In the saturated landscape of crime dramas, the question “Is MobLand worth watching?” has been on the minds of many viewers since its release. Directed by the renowned Guy Ritchie, the series boasts an impressive cast including Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren. But does it live up to the hype? Let's delve into the various aspects of the show to find out.
Plot and Storyline
MobLand unfolds in the gritty underworld of London, where two powerful crime families, the Harrigans and the Stevensons, are locked in a bitter power struggle. Caught in the middle is Harry Da Souza, played by Tom Hardy, a street - smart and dangerously handsome “fixer” who knows all too well the delicate balance required when two opposing forces collide.
The premise, on paper, is engaging. It has all the elements of a classic gangster tale - power, loyalty, betrayal, and family. However, as the series progresses, the plot often feels derivative. It treads on well - worn paths, echoing other successful crime dramas like “Peaky Blinders” and “Gangs of London.” The story kicks off with a violent incident in a nightclub involving Conrad Harrigan's (Pierce Brosnan) grandson, which sets off a chain of events that threaten to upend the criminal operations of both families. While the narrative does explore themes such as loyalty being tested and rivalries flaring, it lacks a truly unique twist to make it stand out from the crowd.
Characters
One of the initial draws of MobLand is undoubtedly its star - studded cast. Tom Hardy brings his signature intensity to the role of Harry Da Souza. Harry is a fixer with a troubled personal life, constantly torn between his family responsibilities and the violent demands of the mob. Hardy, who has prior experience in the gangster genre with shows like “Peaky Blinders,” is quietly charismatic. He makes it easy to believe that Harry can persuade people to do things they would rather avoid. However, in MobLand, his performance feels somewhat subdued compared to his previous works. His character's internal struggles are interesting in concept but are executed in a rather predictable manner, which may leave some viewers wanting more.
Pierce Brosnan's Conrad Harrigan is menacing yet has moments of unexpected levity. His performance, while solid, also follows the familiar trope of the tough - as - nails crime boss. Helen Mirren, as Maeve Harrigan, Conrad's wife and the true mastermind behind their drug - fueled empire, adds depth to the show. She manages to bring a certain charm and authority to the role, and her scenes are often a highlight.
The supporting cast, which includes names like Joanne Froggatt as Harry's wife Jan and Paddy Considine as Kevin, Conrad's son, also does a decent job. However, like the main characters, many of the supporting roles feel a bit one - dimensional and fail to fully develop over the course of the series.
Direction and Style
True to Guy Ritchie's reputation, MobLand is visually stylish. The opening credits sequence is a flashy montage set to a rap song, filled with typical gangster imagery that immediately sets the tone for the show. The use of lighting is also notable, with scenes involving the upper - echelon characters being bright, while those with Harry and his associates are much darker, reflecting their different positions in the criminal hierarchy.
The camera work and editing add to the overall atmosphere. There are some well - choreographed action scenes that showcase Ritchie's knack for creating tension. However, at times, the show's style seems to overshadow the substance. The layers of style, including unnecessary needle drops, can feel a bit excessive and detract from the storytelling.
Thematic Depth
MobLand attempts to explore classic gangster - genre themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. It tries to humanize its anti - heroes, but the approach is somewhat half - baked. For example, the show is rather vague about the families' morally reprehensible activities, like drug trafficking, which makes it difficult for the audience to fully understand and engage with the characters' core motivations.
The writing, while it hints at complex emotional narratives, often fails to dig deep enough. It doesn't provide the kind of in - depth exploration of character motivations that made shows like “Breaking Bad” so resonate with audiences. As a result, the characters' actions sometimes feel arbitrary rather than driven by well - developed internal conflicts.
Conclusion
So, is MobLand worth watching? If you're a die - hard fan of the gangster genre and enjoy seeing big - name actors in familiar roles, then it might be worth a watch for the performances alone. The show has its moments, especially in the chemistry between some of the cast members and the stylish direction.
However, if you're looking for a fresh take on the crime drama genre, with a unique plot and deeply developed characters, MobLand may disappoint. Its derivative plot and lack of thematic depth prevent it from truly standing out in a crowded field. In the end, whether MobLand is worth your time depends on your personal preferences and what you're looking for in a television series.