Mob City

It's really a shame, that this TV show did not get picked up for a further season. Or more than one that is. Especially when you look at how it's been done and that it only had six episodes all together. The costumes, the setting, the tone, the locations, everything is done almost perfectly.

The dialog, the acting, it's all in a rhythm, that fits the noir style and something a lot of people do like. I guess that not enough did watch it, though I can't say why that is. There surely are enough fans of this out there, to merit more of it. Still and with the talent at hand moving on to other projects, it still makes sense to "just" watch this one season, because it's really good. If you are into Noir, I don't even have to convince you. If you like crime thrillers and whodunit pieces you'll love it too ...

TNT's newest edition to an already great television line up is Mob City, a TV Miniseries that has an ensemble cast that absolutely kills it & I'll get into why.

Plot Line: Mob City takes place in late 1940's Mob soaked Los Angeles. The show revolves around a LAPD detective who has acquaintances in the Mob. I will not go into much detail because I would be giving away most of the core story. As the story follows the LAPD detective it also follows the Mob, specifically Bugsy Siegel and Mickey Cohen (who you see very little of) and the mystery woman (which I can not go into detail on without spoiling it) threatening and brushing shoulders. The series mostly follows on the LAPD and Bugsy's crew clashing, but recently in eps. 4 followed a rival gang trying to take over Bugsy's operations. There are some holes in the story, but the whole finished product does not fail.

Cast: Let me start of with Frank Darabont. Frank of course took over The Walking Dead after its first season, which in my opinion has dumbed down the show ever since. Ever since Frank took over The Walking Dead for season 2 ongoing I slowly stopped watching. The Walking Dead just became dull and just flat out boring. That is to say I am not a Walking Dead fan, so I could see my hesitation when TNT started advertising a 1940's mob show using Frank's work as a promotion. Looking at the ad's I think, how is a zombie guy create a noir? Frank brought Jon Bernthal (Walking Dead's Shane Walsh) and Jeffrey DeMunn (Walking Dead's Dale Horvath) back who were both killed off of The Walking Dead. Personally I did not like Jon Bernthal in The Walking Dead, but seeing him here on Mob City made me appreciate him a little more. Jeffrey DeMunn was also my one of my favorites on the show and here he is even better. The Walking Dead's resurrected cast helps boost the show, and I love to see others returning to the screen such as Michael McGrady (Southland, L.A. Noire), Neal McDonough (Justified), and Gregory Itzin (24) who make it feel more at home for me. I absolutely love that Edward Burns is playing Bugsy Siegel he is all around a great actor with a lot of potential and portrays him greatly. I do have a problem with casting Jeremy Luke as Mickey Cohen. He makes the show feel awkward and just does not portray Mickey the way I would like. The casting is great overall, and I do enjoy it very much as they defiantly add to the noir feel of the show.

Conclusion: Mob City is a great miniseries, with a cast that makes it and screenplay that kills. Mob City has a lot of potential as a straight up television series. As it is a miniseries they traditionally do not get renewed nor have more that one season, so It will be upsetting to see it go. Frank impressed me when I thought he could not. If Mob City is becoming renewed or brought to a series it cannot be dumbed down, I can already see the money they've spent with the sets, props, and costumes and cutting budget it will make me a lost viewer. I applaud Frank and TNT for making a piece that is my favorite this year. I recommend to anyone though, not the typical Walking Dead fan because I just do not think they would enjoy it. Some background knowledge of the LA mob is good to get the story. A mob enthusiast like me will be just at home. See you at the series and/or season finale? 7/10

Not a bad story covering the 1947 L.A. mobster scene of Jewish gangsters Bugsy Siegel and Mickey Cohen and various Italian mobsters, etc. Very well written and shot, lots of electric color, well-lit night scenes, and plenty of shoot-'em-ups and, unlike later films about L.A., actual police officials interested in doing police work right; not being pocketed by criminal riff-raff. I had been wanting to see this series for a number of years, finally found it on Putlocker for free, and there ya go.

The reviewer wrote about the accuracy of the film, but I doubt he is any more qualified to say that than I. As a dark Drama, it is outstanding. I love the way they all talk like a '40s crime drama. The costuming is also outstanding. As to racial integration, ask retired Mayor Tom Bradley who also retired as an LAPD Captain. Life as a "Negro" was not that easy. This was the time when LAPD was cleaned up using the skill of Chief Parker and the influx of experienced and mature WWII Veterans. The detectives also display only little guns. A lot carried larger frame and longer barreled 6 shot revolvers like the 4" Colt New Police and the Smith and Wesson M&P. We need to avoid using film as a history lesson. For example, "Chinatown" is not based upon fact.

Warning: This review is only based on the first two episodes released side by side. And is only indicative of the show's quality during this time frame.

If there is anything to be said about Mob City is that it isn't ashamed of it's roots. Whiskey, jazz, smoke and guns...this is as noir a tale as they come. From the narration to the wardrobe. Not the usual TV drama audiences are used to. It takes a gamble in a genre that's not famous with the mainstream, and i applaud it for taking that route.

It is true however, that by thriving in a road that has been walked on time and time again, some archetypes and conventions are spotted from the very beginning. The downbeat detective, the friendly mobster, the comic relief, the love interest. What the show will do with these parts remains yet to be seen. But for now i can say that it didn't stop me from deeply enjoying it's premiere. The thing about archetype characters is that they can be a lot of fun in the context of referencing and as a homage to the genre the show so clearly has a love for. And i had a lot of fun with them.

Something has also to be said about the acting, that convincingly breathes life into these characters. Everyone is great, but of course i am always happy to see Simon Pegg even in the silver screen.

For now this is a cautiously optimistic review to series that shows promise and indulges in the genre it tries to bring to life ever so lovingly.