Breaking down MobLand’s finale song: The meaning behind The Beast In Me

In the season 1 finale of MobLand, which aired on June 1, 2025, viewers hear Johnny Cash’s version of “The Beast in Me,” a song written by Nick Lowe and first recorded by Cash in 1994. The lyrics describe a person fighting the darker parts of themselves, as in “The beast in me / Is caged by frail and fragile bars.”

By choosing this song for the final episode of MobLand, the showrunners signal that each character faces a battle inside, not just with outside enemies. The music plays quietly as Kevin Harrigan cleans up after a brutal murder, and again during attacks on both the Harrigan safehouse and Richie Stevenson’s headquarters.

In both cases, the song’s slow pace and somber tone invite viewers to look beyond the violence and reflect on each character’s emotional state.

Also Read: The unaired Big Bang Theory pilot nailed a smarter sitcom setup, but then scrapped it

---

The song’s lyrics emphasize that characters wrestle with hidden anger

“The Beast in Me” focuses on the idea that everyone has a part of themselves they must keep under control. Lyrics like “I see the beast in me / It’s not someone I would like to be” remind us that people can feel fear or shame about their capacity for violence.

In MobLand, this is especially true for Kevin Harrigan. When Kevin kills Alan Rusby to protect his family, he crosses a line he might have tried to avoid for years. Later in the finale, he participates in a larger ambush that ends with Kevin killing Richie Stevenson.

These moments show that Kevin’s calm exterior hides anger fed by years of pressure and abuse. As he commits each act, the song plays, guiding viewers to notice how Kevin’s inner struggle mirrors the words Cash sings.

---

Kevin Harrigan’s choice to kill Rusby marks his shift into violence

Before the MobLand's finale, Kevin appears quieter and more reserved than other Harrigan family members. His decision to kill Rusby represents a crucial turning point. Up until that moment, Kevin watched from the sidelines as his family’s power struggles unfolded.

But when he finally shoots Rusby, he demonstrates that his “beast” can no longer stay locked away. This act reveals that Kevin’s anger, which may have come from feeling overlooked or betrayed by family, has reached a breaking point. The song underscores this change by reminding viewers that Kevin’s gentle side and his violent side are fighting for control.

Also Read: Why does Sirens feature only 5 episodes? Reasons, explored

---

Harry Da Souza’s calm mask hides his readiness for violence

Harry Da Souza often seems polite and controlled, handling threats with a quiet, professional air. Yet in the MobLand finale, loyal to the Harrigans, he carries out brutal orders without hesitation. At one point, Harry joins Kevin to ambush and kill Stevenson, demonstrating the same “beast” at work in a different way.

Before that, Harry helps guard the Harrigan safehouse during an attack, showing he can switch quickly from calm to aggressive. By using “The Beast in Me” during those scenes, the show highlights that Harry’s least expected self is the one willing to use force when loyalty demands it.

---

Other MobLand characters face their conflicts under the same song

Beyond Kevin and Harry, several key figures in the MobLand finale also confront dark sides. Eddie Harrigan struggles with violence when he learns Maeve is not his real grandmother and attacks without thinking. Meanwhile, Conrad Harrigan remains imprisoned but still wields power; in the final moments, he basks in the family’s support from behind bars.

Maeve’s reveal as the mastermind behind much of the season’s chaos shows she, too, battles with secrets and control. Even Zosia and Kiko, who defend the safehouse, face fear and make sacrifices, with Kiko ultimately dying to protect his friends. Including “The Beast in Me” as these stories unfold links everyone’s hidden fears and urges back to the same central message: each character must face what lies inside.

Also Read: Henry Cavill reveals the complexities of developing the Warhammer project

---

The song leaves viewers thinking about what comes next

As the final notes of “The Beast in Me” play over Conrad’s prison scene, the episode ends without clear answers for the future. Conrad’s followers still show loyalty, even though his control has weakened, suggesting that Conrad’s inner fight to stay in power is not over.

Kevin and Harry, now knowing the “beast” inside themselves, may act differently in any new conflicts. Eddie’s anger and Maeve’s manipulations hint at more dangers ahead. By ending with the song, MobLand prompts viewers to question whether these characters can ever escape their darker instincts or if more violence is inevitable.

Also Read: Stranger Things: This fan-favorite pairing is returning for a Season 5 comeback