Paramount+ brings muscle and cinematic style with MobLand, the newest addition to Guy Ritchie’s crime saga universe — and one of the year’s most high-profile TV premieres. In this MobLand review, we look at how Tom Hardy’s commanding lead, Pierce Brosnan’s layered performance, and Ritchie’s signature flair create a fast-paced, morally murky world worth diving into.
Back to the Streets (and Estates): Ritchie Returns to His Roots
After detours into big-budget fantasy (Aladdin) and war drama (The Covenant), Guy Ritchie is back in the crime genre that made his name. MobLand, co-created with Top Boy writer Ronan Bennett, blends the class-conscious storytelling of British dramas with the kinetic visuals and cutting dialogue Ritchie is known for.
Set in a sharply divided London, MobLand centers around the power dynamics between the aristocratic Harrigans and their rough-edged rivals, the Stevensons. What begins as controlled tension quickly spirals into full-blown war — and Ritchie’s fingerprints are all over it: slow-motion brawls, sharply cut sequences, and an undercurrent of dark humor.
MobLand Review Highlight: Tom Hardy Is Magnetic as Harry de Souza
Tom Hardy plays Harry de Souza, a loyal and lethal fixer for the Harrigans who carries the emotional burden of every dirty job he’s tasked with. It’s a familiar space for Hardy — playing characters defined as much by what they don’t say as by what they do — but in MobLand, he turns restraint into pure electricity.
His scenes are visceral yet quiet, never overselling. Whether he’s dispatching enemies or watching his empire unravel, Hardy’s Harry feels like a man constantly on the edge — but never out of control.
Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan Elevate the Family Drama
Hardy isn’t the only one commanding attention. Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren are stunning as Conrad and Maeve Harrigan, the power couple at the top of the crime food chain. Brosnan’s polished menace and Mirren’s calculating composure make their scenes together some of the show’s most gripping.
A particularly memorable confrontation at the Harrigan estate — involving a family betrayal and an unexpected act of violence — showcases the level of tension Ritchie can achieve when he balances character and chaos.
Where MobLand Falters — For Now
As this MobLand review notes, the first two episodes try to do a bit too much. With a sprawling cast and multiple subplots, some emotional beats get lost in the shuffle. It’s a challenge common in early-season world-building — especially for shows aiming for multi-season arcs — but here, it briefly stalls momentum.
Still, the payoff potential is massive. With writers like Bennett involved and Ritchie’s vision guiding the story, this slow-burn could build to something extraordinary.
MobLand in Context: Ritchie’s TV Evolution
Think of MobLand as Top Boy meets The Gentlemen, with touches of Lock, Stock and Peaky Blinders. It’s elevated London crime fiction with posh settings, layered characters, and plenty of bloodied knuckles. Geoff Bell as Richie Stevenson, the rival boss, adds a classic Ritchie touch — gruff, grounded, and menacingly fun to watch.
The series leans on nostalgia but introduces modern themes — class warfare, legacy crime families, and institutional rot — giving it a sharp edge.
Final Verdict: MobLand Is Crime Drama Done Right
This MobLand review makes one thing clear: Guy Ritchie hasn’t lost his touch. With Tom Hardy leading a stellar ensemble, the show hits hard out of the gate. Some narrative threads need tightening, but the potential for greatness is clear.
It’s stylish, gritty, and anchored by some of the year’s most compelling TV performances. If you’ve missed Ritchie’s distinct brand of criminal chaos — this is your fix.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
📺 MobLand premieres March 30 on Paramount+, with new episodes every Sunday.
