Jason Isaacs and Jason Clarke in "Brotherhood"
courtesy of SHOWTIME
"Brotherhood" (SHOWTIME)

On September 30 at 10PM the second season of "Brotherhood" will premiere on SHOWTIME. This advance notice is being given so you can set your Tivo or VCR so you won't miss it. This will also give you a chance to sign up for SHOWTIME if you are not already a subscriber. "Brotherhood," in this humble critic's opinion, is the show "The Sopranos" always wanted to be. Now I know that will be sacrilege to some but for me "Brotherhood" bests "The Sopranos" hands down.

Last season "Brotherhood" introduced viewers to the Cafee family of Providence, Rhode Island. The focal point is the brothers Cafee, Tommy and Michael. Tommy (Jason Clarke) is the politician in the family. He represents the good people of the Hill. Tommy does not have a perfect life nor is he a perfect man but he does reach for the greater good.

Last year Tommy's older brother Michael (Jason Isaacs) returned to Providence and immediately took back up with his life of crime. This proved embarrassing to Tommy but he protected his brother as much as he could because after all Michael is family - and to the Cafees that is everything.

Tommy also had personal problems within his own family. His wife Eileen (Annabeth Gish) was having some extra-marital affairs and was dabbling in drugs. At the start of this year's season Eileen has confessed her sins to Tommy and he is furious with her. He can't divorce her because it would hurt his political career but he can't stand being married to her either.

One of Tommy's friends is police detective Declan Giggs (Ethan Embry). At the end of last season he beat Michael senseless. At the start of this season Michael has recovered from most of his injuries but he has spots of memory that are gone - such as who beat him up. Declan has confessed all his sins to his wife Cassie (Georgia Lyman) and she has left him. This has caused Declan to go on a downward spiral of drugs and alcohol.

As you can see the second season is mainly about confession and its aftermath. But there are other plot involvements scattered throughout the show. These people of Providence lead complex lives that also just happen to be fascinating. As you watch their stories unfold you are drawn in by them.

The great thing about "Brotherhood" is that the caliber of the acting matches the caliber of the plot. Clarke and Isaacs are amazingly believable in their roles, as is Embry. He is doing his best work ever. But the heart and soul of "Brotherhood" is Gish. She makes Eileen vulnerable and strong, delicate but determined. Whenever she is on screen she is where your attention is focused, even if she is only in the background.

So mark September 30 down on your calendar. This is a program you don't want to miss. It is profane and violent, with a good bit of nudity thrown in. However, unlike other shows where these elements are completely gratuitous, in "Brotherhood" they grow naturally out of the situations.

"Brotherhood" premieres on SHOWTIME, September 30 at 10PM. Don't miss it!
 

 

 

 

 

©2007 Jackie K. Cooper

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