'MobLand' Season 1 Episode 4 “Rat Trap” Review
- Rachel
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
MobLand is getting super intense, and Episode 4: "Rat Trap" throws us into a psychological rat maze of suspicion and lies. To be fair, the whole season has done just that but fitting as we all know rats and mazes go hand and hand. While I enjoy the show and seeing Helen Mirren, it doesn’t quite fit the void 1923 left behind but I digress.
With the Harrigan’s world crashing down around them, MobLand “Rat Trap” is setting the chess pieces up just to be knocked down by the season finale. With the title, I was already expecting the episode to sniff out a rat through a web of traps, both literally and figuratively. Was I correct in my assumption?
Some key takeaways from the episode are the incriminating secrets threaten to destroy alliances. Suspicion spreads like wildfire within the Harrigan clan and a major murder raises stakes and shifts power dynamics. Harry continues to walk a thin line between his job with the family and his own family he’s trying to shield from danger. I was hoping that Jan would just be “that girl” but they all can’t be Maeve. This episode has Harry retrieving encrypted memory sticks. Sounds simple enough but in the criminal world, nothing is simple. Harry’s scary execution under Richie’s orders isn't about cruelty; it's about survival. Survival of the fittest. Harry has too much to lose. I love shows that have me rooting for bad guys.
Jan opens up to her therapist, laying out all her doubt and fear, which shows a crack in her loyalty. What seems like a cathartic moment turns into a betrayal when we learn her confidante Alice is working with Detective Fisk. Girl, we are going to need you to be smarter than this. Side note, I appreciate the show’s writing with the therapy storyline. Therapy is such a helpful tool. Jan’s therapy sessions frame her emotional struggle, but the show weaponizes her vulnerability. Her confessions are used against her; she is caught in the rat trap. Clever writing.
The body being found triggers panic and suspicion among the Harrigans. Conrad begins hunting for a rat in the ranks, and the family’s carefully constructed facade starts crumbling. Richie wants the family to attend Tommy’s funeral. No good can come from that.
MobLand Season 1, Episode 4: “Rat Trap” delivers quiet menace and dramatic moments. It's a chess game of power, loyalty, and survival. As the pieces move into place, it becomes clear that no one walks away clean. Whether you're here for the performances, the suspense, or the web of deception, this episode is a standout and sets up a thrilling second half of the season.
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