Note: Please be aware that English is not my first language
“Irish Spring” premiered on Sunday, August 10 at 9:00 PM on Showtime.
Last Sunday episode took the show to a whole new place. It was a really important episode in Ray Donovan’s history as it was a turning point in the evolution of the characters and their different storylines throughout the season.
“Irish Spring” written by Ron Nyswaner and Ann Biderman and directed by Daniel Attias (recently known for Resurrection and Extant) is focused on one major storyline that is truly exciting and gripping. For the occasion, they decided to put aside the subplots and some characters such as Ray’s brothers, Bunchy and Terry.
In this episode, the major storyline concentrates on Ray, Mickey, Kate and Cochran. After Tiny’s death that was ordered by Cochran, Ray is kind of pissed and he tries to get some dirt on Cochran with the help of Lena. He soon realizes that Cochran might be having sexual relations with agent Volchek’s wife.
“S.U.C.K.” ended with Mickey’s kidnapping. Kate, desperate to find answers, arrives at his place welcomed by Shorty, his neighbor/friend, leading to this really awesome exchange (Da Vinci Code is one of my favorite books):
Kate: “I’m looking for Mickey Donovan.”
Shorty: “What for?”
Kate: “I’m a reporter.”
Shorty: “Oh, he was waiting for you last night! He had some important shit to tell you. Da Vinci Code-type shit. Now, I don’t know where he’s at. Maybe the Vatican. They’re probably torturing him. He wanted to give you this. Well, I’ll be on my way.”
Well. This episode is very complex but very simple at the same time. What is happening is that Ray is trying to find Mickey after his kidnapping and Ray knows deep down that Cochran is behind his father abduction. The question is why? We soon learn that Cochran won’t forget agent Van Miller’s murder (in the first season) and he kidnapped Mickey not only to keep him from saying anything to Kate but also to make a deal with him: if he signs a statement saying that Ray is behind Van Miller’s murder, he will be able to go back to his life in Mexico. Cochran uses photos of Linda’s body that was found in the woods by kids after dogs dug the ground as a leverage to convince Mickey to testify against his son (Mickey being behind Linda’s murder).
However, Ray is able to get Mickey out of the FBI basement where they kept him as Mickey was under the custody of the LAPD police. Ray gets him out of there and has a plan to keep everyone happy, especially Cochran who is really edgy.
The episode was really well structured and well written to give a satisfactory conclusion to Kate’s character. However, I’m a little disappointed that she leaves as soon as she appeared. But I really don’t think that we’ve seen the last of her, especially since Shorty slipped a tape in her pocket when she was at Mick’s place. I can’t wait to see what’s her next move and I really believe that the writers know exactly what to do with her because I was a little afraid in the previous episode that things were going a little too fast and in all directions for Kate, but it’s definitely not the case.
Until she comes back, I’m excited to see what they have concocted for the next episodes.
Plus, the house that Ray offered her sooner in the season isn’t a source of happiness to her anymore, which is very significant. The fact that her therapist said that Ray is “bribing” her probably made her open her eyes.
Verdict: 6,5/10. This season offers a very consistent quality and Ray Donovan is turning to be one hell of a show. Last season, the show wasn’t a real enjoyment for me but it’s certainly is now. “Irish Spring” is a game-changer for the first part of this season and Kate is definitely a great character with a lot of potential. Vinessa Shaw interprets with brio this complex personage who I hope will be further explored.
Hit the comments section below and tell us what you thought of this episode of Ray Donovan. Did you enjoy it? Did you hate it? It's your turn !
