Customer Reviews

Brotherhood - The Complete Second Season

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The first season of Showtime's dark, brooding Brotherhood spent time exploring its main characters, often at the expense of plot. So much of what most people loved about the first season involved the family dynamics, the personal struggle and angst and the fine line between love and hate. Just seeing the characters in their unique positions in life sufficed for a larger story.

The second season really couldn't repeat that. Viewers now know these characters and expected more concrete plots to accompany the character studies. Several long plots appear throughout the season, even though at times, the series feels misguided and directionless. The primary stories focus on Michael's physical, mental and emotional recovery from his beating at the end of Season, Tommy's tit-for-tat affair and the arrival of the Caffee's cousin Colin, a blue collar Irishman bent on reconnecting with his American family, including the father he never knew.

That last plot comes with a heavy price for most fans of the first season. To make room for Colin, the writers eliminated Michael's right hand Pete, a viewer favorite. Colin takes his place alongside Michael, performing his dirty work. Although a deeper more flexible character, Colin lacks the warmth and humanity of Pete, and the show suffers because of the trade.

Another change from Season 1 is the downward spiral of Declan. Along with his non-existent relationship with his wife, Declan's drug abuse worsens, and he finds himself in a moral neverland at work, having to betray the trust of his friends to keep his shield. Declan's duplicity is never better displayed than in the season's best episode, when he bribes voters to help re-elect Tommy, all with the approval of his supervisors who want the Caffee's blood.

Even though Brotherhood takes a step back in its second season, it's still among the best television has to offer. Sharply written, wonderfully acted and as serious and somber as a funeral, the often graphically violent drama both entertains and challenges viewers with a family so unlike any other family in the world, yet also so similar to us all.

Showtime's Irish answer to The Sopranos; Brotherhood manages to get better and better with each passing episode, and the second season is no different. Picking up a while after the first season concluded, season two begins with the Caffee family picking up the pieces. Michael (Jason Isaacs) is recovering from the brutal beating he took at last season's finale, and coping with the unexpected mental side effects to boot, all the while still trying to stay in the semi-good graces of crime boss Freddie Cork (Kevin Chapman). His politician brother Tommy (Jason Clarke) continues the campaign trail, and is drawn further and further away from his wife Eileen (Annabeth Gish) after learning of her infidelities. Things get even more complicated for the Caffee's when their estranged Irish cousin Colin (Brian F. O'Byrne) returns to The Hill to reconnect with the family, much to the chagrin of Michael and Tommy's mother Rose (the excellent Fionnula Flanagan). Also in this season, we witness the descent of cop Declan (Ethan Embry) whose life continues to spiral out of control. While there isn't anything on Brotherhood that hasn't been seen before, it still manages to provide plenty of entertainment for fans of gangster crime-dramas and back-office politics. Not to mention that by the time the season concludes, you'll be salivating for more. All in all, Brotherhood still manages to get better and better with each passing episode, and here's hoping that the best is yet to come.

Showtime's Irish answer to The Sopranos; Brotherhood manages to get better and better with each passing episode, and the second season is no different. Picking up a while after the first season concluded, season two begins with the Caffee family picking up the pieces. Michael (Jason Isaacs) is recovering from the brutal beating he took at last season's finale, and coping with the unexpected mental side effects to boot, all the while still trying to stay in the semi-good graces of crime boss Freddie Cork (Kevin Chapman). His politician brother Tommy (Jason Clarke) continues the campaign trail, and is drawn further and further away from his wife Eileen (Annabeth Gish) after learning of her infidelities. Things get even more complicated for the Caffee's when their estranged Irish cousin Colin (Brian F. O'Byrne) returns to The Hill to reconnect with the family, much to the chagrin of Michael and Tommy's mother Rose (the excellent Fionnula Flanagan). Also in this season, we witness the descent of cop Declan (Ethan Embry) whose life continues to spiral out of control. While there isn't anything on Brotherhood that hasn't been seen before, it still manages to provide plenty of entertainment for fans of gangster crime-dramas and back-office politics. Not to mention that by the time the season concludes, you'll be salivating for more. All in all, Brotherhood still manages to get better and better with each passing episode, and here's hoping that the best is yet to come.

Having gobbled up the first series on DVD box set from Amazon I was almost like a junkie waiting for my fix of series 2.
The characters are so well drawn in this series that you feel compelled to worry about their wellbeing, even the devious Michael Caffey.
Every character is well drawn even the bit players make the overall piece work sublimely.
Tommy's marriage now on shaky ground and Michael, recovering from the beat down he recieved in series one is trying to reclaim his territory once again from Freddie Cork.
His romance with Kathleen is under immense pressure due to his instability and his predictability has taken a turn for the worse.
Tommys reliance on old friends seems to be looking less reliable and he is learning that life in politics on the Hill can be as dangerous a game as any his brother plays.
Declans character takes on a major role in this season and if you didn't feel for him in series one you sure do by the end of series two.
The subplot of the attempted entrapment of Marty Trio and Freddie Cork heats up and so does the action with both the Caffey brothers fighting for their survival in their chosen arenas.
And like all good Irish families it's all held together by the love of a good mother, Rose, who has her battles to deal with as she comes to terms with her own ageing.
All the women in this series are so well drawn and strong they could almost carry the show on their own.
But like all good series it takes a well defined and acted cast to make you want to watch and I for one cannot wait for seazon 3 to start down here in Australia.

Brotherhood is a series that should not be missed. It has a simple yet gripping story line that is bold, gutsy & real life. I have watched both seasons religiously and have extremely enjoyed them. I can't wait to receive my copy of the 3rd Season. Happy watching!!! ..... Elie (Sydney, Australia)

Brotherhood - It was the best series we have seen in a long time. It kept my husband and I glued to the set for 4-6 hours at a time. I can't wait for the next season.

this is the best drama on television. a great cast, especially the two jasons who play the two brothers. now that 'the shield' is no more, this is the only crime drama left on tv worth watching. cudos to showtime for presenting this fabulous series.

just a brief vent: i recently discovered that the golden globes had nominated 'weeds,' 'californication,'and 'dexter' for awards.
imo, the best series showtime airs is 'brotherhood'. it's strong on acting, directing, and writing. completely ignored by the morons from the golden globe. btw, they also ignored the best movie of 2008 "the dark knight." throwing it only one bone for heath ledger.
don't get me wrong, i like 'dexter', but it doesn't hold a candle to 'brotherhood.'on the other hand, i totally hate 'californication' and if there's a more boring actor on the planet than dave duchovny, i'd like to know who it is. 'weeds' has overstayed it's welcome.
golden globes aren't so 'golden' in my opinion.

ps: 'brotherhood ' is in good company; 'the wire', perhaps the greatest series in tv history, was also ignored by the 'golden globes' and the 'emmies.' is it any wonder why mediocrity rules the entertainment world.

I am from Rhode island and grew up in Providence. The city has its fair share of shady tales and it is something we pride. The real town and the locals are nowhere near the picture this show makes it out to be, but it is a very compelling show. The constant battle beetween gangland and politics is something that rips you down the middle. I love Providence and I love it being showcased. Great great show.

When I first started watching, I thought "nope, no good, but I'll stick with it for another 5 minutes and see what happens," and am I glad I did! Five minutes turned into watching until the end. This is an excellent series. Season 2 was even better, not one slow moment the writing was so good. Some of the best writing and acting I've ever exerienced. Can't wait for Season 3 which will be released in September 2009.

If it weren't for Netflix, I would have missed out on this. Will have to buy the entire series to watch every couple of years or so.

All I will say is that Brotherhood is just as good as Sopranos, if not better! If you liked the Sopranos, you'll love Brotherhood.