Ray is being pulled in a lot of different directions.
All that the Donovan name brings is destruction.
An Irish Lullaby might be the best episode of the season.
Credit: Jeff Neumann/SHOWTIME
What I mean is that both men are trying to start over.
But thats about where the similarities end.
Rays growth comes in the form of maybe trying to connect with someone romantically again.
At the end of theprevious episode, Ray forced himself to stay with Molly.
At the beginning of this episode, hes taking off first thing in the morning.
Its exactly what the old Ray would do, running away from any potential joy or complicated emotions.
Molly calls him on it too: You think youre the only one with intimacy issues?
While Ray is trying to learn from his past and move forward, Mickey is stuck in reverse.
But heres the thing: this is all fruitless.
It was all so long ago.
Whats interesting about An Irish Lullaby is the way it positions Mickey to have his own emotional revelation.
Its done slowly, subtly.
Mickey had his chance to get out.
Instead, hes Mickey Donovan, which means he cant escape his own self-destructive behavior.
Maybe Ray wont be like his father though.
Theres still time for him.
He shows up, and hes beaming.
Hes really, really trying.
Maybe Molly is his ticket out of the curse that plagues the Donovans.
