Why You Need to Binge-Watch Guy Ritchie & Tom Hardy’s Hidden Gem, MobLand!

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Among the top new crime dramas currently available, it’s an engaging series that’s perfect for binge-watching by those who enjoy quality TV shows during their leisure time. Launched in 2021, Paramount+, a streaming service owned by Paramount Global, is rapidly gaining popularity. With many people spending more time at home due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Paramount+ seized the opportunity to release original content, starting with “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run” and “Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years.” Over the past four years, they have also revived several TV shows, such as “Frasier” and “iCarly.

Initially known as “The Donovans” when it was first announced in February 2024, the series later became known as “MobLand,” created by Ronan Bennett. The title character, played by Liev Schreiber, initially worked as a professional fixer. However, it wasn’t until February 2025 that “MobLand” solidified its title, as it was also briefly referred to as “The Associate.” Guy Ritchie, who directed the first two episodes and serves as an executive producer, played a crucial role in establishing the tone for Paramount+’s popular new show, which has garnered the interest of millions.

MobLand’s Complex Story Is Captivating

In the realm of crime dramas, the storyline of MobLand isn’t entirely original, but it certainly keeps viewers engaged. This series unfolds in the bustling heart of London and revolves around Harry Da Souza, portrayed by Tom Hardy, a versatile problem-solver often referred to as a “fixer.” Unlike the American usage of “fixer” for someone who performs morally ambiguous actions, in this context, it’s a neutral term meaning one who resolves issues. Harry finds himself working for the Harrigan crime family, led by Conrad Harrigan (Pierce Brosnan) and his wife Maeve (Helen Mirren), who are successful yet highly suspect. When the Harrigans clash with the neighboring Stevenson crime family, it’s Harry’s job to prevent a full-blown gang war by maintaining peace.

In my humble opinion as a movie reviewer, “MobLand” might initially appear to be a run-of-the-mill crime drama, but it quickly proves otherwise. The opening episode cleverly establishes that the lives of every character, from Conrad and Maeve to even their seemingly close associates, are hanging in the balance.

The narrative unfolds as the Harrigans engage in a power struggle with their rivals, with Conrad and Maeve determined to seize control of the Stevensons’ fentanyl empire. With Harry at the heart of this conflict, the tension escalates dramatically when a traitor is discovered within the Harrigan crime family.

“MobLand” masterfully weaves its storyline through unexpected twists and turns, leaving viewers on tenterhooks as they anxiously anticipate what more shocking revelations lie ahead.

One of MobLand’s standout qualities is its skillful use of violence and death to propel the crime drama narrative forward. Unlike other comparable series, the action sequences in MobLand are authentically executed and fitting for each moment. Although Harry frequently engages in violent acts as the Harrigan family fixer, the show manages to strike a balance where the graphic elements do not become excessive, allowing viewers to remain engaged without being overwhelmed or needing to look away.

The Cast of MobLand Excel On-Screen

In the gripping drama, “MobLand,” an outstanding ensemble graces the screen, led by A-list talents. However, Tom Hardy stands out with his remarkable portrayal of Harry. Harry is tasked with solving the Harrigans’ troubles, but his character is multifaceted; Tom Hardy masterfully depicts Harry’s evolution throughout “MobLand.”

Harry remains fiercely loyal to the Harrigans, yet as the story unfolds, personal issues and conflicts infiltrate his professional life. Despite being involved in an immoral profession and frequently resorting to violence, Harry is surprisingly composed and resourceful under pressure. This complexity adds depth to the character and underscores Tom Hardy’s exceptional acting skills.

Helen Mirren, the unique individual who has won both the American and British equivalents of the Triple Crown of Acting, brilliantly portrays Maeve in the series. Similar to Harry, Maeve is not merely Conrad’s spouse, but a powerful and manipulative figure who can orchestrate events and make difficult decisions when needed. Although Maeve projects an assertive image, her reasons for acting remain somewhat enigmatic throughout MobLand, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Mirren’s captivating performance.

As a film enthusiast, I find Pierce Brosnan’s portrayal of Conrad in “MobLand” simply captivating. Unlike the other leads, Conrad, as the head of the Harrigan crime family, is presented as a ruthless man with an unpredictable temper. However, what makes Brosnan’s performance stand out is his ability to depict Conrad not just as a villain, but as an anti-hero.

Despite his violent profession, Conrad demonstrates loyalty towards his family and has hobbies beyond the Mafia, such as fishing. This side of him adds depth to his character, making him more than just a ruthless gangster. In fact, Conrad is a charismatic individual who elicits respect from those around him, thereby enhancing his influence within “MobLand”.

MobLand’s Cinematography Is Top-Tier

The cinematography in the crime drama series, “MobLand”, significantly contributes to its success rather than detracting from it. The visuals are characterized by their dark and gritty style, often featuring either dim or color-influenced lighting that effectively mirrors the show’s plot and theme. Additionally, a significant portion of the scenes were filmed on location, adding an authentic touch to the series.

In the critically acclaimed series, MobLand, both the music and score merit attention, as they harmoniously blend with the show’s overall style. The opening theme, “Starburster” by Fontaines D.C., is a captivating tune that perfectly sets the stage for the drama ahead. Notably, Ilan Eshkeri and Matt Bellamy of Muse also crafted the music for this crime drama. You can listen to the official soundtrack of MobLand on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify, which boasts tracks from renowned artists such as The Rolling Stones, Reem, and Arctic Monkeys.

MobLand Season 2 Is Officially On the Way

The confirmation of a second season for “MobLand” became imminent following the release of its Season 1 finale on June 1, given the gripping cliffhanger that concluded the series. The crime drama made its debut in March and instantly garnered an impressive audience of 2.2 million viewers on Paramount+, setting a new record for the streaming service. On June 23, it was officially announced that the show would be returning for a second season, a decision made in light of its unprecedented success. Chris McCarthy, co-CEO of Paramount+, expressed his excitement about this development, stating, “We’re thrilled to give the greenlight to another season of this worldwide sensation, which has consistently ranked high on both domestic and international charts and reached the top spot in the UK.”

The second season of “MobLand” hasn’t been given a release date as of now, but considering the cliffhanger ending of the first season, we have an idea of what might unfold in the upcoming episodes. It’s likely that stars like Hardy, Mirren, and Brosnan will reprise their roles, along with characters such as Kevin Harrigan (Paddy Considine), Eddie Harrigan (Anson Boon), and Seraphina Harrigan (Mandeep Dhillon), who are all linked to the Harrigan crime family. Harry, despite being injured in the finale of “MobLand” season 1, is rumored to have made it through the attack. This will undoubtedly be a focus as season 2 kicks off. Unfortunately, we may need to wait a bit longer for the next season of “MobLand”. In the interim, fans can catch up on previous episodes streaming on Paramount+.

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2025-07-06 02:36