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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!

Binge this in Unknown•Peaking at 8.6/10

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.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    The Black Donnellys Season 1 Episode 1 - Pilot
    8.6/10(457 votes)

    #1 - Pilot

    S1:E1

    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
    Writers:Bobby Moresco, Paul Haggis

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  2. The Black Donnellys Season 1 Episode 2 - A Stone of the Heart
    7.9/10(213 votes)

    #2 - A Stone of the Heart

    S1:E2

    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
    Writers:Paul Haggis, Kim Clements

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  3. The Black Donnellys Season 1 Episode 3 - God Is a Comedian Playing to an Audience Afraid to Laugh
    7.5/10(149 votes)

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

    S1:E3

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. The Black Donnellys Season 1 Episode 4 - The World Will Break Your Heart
    7.7/10(186 votes)

    #4 - The World Will Break Your Heart

    S1:E4

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. The Black Donnellys Season 1 Episode 5 - Lies
    7.9/10(166 votes)

    #5 - Lies

    S1:E5

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. The Black Donnellys Season 1 Episode 6 - Run Like Hell
    7.9/10(152 votes)

    #6 - Run Like Hell

    S1:E6

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. The Black Donnellys Season 1 Episode 7 - The Only Thing Sure
    8.0/10(146 votes)

    #7 - The Only Thing Sure

    S1:E7

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. The Black Donnellys Season 1 Episode 8 - In Each One a Savior
    8.1/10(146 votes)

    #8 - In Each One a Savior

    S1:E8

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. The Black Donnellys Season 1 Episode 9 - All of Us Are in the Gutter
    8.0/10(141 votes)

    #9 - All of Us Are in the Gutter

    S1:E9

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. The Black Donnellys Season 1 Episode 10 - When the Door Opens
    7.6/10(137 votes)

    #10 - When the Door Opens

    S1:E10

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. The Black Donnellys Season 1 Episode 11 - Wasn't That Enough?
    7.9/10(127 votes)

    #11 - Wasn't That Enough?

    S1:E11

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. The Black Donnellys Season 1 Episode 12 - The Black Drop
    8.3/10(130 votes)

    #12 - The Black Drop

    S1:E12

    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:Unknown

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  13. The Black Donnellys Season 1 Episode 13 - Easy Is the Way
    8.5/10(149 votes)

    #13 - Easy Is the Way

    S1:E13

    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:Unknown

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Pilot" is the best rated episode of "The Black Donnellys" season 1. It scored 8.6/10 based on 457 votes. Directed by Paul Haggis and written by Bobby Moresco, Paul Haggis, it aired on 2/26/2007. This episode is rated 0.7 points higher than the second-best, "A Stone of the Heart".