Wednesday, July 30, 2014

What I’m Watching: Ray Donovan


Ray Donovan: Season 2, Episode 3 “Gem and Loan” (B+)

This episode was fun because it featured Ray in a different position than usual, trying to achieve something he wanted and needed to get others to get on board without his usual strategy of intimidation. He gave up trying to hook Stu up with the Meryl Streep of porn stars as soon as he found out that she was married to the porn producer, but he still managed to get things to work out, coming to Stu’s aid with the blackmail money and then working out a smart if predictable production deal. It’s nice to know that, bad blood related to the affair aside, he and Ray actually have a good working relationship. Just as interesting, if not more so, was the way that Ray dealt with Kate, first showing up and pretending not to have any clue who she was and then stepping in to be much more aggressive as soon as loyal servant Ronald, who is earning his bribe, called him to say that Kate was on her way. I love that Ray called Kate out on standing so close to him when they were talking, and it would be very intriguing for them to sleep together while they have such ulterior motives. Cochrane was less than pleased to meet Kate, and I like his interactions with Ray, so angry and demanding, something that doesn’t faze Ray but does keep him in line. Mickey’s new friend at the halfway house was a nice development, though that didn’t last long since Ronald showed up right away to spirit him to his off-site meeting with Claudette. I’m not sure what Marvin’s continued presence means, but it can’t be anything good now that she’s gotten into her dream school. My favorite part of the episode was Abby snapping at the neighbor who showed up and criticized her accent, which is pretty over-the-top but really does define who she is.

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