Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for MobLand

When examining the cast of MobLand, selecting a standout actor can be a challenging task. The ensemble features renowned talents such as Pierce Brosnan and Janet McTeer, both of whom contribute their extensive experience to enhance the series’ quality. However, Paddy Considine, portraying Kevin, the son of Conrad (Brosnan) and Maeve (Helen Mirren), truly sets himself apart. His performance in the recent episode titled “Beggars Banquet,” particularly during his intense confrontation with the prison guard who assaulted him, is nothing short of Emmy-worthy. This guard, Alan Rusby, is brilliantly depicted by the esteemed British actor Nigel Lindsay, known for his remarkable work in Four Lions, showcasing the remarkable caliber of actors featured in this gripping show.

Previously, Considine captivated audiences as King Viserys in House of the Dragon, where he portrayed a fragile and insecure monarch who ultimately found the courage to support his daughter, Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock and Emma D’Arcy). Unfortunately, he was overlooked for an Emmy that year. In this latest scene, he once again contends for the title of Best Supporting Actor, delivering a performance that diverges significantly from his previous role. While the intensity of Considine’s portrayal of Viserys was commendable, the raw vulnerability and simmering rage exhibited by Kevin demonstrate the actor’s remarkable range. The execution of this scene is heart-wrenching, as Considine masterfully conveys the character’s emotional turmoil.

Kevin’s Confrontation with Alan: The Tension is Heightened by Considine’s Hesitancy

The long-awaited confrontation between assaulter and victim is a crucial narrative arc that MobLand has meticulously developed throughout the season. Kevin has been gradually coming to terms with the resurfacing memories of the sexual abuse he endured. Thus, when he finally encounters Rusby, who is disguised as a taxi driver, the scene is rife with anticipation, suggesting an imminent explosion of emotions. However, both the audience and Kevin are taken aback as the repugnant figure he envisioned turns out to be friendly and utterly unaware of Kevin’s identity.

As the scene unfolds with Kevin driving Alan, Considine’s subtle facial expressions, including twitches and squinting eyes, powerfully convey the shock and intensity of the moment. Like the audience, he grapples with uncertainty, questioning whether Alan is feigning ignorance. In a striking twist, Kevin is positioned as the potential villain, creating a complex moral dilemma where he contemplates the act of harming what appears to be a harmless elderly man.

The subtle intricacies and layers of meaning embedded within the seemingly innocuous exchanges between Kevin and Alan could easily lead to misinterpretations of Considine’s portrayal and the overall tone of the scene. It might appear that Kevin is entirely convinced of his intent to kill Alan, seemingly untroubled by the prospect.

Yet, Considine’s ability to convey his character’s inner conflict is profound, especially as he gazes at Rusby with a mix of longing and fear while departing from the taxi. This moment reveals that Kevin’s decision is far from simple; he is not a remorseless killer like Eddie (Ansom Boon), Conrad, or even Harry (Tom Hardy), who would be quick to take a life.

Kevin’s Emotional Vulnerability Complicates Our Perception of His Intent to Kill Alan

As Kevin confronts Alan and articulates his purpose for being there, it becomes clear that Alan does not recall their past interaction. In this pivotal moment, Kevin feels compelled to remind both Alan and the audience of the trauma that drives his desire for vengeance. Recently, Andor received accolades for its unflinching portrayal of sexual assault, and MobLand similarly delves into the often-avoided topic of male sexual assault. Considine’s depiction of Kevin’s PTSD surfacing is both poignant and unsettling, especially as he delivers the word “rape” with such bitterness and intensity that it forces Alan to confront the reality of his actions.

This is crucial because, as previously mentioned, there is a risk of viewers feeling sympathy for Alan due to his memory issues. However, Considine’s heart-wrenching sobs redirect all empathy back to Kevin, transforming him from a hardened gangster into a vulnerable child desperately seeking support. In this moment, Kevin is not just a man seeking revenge; he embodies the scared and isolated child he once was during his time in prison, completing an emotional circle.

The Emotional Coldness of Considine’s Performance Highlights His Character’s Tragedy

As expected, when Alan hesitates to leave Kevin’s presence after sensing the danger of allowing his victim to live, it becomes clear that his time is running out. The impact of Kevin’s decision to pull the trigger is striking, especially given how predictable the outcome appears. The significance of this moment does not stem from the sound of the gunshot or the visual of Alan’s body collapsing, but rather from Considine’s chillingly apathetic expression as he takes the irreversible action.

This pivotal scene could easily have misrepresented the psychological ramifications of sexual assault by framing Kevin’s act of vengeance as a triumph. Instead, Considine presents Kevin as resigned to the understanding that forgiveness is unattainable. We recognize that this violent act will not alleviate his PTSD; rather than expressing his emotions, Kevin has become emotionally frozen, appearing strong on the surface while being at risk of shattering under the weight of his trauma.

Ultimately, it would be a grave oversight for the Emmys to overlook Paddy Considine once more. He deserves recognition for the profound emotional range he exhibits within such a brief time frame. Throughout the tense encounter between Kevin and Alan, Considine ensures that Kevin’s feelings are unmistakably conveyed, thanks to his poignant and tragic performance. It would be unwise to assume that this is the last mesmerizing scene we will witness from Considine. As he moves beyond his focus on Alan, what new narratives will he explore, and could they involve his own family, who have significantly influenced his path of suffering?

MobLand streams exclusively on Paramount+, with the Season 1 finale scheduled to air on June 1.