MobLand’s first season is coming to an end, and the penultimate episode sets the stage for the finale next week. A Harrigan dinner turns into a drama filled evening leaving the family in a vulnerable position.
“Beggar’s Banquet” fails to make you excited for the conclusion in the next episode. The writing seems lazy and repeats the exact same beats from earlier in the season. There is no difference in Isabella’s side hustle the second go round. Even Maeve’s insults lack imagination as she goes to the promiscuous mother route once again. For someone that’s supposed to be the brains of the operation, she sure lacks wit. It’s frustrating to be in the same position in some aspects with a real absence of progress.
However, MobLand is able to steadily generate a feeling of doubt around Harrigan patriarch, Conrad. His recent erratic behavior already has you second guessing his ability. Then, there are reservations about him coming from different directions, when combined, has you considering whether it’s his time for his downfall.
This all helps effectively create tension and mystery surrounding Harry’s motivations. First, he is one of the many relaying skepticism towards his boss. In addition, his actions during the dinner are suspect when he seemingly sells out his people. One of the few interesting narratives as of late is the fixer’s loyalty. We can all see how much of a dumpster fire the Harrigans are, but we also are aware how shrewd the protagonist is. What kind of elaborate plan is brewing?
The reveal from the end of “Helter Skelter” has some nice payoffs albeit in a generic way. There’s a game of mental chess between the two warring sides and the scales are tipping against the Harrigans. Pieces are falling into place in an efficient manner, and Toby Jones, plays a good and convincing conniving villain.
Unfortunately, the closing moments can’t leave you too enthusiastic. What should be a firm act of defiance comes off more as awkward ramblings of two growingly insignificant people. The weird song number is juxtaposed to a concerted effort for normalcy minutes earlier causing a disconnect. It conveys far less strength than people think it does.
The season one penultimate episode fails to hype up MobLand heading into the finale. It is inconsistent with lazy repetitive writing and an awkward ending, but further develops overarching themes and plots.
New episodes of MobLand release Sundays on Paramount+.
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