Starring Jason Isaacs, Jason Clarke, Annabeth Gish, Ethan Embry, Kevin Chapman, Fionnula Flanagan, Stivi Paskoski
Written By: Blake Masters
Directed By: Nick Gomez/Brian Kirk
Studio: Showtime/Paramount
Buy on Amazon.com link

Welcome to “The Hill.” A portion of Providence, Rhode Island’s Irish section in which the show takes place. Starring Two Jason’s, Jason Isaacs and Jason Clarke as two very different brothers that grew up in the neighborhood. Jason Isaacs plays Michael, the troublemaker Criminal of the family where Jason Clarke plays Tommy, the do-gooder of the family, a local politician who is rising in the ranks. Many people say its New England/Irish Sopranos, which is partly true. Suffice to say, its still a very entertaining series and has the potential to replace the Italian crime drama as one of the best shows on television.

Where the story begins, has Michael Caffee returning home after several years where people either thought he was dead or in prison. In his mind, he felt the same way. Returning to the neighborhood proves difficult as some people are not welcoming Michael home with open arms. Particularly his brother, Tommy who is trying to gain his way up the political ladder. Knowing his brother is trouble and has had bad dealings in the past, Tommy is apprehensive to his return. What’s trying to mend their past is their mother Rose, a single mother who had to raise the boys with determination and hard work. Michael also has a tough time blending back into family life, as with Tommy’s wife and kids. Annabeth Gish plays Tommy’s wife Eileen and I enjoyed her scenes as she spends most of the time naked or doing something shady behind her husband’s back. Kevin Chapman plays the local thug/entrepreneur Freddi Cork and he is downright ruthless as are most bad guys on these types of shows. Eventually, Michael resorts to his old ways and looks to get in business with Freddi and of course this means Tommy’s career can be affected. Ethan Embry also stars as Det. Declan Giggs, a real porker, and childhood friend of the Caffee’s. Man, did he put on some weight for this show. That’s getting into the character. Anyway, he is really good and plays the New England Cop great. He’s a torn character as he has a job to do for the state, but also somehow still has an obligation to his childhood friends, the Caffee’s. No matter what it is, the Detective is involved either investigating or getting pulled into something he doesn’t want a part of.

Not much as far as extras go, only audio commentaries by the Creator, Blake Masters and the Executive Producers and Writers. It would have been nice to see more along the lines of interviews, behind the scenes, deleted scenes and even gag reels. Ya know it ain’t all business on a drama. There has to be some laughs during takes.

As most shows on Showtime, this series is a stand out to me. Finally a drama that can go head to head with The Sopranos, and the networks. Jason Clarke and Jason Isaacs are great actors and really put all they got into these characters. The Caffee’s are a family built on tradition, pride, honor and when something like that is uprooted, there is turmoil and disgrace, mostly thank to Michael. Annabeth Gish, Stivi Paskoski as Michael’s friend Pete, and Ethan Embry really pull this cast together and make this one of the best casts on television. Just like programming on HBO, series on Showtimes are shorter. With Brotherhood, 11 episodes make the first season and can only hope the 2nd season is a little longer.

Features:
Audio Commentary by Blake Masters, Creator/ Executive Producer/ Writer, and Henry Bromell, Executive Producer/ Writer.
Power Map: An Interactive, graphical guide of the Relationships and Power Struggles Among the Characters.

Audio:
ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1 CC
ENGLISH: Dolby Digital Stereo CC
SPANISH: Dolby Digital Mono

Video:
Widescreen 1.85:1 Color (Anamorphic)

Subtitles:

Favorite Scenes: Mark 8:36, Genesis 27:29, Samyutta 11.10, Matthew 22:10
Rating: NR
Running Time: 538 minutes
Extras Rating:
Overall Rating: