This is a show with undeniable character work. There are few examples of things that I would call "perfectly cast" and this dives into the heart of that sentiment. Each and every person has a palpable relationship to the next and they are allowed to sit in their flaws. The time given to side plots isn't wasted. The standouts are Mickey, Abby, and Terry.

The haunting power of family is what carries this show. I was a little let down with the "violent tough guy anti-hero" nature of Ray, but the series evolves past the idea that it's about him and his bad-assery. "Rotting' is the word that comes to mind. Like everyone is being eaten from the inside in the best kind of way.

I give it a 7 because it is a good show. It's amazingly cast, intimately told, good, show. It's not genre bending. It's not "smart." It's not much beyond its casts' ability to carry out plot lines and scenarios you'll probably see coming. I don't like to give extra credit because the writers aren't lazy as that should be a staple of respecting your creation and those portraying it. The closest analogue that comes to mind is The Sopranos, but there's a reason that show I find practically perfect, and this one "good."

Ray Donovan can be summed up it one word: 'Bunchy.' That character carries the show. Maybe one day there will be a spin-off called The Bunchy Bunch. We can only hope. The non-Bunchy characters are fine, too. Mickey Donovan is forever getting into mischief and Terry is a lovable boxer. Ray is a man of few words and can solve any situation with his baseball bat. Poor Abby is always getting cheated on and Ray's kids, Bridget & Conner, sometimes get a little annoyed with their gruff, philandering dad. There is also an exciting half-brother Darrell who was sired by Mickey with a mistress. Sprinkle in a bunch of other peripheral characters and we have a rather fun show that I believe is now on Season #6. How time flies. So come for the Bunchy and stay for the Boston accents and the pedophile priests.