Explosive Beginnings but Shaky Ground
Paramount+'s latest venture into the gritty world of crime dramas, *MobLand*, hits the streaming platform with a splash, boasting Hollywood heavyweights like Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren. Directed by Guy Ritchie, a master of stylish crime sagas, expectations soared high. However, as the show unfurls, it's clear the path hasn't been entirely smooth.
The series kicks off with a sensational opening scene, a signature move from Guy Ritchie. Hardy plays Harry Da Souza, an enforcer for the Harrigan crime family, executing a bloody mission to destroy rival gangs. This intense start is supposed to establish Hardy's character as a fierce and efficient executioner, setting the stage for what could be an epic conflict.
The Core of Conflict
At the heart of *MobLand* is a brewing storm between two crime dynasties—the Harrigans, led by Pierce Brosnan's Conrad Harrigan, and their long-time rivals, the Stevensons. Conrad's plans to pivot from heroin to the more lucrative fentanyl trade instigate a fierce rivalry with Richie Stevenson, portrayed by Geoff Bell. The tension escalates when Conrad's grandson, Eddie, played by Anson Boon, has a violent altercation with Tommy Stevenson (Felix Edwards). This clash hints at a simmering war, especially when Tommy mysteriously disappears, making Richie suspect foul play by the Harrigans.
While this premise provides a tantalizing backdrop for a thrilling series, the execution has stumbled along the way. Much of the criticism directed at *MobLand* points to an overload of subplots that detract from the central storyline. Eddie's reckless behavior is explored alongside various sub-narratives, including Harry's strained marriage to Joanne Froggatt's Jan and her therapy sessions that often seem tangential.
The show peaks dramatically with Conrad's decision to eliminate his childhood friend, Archie, as a display of power. Yet, critics argue that the pacing lags in between these moments, making it hard to maintain consistent viewer engagement.
Performances from the cast, particularly Tom Hardy, are praised for their intensity and depth, bringing layers to otherwise straightforward roles. However, Brosnan's portrayal of Conrad has been less favorably received, with many noting that his attempts at an Irish accent occasionally drift towards exaggeration, which can be distracting.
Guy Ritchie fans might miss his customary flamboyance, with *MobLand* adopting a more conventional approach rather than his expected stylistic flair. There are glimpses of Ritchie's signature influence, but they’re fleeting against a backdrop that struggles with tonal coherence.
Despite these challenges, *MobLand* carries potential. With a tighter focus on the central rivalry woven with sharper narrative threads, it could regain the footing it's initially poised to establish. While the premiere hints at complexities yet to unravel, it's up to the subsequent episodes to tie these disparate elements into a compelling crime drama package.
Mar, 31 2025