The Black Donnellys

The Black Donnellys is a compelling television drama that aired on NBC in 2007. Created and developed by the duo of Oscar-winning Paul Haggis (Million Dollar Baby, Crash) and Bobby Moresco, the show showcases a complex web of plotlines featuring an Irish-American family involved in organized crime in New York City's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. The series weaves its story in the gritty, often tumultuous underworld while driving home themes of family loyalty, betrayal, love, and redemption.

The show spotlights the life of the four Donnelly brothers – Tommy, Jimmy, Kevin and Sean, each of whom fulfills a distinct role in their family and the unfolding narrative. The brothers have carved for themselves a notorious reputation, fueled by their involvement in petty crime and general mischief, which escalates into more serious criminal activity as the series unfolds.

Portrayed by Jonathan Tucker, the character of Tommy Donnelly is the heart of the series. Although he aspires to live a life devoid of crime, his immense loyalty to his family and the consequential need to protect them pulls him into their criminal operations. Tommy is depicted as a budding artist, adding an additional layer of complexity to his character as he tries to reconcile his creative pursuits with his criminal ones.

The rebellious Jimmy Donnelly, played by Tom Guiry, is the eldest brother. Despite being quite intelligent, Jimmy uses his intellect more often for illicit activities and is usually the instigator of their criminal ventures. His impulsive and volatile nature contrast with Tommy's more calculated approach, thus creating tension within the family dynamic.

Kevin Donnelly, portrayed by Billy Lush, leans more towards being the reckless and superstitious gambler of the bunch whose bad luck tends to land him in tough situations. While he might be the least strategically inclined, he provides a vein of humor that cuts through the tensions built in the series. The youngest of the clan, Sean Donnelly (Michael Stahl-David), is the charming ladies' man but frequently finds himself in harm's way due to his brothers' malevolent ventures.

Olivia Wilde portrays Jenny Reilly, an old flame of Tommy's. She is the moral compass and the voice of reason that often talks sense into the brothers when circumstances go awry.

The series also features Kirk Acevedo as gangster Nicky Cottero, who becomes a key player in the unfolding drama, while Keith Nobbs portrays the character of Joey "Ice Cream" - the unreliable narrator providing the viewers an insight into the turbulent world of the Donnellys.

The family patriarch, Huey, is played by John Bolger, adding layers of history, drama, and turmoil to the unfolding saga of the Donnelly family.

Throughout the 13 episode arc, viewers are led through gritty, unseen New York streets as the Donnellys struggle for survival against rival gangs. They are constantly drawn deeper into the rabbit hole of criminality as their misdemeanors evolve into more serious matters, involving the dangerous and often ruthless world of organized crime. As they navigate the treacherous labyrinth of loyalty and deceit, they must shoulder the burden of their decisions, often marked with dire consequences.

Depicting an unadulterated view of life on the streets of Hell’s Kitchen, the series is filled with gripping cliffhangers and character development, every corner emerging with a fresh revelation about the chaotic and tightly-knit world the Donnellys inhabit.

The Black Donnellys, complete with a compelling storyline, high-stakes action, dark humor, and intense drama, is a deep exploration of family, morality, and survival in a dangerous world. The intricate relationships among the brothers and other core characters reveal the lengths individuals will go to protect their family, no matter the cost, making it not just a crime show but a tale of familial bonds and loyalties tested in the most grueling circumstances.

All in all, The Black Donnellys emerged as a classic one-season wonder with its cinematic storytelling style, robust character development, intriguing narrative, and raw, unflinching portrayal of life in the criminal underworld —a hidden gem in the annals of television dramas that is worth a revisit.