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The Black Donnellys
"Family above all."
Overview
Meet the Donnelly brothers: Tommy, Jimmy, Kevin and Sean. There is nothing these four Irish brothers wouldn't do to protect each other, and for them that means lying, cheating, stealing and, occasionally, calling the cops. Narrated by wannabe gangster Joey "Ice Cream," this gritty series bears witness to the Donnelly brothers' sudden involvement in organized crime, focusing on how they go from boys to mobsters, and showing how their new life affects their relationships with friends, family and lovers.
Status
Ended
Created By
Paul Haggis, Bobby Moresco
Network
NBC
Seasons & Episodes
Season 1
Episodes
Pilot
Jimmy's plan to help his brother Kevin out of gambling debt with a truckload of stolen designer shirts backfires, forcing the two to kidnap local mob boss Sal Minnetta's nephew Louie. When Sal's right-hand-man Nicky Cottero decides to take the matters into his own hands, it's up to Tommy, the brainy one of the Donnelly brothers, to choose between fighting for his family and life as an honest man.
A Stone of the Heart
As the Donnellys learn Sean's condition, Jimmy stews in a holding cell. Tommy finds comfort in Jenny Reilly. Nicky Cottero seizes control of the Italian mob.
God Is a Comedian Playing to an Audience Afraid to Laugh
After losing his health coverage, Sean is transferred to the psych ward. Jimmy convinces Kevin to bail him out. Tommy deals with guilt over taking the lives of Sal and Huey.
The World Will Break Your Heart
Kate stuns Tommy, asking him to host Huey's wake at the Donnelly's bar. With the taps drained, Kevin and Joey Ice Cream go on a mission to find alcohol, while Jimmy raises Dokey's suspicions.
Lies
Hoping to collect the Donnellys' debt, Nicky threatens their mom, Helen. Sean comes home; Jimmy and Joey collect Louie Downtown's payments; Tommy takes a bribe.
Run Like Hell
Tommy gets pulled into Jimmy and Kevin's bookmaking action when he realizes the guy about to get busted for not paying is his friend Maxwell.
The Only Thing Sure
As Jimmy protects Sean, Tommy joins forces with Kevin to collect vig. Jenny struggles to maintain the family's diner and watch over her ailing father.
In Each One a Savior
Emerging as head of the 'hood, Tommy gets scammed while trying to evict drug dealers. Jimmy demands payment from Jenny; Nicky learns the Donnellys are behind Louie Downtown's disappearance.
All of Us Are in the Gutter
Kate helps Tommy get a job at an art studio. Nicky proposes a partnership with the Donnellys, but he'll only deal with Tommy, which infuriates Jimmy.
When the Door Opens
Dokey tests his partnership with the Donnellys by asking them to clear out a building of junkies. Forced to come to Kevin's rescue, Tommy inadvertently commits murder.
Wasn't That Enough?
Reilly asks for help after he's ordered to vacate his building, prompting Tommy to uncover hidden family history. Meanwhile, Jimmy and Joanie struggle to situate Whitey's body.
The Black Drop
Tommy makes a deal with Nicky for the identity of his father's killer. When Dokey humiliates Jimmy, Tommy and Kevin retaliate. Jenny finds closure concerning her missing husband.
Easy Is the Way
Tommy and Jimmy have two different ideas on how to save the Donnellys. Tommy hatches a plan to get the family, along with Jenny and Joanie, out of town.
Top Cast
Jonathan Tucker
Tommy Donnelly
Tom Guiry
Jimmy Donnelly
Olivia Wilde
Jenny Reilly
Billy Lush
Kevin Donnelly
Michael Stahl-David
Sean Donnelly
Kirk Acevedo
Nicky Cottero
Keith Nobbs
Joey 'Ice Cream'
Peter Greene
Derek 'Dokey' Farrell
Brian Tarantina
Vinnie Culiari
Patrick Brennan
Earl
