Funeral for a Friend

There's a different tone in "Funeral for a Friend" than previous "MobLand" episodes: more subtlety and a stately pace, with an overwhelming suspense and sense of dread. For an "action/crime series", this could generate a knee-jerk reaction from fans who demand slam/bang content, but I greatly admired the Kubrickian tone (note the familiar solemn music during the ceremony) and the exacting rituals that give the show some depth, just as Coppola did so skillfully with the gangster genre in his various rituals during "The Godfather".

Of course, Tom Hardy's tenacity and presence in the central role of Harry holds everything together, while the almost-campy performances by the two loose cannon characters Maeve (Helen Mirren) and Eddie (Anson Boon) serve a function like the hand grenade that Harry carries, just in case.

We do get to see some of the subsidiary roles beefed up, notably Brendan Harrigan (Daniel Betts) and his stepsister Seraphina (Mandeep Dhillon). The funeral for Tommy and followup reception are extremely tense, all leading up to a great surprise ending - I didn't expect it, yet, director Daniel Syrkin meticulously sets the stage so that perhaps a half minute before it happens, every viewer should sense what's to come.

There is a line in Season 1, Episode 5 that clearly insults Dubai and Arab culture by associating this modern, developed city with the word "tent." This is not just an outdated stereotype; it is a deliberate insult that diminishes the achievements of a contemporary nation and fuels hatred and ignorance toward Arabs.

Such cheap and offensive remarks have no place in respectable television works. They damage the reputation of the show and offend Arab viewers and others alike. I urge the creators to immediately stop using this cheap mockery and focus on producing content that respects cultures and accurately reflects reality.

That's the answer to the question: how do you dress for a funeral on this outstanding series from Ronan Bennett (although some continue to credit Guy Ritchie). Tom Hardy (Harry Da Souza)continues his incredible run of creating iconic and interesting characters. But, I continue to be very impressed with Pierce Brosnan, as Conrad, the patriarch of the Harrigan Clan. Then, there's Helen Mirren (Maeve Harrigan), who has her own agenda entirely. I wrote last week that she's playing Iago to Brosnan's 'King Lear' and using her useless grandson Eddie (Anson Boon) as her pawn. Maeve wants to be the Boss. She's out of control and working against the interests of Conrad. A showdown is coming!

Tom Hardy (Harry Da Souza)continues his incredible run of creating iconic and interesting characters. Winsome, touching and arguably the inpiring effort ever! MobLand: Funeral for a Friend is a A tranquil escape with breathtaking views! Unlocking sheer bliss for the senses, the ploting and history told us, of the murder is an experience encompassing so much more than just the ladys in the rooms within it. From the showstopping bathroom Richie's house to the enchanting atmosphere of the entire space, this house is the epitome of chic London living. A captivating adventure that becomes funnier and more exciting as it flies along..!? Congrats.

The shorter episodes are a blessing with thd stories bring tighter than thd long drawn out start to the series plus thd leaves have finally fallen from the trees in thd London scenes to catch up with the scenes in the countryside which have had bars trees throughout the series.

The two families meet at a funeral and a wake with a lot of animosity between the two sides.

Eddie continues to be his petulant showing no respect for thd occasion while Harry has a plan in place in case things don't go to plan.

Brilliant script and great acting despite thd poor accent of Irishman Pierce Brosnan.

The only downside is that the explosive ending has been given away in thd opening titles.