The odds are stacked up against the Harrigans heading into the season one finale of MobLand. Patriarch and matriarch Conrad and Maeve encounter legal problems leaving the rest of the family vulnerable against their bitter arch rival Richie Stevenson. Who will remain standing after the gang war?
The main outcome is the resolution to the Harrigan and Stevenson conflict. It’s an entertaining process that keeps you invested for the majority of the episode. There is a level of cool watching the intricate plan all come together and how everything unravels. It helps portray Harry as the ultimate fixer as he and his cohorts surgically strike at the enemy. At the same time, the story creates suspense with the ambiguity of loyalties and clever editing. You don’t really know what’s going to happen until it unfolds.
Some of the bigger reveals don’t quite have the impact as intended. We learn the identity of the mole, but there was no build to the revelation. It’s also a safe pick considering it’s a character that didn’t receive much screen time nor did we really know. The same reasoning goes for the Harrigan casualties after the war. MobLand tries to make a big deal about one of the losses, but if you didn’t care in the first place, you can’t really mourn.
The season finale also introduces new dynamics within the family. The Harrigans might have come out on top, but they are as fractured as ever. There are all these different factions and interests both internally and externally looking to take control. It has the potential for juicy drama moving forward. Unfortunately, MobLand hasn’t done a good job of making any member connect with the audience. They’re all pretty horrible so there is no one to root for.
The closing scenes are odd choices that don’t create anticipation for another season. An overarching storyline is the deteriorating relationship between Harry and his wife. Usually our protagonist is cool, collected, and in control of his emotions. But he carries that same demeanor into his marriage, and the lack of passion during one of their most strained times isn’t convincing anyone to stay. Things devolve into an inexplicable situation, and the one liner that is meant to lighten the scene is awkwardly misplaced.
The final minutes are even more bizarre, although they seem on par considering how Conrad was arrested. The obscene gesticulating is to feature his over the top bravado, but it reeks of unhinged insecure masculinity. You can appreciate the comedic factor, especially because of Pierce Brosnan, but it is out of place tonally. It’s hard to maintain street credibility with those moves.
“The Beast in Me” provides a cool, suspenseful, and engaging resolution to the gang war. Regrettably, the episode continues with an ending filled with strange scenes that don’t build excitement for the next season.
Watch MobLand on Paramount+.
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