovan: Season Two is a solid addition to the series, and it rewards viewers who are invested in the characters. It is not a perfect season, but it is a compelling one, and it sets the stage for the rest of the show’s run.
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