MobLand Season 1 Episode 8 “Helter Skelter” Review: A Chaotic Descent into Power Struggles and Betrayal

MobLand has consistently delivered intense drama, and Episode 8, titled “Helter Skelter,” escalates the tension to new heights. As the Harrigan family's empire teeters on the brink, alliances are tested, secrets unravel, and the quest for power takes a darker turn.

MobLand: A Family in Turmoil

L-R Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza, Mandeep Dhillon as Seraphina Harrigan and Pierce Brosnan as Conrad Harrigan in MOBLAND, episode 8, season 1, Streaming on Paramount+ 2025. Photo Credit: Luke Varley/Paramount+

The episode opens with the Harrigan family grappling with the aftermath of recent events. Conrad Harrigan (Pierce Brosnan) and his wife Maeve (Helen Mirren) are at odds over the family's future direction. Conrad's decision to enter the fentanyl trade has strained relationships within the family, and Maeve's manipulative tendencies further complicate matters.

Meanwhile, their son Kevin (Paddy Considine) is caught in a moral dilemma, questioning the wisdom of a sit-down with Jaime Lopez, a key figure in the drug trade. His concerns highlight the growing rift between personal values and family loyalty.

The Rise of New Threats

Former senior organized crime officer Collin Tattersall (Toby Jones) enters the scene, offering Fisk and Mukasa a new point of entry into the criminal underworld. His proposal to leverage Richie Stevenson (Geoff Bell) to dismantle the Harrigans backfires when Richie, asserting his dominance, ends negotiations violently. This power play sets the stage for a larger confrontation.

"Tell Kat, Jaime says she owes him."

Harry's Dilemma: Loyalty vs. Survival

Harry Da Souza (Tom Hardy), the family's fixer, finds himself in a precarious position. Tasked by Conrad to gather intelligence on the Stevensons and the fentanyl trade, Harry seeks assistance from Kat McAllister (Joanne Froggatt). Their interaction reveals the complex web of favors and debts that bind them, with Kat making it clear that the favor is granted to Harry, not Conrad.

As Harry navigates these treacherous waters, he uncovers a mole within the family, leading to a brutal confrontation that underscores the episode's themes of betrayal and survival.

Confrontations and Consequences

The episode culminates in a tense dinner where Conrad confronts Jan Da Souza (Joanne Froggatt) about her interactions with Alice, a mole working for the police. This confrontation exposes the deep-seated mistrust within the family and sets the stage for future conflicts.

In a shocking turn, Harry discovers the identity of the mole and takes matters into his own hands, leading to a violent resolution that sends ripples through the family and their criminal operations.

Themes Explored

Power and Control: The episode delves into the complexities of power dynamics within the Harrigan family and their criminal empire. Decisions made by Conrad and Maeve have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only their family but also their allies and enemies.

Betrayal and Loyalty: Characters grapple with issues of trust and loyalty, with several betrayals coming to light. These revelations challenge the characters' relationships and force them to reassess their alliances.

Survival: In a world where power is fleeting and enemies are numerous, survival becomes a central theme. Characters must navigate a treacherous landscape, making choices that will determine their fate.

Final Thoughts

MobLand Season 1, Episode 8, "Helter Skelter," is a gives us tension and storytelling. The episode's intricate plot, complex characters, and exploration of power and betrayal make it a standout in the series. As the season progresses, viewers are left eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Harrigan family's tumultuous journey.

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