‘MobLand’ Episode 5 Review - Lacks Interest

Episode 5 of MobLand, titled "Funeral for a Friend," spends much of its time circling around a major question: will the Harrigans attend the funeral or will they stay away? This dilemma places them in an impossible situation — attending could expose them to serious threats, but refusing would damage their public image. Unfortunately, while this setup has the potential for genuine suspense, the execution falls flat. The episode becomes bogged down by drawn-out conversations and a noticeable lack of real action. Despite the life-or-death stakes implied by the scenario, the tension never truly materializes. For a series that usually thrives on keeping the intensity levels high, these slower stretches feel disappointingly hollow.

The funeral itself, which should have been a centerpiece moment, ends up being surprisingly uneventful. No major shifts occur, no game-changing events unfold — it all feels like a buildup with no real payoff. By the episode’s conclusion, the ongoing feud between the families remains exactly where it was before. Although there are attempts to ramp up the drama and escalate the blood feud, each move feels increasingly less effective. Instead of delivering new twists or meaningful developments, the story seems to be spinning its wheels.

This sense of stagnation isn’t just limited to the main plotline. The various subplots are also progressing at a frustratingly slow pace, compounding the feeling that the season’s momentum is grinding to a halt. What should have been an emotionally charged and dangerous sequence of events instead comes across as a missed opportunity to heighten the stakes and deepen the character dynamics.

That said, "Funeral for a Friend" isn’t without its redeeming elements. One of the more interesting aspects of the episode is the evolving dynamic between Maeve and her grandson Eddie. Helen Mirren’s portrayal of Maeve has always had a certain campy, larger-than-life quality, and here it starts to feel more purposeful. The revelation that Maeve and Eddie are quietly scheming together adds a compelling layer of intrigue to their characters. Both of them are chaotic forces — reckless, impulsive, and utterly unpredictable. Watching them plot and maneuver is one of the few highlights of an otherwise sluggish installment.

The bond between Maeve and Eddie brings a sharper, more dangerous edge to the narrative that the rest of the episode sorely lacks. Their scenes together suggest that real upheaval could still be on the horizon, even if it’s coming from within rather than through the expected family feud. In a season that risks losing steam, their alliance offers a glimmer of hope that MobLand can still pull off a few surprises.

Overall, Episode 5 feels like a step backward for the series. The slow pace, lack of real narrative movement, and muted tension make for a frustrating watch. While character moments like Maeve and Eddie’s plotting hint at richer developments to come, "Funeral for a Friend" ultimately feels more like filler than a vital chapter in the larger story.

Final Score- [7/10]