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MobLand Finale: A Disappointing End to a Boring Season!

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heads up: MobLand Season 1 concludes in Episode 10 titled “The Beast Within”. The title echoes the Johnny Cash song that opens and closes this episode, serving as a fitting conclusion to Ronan Bennett’s crime drama. Much like Cash’s songs, the lyrics are clear and concise. In this instance, the lyrics symbolize an inner turmoil within the character, hinting at a struggle that could erupt at any moment. This song was released in 1994, when Cash was reflecting on his long history of drug abuse.

The “beast” represents any hidden personal struggles such as alcoholism, drug addiction, or gambling, among others. It’s a tragic tale about fame, persona, and addiction. For the story “MobLand”, the term “beast” means the same as a monster. In this world, everyone is a beast, according to the narrative. Complex thoughts, deeper meanings, introspection – none of that matters in “MobLand”. The word “beast” stands for “monster”, so go ahead and play it, and for emphasis, play it twice.

MobLand Never Managed To Figure Out What Story It Wanted To Tell

Everyone In MobLand Is Interchangeable

In the world of MobLand, Richie Stevenson (Geoff Bell) has passed away, along with many other characters whose identities and demises hold little significance due to the show’s overarching theme that nothing truly matters. Storylines are often tidied up in concise monologues by Kevin (Paddy Considine), Bella (Lara Pulve), or Kat (Janet McTeer). Countless named and nameless characters meet their ends, only to be succeeded by others who are remarkably similar. When an undercover cop is unjustly slain, a legal character steps in to fill the void.

As a cinephile looking back on this season, it feels like we’ve come full circle with the Harrigan family. Their dynamic remains unchanged, and there seems to be a sense of forgiveness all around. They might appear as an underdog crew, forever bound together, or perhaps they’re a group of cunning individuals ready to backstab each other at any moment. Alternatively, they could be the mad rulers of the underworld, with Conrad (Pierce Brosnan) being hailed like a victorious football player, having just made the game-winning catch, as their ultimate ambition reaches new heights amidst a crowd of unsavory characters in prison.

The various possibilities still stand, not necessarily as tantalizing glimpses into what might be, which MobLand may be longing for, but rather because the series is uncertain about the identities of the Harrigans. They aren’t strategically placed chess pieces, more like checker pieces. Easily swapped out, rearranged, with minimal differences between them, except for the occasional chip or mark.

Characters’ Actions Have No Effect On The Story

Harry Da Souza Is Right Back Where He Was In The Premiere

In MobLand, nothing truly seems to matter, and this rings even truer in the season finale. When characters converse, they may appear to be communicating, but often, their words hold little significance. If you find two characters engaging in a scene, don’t hesitate to glance at your phone for half a minute, as conversations always start with an overwhelming barrage of redundant metaphors and anecdotes that lead nowhere before reaching the main point. It’s not about adding depth or richness; instead, it feels like unnecessary padding.

Despite the necessity to wrap up various storylines, “The Beast in Me” seems overly prolonged compared to any previous episode. Important developments are hurried through, while fresh disputes between Kevin and Conrad, or Eddie (Anson Boone) and Bella, unexpectedly consume a significant amount of screen time.

I’m not entirely certain about how the season concluded. Conrad, who was supposed to be released from prison, ends up locked up again, triumphantly raising his arms within the jail’s depths as if it’s where he truly belongs. Kevin and Harry (played by Tom Hardy) seize control of the fentanyl trade with their deceitful maneuvers, but they appear to be preparing for Maeve (Helen Mirren) and Conrad’s return. Eddie’s anger over his lineage leads him to attempt killing his mother, but a few well-placed blows from Zosia (Jasmine Jobson) manage to calm him down.

In the final stretch of MobLand, the series struggles with the same issue that has been present since its debut. It seems unsure about its identity, constantly experimenting with various storylines like Eddie testing out his collection of oversized, shaggy coats. Unfortunately, these efforts come too late, and the celebration has ended, signaling the close of the season. Regrettably, we’re not much closer to our destination than when we began.

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2025-06-01 10:07

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