MobLand Season 1 DVD Review
“MobLand” is a generic gangster series.
Created by Ronan Bennett (with Jez Butterworth acting as the showrunner), “MobLand” is a 2025 Paramount+ series. In the 10 episode debut season, the story revolves around the Harrigan crime family that is based in London. The family is headed by the ruthless Conrad, his unhinged wife Maeve, their two sons Brendan and Kevin, Conrad’s daughter Seraphina, Kevin’s wife Bella and their out of control son Eddie. Harry acts as the family’s fixer. He has a wife (Jan) and a daughter (Gina) and his busy life interferes with his family life (to put it mildly). The Harrigan family has a main rival with the Stevenson family which is led by Richie. Richie has a wife (Vron) and a son (Tommy). When Tommy goes missing, all hell breaks loose and the feud between the Harrigan and Stevenson families escalates. That’s only one arc this season, however, as there are stories about the Harrigan family expanding their business to the fentanyl trade, a mole in the Harrigan family, police closing in on the Harrigan family, murders, undercover cops, cartels, and dark Harrigan family secrets.
In terms of sheer talent, “MobLand” has everything going for it. You’ve got Guy Ritchie directing the first two episodes (and acting as an executive producer), you’ve got an accomplished series creator with Ronan Bennett, and you’ve got an all-star cast featuring Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren, Paddy Considine, Janet McTeer, and Toby Jones. Alas, the series really does coast on star power alone. Tom Hardy shines as the cool, calm, collected yet threatening Harry, Helen Mirren is clearly having a blast as the vile Maeve, and Pierce Brosnan seems to be relishing playing a crime boss. Their performances are worth watching to be sure, but the series lets them down.
Where “MobLand” suffers is with the writing. A story set in the London criminal underworld is ripe with possibility, but instead of crafting something original, the series relies heavily on crime story cliches, twists, and bloody violence all wrapped up in a glossy package. It doesn’t bring enough new to the table and resembles better series like Guy Ritchie’s own “The Gentlemen,” “Kin,” and “Ray Donovan.” On top of that, “MobLand” juggles far too many characters. Yes, it’s a big ensemble series about families/crime families, but it gets a bit too unwieldy for its own good.
“MobLand” may not be appointment television, but the show has developed a devoted fanbase and is sure to please fans of the gangster genre. For those that might not have heard, the show will continue on for a second season that begins Sept. 18, 2026.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.78:1. How does it look? Given that this is a high profile star studded series, the lack of a Blu-ray is downright puzzling. With that said, the transfers are perfectly adequate for a DVD release.
Audio Track: Dolby Digital 5.1. How does it sound? The 5.1 track does the job.
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