TV Review: ‘MobLand’ On Paramount+

by | Mar 28, 2025 | TV, TV Reviews | 0 comments


Greetings again from the darkness. For fans of crime syndicate TV series like “The Sopranos”, “Peaky Blinders”, and “Sons of Anarchy”, your new obsession has arrived. Originally developed as a spinoff of the excellent “Ray Donovan” (but the path changed), this new project from creator Ronan Bennett (“Top Boy”) is both something new and something familiar. Bennett and Jez Butterworth (BLACK MASS, EDGE OF TOMORROW) are co-writers on the series, and if the first two episodes are an indication, expect this series to be explosive fun.

Guy Ritchie (SNATCH, SHERLOCK HOLMES) directs the first two episodes with his trademark visuals, violence, and shocking moments (although his rapid-fire editing style is absent). The series features three major stars in leading roles: Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Oscar winner Helen Mirren. Brosnan plays Conrad Harrigan and Mirren is his wife Maeve. Together, they run the lucrative family business – one that is illegal on multiple fronts. Hardy plays Harry Da Souza, their “fixer”.

Mr. Brosnan thrives on chewing scenery here, showing more emotion than we’ve come to expect from his usually cool demeanor on screen. Ms. Mirren plays a bit of a Cheshire cat, in that she’s wickedly sly with her outward actions versus her inner voice, leaving us guessing as to her objectives (“stick or twist”). And for those accustomed to Mr. Hardy playing characters who are a bit stingy with their words (Bane in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES), you’ll be surprised to see him playing a calm-under-pressure, smooth-talking negotiator who excels in moments of crisis.

In addition to the three stars, the supporting cast is superb. Conrad’s adult offspring are played by Paddy Considine (IN AMERICA), Mandeep Dhillon (“After Life”), and Daniel Betts (WAR MACHINE). And what would a mob show be without at least one kid constantly causing problems? Here that kid is Conrad’s entitled grandson Eddie (Anson Boon), doing more than his fair share to ignite a war with a rival family led by Richie Stevenson (a terrific Geoff Bell, ROCKNROLLA). Also adding stress to the proceedings is Harry’s frustrated wife Jan (Joanne Froggatt, “Downton Abbey”). Other familiar faces pop up, adding to the quality of individual scenes and the overall show.

The familiar elements of mob stories are prevalent here, yet the blend of intensity, violence, and humor help this series stand above some others. I should also mention that in keeping with recent trends, the opening credit sequence is a work of art unto itself.

Premieres Sunday March 30, 2025 on Paramount+

David Ferguson
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