MobLand (1×05) Funeral for a Friend Review

For our review of the last episode of MobLand, click here.

Any scenario that saw the Harrigans and the Stevensons having to interact with one another in an intimate setting was never going to end well and in the case of this week’s episode of MobLand, it was definitely a treacherous journey. In the case of both families, all roads led to the funeral of Tommy Stevenson (hence the episode title) but getting there was a battle in and of itself. After getting invited by Richie Stevenson, the first question was whether or not the whole thing was a trap, and that concern was echoed by Jan and Bella. Taking it seriously, Conrad and Maeve rounded up the family (except for Brendan and Seraphina) for a quick strategy meeting. Damned if they do and damned if they don’t, there were risks involved but Harry would install some countermeasures if the situation were to get out of control.

As his past continued to trickle up to the surface, Kevin’s trauma was clear on his face as it manifested itself in his growing insecurity. The happenings of the Harrigans and the Stevensons were not lost on the police as Jan’s friend Alice (Emily Barber), also continued to report on Jan on their behalf. Now, as predicted, the funeral was an awkward event for the Harrigans as they felt like they were put under a microscope. Especially standing out, were the main dissenters in the family, Maeve and Eddie, whose words and action lacked the sincerity of the others. Ultimately, the most likely place to strike, if it were to happen, was the reception in Richie Stevenson’s home. A largely uneventful affair, those more prone to react, Maeve and Eddie, did exactly that while under the pressure of the constant poking and prodding of their perceived faults (in the case of the latter, something that has gone in since the beginning of the series). It was only a matter of time but instead of going off the rails, Conrad and Richie struck up a deal to avoid a war. Richie knew that Eddie was responsible for Eddie’s death but he didn’t want a war.

Brendan and Seraphina were not involved in the Tommy Stevenson funeral main plot because the two would be involved in perhaps facilitating their own scheme in the hopes of shaking off their statuses as lesser members of the family. Approaching the latter with a way into the diamond trade, Seraphina was understandably skeptical of Brendan’s proposition.

However, as a war was seemingly off the table, the tides could change very quickly as Maeve was not quite over her experience at the reception. Allegedly, responding to the insults she received at the hands of Richie Stevenson’s wife Vron (Annie Cooper), her car exploded with her inside as she started the engine. While we’re saying allegedly, Maeve’s involvement in the matter appears to be pretty clear. That being said, how that incident will play out remains to be seen but it’s clear that the two families just can’t get out of the other’s way. A division is forming on one side of the battle and perhaps that issue must be settled if either have a chance to truly move forward.

Score: 78/100

*still courtesy of Paramount+*

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.