The second episode of Ray Donovan’s fifth season was a gut punch of emotions all around. Sad, hilarious, subtle, and extreme are all reasonable adjectives that could describe the most recent episode of Ray Donovan. Ray and Abby were the true stars of this episode even though they were far from the only important players. ‘Las Vegas’ features some of the best moments between Ray and Abby that the show has ever had. Schreibers and Malcomson’s on screen relationship has always been special for its ability to accurately depict a truly dysfunctional relationship while at the same time managing to make it seem as if they are truly right for each other. This episode highlights the later as Ray continues to work on himself and at the same time work on his relationship. Without divulging any plot information, the major plot device behind the episode allows for Ray and Abby to spend some quality time together on screen that is truly special from a craft and entertainment perspective. Apart from the Ray and Abby arc of the show, the episode also dives into standard Ray Donovan territory with Ray being asked to fix a complicated situation. This time involving a figure who has appeared periodically throughout the first two episodes. The task at first seems fairly achievable though, through the best use of a cliffhanger I’ve seen in quite some time that seemingly fixable situation got way more interesting.
Apart from the Ray and Abby arc of the show, the episode also dives into standard Ray Donovan territory with Ray being asked to fix a complicated situation. This time involving a figure who has appeared periodically throughout the first two episodes. The task at first seems fairly achievable though, through the best use of a cliffhanger I’ve seen in quite some time that seemingly fixable situation got way more daunting.
Season Five has been a standout thus far and it’s hard to see it going off the rails with the stories that have been laid out so far.
Ray Donovan drops every Sunday night at 8 P.M. EST on Showtime.
