Review: 'The Black Donnellys'

February 24, 05:11 PM

The Black Donnellys is likely going to be a series that rewards patient viewers. The show, which premieres at 10 p.m. ET Monday, Feb. 26, doesn't exactly reach through the screen and pin you to your seat, but over the course of its first few episodes reveals a nicely textured portrait of four brothers who, despite all good intentions and because of their deep loyalty to each other, are drawn into organized crime.

The series was created by Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco, who co-wrote last year's Oscar winner Crash and also worked on the late, lamented EZ Streets a decade ago. There are a few echoes of that show in The Black Donnellys, mostly in the brothers' struggle to remain good people while doing bad things.

At the center of things is Tommy Donnelly (Jonathan Tucker), the second-oldest and most responsible of the brothers. While his older brother Jimmy (Thomas Guiry) runs a bar and dabbles in petty crime and younger brothers Kevin (Billy Lush) and Sean (Michael Stahl-David) tend to go along with whatever Jimmy's up to, Tommy is the family fixer, bailing his brothers out whenever they get into trouble, which is frequently.

The brothers get in over their head when Jimmy and Kevin, who's deep in the hole to a bookie, kidnap the guy and hold him for ransom to pay off the debt, inadvertently stepping into the middle of an uneasy detente between Irish and Italian gangsters. When Sean gets beaten up, Jimmy flies off the handle and shoots the bookie, and just like that we're at the edge of a gang war, with the Donnellys stuck in the middle.

At least, that's the way it seems. All the events above are narrated by the Donnellys' boyhood friend, Joey Ice Cream (Keith Nobbs, who gives a lively and occasionally quite funny performance). Joey's in jail on a charge of -- well, we're not sure what, exactly. But the cops are pressing him to give up his friends, and he's trying to lie his way around giving them up. You accept that maybe most of what he's saying is true, but there are ample hints that Joey is not the most reliable narrator.

It's an interesting device, and the fact that you're never entirely sure if Joey's telling the absolute truth adds a bit of pop to the series. Haggis and Moresco also hint at higher stakes among the two gangs in later episodes, which may explain why the police are so interested in Joey's story.

Because at the start, it hardly seems like the Donnellys are worth that much effort. They're new at this crime thing, and not always very good at it. Their false starts lighten up the sometimes very somber proceedings, which also include a tortured romance between Tommy and his childhood sweetheart, Jenny Reilly (The O.C.'s Olivia Wilde, who's probably the most recognizable face in the young cast).

Even with his love for Jenny, though, it's clear that Tommy's loyalty to his family takes precedence over everything else. Tucker does a fine slow burn as a guy who finds himself in circumstances he'd hoped to escape, and he seems more than capable of carrying off his central role.

The Black Donnellys will inevitably suffer some in comparison to the current standard-bearer of mob dramas, The Sopranos -- but pretty much any show would. Haggis and Moresco are in some ways telling a smaller story here, the crime show as coming-of-age tale. They do it pretty well, too. Here's hoping their latest effort gets a little longer shelf life than EZ Streets did.

in TV Reviews

Permalink

Comments (74)

Comments

It's going to depend on "patient viewers"? The real question is, is it running on a patient network? I'm not optimistic.

Jon88 | Feb 25, 2007 6:48:11 AM | #

I just watched it tonight (we got it a day early in Canada) and I thought it was great. The romance/pining thing was a little stolen from Sleepers, but other than that, I really enjoyed the first episode and hope NBC has the foresight to keep this show through to next season, regardless of ratings. It cold be a real winner for them, and a SMART winner.

MovieChickie | Feb 26, 2007 12:47:37 AM | #

I hope it works and becomes a hit on Monday nights, just as long as NBC doesn't decide to move the show into ER's timeslot next year if it becomes a hit. NBC needs to
find more solid dramas and forget stupid shows like 30 Rock and Grease: you're the one that I want.

Nate | Feb 26, 2007 10:34:05 AM | #

NBC has proved to be more patient than most networks. It's kept Friday Night Lights and Studio 60 despite lackluster ratings--because they are great shows. If this gets solid reviews and decent ratings, there's a decent chance it gets renewed.

Jason | Feb 26, 2007 11:14:33 AM | #

Jason, I think you're probably right on that. NBC doesn't have a ton more backup anyway, and given how much Studio 60 struggled in that timeslot, the bar for the Donnellys isn't going to be all that high.

Rick | Feb 26, 2007 11:52:04 AM | #

Other than Heroes there is absolutely nothing on broadcast TV tonight. Why did Studio 60 have to go - too brainy for most folks? And what's with all these really dumb shows? I would make a list but there simply too many of them. Has the American populous gotten this stupid that they can't follow an intelligent plot? Thank goodness I can read. Television for the most part just plain sucks! LISTEN UP ALL YOU ADVERTISERS - IF I AM NOT WATCHING I AM NOT BUYING!

Judi Fuller | Feb 26, 2007 4:10:42 PM | #

As someone who's getting back into network television for the first time in a very long time, I must say shows like this (and Heros) will likely keep me here. I'm really pulling for this show to get popular because I'm really pulling for these characters to make it, and that is what NBC needs.

NIck | Feb 26, 2007 9:04:34 PM | #

Judi, have you ever heard of a show called 24?

Um | Feb 27, 2007 12:37:46 AM | #

It's interesting that MovieChickie thinks that the romance/pining thing was a little stolen from Sleepers. Jonathan Tucker (Tommy Donnelly)was one of the child actors in Sleepers (playing the child version of Billy Crudup).

Born2Boat | Feb 27, 2007 4:40:36 AM | #

Another Hollywood writer's fantasy idea of New York.

In what decade is this show supposed to be taking place? This kind of action between the Irish and the Italians was going on in the '30s and '40s, and a little in the '50s

This looks contemporary, yet it has nothing to do with real, comtemporary NYC. Where are the Hispanics? Where are the Asians?

These TV writers should stop watching old movies and do some real-life research.

Ruan | Feb 27, 2007 8:58:34 AM | #

OK. I get that this show is going to be long on character development and has a great pedigree. And a lot of top notch production values--music, visuals, etc. But mostly, it was about a bunch of thugs who (like most thugs) aren't all that interesting. With the Sopranos due to resume soon, my dance card for criminals is filled--and so is my TiVO, with shows that offer me characters I can empathize with and root for.

Unexcited | Feb 27, 2007 9:37:35 AM | #

Despite a competent cast and good production values, I couldn't abide this show. I can't get involved with any premise where the protagonists are a bunch of thugs and behave in a reprehensible manner. I know this was the basis for the success of The Sopranos but I couldn't care less as to what will happen to these brothers and won't be returning for a second viewing.

Not returning for Seconds | Feb 27, 2007 10:24:50 AM | #

I really enjoyed this show - I do hope NBC gives it a chance to find an audience (like they did with Friday Night Lights - which is by far the best new drama out there) There are plenty of shows that started out slow but have slowly built up their audience (24 is one that comes to mind) - No this show isn't for everyone & I really don't mind if it's not realistic - it's TV - it should be fantasy.

Christine | Feb 27, 2007 10:37:41 AM | #

Ruan - You're not alone in thinking the show feels like it's of another time. I did too, especially in the first couple of episodes, although that goes away some later.

The show is loosely based on Bobby Moresco's life. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen, presumably in the '60s/'70s, which may account for some of the out-of-its-time feeling.

Rick | Feb 27, 2007 11:25:01 AM | #

Yecch! This was just more dark, depressing twaddle. It has no edge. Just like most soap operas, it expects us to watch week in and week out to see the latest exploits of boring people who have little to offer but a penchant for crime. Personally, I hope it dies on the vine and they bring back Studio 60

Janis | Feb 27, 2007 2:16:33 PM | #

Ok,so at first I kind of thought this would be nothing more than a compilation of The Departed meets the Godfather, but I was pleasantly surprised. This was a well written pilot that made me care about the characters from the outset. I hope this series gets a chance so we can all see where it goes!

Laura | Feb 27, 2007 2:35:59 PM | #

I watched the show and for the first time in a looooonnnng time, I stopped working and truly WATCHED a show. I like alot of the new shows that have come out this year and am a major fan of CSI (the real one)but I still manage to work and just listen to these shows. When the Donnelly's premiered tonight, I actually was drawn in and stopped working. This show is very good! It felt like I was watching a movie. So what if it feels like another time period? I don't have HBO so I can't do a Sopranos comparison. I enjoyed seeing a family wrought with conflict, struggling with their quirks and problems. I look forward to the MOM dealing with her children. This is a great adult drama that has it's funny moments and still shows how many of us with Irish ancestory deal with stereotypes on a daily basis (drinking, fighting, me being a redhead, yada yada). Yeah, the mafia conflicts pretty much stopped in the 50's - we think - but putting a more modern idea on a classic twist is to me, riveting. No, I don't live in a huge city & I don't know what it's truly like to live there and how the dealings really are but give me an hour of great entertainment with a talented, pretty much unknown cast and throw in a wonderful storyline and I'll take it over Lost or Desperate Housewives any day.

seanslass | Feb 27, 2007 4:49:42 PM | #

I think it can be a great show but I definitely feel it shouldn't be on national tv. The main characters are young adult/teens. So the targeted audience is 15-25 year old market. This is not a redeeming show and not something I want my kids to watch even if they are just old barely enough. Its one thing to see this as movie, its another to have this as regular TV program.

There's reason why Soprano's is on HBO.

Cray | Feb 28, 2007 2:28:50 AM | #

I watched this last night and really liked it. I love the "unreliable narrator" angle with Joey Ice Cream and the mystery of not knowing what he's being questioned for in the future. The acting was great and the characters strongly developed. I know it does feel a bit unrealistic, but I really liked it. Please, NBC, be patient with this show.

Oh, and you gotta love that opening credits sequence!

Jason | Feb 28, 2007 8:33:47 AM | #

Wow, I'm surprised by the number of people who refuse to suspend disbelief for a show that is fictional, but do so daily for shows that claim to be reality. I wrote my thesis on immigrant coping mechanisms, including the gang structure in Irish immigrant culture, and I would agree that this kind of thuggery is no longer necessary in Irish American neighborhoods or families.

But so what? I enjoyed the hell out of this show. It was well written show with compelling characters (except maybe Sean who didn't do much but make out and get beat). And it was truely entertaining, which is rare enough on network tv. I can't take my eyes off of Jonathon tucker when he's onscreen and Billy lush's delivery is amazing. Comic, but real. I'm withholding judgement for a few weeks on the others although I never liked Olivia Wilde, but the show and the story has me hooked.

Kate | Feb 28, 2007 8:47:52 AM | #

The level of mob activity in this show is not different than The Departed, which is also set in the present day and involves Irish and Italian mafia. Why is it okay for Scorcese but not Haggis?

Jason | Feb 28, 2007 9:12:45 AM | #

^^ Fair play to you, Jason.

I completely agree. The thing is people automatically suspend disbelief when Scorcese does a mob movie because it's what he's best known for. (Which is a damn shame because he's done some other good stuff) But for some reason some people have this idea that because television is the medium of news and 'reality' tv, that tv should be 'realistic'. But television is also a medium for ART. People accept film as art these days, but cannot accept TELEVISION, especially network tv as art. Was Dali realistic? no. Did he tell truths? Yes. Is the Black Donnelly's realistic? Not really. We'll have to wait and see if it tells us any truths about human nature.

Kate | Feb 28, 2007 10:00:22 AM | #

Kate,

I in fact enjoy fantasy. I was a long-time fan of Angel. I liked Lost at the beginning, and now I watch Heroes.

But this show is not fantasy. It's a gritty, fact-based crima drama, so there's an obligation to see that the setting is authentic. If the background is real, the plot can go wherever the writer wants.

I haven't seen The Departed, Jason, so I can't comment on it. And that was Boston.

I do, however, live in Little Italy in NYC; I'm Irish; I speak Italian, my father was a ADA on mob cases; I can point out all the local Wiseguys on Mulberry Street to you; and I used to go to at a bar where the Westies hung out.

Ruan | Feb 28, 2007 10:28:07 AM | #

The thing is, Ruan, it's not necessary for art to be realistic to be truthful. I have no doubt that as a fantasy fan you know that (I prefered Buffy and Firefly to Angel, but there you go). As far as I can tell, the creators of the show have made no claims that it is 'fact based' or 'based on a true story' despite the brother's ill-chosen surname (Donnelly: see Candanian history). But your point about the background setting the scene is a good one. What is the background for the Black Donnellys? I don't know. It COULD be two weeks ago, it could be the early nineties. In fact, from contextual clues in the flashbacks and the brothers' ages I would argue that the show is in fact set in the early nineties (with a 2000+ sensibility in clothing of course. I mean no one wants to see Olivia Wilde looking like one of the Tanner girls) But my point is, at no point in the episode were we told, explicitly or implicitly, when the show takes place. There were no cell phones, for instance.

All of that was a tangent, lol. My point is this: I would simply prefer it if people, instead of picking the show apart based on it's factual accuracy or lack thereof, would watch it and determine whether they like it: as entertainment and as art, rather than as a representation of the world as it is (or was). After all: Artists use lies to tell the truth.

Kate | Feb 28, 2007 10:37:09 AM | #

Ah, Kate darlin' . . .

We seem to be moving in circles here, repeating ourselves. If you try to balance a story on a false premise, it will not stand firm.

Donnellys has style, good acting, good direction, a tough guy B&W look (in color), and other good qualities. But it's about tiger hunting in Africa.

There are no tigers in Africa. And to imply there are, is to disrespect the audience.

Ruan | Feb 28, 2007 1:26:23 PM | #