The second season of Paramount+ series MobLand premiered on September 18, with Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren reprising their roles as Conrad and Maeve Harrigan, the heads of a crime family. The show, created by Guy Ritchie, is known for its violent, stylish, and humorous take on the gangster genre. Brosnan and Mirren's characters are at the center of the Harrigan family's struggles to maintain their empire amidst internal conflicts and rival threats.
Brosnan's character, Conrad Harrigan, is a complex and impulsive individual, while Mirren's Maeve is a cunning and manipulative matriarch. The two actors have clearly enjoyed working together, with Mirren describing their on-set dynamic as "an old-fashioned working rhythm." They arrive, prepare, stay quiet, and get on with their work, drawing from their theatre backgrounds. This chemistry translates well on screen, particularly in scenes where their characters navigate their complicated domestic life.
The new season sees Conrad and Maeve facing increased pressure from rivals and internal power struggles. As Conrad's health begins to decline, he becomes increasingly fractured, while Maeve must navigate the dangers of her own ambition. Mirren notes that Maeve is not motivated by a desire for family harmony, but rather by a need to maintain the Harrigan dynasty. This darker trajectory is balanced by the show's humor, which often arises from the contrast between the Harrigans' professional and domestic lives.
One of the standout aspects of MobLand is its portrayal of complex female characters. Mirren praises the show for giving women agency and avoiding stereotypes. The younger women in the cast are increasingly becoming threats to Maeve's authority, adding depth to the show's exploration of power dynamics. Brosnan and Mirren's characters also engage in more mundane domestic disputes, such as arguments over laundry and who feeds the dogs.
The show's use of Irish accents and cultural references adds to its unique flavor. Brosnan and Mirren both adopted Irish accents for their roles, which they believe brings a "lyricism" and "rhythm" to the show. The two actors have worked together previously and have clearly developed a strong working relationship. Mirren has described their collaboration as a "cherry on the cake," suggesting that the producers must have sensed that Brosnan had a deeper range than his typical suave persona.
Brosnan's role in MobLand allows him to break free from his polished image, established through his previous work as James Bond and Remington Steele. He finds it "liberating" to play a character like Conrad Harrigan, who is raw and impulsive. Mirren notes that this role is a departure from Brosnan's typical typecast, and that he brings a "volcano" of emotion to the character. The show's creators have ordered a third season, indicating their confidence in the series and its cast.
The second season of MobLand features 10 episodes and continues the story of the Harrigan family's struggles to maintain their empire. With its unique blend of humor, style, and violence, the show is sure to appeal to fans of the gangster genre. Brosnan and Mirren's performances are at the heart of the show, bringing depth and complexity to their characters. As the series continues, it will be interesting to see how the Harrigans navigate their increasingly treacherous world.
Key points
- The second season of MobLand premiered on September 18 on Paramount+.
- Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren star as Conrad and Maeve Harrigan, the heads of a dysfunctional crime family.
- The show's creators have ordered a third season, indicating their confidence in the series and its cast.
