The Showtime network has had plenty of great offerings, with Ray Donovan being one of its best. Sadly, the tale has finally come to an end with the recent release of the TV movie on January 14, 2022. Fans can thus look back to the many great moments that made the show such a huge success.
There are multiple reasons why the series managed to keep fans intrigued for seven seasons. The titular Hollywood fixer is a fan-favorite anti-hero, but he's not the only compelling character. The dialogue is brilliant too, with the characters always making sure to air their unfiltered opinions at any given time.
When The Gas Station Manager Sees Mickey Writing A Screenplay
"Writing? I Didn't Know You Could Read."
Ray's father, Mickey, gets a job writing screenplays later in the series. It's a gig that really excites him because he is permitted to write about two things he loves the most: crime and sex. And when a gas station manager sees him typing, he is amused.
Mickey is generally portrayed as an underworld figure, so it makes sense for those who don't know him too well not to picture him as the academic type. The gas station manager's shock is shared with the viewer since, up until that point, Mickey never seemed like he'd take up any gig that didn't involve breaking the law.
When Dimitri Arrives In The Country
"America Smells So F***g Good."
Russian crime boss Dmitri is one the best villains on the show and when he first arrives in the country, he is more than thrilled. But for Ray and his associates, it's bad news.
Such remarks could have made Dmitri one of the best TV villains of the 21st century if they came more often. Regrettably, he doesn't talk much. But though he is the stereotypical Russian villain with an accent and an obsession for the American people, Dmitri turns out to be quite formidable. He has a calm demeanor and never leaps without looking.
When Samantha Asks Him What The Moral To Her Story Is
"I Don't Know. Don't Get Old?"
In season 5, Ray gets another job working for Pacific Pictures. One time when he is alone with chairwoman Samantha, she tells him a story of how villagers in Kenya once hid all their cattle in their huts during a lion attack at night and pushed out the elderly to create more room. She then asks him what the moral of the story is and he has a rather hilarious answer.
According to the chairwoman, the moral of the story is to never allow oneself to get pushed out but Ray can always be expected to see things quite literally. Part of the reason she tells the story is that Ray has never had a stable job. She indirectly lets him know that he ought to work harder and fight for things if he wants to make it in life.
Abby Responding When Ray Asks Her Where She'd Like To Travel To
"Back In Time."
As he tries to come up with ways to treat Abby better, Ray asks her about her dream vacation destination. The disgruntled Abby gets really honest, stating she would only like to go back in the days when they were a great couple.
Life keeps getting worse and worse for Abby throughout the series. Not only does her relationship with Ray deteriorate but she also gets cancer. Luxuries thus become the least of her priorities. All she desires is for things to get back to the way they were.
When Ray's First Boss Threatens To Fire Him
"I'm Not The Kind Of Guy You Fire."
Ray has had multiple jobs throughout the series and early on, he gets threatened with being dismissed. Interestingly, Ray issues a threat of his own.
Ray has always considered himself the master of his own destiny; therefore he is quite shocked when his first boss claims to no longer need his services. Not one to let himself be humiliated, Ray declares that he'll only leave under his own . It's a declaration that stems from his personality as he has always been known to be stern.
When Abby Misses Out On The Cancer Drug Trial
"I Just Wanna Open The Bar And Sing Songs."
Just before the bar officially opens, Abby learns that she hasn't been selected for the cancer drug trial she had applied for. She contemplates killing herself but Ray flushes the pills down the toilet. After her family talk to her, Abby decides to dedicate her life to the bar.
It's a beautiful quote because it marks the point where Abby regains hope in life. The bar has become somewhere where she can find solace and forget about everything that's wrong with her life. The trial news means she might die soon but at this particular point, viewers are glad to see her enjoy herself for once.
When Mickey Tells Ray How Much He Is Proud Of Him
"Great Kids Come From Great F***s."
During one of their early encounters, Mickey confesses how proud he really is of Ray. And in typical Mickey fashion, he declares that Ray turned out to be such a strong individual because he and Ray's mother had wonderful sex on the night of conception.
Mickey has consistently made a case for himself as one of the worst TV dads but that's what makes him an intriguing character. The only reason he is proud of Ray is that he is tough as him. However, the two have very different ideologies. Mickey's love for Ray isn't always reciprocated either. There have been many times when Ray has wished to take his father down.
When Mickey Explains Where He Got The Money
"I'm A Resourceful Person."
Daryll is quite surprised when the broke Mickey comes up with the money to help him in his boxing career. He asks him where he got it but Mickey doesn't get into details.
That Mickey always finds a way to get things done is the reason he is one of Jon Voight's best roles. However, he doesn't necessarily do that in a good way. The cash he gives to Daryll is acquired from illegal dealings, which is problematic because Daryll mostly distances himself from the world of crime. If it emerged that his boxing career was funded by blood money, his chances of making it big would be ruined. Still, that doesn't concern Mickey.
When Ray's Therapist Asks Him How He Feels About His Last Session
"I'm Glad To Be Putting My Probation Behind Me."
During his last therapy session, Ray is asked how he feels and gives a rather honest answer. He was only doing it because his probation required him to.
One thing Ray does all too well throughout the show is refuse to listen to anyone. He doesn't listen to his wife, his father, or his therapist. Despite having attended dozens of therapy sessions, there is nothing Ray has gained because he was only doing it to avoid violating his probation rules.
When Sonia Is Confronted By Abby For Sleeping With Ray
"You Are Very Blunt."
As Sonia is being hunted by gangsters, she shows up at the Donovan house to seek shelter. Abby doesn't care about her situation and goes on to accuse her of being a woman with loose morals.
Indeed, Abby has never been one to mince her words and when Sonia points that out to her, it feels accurate. Sonia, on the other hand, isn't remorseful at all for the pain she caused Abby. When she shows up at Ray's house, it becomes obvious that she only cares about her own welfare. To her, being in danger is a more serious matter than infidelity.