Ray Donovan

Hmm, this was the weakest season opener so far. While many plotlines were introduced, none of them really grabbed my interest. For the first time watching Ray Donovan, I was actually bored. The story felt aimless. (20/06/2018)

A definite improvement over the first episode. Lisa Bonet as Marisol Campos brought some much-needed excitement to the story. The pace was livelier, and there was some action, but it still wasn't perfect. (20/06/2018)

Episode three delivered the usual standard. It wasn't amazing, but it wasn't bad either — there was always something happening, so boredom was never an issue. I knew Mickey's scheme wouldn't succeed, but the outcome was still amusing. "You have to go to school, get into hedge funds." "I'm not gonna be a gardener, dude." (20/06/2018)

The pace slowed down again, Mickey’s storyline didn’t interest me at all, and Terry’s concern for others was downright annoying. However, the return of ex-agent Cochran was both amusing and satisfying. (20/06/2018)

A pretty good episode, blending comedy and drama. The comedic part involved getting four million dollars, which had me laughing quite a bit. On the flip side, there were elements of cancer and what seemed like postpartum depression, adding a more somber tone. 4*- (20/06/2018)

This episode really showed how the story’s pace slows down whenever it focuses on Ray’s family drama. The plot moved briskly when it wasn't about the christening, the cancer battle, or the lonely Bunchy. Honestly, I wish Conor would meet the same fate as Belikov — he's really getting on my nerves. (20/06/2018)

The plot wasn’t bad at all. Mickey’s prison adventure was pretty funny, as was Ed Cochran’s storyline. There was even a bit of tension, though not much. I initially liked Lisa Bonet joining the cast, but now Marisol’s constant comebacks are really starting to annoy me. (21/06/2018)

Episode eight had too much Conor and too many heart-wrenching scenes with a depressed Bunchy to really wow me. I can hardly stand Conor, and I wish the writers would take Bunchy’s storyline in a different direction. However, the ending showed some promise, so I’m hopeful for what’s next. 4*- (21/06/2018)

After the previous slow episode, we finally got some action, and I'm celebrating with a five-star rating. Mickey’s chaotic raid on Primm was hilarious, and the drama with Ray and the Moscow mobsters had me hooked. (21/06/2018)

I’m not sure what the creators were thinking. After a great episode, they gave us one that didn’t bring much to the table. The only highlight was saying goodbye to a character that annoyed me. Now, if only Conor would follow suit soon — that would be perfect. (21/06/2018)

To be honest, this episode disappointed me just like the previous one. Mickey's trip to Las Vegas felt completely unnecessary like it was just dragging out the plot. The story had no pace, the buildup to the showdown with the Russians has been dragging on for several episodes, and there was no action or tension to speak of. (22/06/2018)

Even the finale was pretty underwhelming. Sure, we finally got some action, but the plot was very predictable, and the final showdown with the Russian mafia felt like a bad joke. Was this really what I was supposed to be worried about for several episodes? (22/06/2018)

I said about Season 4 that it was the worst so far but it’s no longer true. Season 5 was dragging on from the opening to the final episode. The cancer theme, so popular with filmmakers, provided a painfully slow pace, and gave the creators of the series unprecedented opportunities to emotionally blackmail the more sensitive viewers. If it hadn’t been for a few bright exceptions, the series would have become annoying and unwatchable for me. Due to the gradually declining quality, I have serious concerns about the next season. Hopefully I’m wrong and will be pleasantly surprised. (04/04/2019)

I have to admit, I was completely lost watching this episode. At one point, I even checked to make sure I hadn’t accidentally skipped to the sixth season. Even after realizing it was indeed season five, I still couldn’t follow what was happening. They were discussing events and memories that seemed to have occurred off-screen, during the break between seasons. Pretty disappointing overall. (01/04/2019)

Maybe it’s just me, but I couldn’t get into the new style of storytelling in this season. It doesn’t feel like the Ray Donovan I used to know. The constant time jumps are really annoying, and the plot feels very slow-paced. It drags on and gets pretty boring at times. (02/04/2019)

The third episode still didn't manage to pull me into the plot completely. I miss the earlier seasons that didn't wallow in self-pity. This season's story feels slow and drags a bit, making me nostalgic for when Ray was actually fun. (02/04/2019)

I almost thought I’d be bumping up the rating for this episode. Mickey’s solution to the Japanese problem was hilarious, and Brandon’s million-dollar sandwich was a highlight. But once again, the creators couldn’t resist throwing in an oncology subplot, and Bridget’s involvement didn’t really do it for me. 3*+ (02/04/2019)

Some parts reminded me of my favorite series, but there was too much filler dragging things down. The plotline around Natalie James felt especially dull with its repetitive scenes and boring conversations. Plus, the attempt to tug at my heartstrings using cancer really annoyed me. (03/04/2019)

I can't shake the feeling that the creators shifted their target audience in the fifth season. All these constant sentimental flashbacks and emotional outbursts just don't do it for me. I feel a bit deceived, honestly. (03/04/2019)

What? Did Ray Donovan really get back to its original form? This is the only episode out of the seven where I felt like I got exactly what I wanted. If it weren't for Terry's self-pitying rants, I would have happily given it a fifth star. (03/04/2019)