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MobLand Series Recap & Review - Episode 108: Helter Skelter



"Helter Skelter in a summer swelter." - Don McLean


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



Episode 108 - Helter Skelter


The aftermath of what happened to the Harrigan siblings has left the family reeling. Seraphina is devastated, Conrad is irate and of course Maeve pretends she never tried to get Seraphina killed in exchange for Brendan’s life. 


Jan callously tells Harry about Eddie and Gina leaving him spinning with anger and a desperate search for what to do about it. He chooses to sit down with Eddie for a lovely father/daughter’s boyfriend where he calmly and ominously explains to him the depths of his feelings for his daughter and simply asks Eddie to respect her and if he does, he promises his blessing. But he also makes clear he will handle Eddie properly should the occasion call for it, Harrigan namesake or not. 



As the Harrigans try to figure out what happened and what to do next, they discover Harry’s means of saving Seraphina at the behest of this still mysterious Kat, a name that seems to sweep through everyone’s psyche like a harsh, cold wind blowing in from an open window in the middle of winter. They commend his efforts but fully acknowledge owing Kat a favor is a dangerous notion. Still, Kat remains largely a mystery, who she is and what she’s truly capable of but seeing the blank stare everyone develops when they hear her name is quite telling. In the brief time we’ve been aware of her existence she has demonstrated some of her influence and it seems to be extensive. 


While the Harrigans remain in the modern day castle, the federal agents are claiming to be closing in on ending the Harrigan’s reign but are a bit stuck as to what they should do next. A retired agent who once specialized in destroying crime families is brought in for advice in which he suggests in order to ruin the Harrigans, they should cozy up to Richie. 



Reluctant but malleable, the agents arrange a meeting with Richie to discuss a professional relationship where Richie provides them with ammunition to take down the Harrigan family and in exchange they provide Richie with a certain amount of immunity. This isn’t the first time the feds have approached Richie and what’s to come as a result of this secret meeting promises questionable actions on both sides of the law. 


Out of 10

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

OVERALL: 7.5/10


Overall thoughts on Episode 108: Helter Skelter -

As the season finale closes in, it feels as if groundwork is being laid for season 2 while trying to build to something big for the season 1 climax. I hope too much attention isn’t given to prepping season 2 before they sew up elements of the first season. When a movie ends more concerned about potential sequels it can often have adverse effects on the first. But all this remains to be seen. 



Harry mentions the future of the family involving Kevin but I can’t tell if he meant it or if he was feeling out where Freddie’s head was at shortly before handling him so abruptly. Time will tell. Kevin is concerned about the family’s future but can’t give his full attention as he keeps searching for the man from his past who abused him and Harry. 


An angry, threatening, fatherly lecture to Eddie would have been predictable so listening to Harry calmly tell Eddie the situation involving Gina and promises he will keep regarding the two of them is poetically scary. I think for the first time since we’ve known him, Eddie actually considers his actions as a result. Also, an exchange between Maeve and Kevin has left me questioning who Eddie actually is in the Harrigan family tree which could have serious implications if I heard correctly. Richie clearly has more plans for his enemies and his smirk at the end of the episode is sphincter clenching.

Season 1 Trailer:


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