Search - Brotherhood: The Final Season on DVD

The final scene belongs in the National Film Registry

C. Peterson | Connecticut, USA | 05/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't want to spoil the final episode for those who haven't yet watched it, but I hope that those interested can find the time to watch all of the prior episodes before watching the last one of season three (hopefully not of the entire series). The final scene has to be some of the best writing and cinematography ever broadcast on television. In a word, apropos. If this is indeed the final season that Showtime orders, the final scene is a fitting way for the storyline to conclude.

There are obvious similarities to another great crime-based drama of the decade, HBO's The Wire. However, Brotherhood focuses more on the political side of crime/corruption, whereas The Wire spends more time on the street. If either of these shows were available on broadcast TV, they would captivate large and dedicated audiences and be phenomenally successful. When one reads reviews for both of these shows on any reputable website, they're gushing with acclaim. These shows have gained a cult-like following. It's a shame that HBO and Showtime instead choose to promote series like Californication and Big Love at the expense of these masterpieces.

The series examines much more than political corruption - the changing demographics and redevelopment of Providence juxtaposed with the longtime situation and residents of "The Hill" are continuous themes which are portrayed in a subtle, yet nuanced manner.

In terms of the actors, there really are no weak links. However, Kerry O'Malley portrays an incredibly sympathetic and complex character in Mary-Kate (Tommy and Michael's only sister). Her role and performance is supremely underrated. Although I personally have absolutley nothing in common with her role, she is probably my "favorite" character from an incredibly diverse palette that the series provides.

Showtime would make a great contribution to American television by ordering a fourth season."

Simply Superb

Scorpio69 | Hawaii, America's Paradise | 07/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With season 3, I was once again blown away by this fantastic series. I sure hope this isn't the end of it, but if so, there is a certain inevitable kind of resolution to the various situations. What really amazes me is how the camera will linger on what would normally be considered a mundane scene, allowing you to soak up all of the nuances of the characters lives. This is not something you will find on any other TV show and indeed most movies, as they are so bereft of character development and their plots are so contrived that they must resort to constantly moving the camera around and fast cuts to try to keep you from becoming bored with their vacuity. Brotherhood is a great, great series. I just cannot say enough to properly praise it."

Phenomenal in Every Way

Eazy E | New Jersey | 08/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's a shame this series only gets 3 seasons while shows like CSI Miami and Heroes continue and continue. Definitely was one of the best, if not the best show on television during its three 3 season run. The third season was only 8 episodes but quite possibly the best of the three. Easy five stars and something anyone interested in crime/politics should go out of their way to see. Amazing job by all involved."

The end, sadly

N. Durham | Philadelphia, PA | 09/24/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The third, and sadly final, season of Showtime's Brotherhood finds the world of the Caffee family getting rocked like never before. For gangster Michael (Jason Isaacs), he's finding that being in charge isn't as cracked up as it could be, made even more so by the release of Freddie Cork (Kevin Chapman) who himself isn't happy about his new role. For Tommy Caffee (Jason Clarke), he seeks to leave his life of politics behind him and finally move his pregnant wife Eileen (Annabeth Gish) and family off of The Hill, which soon enough becomes easier said than done. The rest of the crew has their hands fill as wel, including controlling matriarch Rose (Fionnula Flanagan) and her failing health, Colin (Brian F. O'Byrne) finds his loyalties to Michael tested, and Declan's (Ethan Embry) quest for peace with his wife and job hits a few roadblocks as he makes some huge discoveries that could shake The Hill and the Caffee's to their cores. The third season of Brotherhood really finds the series hitting its stride, which is a crying shame considering that it got the axe after struggling ratings-wise. Still, we should be glad that creator Blake Masters managed to wrap things up as much as he did here, and we weren't left on a never-to-be-resovled cliffhanger. All in all, Brotherhood was a vastly underrated show from its inception onward, but now that it's off the air and on DVD, maybe it will find the audience that it deserves."