When The Sopranos concluded its run, HBO faced a pivotal decision. Celebrated as one of the greatest television series of all time-arguably the very best-the show sparked a division among its viewers: some cherished the intricate family drama, while others eagerly anticipated scenes of mobsters executing rivals. This split influenced HBO’s subsequent programming choices. Instead of developing a contemplative, character-driven series like Infected Men (which eventually found a home on Showtime), the network opted for more visceral, violence-driven narratives such as Boardwalk Empire.
Since then, television has struggled to replicate the seamless blend of domestic life and organized crime that The Sopranos achieved. While series like Peaky Blinders have made notable advances-bolstered by stellar performances-the latest standout is MobLand. Paramount’s new offering reinvigorates the family drama genre, not merely because the characters are related, but because the Harrigan family-portrayed by Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren, Paddy Considine, Tom Hardy, and newcomer Anson Boon-are arguably the most unpredictable and ruthless figures on contemporary television.
Reimagining Family Ties in a Crime-Infested World
In MobLand, characters seem to approach each scene as if engaged in a high-stakes game of “choose your own adventure,” where they anticipate every possible outcome before deliberately choosing the most dangerous path. The Harrigans aren’t simply successful mobsters-they’re reckless, often eliminating rivals with brutal efficiency. Their family’s enforcer, Harry Da Souza (Tom Hardy), is tasked with managing their chaos. And chaos is precisely what the Harrigans thrive on, often creating conflicts that spiral out of control.
Unraveling the Family Secrets
A prime example occurs in the season one finale. Eddie Harrigan (Anson Boon), the youngest member of the family, discovers that his grandfather, Conrad Harrigan (Pierce Brosnan), is actually his biological father. The revelation comes after Eddie learns that Conrad had an affair with his wife-an open secret within the family-though Eddie remains unaware until the formidable matriarch, Maeve (Helen Mirren), finally reveals the truth.
Decisions in the Face of Shocking Revelations
Faced with this explosive knowledge, what should Eddie do? Options include: A) confront Conrad directly; B) betray the family; or C) have an honest conversation with Kevin (Paddy Considine), who raised him as a son despite being his half-brother. Instead, Eddie chooses the most extreme option: D) attempt to strangle his mother for her lies. This decision exemplifies the unpredictable and often violent nature of the series’ characters.
The Role of Harry Da Souza: The Family’s Fixer
Harry Da Souza functions as the quintessential fixer-akin to figures like Tommy Norris from Landman or Mike McLusky from Mayor of Kingstown. Yet, within MobLand, he’s more akin to a child wielding a hand grenade-dangerous and unpredictable. The series’ tension doesn’t solely stem from its plot twists or cliffhangers but from the sheer insanity packed into each episode. Harry’s willingness to plunge headfirst into chaos, even when his crew is tearing itself apart, underscores the series’ dark humor and relentless unpredictability.
Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren deliver some of the most unpredictable performances on TV today.
From Bloodshed to Black Comedy
The chaos erupts early in the series when Eddie kills a rival gang leader’s son, Richie Stevenson (Geoff Bell), seemingly for amusement. Maeve then escalates the violence by blowing up Richie’s wife’s car, purely to sow disorder. Conrad, the patriarch, is even more reckless-murdering his trusted advisor Archie (Alex Jennings) in cold blood after suspecting him of betrayal, despite no evidence. The season culminates with Conrad realizing Archie’s innocence but choosing to escalate the violence rather than de-escalate. His justification? He’s only on top because he’s already planted a thousand men on the ground, ready to strike.
Deeper Roots of the Harrigans’ Ruthlessness
MobLand gradually reveals that the Harrigans’ brutality stems from deeply rooted traumas and twisted backgrounds. Kevin endured sexual abuse in prison, Eddie’s upbringing was marked by privilege and entitlement, Harry appears to have detached himself emotionally to avoid vulnerability, and Conrad and Maeve resemble comic book villains-villains shaped by their traumatic pasts.
Dark Humor Amidst the Violence
Despite its grim themes, MobLand manages to incorporate a surprising amount of humor, especially in its depiction of death and destruction. Unlike the gory excesses of The Boys or Final Space, the series’ humor arises from the characters’ limited understanding of the consequences of their violence. Their inability to grasp the full scope of their actions adds a layer of absurdity that keeps the tone unexpectedly light and satirical.
Witty Dialogue and Character Quirks
Showrunner Guy Ritchie, who directed the first two episodes, likely contributed to this sharp, witty tone. For example, Harry’s frequent mockery of his rivals’ overused metaphors-such as “the ship is sinking” and “the plane is going down”-serves as a humorous critique of the pretentiousness often found in criminal circles. These moments highlight the series’ clever writing and its focus on the absurdity of London’s underworld.
Unexpected Twists and Personal Tragedies
However, the series’ most shocking moment occurs when Harry, fresh from eliminating Richie Stevenson, returns home to find his wife (Joanne Froggatt) chopping carrots. Suddenly, she stabs him in the chest with a kitchen knife-an act that underscores the series’ theme: even the most stoic characters are vulnerable. Harry’s calm response-“Fucking hell. Now you’ve got my full attention”-captures the series’ dark humor and unpredictability.
Fortunately, Harry survives this ordeal. Actor Tom Hardy has already hinted at plans for season two, and series producer Jez Butterworth reassures fans that Harry’s character remains compelling and unpredictable. “We love Harry, and we love Tom,” Butterworth stated to the New York Post.
Fate of the Family Patriarch
Meanwhile, Conrad’s fate takes a dramatic turn as he is released from prison after his violent spree. The season finale ends with him exiting to a chorus of cheers from fellow inmates, shouting, “Lift it on! Fuck ’em! Fuck ’em!”-a testament to his unrepentant, ruthless nature.
In the end, the series leaves viewers with a sense that no lessons have been learned, and no victories achieved. It’s a brutal, darkly comic portrait of a family teetering on the edge of chaos-an unflinching look at the cost of violence and power.
