Guy Ritchie’s latest venture into the crime drama genre, "MobLand," premiered on Paramount+ on March 30, 2025, featuring an impressive cast led by Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren. The series unfolds within the gritty underbelly of London, chronicling the violent rivalry between two crime families: the Harrigans and the Stevensons.
In the opening episode, viewers are introduced to Harry Da Souza (Tom Hardy), a fixer for the Harrigan crime family, who finds himself navigating the treacherous waters of mob politics. The Harrigans, led by the ruthless patriarch Conrad Harrigan (Pierce Brosnan) and his manipulative wife Maeve (Helen Mirren), are embroiled in a tense peace with their rivals, the Stevensons, headed by the no-nonsense Richie Stevenson (Geoff Bell).
The episode kicks off in a darkened walk-in freezer where Harry is attempting to broker peace among the various factions supplying the Harrigans with drugs. However, the peace is shattered when Eddie Harrigan (Anson Boon), Conrad’s grandson, stabs a man during a night out, leading to the disappearance of Tommy Stevenson, the son of Richie Stevenson. This incident sets off a chain reaction that threatens to escalate into a full-blown gang war.
As the plot unfolds, Harry attempts to manage the fallout from the stabbing while dealing with his own strained family life. His wife, Jan (Joanne Froggatt), is pushing for couples counseling, adding personal stakes to Harry's already complicated existence. The series explores the juxtaposition of Harry's normal family life against the backdrop of his dangerous job, where loyalty and survival are paramount.
The narrative is driven by themes of power and betrayal, with Conrad Harrigan's ambition pushing the family deeper into the fentanyl trade, a move that could provoke the Stevensons. The tension escalates when Archie (Alex Jennings), the family consigliere, advises against entering the fentanyl market due to the risk of war with the Stevensons. However, Conrad’s greed compels him to ignore this warning, setting the stage for inevitable conflict.
Critics have had mixed reactions to "MobLand." While the series boasts a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 72% audience score, many reviewers have noted that it feels like a retread of familiar gangster tropes. Matt Mahler from MovieWeb remarked, "[Tom] Hardy is brilliant as Harry Da Souza, and we often wish that the show would just cut down on the many other characters and stick with Harry." This sentiment was echoed by John Anderson of the Wall Street Journal, who praised the cast but criticized the plot as "well-trod territory."">
James Hibbs of Radio Times noted that despite Ritchie’s involvement, the series feels like a standard crime drama rather than a fresh take on the genre. He stated, "Regardless of Ritchie's level of involvement, you can feel his stamp all over this." This observation highlights the difficulty in balancing Ritchie’s signature style with the expectations of a new series.
Some viewers have found themselves captivated by the show, praising the performances of the lead actors. One fan tweeted, "Tom Hardy is just pure class, isn't he? Elite actor," while another noted, "First episode of MobLand and it looks like it's gonna be a good one. Tom Hardy was superb." These positive reactions suggest that while the narrative may not be groundbreaking, the performances are compelling enough to draw in an audience.
As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see if it can delve deeper into the characters’ psyches and relationships, especially given the talent involved. The stakes are high for Harry, who must navigate the violent world of the Harrigans while also attempting to hold his family together.
With new episodes set to release weekly, viewers will have the opportunity to see how the story unfolds and whether it can rise above the typical gangster formula. The potential for character development and deeper storytelling exists, but it remains to be seen if the series will capitalize on it or fall into the trap of cliché.
In summary, "MobLand" presents an intriguing premise with a star-studded cast, but the execution may not be enough to satisfy all viewers. As the Harrigans and Stevensons clash in their battle for supremacy, the series must find a way to distinguish itself from the plethora of crime dramas that have come before it. Only time will tell if it can achieve this or if it will fade into the background of forgettable gangster tales.
