Ep 5. The Golem

Ray Donovan is a dramatic television series set in Los Angeles, California, and follows the life of a "fixer" who works for a law firm. The firm's clients are often high-profile individuals who need someone to cover up their indiscretions, and Ray is the one who handles the dirty work. In season 1, episode 5, "The Golem," Ray is faced with a difficult task that forces him to confront his past.

The episode begins with Ray meeting with a rabbi, who asks him to help find a young man named Ezra, who has gone missing. The rabbi believes that Ezra is in danger, and he wants Ray to use his skills to locate him. Ray initially refuses, but the rabbi appeals to his sense of justice, reminding him that he is a father and that he should understand the importance of family.

Meanwhile, Ray's brother, Bunchy, has gotten into trouble with a group of Russian gangsters. Bunchy owes them money, and they are threatening to hurt him if he doesn't pay up. Ray offers to help Bunchy out, but Bunchy refuses, saying that he wants to handle it on his own. Ray is worried about his brother, but he knows that Bunchy is stubborn and won't accept help from anyone.

As Ray investigates Ezra's disappearance, he discovers that the young man was involved in some shady business dealings with a group of Israeli gangsters. Ezra was trying to build a golem, a mythical creature from Jewish folklore that is said to come to life and do its creator's bidding. The gangsters saw the golem as a way to make money, and they convinced Ezra to build it for them.

Ray traces Ezra's movements to a warehouse where the golem is being constructed. He sees the golem for the first time and is shocked by its appearance. It is a large, humanoid figure made of clay, and it is eerily lifelike. Ray realizes that the golem is not just a piece of art, but a weapon that could be used to hurt people.

With the help of Avi, his trusted assistant, Ray confronts the gangsters and demands that they release Ezra. The gangsters refuse, and a fight breaks out. Avi is injured, but Ray manages to save Ezra and destroy the golem. The episode ends with Ray returning to the rabbi's office, telling him that Ezra is safe and that the golem is no longer a threat.

Overall, "The Golem" is a tense and suspenseful episode that explores the darker side of human nature. It shows how people can be drawn into dangerous situations and how power can corrupt even the most innocent of intentions. Ray is a complex and compelling character who is torn between his duty to his clients and his own sense of morality. This episode is a must-see for fans of the show and anyone who appreciates well-crafted storytelling.