MobLand, the new crime drama that hit Paramount+ on March 30, 2025, throws you right into the rough-and-tumble world of London’s underworld. With Ronan Bennett (Top Boy) behind the story and Guy Ritchie directing the first two episodes, this show’s got a killer cast—Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren—and a vibe that’s equal parts brutal and stylish. It’s not reinventing the mob genre, but it’s got enough grit and a wild finale to keep you hooked. Here’s the lowdown on what MobLand delivers and where it stumbles.
What’s the Deal?
Picture this: Harry Da Souza (Tom Hardy) is the guy who cleans up messes for the Harrigan crime family, an Irish crew run by the cutthroat Conrad (Pierce Brosnan) and his sly wife, Maeve (Helen Mirren). They’re butting heads with their rivals, the Stevensons, led by Richie (Geoff Bell). Things go sideways when Conrad’s loose-cannon grandson Eddie (Anson Boon) and Richie’s son Tommy get tangled in a messy night of drugs and violence, leaving a stabbing and a missing kid in their wake. Harry’s stuck playing peacekeeper—or gearing up for war—while juggling his home life with his wife, Jan (Joanne Froggatt), and their teenage daughter.
The show started as a Ray Donovan spinoff idea but got reworked into its own thing. It’s got all the classic crime drama vibes—family feuds, shady deals, and a guy in the middle trying to keep it together—but with a cast like this, it’s aiming for something bigger.
Star Power and Gritty Vibes
Let’s talk about the cast, because they’re the real reason to tune in. Tom Hardy is a total beast as Harry, serving up this quiet, intense energy that makes you believe he can talk down a room of thugs or crack under pressure. He’s the heart of the show, and every scene he’s in feels alive. Fans are eating it up, and it’s easy to see why—he’s got that perfect mix of tough and broken.
Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan are just as good as Maeve and Conrad, the Harrigans who run the show. Mirren’s Maeve is like a chess master with a mean streak, stealing every scene she’s in, while Brosnan’s Conrad is all charm and menace, ready to flip on a dime. Their back-and-forth is pure gold, especially when they’re scheming or tearing into each other. Paddy Considine, playing their son Kevin, brings some serious heart, especially when his dark past comes up, and Anson Boon’s Eddie is a chaotic little gremlin you can’t look away from.
Ritchie’s touch in the first two episodes gives MobLand a slick, gritty look—think moody London streets, smoky backrooms, and swanky estates. The action hits hard, with fights and betrayals that feel raw, not flashy. The music and tight camera work keep things tense, and when the show leans into its dark humor or emotional beats, it’s firing on all cylinders.
Slow Start, Same Old Story
Here’s the thing—MobLand feels like stuff we’ve seen before. It’s got shades of Peaky Blinders or Gangs of London, and the whole “fixer caught between mob families” setup isn’t exactly new. The story leans hard on double-crosses and family drama, which is fun but doesn’t always feel fresh.
The pacing’s a bit of a drag too. The first couple episodes take their sweet time setting up the Harrigan-Stevenson beef and Harry’s role, and it can feel like a slog until the action kicks in—like a killer car chase or Maeve’s next-level scheming. Some side plots, like a mysterious traitor in the family, get a bit messy or just fizzle out. And while Maeve’s a badass, other women like Jan or Bella don’t get enough to do, which is a bummer with actors this good.
A Bloody, Messy Bang
The season wraps with “Beggars Banquet,” and man, it goes big. The Harrigan-Stevenson feud explodes into a full-on bloodbath, with Harry stuck making choices that could screw him over either way. Maeve and Conrad unleash their worst, showing just how ruthless they can be, and Kevin’s story hits a raw, emotional peak tied to his past. The body count’s high, and a last-minute twist about who’s been playing both sides sets up some juicy questions for Season 2.
That said, the finale’s not perfect. Some of the dialogue feels clunky, and a few storylines—like what’s up with Eddie—don’t quite land. It ends on a cliffhanger that’s more abrupt than satisfying, leaving you wanting answers. Still, it’s a wild ride that delivers the chaos you’ve been waiting for, even if it’s a little rough around the edges.
A Fun Ride with Room to Grow
MobLand isn’t rewriting the crime drama playbook, but it’s a solid good time, carried by a cast that’s worth the price of admission. Hardy, Mirren, and Brosnan bring their A-game, and the finale’s bloody payoff makes the slower bits worth pushing through. It’s got style, grit, and enough heart to keep you invested, even if it feels like a cousin to other mob shows. With Season 2 already in the works, there’s a chance for MobLand to tighten up its story and find its own spark.
If you’re into dark, intense crime dramas with big-name talent, MobLand on Paramount+ is a no-brainer. It’s not perfect, but it’s got enough punch to keep you glued to the screen—especially when Hardy’s on it. Grab a drink and dive in for a messy, thrilling ride.