Tom Hardy’s 8-Part Historical Thriller Shows MobLand How It’s Done

Almost nine years ago, Tom Hardy led an incredible 8-part historical thriller that was far better than MobLand in one significant way. MobLand in itself is a compelling crime drama, boasting a stellar cast that includes names like Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Tom Hardy, among others. Created by Ronan Bennett, MobLand season 1 premiered to positive reviews and is also set to return for season 2.

Before returning with another installment, though, MobLand has gone through a wave of controversy where Tom Hardy was reportedly being fired from the series before its third season. The dust surrounding the controversy, however, has finally settled, and Hardy is expected to be a part of the show’s roster in season 3 as well.

Unfortunately, even though 2017’s Taboo was Hardy’s passion project, the show did not get to return for another season like MobLand. A closer look at Taboo also reveals that even though it is significantly different from MobLand, it can teach a lesson or two to the Paramount+ crime drama.

Taboo Makes Better Use Of Tom Hardy’s Acting Forte Than MobLand

Tom Hardy not only served as Taboo‘s main character but also wrote its story and helped create the show with his father, Chips Hardy, and Steven Knight. His massive involvement in the series’ production is quite visible in his performance as the show’s lead, James Delaney. In the acclaimed show, Tom Hardy gets to put his range on full display as he plays a morally complex character.

Coming off as a combination of both Sherlock and Hannibal, Delaney seems incredibly rootable because of his razor-sharp intellect and ability to outmaneuver every powerful figure standing in his way. Yet, there is also something truly terrifying about him, which makes him far more memorable than the regular fare of crime thriller protagonists like MobLand‘s Harry Da Souza.

Taboo subtly reveals that Tom Hardy’s character has a history of indulging in cannibalism, making him seem almost mythic and predatory. MobLand‘s Harry, too, is a well-written character and one of the key driving forces for the crime drama. However, James Delaney seems larger than life, reminding viewers of how brilliantly Hardy has previously portrayed complex characters like Bane, Alfie Solomons, and Bronson.

Hardy delivers some of his best performance when he gets to portray characters that are both dominant and quietly menacing. While MobLand gives him the opportunity to put his incredible screen presence on full display, it is Taboo that paves the way for him to riff on his strengths as a brooding and intense leading man.

Tom Hardy’s MobLand Season 3 Return Is Great, But Taboo Season 2 Should Also Happen

After weeks of reported drama and controversy, it looked like Tom Hardy’s run as Harry Da Souza would end with MobLand season 2. Some reports even suggested that the show’s team was already eyeing replacements for him in the series. Fortunately, things have finally settled, and Tom Hardy is all set to reprise his role as Harry for at least two more seasons.

Given how Tom Hardy’s performance alone is one of the biggest reasons why MobLand is so compelling, it is hard not to be relieved that the show is not giving up on one of its best assets. As promising as MobLand may seem, though, Hardy should also consider Taboo‘s return.

Earlier reports suggested that Taboo had been renewed for season 2, and Steven Knight had also prepared the scripts for almost all of its episodes. Taboo season 2’s filming was also set to begin in 2023, and rumors suggested that the show’s return was still in the cards. Unfortunately, it seems like Taboo season 2 is still in production hell, with no confirmed release window or filming schedule in sight.

Hopefully, like MobLand, Taboo will also eventually get to return for more seasons and give Tom Hardy the opportunity to play James Delanay all over again.