MobLand Series Recap & Review - Episode 105: Funeral for a Friend

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"Real friends have the same enemies." - Abraham Lincoln

Guy Ritchie has a very unique style but it’s undeniably entertaining. He creates electric dialogue, morally ambiguous characters and seems to really thrive in seedy underworlds where violence is as much of a currency as cash and in that sense his characters are always either rich or hopelessly poor and trying to remedy it through questionable means. These characters can range from drug addicts to bare knuckle brawlers to a member of an English crime syndicate.

Much in the same way American mafia stories explore themes of loyalty and betrayal and the consequences of violating these unwritten rules, a UK crime story such as MobLand addresses these same concepts, just with more worldly accents.

*I will post a recap and small review of each episode just like this every Sunday on release day. At the end of the season I will post a full review of the entire season. If spoilers are ever used, I will make sure it is obvious ahead of time to avoid any mishaps. Until the season ends, I can promise zero spoilers for the time being.* 

MobLand is on Paramount +, new episodes, Sundays at 9pm PT

Starring: Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, Hellen Mirren, Mandeep Dhillon

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Episode 105 - Funeral for a Friend

You are only as strong as your weakest link. Or in the case of the Harrigans, as strong as your most unstable family member. As they mull over the possible outcomes of attending the funeral of a Stevenson, cooler heads are trying to prevail, while also staying ready should the shit hit the fan. “Prepare for the worst, hope for the best” is what’s likely bouncing around in Harry’s head as he tries to navigate egomaniacal, sociopathic degenerates trying to sniff out the slightest hint of disrespect. 

Of course the Harrigans attend the funeral and from the moment they arrive you can feel the tension brimming with ensuing chaos. Maeve is still stuck on the idea of a “Plan B” and seems hellbent on having her hand forced to act on this idea of hers. 

As Maeve actively tries to get offended, Harry must keep an eye on the smug grandson, Eddie, who like his grandmother, seems intent on causing trouble at the funeral of a sworn enemy family. Not the wisest idea but as has already been established, Eddie is a c*nt. Harry’s words, not mine. Though I am inclined to agree. 

Of course there is only so much Harry and Kevin can do to prevent problems, but Eddie and Maeve’s determination is sort of commendable. Damning, but admirable. Maeve actively tries and succeeds to get Richie’s wife to insult her, and Eddie tries to start a fight, forcing Conrad and Richie to finally have a much needed conversation before things become inevitable. A deal is to be made. For the sake of peace. 

At episode’s end, we see the lengths Maeve is willing to go when her ego is threatened. She strikes and things suddenly become… inevitable.

Out of 10

Story: 9/ Acting: 9/ Directing: 9/ Visuals: 9

OVERALL: 9.5/10

Overall thoughts on Episode 105: Funeral for a Friend -

Maeve’s baser instincts can no longer be contained. She seems intent on “sending a message.” Whatever that message is, I'm not so sure it’s the best time to send it. Peace is possible if she just shuts up. That has proved improbable if not impossible. Harry is ready but hoping beyond hope that those cooler heads do in fact prevail. He is weary of Eddie and Maeve’s shenanigans and has had just about enough. I wish he would clear a beating on Eddie with Conrad, really teach him a lesson he so desperately needs. 

Richie lets Conrad know how he truly feels about the Harrigans and despite it all, simply wants to move on from it. But he also makes sure Conrad knows to keep Eddie out of Richie’s sight or it will be on sight. Many of the episode endings have been slightly ambiguous, leaving a shade of possibility that peace is still achievable. This ending is much less cryptic. This will not be the last funeral they attend in the near future. Things are about to explode. Pun intended.

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