MobLand season one was a pleasant television surprise in 2025. It was not revelatory, but it was incredibly entertaining genre fare. The season lived as a respectful inclusion in the vast pantheon of gangster stories. Now entering its second season only one question remains. Can season two maintain the pulsating momentum of its predecessor? In short, that answer is a resounding yes. MobLand season two follows the return of the Harrigan family led by Conrad (Pierce Brosnan) and his cunning wife Maeve (Helen Mirren) at war against numerous opposing forces. With the Harrigan’s fixer Harry Da Souza (Tom Hardy) at their side, they have a worthy (and deadly) ally in the fight ahead.
Something has to be made clear about this new season of MobLand. The show is doing anything but reinventing the wheel. Instead, it’s playing the hits that made audiences enjoy season one. That is particularly evident in our three titular performances, and the addition of one exciting new character. A family as crazy and unhinged as the Harrigans need a worthy foil, and that comes in the form of gangster Frankie Cooper (Johnny Flynn). Frankie can best be described as another stick of dynamite added to a roaring fire. Which in the case of MobLand may seem like an overbearing amount of aggressive and unhinged characters.
Flynn plays Frankie with a level of bombastic energy that feels exciting even for this show. It’s a seamless fit into this world, with Flynn injecting an effective balance of menace and humor. The character throws a wrench in things that help add to the tension, if not necessarily making his actions and motivations surprising. What can be said is that Frankie’s “agent of chaos” mentality is a perfect opposition to our titular characters (you can’t really call the Harrigan’s heroes). That is particularly against both Conrad and Maeve, who are at their wits end.
In season one, both Brosnan and Mirren’s performances were definitely amplified. They were bombastic, unfiltered, and in some eyes over-the-top. Of these episodes in season two, something has to be said about Pierce Brosnan’s performance as Conrad. Season one put Conrad in a state of denial regarding his empire slipping from his grasp. Season two puts the character into the mindset of damage control. For a character like Conrad, that means copious amounts of carnage. Brosnan delivers those moments with a wickedly gleeful energy that is equal parts frightening and entertaining. It’s as if showrunner and screenwriter Jez Butterworth and co-screenwriter Esther Watson are balancing out the character against Maeve (Mirren).
The character of Maeve is someone I cannot put my finger on. In season one, she was arguably the craziest character of the bunch. Now in season two, she is a burning flame that stokes the larger burn pile. Her mission to put her grandson Eddie (Anson Boone) on top of the empire helps to deliver some entertaining results. At the same time, such a plot strand carries the same confusing connotation like season one. It is difficult to understand the “why,” behind the choice. It doesn’t detract from Helen Mirren’s performance, but the emphasis on the plot thread feels underwritten. But with the gravitas she brings to the role, the performance never has a dull moment.
The real standout (much like season one) has to be given to Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza. As written, it can be hard to say that Harry “changes” throughout this portion of the season. The success of the performance resides in how Hardy portrays the almost icy proficiency of his character. As a performer, Hardy perfectly conveys his ability to allow a facial expression to speak volumes. Not only is this in the face of his enemies and allies but also his family. While the character is archetypal, Hardy is able to provide enough subtlety to convey every emotion he needs. That is what helps him elevate the performances around him, especially both his wife and daughter.
Both Jan (Joanne Froggat) and Gina (Teddie Allen) are simply one note characters. That quality is not blamed on the actresses, as they play the roles effectively. The problem has to fall on the writing, which is nothing more than surface level motivations. With their motivations taking more of a forefront this season, they are particularly less interesting. That is especially with the involvement of Eddie (Boone), who exists as more of an annoying character than an entertaining one. Granted, if you’re already a fan of season one, such choices can be easily forgiven. That especially includes anytime Harry has an interaction with them.
As a fan of MobLand, calling season two more of the same is an incredible disservice. There has not been much “evolution” or characterization, but an emphasis on what made the first season a success. This includes the energized and buoyant tone (akin to everything in executive producer Guy Ritchie’s work) that made the first season a hit. Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Tom Hardy are a blast to watch on-screen and firing on all-cylinders. From unadulterated villainy to icy proficiency, I would challenge anyone who says MobLand is “dull.” What can be said is that the show has clearly found its groove in this second season. If you’re along for the ride, then you will be anything but disappointed.
MobLand is now streaming weekly on Paramount+.
Learn more about the show at the IMDB site for the title.
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