Show cover for The Black Donnellys

The Best Episodes of The Black Donnellys Season 1

Every episode of The Black Donnellys Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Black Donnellys Season 1!

Meet the Donnelly brothers: Tommy, Jimmy, Kevin and Sean. There is nothing these four Irish brothers wouldn't do to protect each other, and for them that means lying, cheating, stealing and, occasionally, calling the cops. Narrated by wannabe gangster Joey "Ice Cream," this gritty series bears witness to the Donnelly brothers' sudden involvement in organized crime, focusing on how they go from boys to mobsters, and showing how their new life affects their relationships with friends, family and lovers.

Genres:DramaCrime
Network:NBC

Season 1 Ratings Summary

The best episode of "The Black Donnellys" season 1 is "Pilot", rated 8.6/10 from 444 user votes. It was directed by Paul Haggis and written by Paul Haggis, Bobby Moresco. "Pilot" aired on 2/26/2007 and is rated 0.8 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "A Stone of the Heart".

  • Pilot
    8.6/10 444 votes

    #1 - Pilot

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 2/26/2007

    Jimmy's plan to help his brother Kevin out of gambling debt with a truckload of stolen designer shirts backfires, forcing the two to kidnap local mob boss Sal Minnetta's nephew Louie. When Sal's right-hand-man Nicky Cottero decides to take the matters into his own hands, it's up to Tommy, the brainy one of the Donnelly brothers, to choose between fighting for his family and life as an honest man.

    Director: Paul Haggis

    Writer: Paul Haggis, Bobby Moresco

  • A Stone of the Heart
    7.8/10 203 votes

    #2 - A Stone of the Heart

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 3/5/2007

    As the Donnellys learn Sean's condition, Jimmy stews in a holding cell. Tommy finds comfort in Jenny Reilly. Nicky Cottero seizes control of the Italian mob.

    Director: Paul Haggis

    Writer: Paul Haggis, Kim Clements

  • God Is a Comedian Playing to an Audience Afraid to Laugh
    7.4/10 140 votes

    #3 - God Is a Comedian Playing to an Audience Afraid to Laugh

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 3/5/2007

    After losing his health coverage, Sean is transferred to the psych ward. Jimmy convinces Kevin to bail him out. Tommy deals with guilt over taking the lives of Sal and Huey.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • The World Will Break Your Heart
    7.8/10 176 votes

    #4 - The World Will Break Your Heart

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 3/12/2007

    Kate stuns Tommy, asking him to host Huey's wake at the Donnelly's bar. With the taps drained, Kevin and Joey Ice Cream go on a mission to find alcohol, while Jimmy raises Dokey's suspicions.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Lies
    7.8/10 157 votes

    #5 - Lies

    Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 3/19/2007

    Hoping to collect the Donnellys' debt, Nicky threatens their mom, Helen. Sean comes home; Jimmy and Joey collect Louie Downtown's payments; Tommy takes a bribe.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Run Like Hell
    7.8/10 143 votes

    #6 - Run Like Hell

    Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 3/26/2007

    Tommy gets pulled into Jimmy and Kevin's bookmaking action when he realizes the guy about to get busted for not paying is his friend Maxwell.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • The Only Thing Sure
    7.9/10 138 votes

    #7 - The Only Thing Sure

    Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 4/2/2007

    As Jimmy protects Sean, Tommy joins forces with Kevin to collect vig. Jenny struggles to maintain the family's diner and watch over her ailing father.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • In Each One a Savior
    8.0/10 139 votes

    #8 - In Each One a Savior

    Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 4/9/2007

    Emerging as head of the 'hood, Tommy gets scammed while trying to evict drug dealers. Jimmy demands payment from Jenny; Nicky learns the Donnellys are behind Louie Downtown's disappearance.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • All of Us Are in the Gutter
    7.9/10 132 votes

    #9 - All of Us Are in the Gutter

    Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 4/16/2007

    Kate helps Tommy get a job at an art studio. Nicky proposes a partnership with the Donnellys, but he'll only deal with Tommy, which infuriates Jimmy.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • When the Door Opens
    7.6/10 129 votes

    #10 - When the Door Opens

    Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 4/23/2007

    Dokey tests his partnership with the Donnellys by asking them to clear out a building of junkies. Forced to come to Kevin's rescue, Tommy inadvertently commits murder.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Wasn't That Enough?
    7.8/10 121 votes

    #11 - Wasn't That Enough?

    Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 4/30/2007

    Reilly asks for help after he's ordered to vacate his building, prompting Tommy to uncover hidden family history. Meanwhile, Jimmy and Joanie struggle to situate Whitey's body.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • The Black Drop
    8.2/10 122 votes

    #12 - The Black Drop

    Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 5/7/2007

    Tommy makes a deal with Nicky for the identity of his father's killer. When Dokey humiliates Jimmy, Tommy and Kevin retaliate. Jenny finds closure concerning her missing husband.

    Director: Daniel Minahan

    Writer: N/A

  • Easy Is the Way
    8.6/10 140 votes

    #13 - Easy Is the Way

    Season 1 Episode 13 - Aired 5/14/2007

    Tommy and Jimmy have two different ideas on how to save the Donnellys. Tommy hatches a plan to get the family, along with Jenny and Joanie, out of town.

    Director: Bobby Moresco

    Writer: N/A