Guy Ritchie’s Return to Form: A Closer Look at “MobLand”
It’s been a long time since I eagerly anticipated a Guy Ritchie project, the last memorable one being the 2000 film Snatch. Back then, Ritchie was riding high on the success of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, establishing himself as a fresh voice in British cinema. However, his subsequent works have included a mix of successes and disappointments, with Swept Away marking a notable low.
A Surprising Turn with “The Gentleman”
To my surprise, Ritchie’s 2024 Netflix series, The Gentleman, rekindled my enthusiasm for his storytelling. Despite my lack of enthusiasm for its source material—largely due to Hugh Grant’s performance keeping the film afloat—and my mixed feelings about Theo James as the leading man, I found The Gentleman to be an exhilarating blend of eccentric supporting roles and intense action, held together by Kaya Scodelario’s dynamic performance.
The enjoyment I derived from The Gentleman made me speculate whether the television format might be Ritchie’s ideal medium, leaving me keenly anticipating his upcoming project, the star-studded crime thriller MobLand.
Exploring the Dramatic Depths of “MobLand”
Premiering this weekend, MobLand showcases a more serious and subdued narrative compared to its predecessor. Featuring a remarkable cast, the second episode sent to critics hints at a quirky humor that is an improvement over the first. Rather than vying for direct comparisons to The Gentleman, MobLand evokes similarities to recent British gangland dramas such as Netflix’s Peaky Blinders and Sky Atlantic/AMC+’s Gangs of London.
Ritchie has paid homage to genre classics from notable filmmakers like Mike Hodges (Get Carter), John Mackenzie (The Long Good Friday), and Neil Jordan (Mona Lisa). However, it is still too early to ascertain what unique perspective MobLand will bring to the table.
Plot Overview: A Tale of Rival Crime Families
MobLand was developed by Ronan Bennett (The Day of the Jackal) and co-written with playwright Jez Butterworth. Set against the backdrop of escalating tensions between two crime families in London, the series features Pierce Brosnan as Conrad, the patriarch of the Harrigan family, whose roots trace back to Ireland. While Conrad appears to lead, his wife Maeve (Helen Mirren) may actually be the brains behind their drug business operations.
The complex family dynamics are further complicated by their sons, Kevin (Paddy Considine) and Brendan (Daniel Betts), and daughter Seraphina (Mandeep Dhillon), all entangled in the unfolding drama. Trouble brews when Kevin’s reckless son, Eddie (Anson Boon), finds himself in a nightclub brawl, leading to serious consequences for both families.
Character Development and Performances
As the conflict intensifies, Conrad seeks the expertise of Harry Da Souza (Tom Hardy), a longtime friend who excels in the art of back-alley negotiations and intimidation tactics. Though Harry struggles with personal issues, including a strained marriage to Jan (Joanne Froggatt), he remains dedicated to supporting his teenage daughter, portraying a complex character caught between family loyalty and moral integrity.
Originally intended as a spinoff from Showtime’s Ray Donovan, MobLand has evolved into a standalone narrative that embodies similar themes of masculinity and conflict, albeit with female characters, such as Maeve and Jan, showing surprising strength and influence.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
A challenge facing MobLand is its initial vagueness, which might stem from a desire to humanize its antihero characters while hinting at their murky dealings. The audience is left grappling with references to the family’s drug dealings without clarity on their operations, posing a potential barrier to investment in the storyline.
This narrative ambiguity calls into question whether the creators fully grasped the magic behind the success of shows like Breaking Bad. Ideally, a strong “fixer”narrative requires distinct character motivations and clever problem-solving, yet in its early episodes, MobLand lacks the precise execution needed to effectively captivate viewers.
Performance Highlights
The performances, however, offer some brighter spots. Brosnan brings a chilling presence to the role of Conrad, notably delivering a peculiar yet memorable pig impression that leaves audiences questioning what drives this formidable character. Mirren’s portrayal of Maeve adds depth to the family’s dynamics, showcasing her signature matriarchal authority.
Hardy excels in capturing the essence of a man torn between worlds, embodying the tension of his character with skill. While the first two episodes pave the way for potential, there is still much room for development and exploration of supporting roles.
Final Thoughts: Anticipating Future Episodes
While MobLand does not aim for the comedic flair of The Gentleman, the second episode offers glimpses of how it can blend serious storytelling with engaging entertainment. As the series progresses, I remain keen to see how it evolves, especially in episodes that don’t have Ritchie at the helm. The components for success are present, but it will take time to determine if MobLand can carve out its own identity in the crowded genre landscape.