Jon Bernthal’s Mob City: The Underrated Gangster Drama You Can’t Miss

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Jon Bernthal has shone brightly in numerous blockbuster and lesser-known productions during his illustrious career, with the popular actor first making a big impact in 2010’s smash hit zombie apocalypse series The Walking Dead. Following this breakthrough role, Bernthal continued to command attention in Hollywood. Post his impressive tenure on the critically-acclaimed survival show, he teamed up once more with Frank Darabont, the original developer and producer of TWD, for the 2013 gritty crime drama Mob City. Set in 1947 Los Angeles, this series portrays the intensifying power struggle between the L.A.P.D. and ruthless gangsters.

In this gritty crime drama titled “Mob City,” Michael Bernthal portrays a resolute yet weary detective who unwillingly becomes embroiled in the escalating violence and disorder sweeping through the metropolis. Sharing screen time with renowned actors such as Milo Ventimiglia, Neal McDonough, and Edward Burns, this enthralling crime series is not to be missed. Despite being prematurely cut short after a single season, “Mob City” boasts captivating visuals, gripping narratives, and intricate characters that make it a must-watch for enthusiasts of Bernthal’s performances as well as the mesmerizing noir genre in general.

Frank Darabont’s Spellbinding Neo-Noir Knockout

The television series “Mob City,” inspired by John Buntin’s book, “L.A. Noir,” presents gripping true tales of the intense power struggle between infamous gangsters and resilient L.A.P.D. officers in 1940s Los Angeles. This captivating neo-noir crime drama boasts a star-studded cast, including Jon Bernthal, Milo Ventimiglia, and Neal McDonough. The narrative follows the persistent conflict between these two groups. Notably, “The Punisher” alum portrays Detective Joe Teague, a former Marine, World War II veteran, who becomes entangled in the mounting violence between his fellow officers and relentless mobsters.

Police Chief William Parker, portrayed by Donough in Teague’s L.A.P.D., dedicates himself to purifying the city streets and eradicating the powerful mob influence. He engages in a tense battle with infamous gangster Bugsy Siegel, played by Edward Burns, as he tirelessly works to reduce crime rates. However, as the detective delves deeper into his mission, he uncovers the profound corruption within the police force and the vast influence of Siegel’s criminal empire. This revelation compels him to confront not only the vice in others but also his own flaws and past secrets while relentlessly pursuing justice.

‘Mob City’ Is a Criminally Underrated Crime Drama Gone Too Soon

The crime drama “Mob City” brought Jon Bernthal together once more with Frank Darabont, who was instrumental in creating and running the hit zombie series “The Walking Dead.” Notably, this gritty and engaging show also starred Jeffrey DeMunn, a co-star from the popular horror program. In the early days of its run, Bernthal gained significant recognition for his role as Shane Walsh in the first two seasons of “The Walking Dead” (2010-2012), and it was Darabont’s contribution that helped secure Bernthal’s casting in this show, marking a pivotal moment in the actor’s flourishing Hollywood career.

In a series of six mesmerizing episodes, Mob City offers an alluring portrayal of Hollywood’s glamour against the dark and enigmatic atmosphere of the noir genre. The mafia and L.A.P.D., locked in a relentless struggle for power and dominance, provide the explosive conflict that unfolds in this series. While it received praise from critics for its intriguing characters, striking visuals, and spellbinding narrative, Mob City unfortunately came to an end after one season as viewership numbers were low. It was recognized at the Satellite Awards with a nomination for Best Miniseries or Television Film, and it also earned a 66% score on Rotten Tomatoes and 80% approval from fans according to Popcornmeter. The Hollywood Reporter commented:

In Mob City, we find an expansive, gruesome, glitzy, brutal, and thickly textured exploration that gradually transforms into engaging entertainment. This production represents a commendable, character-twisting endeavor by TNT.

Michael Wright, head of TNT, defended the crime series “Mob City” in 2014, even though it was canceled disappointingly. In an interview, he stated, “Mob City was a gamble. It didn’t attract many viewers, but I would take that chance again tomorrow.” Jon Bernthal didn’t let the short-lived drama keep him down for long. A few years later, he started playing Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher, in both Marvel’s “Daredevil” and the spin-off series “The Punisher.” This role has since become one of his most celebrated, and he is set to reprise it in the 2025 revival of “Daredevil: Born Again.” Additionally, he won an Emmy Award for his remarkable performance in the critically acclaimed dramedy “The Bear.

Jon Bernthal is juggling an array of exciting projects across television and cinema. He’s set to star as Detective Jack Harper alongside Tessa Thompson in the Netflix mystery series titled “His & Hers“, and can also be seen in films like the action thriller sequel “The Accountant 2“, the spy movie “The Amateur“, and the epic “The Odyssey“. The latter, directed by Christopher Nolan, boasts a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya. It’s said to be Nolan’s most expensive production yet, with an estimated budget of $250 million. If you’re interested, you can check out his previous work in “Mob City“, available on Prime Video.

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2025-03-13 02:02