Is Lennie James the Key to Understanding TV's Greatest Villain?

Lennie James is renowned for portraying characters whose morals are tested, and his latest role as Frank Moses in the fourth season of Mayor of Kingstown showcases this talent. James, who has spent over three decades in acting, brings to life a menacing gangster whose actions are as unpredictable as they are brutal, drawing comparisons to iconic villains like Gus Fring from Breaking Bad.

Last updated: 31 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Lennie James has recently taken on a challenging role as Frank Moses in the fourth season of Mayor of Kingstown, a series that delves into the complexities of crime and morality. In his debut scene, Moses commits a shocking act of violence, setting the tone for a character that is both captivating and terrifying. The character's morally ambiguous nature has sparked discussions among fans and critics, drawing parallels to other complex television personalities.

Key takeaways

Lennie James plays Frank Moses, a gangster whose unpredictable nature makes him a standout character.
James has a history of portraying morally complex characters, adding depth to his performances.
The comparisons between Moses and Gus Fring highlight the show's darker themes.

Timeline: how we got here

Since his career began, Lennie James has been known for taking on roles that challenge traditional narratives in television. Key milestones include:

2002: James stars as DCI Tony Gates in the first series of Line of Duty.
2010: Joins the cast of The Walking Dead as Morgan Jones, becoming a fan favourite.
2018: Releases his own critically acclaimed drama, Save Me, which he both wrote and starred in.
2023: Premieres as Frank Moses in Mayor of Kingstown, further cementing his reputation for complex characters.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The fourth season of Mayor of Kingstown has introduced Frank Moses, a character whose violent and enigmatic nature has sparked immediate comparisons to Gus Fring, a hallmark of excellent characterisation in television. This new role allows James to explore the darker aspects of human morality and the psychological complexities that accompany such characters.

What was already established

James has a long-standing reputation for taking on morally ambiguous roles. His previous characters, including Morgan Jones and Robert Jenkins, have often faced ethical dilemmas, making his latest portrayal a natural extension of his career. The critical acclaim surrounding his performances suggests a deep understanding of character motivations and moral conflict.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The portrayal of complex characters like Frank Moses resonates with UK audiences, reflecting societal issues related to crime, morality, and justice. Such narratives can influence public perception of moral ambiguity and criminality, prompting discussions that extend beyond entertainment.

Businesses and jobs

The entertainment industry continues to evolve, with shows that feature complex characters often leading to increased viewership and engagement. This can benefit UK production companies and create job opportunities in writing, acting, and production, especially as streaming services expand their reach.

Policy and regulation

As television continues to explore darker themes, there may be discussions around content regulation and the portrayal of violence in media. This could lead to potential consultations or guidance from media regulators to ensure responsible storytelling while allowing creative freedom.

Numbers that matter

30+ years: Lennie James's experience in the acting industry.
4 violent acts depicted in Frank Moses's introductory scene, illustrating the character's brutal nature.
1 Bafta award for best actor received earlier this year for his role in Mr Loverman.

Definitions and jargon buster

Mayor of Kingstown: A crime drama series that explores the complexities of power dynamics within a small town heavily influenced by the prison system.
Gus Fring: A character from Breaking Bad, known for his calm demeanour and ruthless business practices, widely regarded as one of television's greatest villains.
Bafta: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts, which recognises excellence in film, television, and games.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Viewers can expect continued character development in Mayor of Kingstown as Frank Moses's storyline unfolds. As new episodes are released, the complexities of his character will likely lead to deeper discussions about morality in crime dramas.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, audiences will be able to assess the impact of Frank Moses on the overall narrative. Anticipation surrounding the character's fate will drive engagement and viewership, influencing ratings and discussions on social media.

Signals to watch

Viewer ratings and reviews for Mayor of Kingstown in the coming weeks.
Social media discussions regarding character comparisons, particularly between Moses and Fring.
Industry awards and nominations for performances, including potential recognition for Lennie James.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with discussions around character portrayal on social media to gain diverse perspectives.
Explore other works by Lennie James to appreciate his range as an actor.
Consider the broader implications of storytelling in media when consuming crime dramas.

Don’t

Dismiss the significance of character complexity in storytelling.
Neglect to watch the series if you enjoy morally ambiguous narratives.
Limit your understanding of crime dramas to surface-level interpretations.

Checklist

Watch the latest episode of Mayor of Kingstown.
Research Lennie James's previous roles for context on his acting style.
Follow updates on awards season to track potential nominations for James.
Join online forums to discuss themes and character arcs in the series.
Reflect on your own views about morality in entertainment and how they shape your viewing experience.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Lennie James's portrayal of Frank Moses is compelling, there are inherent risks in depicting violent characters. The impact of such portrayals on audiences and societal norms can vary widely. Additionally, the comparisons to Gus Fring may not hold as the series progresses, especially if character arcs diverge significantly.

Bottom line

Lennie James's performance as Frank Moses in Mayor of Kingstown represents another chapter in his illustrious career, showcasing his ability to inhabit morally ambiguous characters. As viewers engage with this new role, they will likely be challenged to consider the complexities of morality and the human condition in crime narratives.

FAQs

Who is Lennie James?

Lennie James is a British actor known for his roles in various TV series, including Line of Duty, The Walking Dead, and his latest role as Frank Moses in Mayor of Kingstown.

What is Mayor of Kingstown about?

Mayor of Kingstown is a crime drama series that explores the dynamics of power and crime within a small town heavily influenced by the prison system.

Why do viewers compare Frank Moses to Gus Fring?

Frank Moses is compared to Gus Fring due to his complex characterisation that blends charm with danger, creating a morally ambiguous figure reminiscent of Fring’s portrayal in Breaking Bad.