Mobland

 

I don’t usually write about TV series, but this one is a gem.

There have been a lot of good, engaging series lately - some of them taking over from movies and cinema, creating solid plots. On the other hand, it’s easier to build tension in 10 episodes and develop a story than to cram it all into the one or two hours a film usually lasts. But when a movie nails it, when it encapsulates everything just right - it has the power of a knockout. A self-contained punch.

Both formats have the potential to do something spectacular - or, conversely, to screw something up spectacularly. (The worst is when it’s something that had fantastic potential : a great idea, cast, mood and still falls short. That’s the kind of failure I can’t forgive).

But to the brink.

Tom Hardy has many roles to his name, some better, some worse. For me, he shines brightest in "Legend" (that brilliant dual role) and "Peaky Blinders" (another serial gem), where he proved he can do far more than just punch his way through "Mad Max" or slime around in "Venom". His role as Harry de Souza seems tailor-made for him.

There are great supporting roles too: Pierce Brosnan finally showing a properly dark and mad side instead of dancing through "Mamma Mia" or sipping martinis in "Bond". And then there’s one of my absolute favorite actresses: Helen Mirren. As Maeve, she’s unhinged, ruthless, Machiavellian - and glorious. For both Brosnan and Mirren, this series is a fantastic chance to show what they can do as proper antiheroes, and honestly, they kill it.

The plot is decent - there’s suspense, some clever twists but it’s the characters that make this show tick. Harry is sharp, focused, devilishly intelligent. The Harrigans are wild, chaotic energy. The side stories are full of complexity, ambiguity, and no one falls into cliché territory. No gloomy sob-story templates. No boring tropes.

It all unfolds without pathos or forced sentimentality and maybe that’s why it works so well. You just fall into this world and want to know what happens next.

It’s a sleek, well-crafted piece. Twists, tension, just enough blood and guts to shake you, but not too much. Don’t worry, it’s not "Substance". You won’t feel like you just watched someone throw organs into a blender.

Highly recommended, especially if you’re into moody, intelligent drama without the self-importance.

10/10 from me.