SERIES REVIEW – After the huge success of last year’s The Gentlemen, it seems like Guy Ritchie is looking to carve out a new role for himself as the British Taylor Sheridan. Until recently, he’s been best known for his stylish and fast-paced movies, but now he’s stepping confidently into television. A second season of The Gentlemen is already headed for Netflix, Amazon’s Prime Video is prepping Young Sherlock (which, surprisingly, has no ties to the Downey Jr. Sherlock movies), and now we have MobLand.

And what a lineup Ritchie has assembled for this one: Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren, and Paddy Considine all bring serious star power to the screen. Set to stream on Paramount+—the same platform that hosts Sheridan’s empire—it’s wild to remember that MobLand actually started life as a Ray Donovan prequel before being reimagined as a fresh, modern-day gangland drama. Given Sheridan’s dominance in the TV world, it makes total sense that Ritchie would want in, and he’s brought Top Boy creator Ronan Bennett along for the ride. The result is a show that’s gritty, atmospheric, and unmistakably British.

What’s the Story of MobLand?

The first two episodes drop us straight into the world of Harry Da Souza (Hardy), the ruthless problem-solver for the Harrigan crime family. Harry’s been keeping the peace for years under the watchful eyes of patriarch Conrad (Brosnan) and matriarch Maeve (Mirren), making sure no rival gangs can threaten their grip on the city. It’s all just business to him—even if it’s tearing apart his marriage to Jan (Joanne Froggatt)—but he’s the best at what he does, no question.

Things take a turn for the worse when Conrad’s grandson, Eddie (Anson Boon), gets into a fight with the son of rival mob boss Richie Stevenson (Geoff Bell). That’s when Harry hits the streets, racing to squash the beef before it sparks an all-out gang war. As he scrambles to keep the peace, we get a front-row seat to the twisted world of the Harrigans—where even Conrad’s son Kevin (Paddy Considine) isn’t always in control.

If you’ve ever seen a London gangster saga, you’ll recognize the world Ritchie’s playing in here. In these first two episodes, he’s right at home, painting a brutal, authentic portrait of the streets—like a dirtier, bleaker sequel to The Gentlemen. Sure, there’s nothing particularly new here, but the cast is so good, and the atmosphere so intense, that you’ll be hooked anyway.

Tom Hardy Is the Heart of MobLand

It’s crazy to think that Hardy and Ritchie haven’t teamed up since 2008’s RocknRolla. Hardy’s brooding presence is a perfect match for Ritchie’s world of suave, lethal criminals. MobLand might be a bit more restrained than Ritchie’s usual fare, but it still has a cinematic energy—especially when you remember they started shooting just four months ago. Hardy absolutely nails it as the cynical fixer—he’s our window into this brutal underworld, a man you shouldn’t admire but can’t help but root for. After so many years of playing Eddie Brock in the Venom films, it’s a real thrill to see him back on home turf, reminding us why he’s one of the best in the business.

Like Ray Donovan, this show is built around the fixer—no scrappy rise from the bottom here. The Harrigans are already on top, and Harry’s job is to keep it that way. The show’s best scenes come when he faces off against the Stevensons—moments that Ritchie and Bennett turn into pure, crackling tension.

From Conrad’s opulent mansion to the seedy back rooms of London’s clubs, MobLand is dripping with atmosphere. It’s more serious than The Gentlemen, but it never gets boring or self-important. If you’re into dark, moody gangster stories, you’re going to love this. Unfortunately, like way too many modern shows, it suffers from one infuriating problem: everything is so damn dark. Half the time, it’s impossible to see what’s going on, and the best action beats lose their punch. You get it—they wanted it gritty and shadowy, but it’s more annoying than immersive when you’re squinting at your screen.

MobLand Proves That TV Suits Ritchie Just Fine

Let’s be honest: even the biggest Ritchie fans know his career has been a roller coaster—some highs, some lows, and some flicks that never really stuck. His latest film, last year’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, was fun enough but didn’t leave a huge mark. He’s still churning out movies (almost like clockwork since 2019), but MobLand proves that he’s got what it takes to kill it in the TV game too. This series isn’t as manic or sharp-tongued as his best films, but every scene feels carefully crafted and unmistakably his. The first two episodes take their time, but you can feel the tension building in the background—and it’s only a matter of time before it erupts.

The real magic happens when Brosnan and Mirren share the screen. These two legends bring exactly what you’d expect—gravitas and charm in spades—but as the episodes unfold, you start to see the cracks in the facade. These characters might seem charming at first, but it doesn’t take long to realize they’re as dangerous as they come, and their shifting loyalties keep you guessing until the final seconds.

The Brits Do Gangland Right

Like Sheridan wih Yellowstone and Tulsa King, Ritchie knows how to craft a show that’ll keep you coming back for more. MobLand doesn’t reinvent the gangster drama, but it doesn’t need to—it’s got enough intrigue, power plays, and memorable performances to keep you riveted episode after episode.

-Herpai Gergely “BadSector”-