MobLand Finale: Is It Time to Say Goodbye to Helen Mirren’s Reign?

In a climactic showdown that spares none, MobLand creates a trail of destruction, with Kevin Harrigan emerging as the primary force. The title may seem overused, but “The Beast Within” is fitting for this episode as certain members of the Harrigan family exhibit their true nature. With Maeve and Conrad confined, it’s up to Harry and Kevin to safeguard the once-illustrious family legacy of MobLand. Kat McAllister is seeking help from allies, while Richie Stevenson persists in forging his own path alongside Colin Tattersall. Now, cunningness rather than brute force will decide the outcome.

In this intense, emotion-packed sequence, “The Beast in Me” truly delivers, fulfilling fans’ expectations. The intrigue isn’t just confined to Maeve Harrigan and her husband Conrad, but expands to involve their family lawyer O’Hara, a character driven by ambition and willing to go to extreme lengths for more power. Yet, as history often shows, greed can lead to various misfortunes, while ambition sometimes leads straight to a tragic end.

Kevin Finds Closure in the Carnage

MobLand Hides Monsters in Plain Sight

In the opening scenes of “MobLand,” I found myself embodying the primal urges within me as I engaged in a conversation with my former tormentor. The bloodstains on the kitchen window blinds were still wet, yet they seemed fittingly symbolic in the wake of our confrontation. It was an unexpected moment for the reserved Harrigan to resort to such violent means. Yet, this wasn’t a protracted scene of excessive explanation, but rather a cathartic release of deep-seated emotions finding an outlet in the unlikeliest of settings. For Paddy Considine, who had been playing a supporting role alongside Tom Hardy in the stellar cast, this was the moment where Kevin asserted himself and proved his worth among the others at the table.

Raised under the domineering influence of a manipulative mother and the self-centeredness of a distracted father, Conrad Harrigan has always been made to take a backseat in life. Carved by his own anger and sculpted by Maeve into a symbol, he is seen as an untouchable figure by his children – a statue in the gangland of his life that Kevin has idolized all his life. However, this reverence for Conrad has been cast aside in favor of other siblings.

In prison, Kevin was violated and subjected to Conrad’s incestuous desires, which involved keeping things within the family through Bella. “The Beast in Me” serves as a means for Kevin to find some resolution amidst the chaos and destruction, providing him with a sense of closure.

In a scene where Paddy Considine goes toe-to-toe with Pierce Brosnan, the tension builds dramatic fury. A pivotal moment in the climax, Conrad and Kevin stand off through a barrier, one refusing to concede his pride, the other indifferent towards an elder who disregarded the sanctity of his kin without remorse. Viewers will realize in that father-son standoff what true monsters are crafted from. They grow up and mature, nurtured by those who overlook their heinous intentions, and controlled by others for sinister purposes.

At the heart of “MobLand” lies an intense trigger, lending a solid foundation to the finale. Truths about the family may surface later amongst other members, but this is where tensions between different generations ignite. Given that it’s a tale spun by “Top Boy” creator Ronan Bennett, one can expect matters to grow increasingly intricate. From the flames of the initial conflict, Kevin Harrigan steps forward as the family guardian, not for Conrad and his harmful desires, but for something pure. Yet, even after these disclosures, “The Beast in Me” hints at a deeper, darker secret, particularly concerning Maeve Harrigan.

Maeve Is More Than a Matriarch

Eddie Goes on the War Path

Maeve Harrigan is unrelenting even within prison walls, managing her affairs as if confinement were merely an annoyance. She leaves no one untouched, skillfully orchestrating Eddie with a finesse that’s been evident since the beginning, tugging at his vanity and self-importance like strings on a fiddle. In another crucial scene, Maeve imparts her final orders to him through the glass, enlightening his understanding of true monstrosity. The stage is set for viewers to witness Helen Mirren‘s extraordinary acting prowess up close. This power-crazed vixen never lets the boundaries imposed by others hinder her, offering spectators a privileged view of her performance.

In a subtle yet impactful portrayal, Helen Mirren embodies the emotional reserve of an Irish gangster. Maeve, on the other hand, maintains a certain distance, hinting at Eddie’s hesitation despite his attempts to reassure. Anson Boon, while not as prominently featured as others in the cast, is steadily rising, and “The Beast in Me” serves to underscore his performance even further. Boon delivers an impressive act when confronted with the revelations about Conrad, which threaten Eddie’s identity and expose his deepest secret.

Starting from then, simmering resentment fueled Harry Da Souza’s rage, propelling him towards conflicts with Bella and Kevin – individuals who were legally his parents but harbored secrets that only his grandmother was willing to disclose. This method allowed Maeve to achieve her objectives without directly intervening. The deceit of this cunning matriarch knows no bounds, and “The Beast in Me” serves as yet another stage for her to showcase her manipulative skills. Nevertheless, having instigated an adolescent assassin against him, Maeve understands that it would take more than that to deter Harry Da Souza.

Harry Takes Matters into His Own Hands

Kat McAllister Deserves Her Own Series

Tom Hardy’s character, Harry Da Souza, has been the main focus since the beginning of MobLand, and this final episode is no exception. The portrayal of Harry captures a delicate anger reminiscent of Johnny Cash’s song “The Beast in Me.” As husband, father, and enforcer, he has left a path of destruction in his pursuit to protect Conrad Harrigan. However, there seems to be a shift in the atmosphere, suggesting it’s time to let go of past conflicts. With Richie causing chaos and attempting to sabotage an Irish legacy, Harry is compelled to take decisive action. He brushes off calls from Kat McAllister while strategizing attacks on Stevenson territory, eventually being recruited by Kevin to restore order. The outcome involves significant casualties and destruction.

Throughout the series MobLand, his loyalty has been repeatedly questioned, but it’s reached its breaking point with the arrival of Kat McAllister. Now more than ever, she’s determined to exact her revenge, and when it comes to getting what she wants, she always gets it. “The Beast in Me” serves not only to settle old scores among rival families but also clarifies where their loyalties truly lie. Janet McTeer delivers another outstanding performance as the transatlantic crime boss of Irish descent, leaving a lasting impact on every scene and standing her ground against Hardy.

In the aftermath of opposing Kat McAllister, Harry finds himself in a precarious situation, almost courting danger by associating with her powerful presence. Their encounter suggests that “The Beast Within” is merely a glimpse into Kat’s far-reaching impact on this universe. The character appears to be brimming with unexplored possibilities, seemingly beyond the capacity of MobLand to fully encompass her complexity. Toby Jones delivers an equally captivating performance as Colin Tattersall, a character more elusive than a bag filled with slippery serpents. Nevertheless, among these intriguing characters, it is Kat who truly warrants a standalone series of her own.

MobLand Has Never Taken the Easy Option

Fans Find a Finale That Rarely Put a Foot Wrong

Lovers of “MobLand” are unlikely to be disappointed by this final episode. While the season took a slightly different direction with “The Beast in Me,” it still retains a unique flavor. The usual confident stride that’s typical of the show is absent, replaced instead with something more intriguing. This production boasts a talented ensemble cast who seem genuinely invested in their roles, pouring every ounce of their energy onto the screen to bring “MobLand” to life and make it feel real.

In this series, the finale doesn’t shy away from complexity, offering a compelling blend of melodrama and gangland themes. While Helen Mirren’s character might have been over-the-top, Maeve Harrigan remains a chilling embodiment of psychosis. Pierce Brosnan has thrown himself fully into his role as Conrad, revealing a raw, primal side through his acting. This show can be seen as a pair of fierce supernatural enforcers, striving to preserve their clan’s heritage.

As the remaining members of the family huddle together, preparing for their retaliation, “The Beast in Me” comes into play, serving to unify all threads and make it crystal clear to Kat McAllister that the Harrigan clan is not going anywhere. Those who gamble on the final outcome, anticipating this family’s downfall at the last moment, will find themselves let down. Although this may not be the neatly wrapped resolution everyone was hoping for, the presence of imperfections signifies there’s always room for a sequel. This is something that will delight fans of “MobLand,” as Harry subtly hints at what lies ahead by mending fences with Jan, who manages to patch things up with him in his shoulder.

MobLand streams Sundays on and airs Mondays at 8:00 p.m. on Paramount+ with Showtime.

2025-06-01 10:06