<em>MobLand</em>: a gritty world where tough men are outsmarted by fierce women, and young men believe that violence is the ultimate solution. In Episode 2, titled “Jigsaw Puzzle,” the narrative picks up seamlessly from where the previous episode left off. Conrad (played by Pierce Brosnan) has just committed the shocking act of killing his former friend, Archie (portrayed by Alex Jennings), and the Harrigans’ fixer, Harry Da Souza (played by Tom Hardy), arrives to clean up the mess. If you need a refresher after a moment of distraction, fear not. Kevin (played by Paddy Considine) fills Harry in on all the critical details through a series of flashbacks.

In MobLand Episode 2, we witness a repetitive pattern that lacks momentum. Cars go through a tedious chase sequence, reversing multiple times only to arrive back at their starting point, seemingly unscathed. Characters continuously meet and exchange information that could have been shared in earlier conversations. Harry revisits a nightclub, only to discover a body that any competent fixer should have detected during his initial inquiry. Despite the excessive backtracking, the storyline does not seem to progress, leaving viewers wondering about the direction of the plot.

MobLand Fails to Advance the Storyline Effectively

Insufficient Action to Justify the Slow Pacing

Similar to the pilot episode, MobLand Episode 2 lacks a strong focus on advancing Harry or the Harrigans’ narrative arcs. The pacing remains slow, allowing minimal development of the story while only providing fleeting glimpses of a more intricate plot. In the pilot, the leisurely storytelling was charming as it intertwined with the everyday lives of a family of criminals. However, in this episode, those endearing slice-of-life moments have been stripped away, leaving us with characters who seem to be merely traversing from point A to point B without gaining significant new insights.

While MobLand holds the potential for a compelling narrative, it is unfortunately overshadowed by a complex love triangle involving Harry, Jan Da Souza (played by Joanne Froggatt), and Bella Harrigan (played by Lara Pulver), who happens to be Kevin’s wife and is largely absent from the episode. These competing storylines risk becoming more engaging if they weren’t tonally disjointed. The dynamics between Conrad and his scheming, drug-dependent wife, Maeve (played by Helen Mirren), evoke a Shakespearean tragedy reminiscent of Macbeth or Hamlet. Both Brosnan and Mirren deliver captivating performances, but their intensity can also be quite exhausting.

Lack of Engagement with Characters and Their Plights

Tom Hardy Shines as a Captivating Character

While the dialogue filled with metaphors and one-upmanship is entertaining initially, it raises questions about how the aging Harrigans managed to attain dominance in the criminal underworld. Their family appears to be a collection of misfits and ineffective members, undermining their authority. MobLand does not adequately explain the declining competence of the Harrigan family, exemplified by Harry being taken into custody by DS Ivan Fisk (played by Luke Mably). Fisk solicits Harry’s assistance in dismantling the Harrigans, asserting that the family is falling apart and that this is an opportune moment to escape.

Harry seems to accept this perspective, and I suppose I will as well, but I still find it confusing why the authorities are targeting the Harrigan family. Although they are just now exploring the lucrative Fentanyl market, I am uncertain how Conrad initially generated his wealth. For now, “crime” seems to serve as a sufficient explanation, as we once again find ourselves waiting until the episode’s conclusion for any significant plot development.

Tommy Stevenson (played by Felix Edwards), who is frequently mentioned as crucial, will not be returning if my assumptions about the contents of a cooler are accurate. In his absence, Richie (portrayed by Geoff Bell) poses a lethal threat to Harry’s daughter. It is unclear what Tommy believes will transpire in a gang conflict, but his bewildered expression suggests he is ill-prepared for the consequences. Hardy demonstrates undeniable chemistry with every character, from his wife to the seasoned gangster who threatens him. It is for Tom Hardy that MobLand sporadically reaches new heights, yet the extent of this elevation depends on whether the narrative chooses to unfold further.