Warning: This article contains spoilers for MobLand Season 1, Episode 9
This article contains mentions of sexual assault.
The penultimate episode of MobLand season 1, episode 9, titled “Beggars Banquet“, confronts the reality that time is running out for this gripping series. We’ve been entrenched in the Cotswolds for what feels like an eternity in MobLand, and while the rule appears to be that everyone remains hunkered down, characters have the freedom to enter and exit as they please. Although Conrad (played by Pierce Brosnan) may bark orders, it seems that sinister glances and unfulfilled threats are the only consequences for disregarding a man often labeled as the embodiment of evil.
This is the nature of MobLand. Characters drift in and out of the Cotswolds at will, mirroring how storylines fluctuate in significance from one episode to another, only to fade back into obscurity. There has been a noticeable lack of genuine progress; despite being in episode 9, only now is Conrad starting to discuss his fentanyl proposal with the Mexican factions. The fentanyl crisis was a pivotal element introduced in the pilot episode. The conclusion of Season 1 could unfold in various directions, and it is unlikely that any resolution will be satisfying, especially given the climactic moments in “Beggars Banquet” serve as a troubling indicator.
Mismanagement of Kevin’s Traumatic Childhood Storyline
Disconnection Among Plotlines
At this juncture in MobLand, it is futile to dissect every storyline, as no single narrative seems to take precedence over another. Although these stories occasionally intersect, they lack meaningful connections. For instance, Richie’s (Geoff Bell) arrangement with the police appears entirely separate from Harry’s (Tom Hardy) dealings with Kat (Janet McTeer), even though logically, they should intertwine. Some subplots stray even further from the main narrative, such as Bella’s (Lara Pulver) involvement with her father and Syrian arms dealers, which seems to have no bearing on the overarching plot.
Related
FBI: Most Wanted Series Finale Review – A Perfect Wrapup After An Intense Case Makes This CBS Series’ Ending Heartbreaking
FBI: Most Wanted‘s series finale concluded the procedural in the most satisfying way possible, following an intense case that was as disturbing as it was relevant.
Kevin’s (portrayed by Paddy Considine) relentless pursuit of vengeance connected to his sexual assault is a narrative that MobLand chooses to depict repeatedly with disturbing precision. This subplot has granted Kevin more depth than any other character in MobLand, and Considine has truly excelled in this more intricate storyline. However, the execution of this plot leaves much to be desired, foreshadowing troubling outcomes in the series finale.
In a pivotal scene, Kevin confronts his rapist in prison, but the sequence is so poorly crafted that it leaves ambiguity about whether this charming London gentleman is indeed Kevin’s abuser. The scene is bewilderingly confusing, both in terms of narrative direction and emotional tone. Ultimately, Kevin resorts to shooting the elderly man, but the moment is almost treated as dark humor. It is difficult to believe that this will serve as the resolution to such a traumatic journey for Kevin. With only one episode left, finding a way to revisit this plot meaningfully seems nearly impossible.
Lack of Lasting Consequences in MobLand
Tom Hardy is Excluded from the Episode’s Key Scene
The climax of “Beggars Banquet” leaves much to be desired. This dinner scene is intended to encapsulate what MobLand has been striving to achieve throughout the season. It aims to deliver a mix of tension and morbid humor, yet the characters are not compelling enough to sustain such an atmosphere. Tom Hardy could have effectively anchored a scene of this nature, but instead, Harry is positioned at the far end of the table, barely uttering a word. He is scarcely featured in many of the shots, diverting attention away from him and towards Maeve (Helen Mirren), Conrad, Jan (Joanne Froggatt), and their guest of honor, Alice (Emily Barber).
MobLand episodes are available on Paramount+ every Sunday at 12am PT.
Jan appears subdued, remaining quiet, while Alice, who has shown exceptional prowess as an undercover agent from the beginning, struggles to maintain her facade after just one pointed question. This leaves us with Maeve and Conrad, two characters I suspect are woefully miscast. Their interaction is chaotic; they yell, clash, and break bottles while attempting humor that falls flat. This dinner scene is uncomfortable, but not in the way MobLand intended.
To culminate the chaos, after Maeve and Conrad are apprehended, they reconcile almost as quickly as they brandished knives and bottles at one another. This sequence encapsulates the series’ essence. Nothing that transpires has lasting consequences for what follows. Threats and commitments are forgotten almost instantly. Ultimately, the only aspect that seems to matter in MobLand is the progression to the next scene, allowing us to avoid confronting the aftermath of the previous events.
MobLand Season 1, Episode 9
4/10
- Release Date
-
March 30, 2025
- Network
-
Paramount+
-
-
Pierce Brosnan
Conrad Harrigan
- Paddy Considine continues to deliver a powerful performance
- Storylines are fragmented and lack cohesion
- Kevin’s sexual assault narrative is poorly executed
- Tom Hardy is underutilized in the series
