MobLand

The first few episodes were really slow, and I almost gave up. But I stuck with it and it paid off. The acting is tremendous. Probably one of the best things Tom Hardy has ever done. His character builds and you buy into him being the fixer. Pierce Bronson and Helen Mirren give great performances. I am looking forward to season two.

Ronan Bennett's "MobLand" (2025-) delivers a compelling and immersive crime saga, drawing viewers into a meticulously crafted world of underworld intrigue and complex characters. The series excels in its gritty realism and the nuanced performances from its ensemble cast, bringing a raw authenticity to the criminal landscape. Its narrative, while intricate, unfolds with a gripping pace, constantly building tension and offering unexpected turns that keep the audience thoroughly engaged. The dialogue is sharp, intelligent, and authentic, feeling natural and contributing significantly to the show's dark and atmospheric tone. Instead of a generic crime drama, "MobLand" offers a deeply layered and genuinely captivating exploration of loyalty, power, and survival within a brutal world.

Is it worth watching? Absolutely. "MobLand" is a highly engaging and well-executed crime series that promises a rich narrative and strong performances, making it a compelling watch for fans of the genre.

The performances of Tom Hardy and Geoff Bell are exemplary. The characters portrayed by both Brosnan and Mirren seem to envisage a stereotypical Irish brutish gangster family in a somewhat comical yet condescending way.

The recent BBC production of This city is ours set in Liverpool mirrors plot wise the themes of Macbeth once again.

Both though are very watchable even though they don't convey the true nature's of OCGs in Britain today.

The horrors and consequences of gangland action upon not just local but national society is not adequately explored.

Maybe we could be in danger of romanticising Hardys character to the detriment of overlooking his crimes.

Where shall I start, it is very hard for me to start any series that isn't driven by mystery. However, in this series Tom is just a charismatic character that forces you to start this series.

The series stands out because of three main reasons in my opinion. Firstly, the clear direction of the series. To illustrate, you can expect how the final episodes look like once you finish two or three episodes. This is important because some serieses (aka The gentlemen) weren't able to do this. Secondly, every character is important and will contribute to the main story. Thirdly, even thought the series is somehow predictable but it was well presented to keep us interested.

Highly recommend.

MobLand delivers exactly what you'd expect from a top-tier crime drama - and perhaps even more. The screenplay is incredibly well-constructed, with sharp editing and a clear, efficient introduction of characters, free from any redundancy. Information is revealed at the right pace, and the use of parallel storylines only enhances the main narrative rather than distracting from it.

Character development is handled to perfection: each figure is explored to the exact extent necessary, with depth and intention. The scenes are well-framed from the beginning, making it easy to dive into the story and follow its progression. The plot unfolds naturally, maintaining suspense and engagement throughout.

There may be a moment or two where one could argue a storyline could've been tied up differently - but in the end, everything is resolved. Any debate lies purely in creative choice, not in oversight. Every thread is ultimately connected.

This is a polished, well-directed, well-written, and well-acted series. A prime example of how to deliver a layered narrative with clarity, rhythm, and emotional impact. A solid 10.