MobLand Series Recap & Review - Episode 106: Antwerp Blues

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"When I go to war with my enemies I raise the black flag: I ask for no quarter and I give no quarter. You kill me or I kill you, it's just the way it is." - John Gotti

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 106 - Antwerp Blues

Despite efforts to prevent it, Maeve’s actions have officially started a war between the Harrigans and the Stevensons. A brief but crystal clear message is sent from Richie on a phone call with Conrad simply stating, “Run.” The calm, tempered control of Richie’s voice as he says so is all the clarification of where he stands with recent action taken against him.

Conrad doubles down on the abrasive message and if that wasn’t bad enough, Eddie admits to Richie that he was the one that killed his son. This leaves zero avenues of negotiation and only retribution remaining. 

All Harrigans and extended family await behind a wall of armed soldiers within the Harrigan estate. As they brace the coming storm, Harry must venture out beyond the walls to find the remaining estranged Harrigan siblings, Seraphina and Brendan. 

But of course this proves quite difficult as Seraphina and Brendan are in the midst of a shady diamond deal that all but promises great threats should anything go awry. So of course everything goes tits up and gunfire breaks out. We are left wondering if the siblings will survive as Harry closes in, determined to dole out his mobster justice and bring the siblings home, safe and sound. 

Out of 10

Story: 8/ Acting: 9/ Directing: 8/ Visuals: 7.5

OVERALL: 8/10

Overall thoughts on Episode 106: Antwerp Blues - 

This is very much a staging episode. At times it can feel a bit meandering but manages to retain its intrigue by always building toward the now imminent war. Conrad taking the blame for Maeve’s actions really pisses me off because it’s yet another thing she’s getting away with, leaving her free to do something else unhinged and reactive. As always, Eddie’s presence and embrace by Maeve continues to worry about the future of the Harrigans, should the name survive her latest ego bruising. I know Harry is rightly angry but has to bite his tongue and be the loyal soldier fighting the results of their outbursts. His marriage continues to hang by a thread, their daughter further pushing the notion into Jan’s mind that everything Harry puts them through is anything but okay. And she’s right. 

The ending of the episode promises an action packed remaining season with Harry barreling down hopefully in time to save the siblings from certain demise. Watching Harry work is a real highlight of the series. Sidenote: Conrad is beginning to give off real creepy vibes, rapey vibes, and it’s becoming more and more pronounced with each new episode. Definitely something to keep an eye on. Conrad could force Harry’s hand and that would be its own hornet’s nest.

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Season 1 Trailer: