MobLand: the new crime drama starring Tom Hardy

The series MobLand, a project that started as a spinoff of the successful series Ray Donovan, is taking shape as a crime narrative set in London. Originally announced in early 2024 under the name The Donovans, it was discarded in October of the same year and resumed to tell the story of a fixer for a crime family, with no ties to the Ray Donovan universe. Guy Ritchie, known for his distinctive style in the crime genre, has joined the project as executive producer and director of the first two episodes.

The London criminal underworld: a place we wouldn’t want to be

The plot follows Harry Da Souza, played by Tom Hardy, a fixer for the Harrigan family, who faces the disappearance of the heir to a rival gang. This event triggers a dangerous escalation of tensions that threatens to spark a war between criminal gangs. Alongside Hardy, the cast includes renowned actors such as Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren, Paddy Considine, and Lara Pulver, who deliver exceptional performances that enrich the series.

Despite the notable performances, critics have pointed out that MobLand does not bring truly new elements to the crime genre. The narrative structure and many of the characters feel familiar to fans of this genre, which raises questions about its originality. Although the series captivates with its fast pace and constant tensions, some characters have unclear motivations, which can hinder emotional connection with the audience.

In summary, MobLand stands out as an entertaining series backed by a talented cast and skillful direction, although its lack of innovation in the criminal narrative leaves it on familiar ground for viewers. The promise of deep family dynamics and high-stakes situations could be enough to maintain interest in this version of the London criminal underworld.