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Jason Clarke anbd Annbeth Gish in "Brotherhood"
courtesy of SHOWTIME
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“Brotherhood” (SHOWTIME)
“Brotherhood” is the most dramatic, intense and thoroughly enjoyable TV series that you aren’t watching. Other cable series attract media attention and/or viewers but “Brotherhood” sails along under the radar and that’s a shame. Jason Isaacs and Jason Clarke lead an outstanding cast and create characters who are not all good and not all bad. They are just human, and watching their rise and fall makes for compelling television viewing.
“Brotherhood” starts its third season this month and once again the battle of will and wits between the Caffee brothers of Boston is at the forefront. Tommy Caffee (Clarke) has reconciled with his wife Eileen (Annabeth Gish) and they are excited she is pregnant with their fourth child.
Tommy is becoming sour on the prospects of staying in political office. He has begun to follow avenues which will let him leave the political life behind. Getting out may mean he has to get a little dirty in the process but it will be worth it.
Michael Caffee (Isaacs) is still in the job of “protection.” He has taken over Freddie Cork’s (Kevin Chapman) business while Freddy is in jail. But Freddy might be getting out and Michael knows that will cause a power fight. Meanwhile he continues to suffer from health problems caused by the vicious beating he received.
Tommy and Michael are constantly at odds with each other but when the chips are down they are still family. With Rose (Fionnula Flanagan), the powerful matriarch of the Caffee clan, still pulling the strings; family remains the ultimate tie-breaker.
In the first two episodes that were sent for preview the focus is too much on the political scene and the “protection” racket. “Brotherhood” is much better when it focuses on the personal lives of the key players. The family dynamics between Tommy and Eileen, the romantic struggles of Michael and Kath Parry (Tina Benko); and the love life of the brothers’ mother Rose are what gives this series its punch.
Even though the first two episodes are too political I would bet the series finds its balance as it progresses. Whether it does or not, the acting skills of Isaacs and Clarke plus a tremendously talented supporting cast make this a show worth watching.
The third season of “Brotherhood” kicks off November 2 at 8PM on SHOWTIME. |
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©2008 Jackie K. Cooper |
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