Crime dramas about gang wars, betrayals, and fixers have been explored countless times, but MobLand brings its own unique flavor to the genre. Created by Ronan Bennett, the mastermind behind Ray Donovan, this gripping series introduces viewers to the brutal and unpredictable world of two rival crime families—the Harrigans and the Stevensons—in London. With an all-star cast including Tom Hardy, Helen Mirren, and Pierce Brosnan, MobLand has all the ingredients for an intense and engaging watch.
A Story of Power and Conflict
The plot centers around Harry Da Souza (Tom Hardy), a long-time fixer for the Harrigans, a powerful Irish crime family led by the formidable Maeve (Helen Mirren) and her husband, Conrad (Pierce Brosnan). The story takes a dramatic turn when Eddie Harrigan, Conrad’s reckless grandson, gets into a violent altercation while hanging out with Tommy Stevenson, the son of rival gangster Richie Stevenson (Geoff Bell).
After a wild night of partying, Tommy disappears, sending both families into chaos. Harry is quickly pulled into the situation, tasked with finding Tommy before tensions erupt into a full-blown war. As the episode unfolds, we gain insight into the intricate power dynamics within the Harrigan family, particularly Maeve’s quiet but firm control over Conrad.
A Familiar but Gripping Narrative
Fans of Ray Donovan will find MobLand strikingly similar, with its central focus on a fixer handling high-stakes problems for a crime family. While MobLand doesn’t revolutionize the crime drama genre, it delivers an engaging story filled with tension and complex characters.
Standout Performances
With such a stellar cast, it’s no surprise that the acting is one of MobLand‘s strongest aspects.
- Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza – Hardy brings a perfect blend of composure and vulnerability to his role. While Harry is highly skilled at his job, subtle moments of fear and uncertainty make him feel human rather than an invincible gangster.
- Helen Mirren as Maeve Harrigan – Mirren delivers a chilling performance as the true leader of the Harrigan family. Her calm, calculating nature makes her both fascinating and terrifying to watch.
- Pierce Brosnan as Conrad Harrigan – Brosnan plays Conrad as an impulsive and dangerous figure who blindly follows his wife’s guidance. Though he may appear to be the head of the family, it’s clear Maeve is the one pulling the strings.
Cinematic Style and Atmosphere
MobLand takes inspiration from classic British gangster films, thriving on personal conflicts rather than large-scale criminal operations. The rivalry between the Harrigans and Stevensons is fueled by personal grudges, making it feel all the more intense.
The cinematography enhances the storytelling, using lighting, close-ups, and slow-burning tension to immerse viewers in the world of MobLand. Every scene is carefully crafted to let emotions sink in, ensuring a gripping experience.
Weaknesses: Predictability and Pacing Issues
Despite its strengths, MobLand does have some flaws:
- Familiarity – The series treads well-worn paths, making it feel predictable at times. While the performances elevate the material, it doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking.
- Slow Pacing – The show takes its time building tension, which is effective but occasionally sluggish. Some scenes could have been tighter to maintain momentum.
