The Donnellys will pull you into their family
“The Black Donnellys” will be replacing “Studio 60” for NBC this coming Monday. It’s about four Irish brothers who are involved in organized crime in New York. They live by one motto: “Family first.”
At the beginning of the pilot, the phrase “family first” really doesn’t apply. All four brothers seem to be backstabbing each other any time they get a chance. Not until the end of the episode do you find out how that motto really applies.
The four brothers all have a certain aspect about them that stands out. Tommy Donnelly (Jonathan Tucker, “Hostage”) is the “fixer,” meaning he’s the one keeping the family together. Jimmy Donnelly (Tom Guiry, “Mystic River”) is the hothead, the one who’s always letting his temper get in the way of what’s really important. Kevin Donnelly (Billy Lush, “Huff”) is the gambler, always finding himself in hot water with the local bookies. The last one is Sean Donnelly (Michael Stahl-David, “Uncle Nino”), the baby. He’s the youngest brother, and the girls love him.
The story focuses mainly on Tommy trying to keep his brothers out of trouble. But, Jimmy is always looking for it. Tommy has tried to get out of the criminal life his brothers lead. He has great talent as an artist and a promising future.
But growing up in the neighborhood he lives in and having the kind of brothers he has, the option of leaving his criminal life will never happen.
“The Black Donnellys” is good, and it’s entertaining. The soundtrack reminds me of “The Departed.” The entire show is peppered with Irish songs that really add to the mood of the show.
When I first heard about this show I was skeptical, I admit it. I was thinking this is just NBC’s attempt to copy “The Sopranos.” While it still may be some sort of answer for “The Sopranos,” I think “The Black Donnellys” has legs to stand on its own.
The production values are great, the acting is entertaining and the writing sucks people into the story. The question is, will people watch it? If people give it a chance, I’m sure they’ll love it. But the show is going to be riding the heels of “Heroes,” NBC’s smash hit. How many of those “Heroes” fans will stay tuned after the show to watch “The Black Donnellys”?
I think the show has a ton of potential, but I also don’t think the people interested in “Heroes” are going to be interested in a story about the Irish mob, which will leave “The Black Donnellys” hurting for viewers.
I was very impressed with the show and would recommend it to anyone who likes “The Sopranos.” While it doesn’t have the leniency “The Sopranos” has with graphic content and the ability to tell a story as real as they want to, it is still entertaining, and I’ll be catching the rest of the season.
“The Black Donnellys” will air Mondays at 9 p.m.
Aaron Peck is the
television critic for The Utah Statesman. Comments,
questions and suggestions
can be sent to him
at aaronpeck@cc.usu.edu.