Brotherhood is said to be one of those shows that has received a lot of critical acclaim – even winning a Peabody award – but can't seem to catch a break in reeling in a big enough audience. And unlike
30 Rock,
Brotherhood doesn't have a
Tina Fey to attract attention and take a shot at being the ratings juggernaut it ought to be. Compared with the likes of HBO's
The Sopranos and
The Wire, the Showtime series' viewership is at a measly 540,000. Its limited but loyal fans are a lucky bunch after it was renewed for a third season early this year despite the disappointing numbers.
For its junior season premiere, Tommy (
Jason Clarke) seriously considers changing his career, after growing frustrated at being Speaker Donatello's errand boy. He bumps into Michael (
Jason Isaacs), whom he isn't talking to, at Rose's birthday party. Meanwhile, Tommy asks the justice-seeking Declan a favor and Eileen grows more and more invested in her job at social services while she prepares for the birth of her fourth child. This episode called “Uneasy Lies Ahead” is the first of eight episodes set to air on Showtime.
Brotherhood revolves around Irish-American Caffee brothers and their friends, family, and colleagues. Set in Providence, Rhode Island, Tommy is a local politician, while Michael is a professional criminal involved with the Irish Mob in New England. Also on the series are
Annabeth Gish, who plays Tommy's wife Eileen, Fionulla Flanagan as the Caffee matriarch, and Fiona Erickson as Tommy and Eileen's eldest daughter Mary Rose.
Brotherhood has received much critical acclaim, in particular the show's writing, the performances of the two central figures, and the strong characterization of the minor characters. It has even won a Peabody Award in 2006.
Catch
Brotherhood as it returns to Showtime tonight at 8pm.
-Glenn L. Diaz, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Showtime
(Image Courtesy of Showtime)