The Gentlemen Season 2: The Slow Burn Was Worth It
If Season 1 got us into the world of The Gentlemen, Season 2 makes it pretty clear that we’re not leaving anytime soon.
Season 2 absolutely lives up to its predecessor. It doesn’t simply repeat what worked the first time around; it builds on it. From the opening, with Eddie ending up in a ditch, the show wastes little time pulling us back into its strange, dangerous, and often hilarious world.
The writing is once again a major strength. There are twists and turns throughout, and while there are moments when a few clues seem to show up awfully close to the events they explain, the show still gives you enough little details to play along. We found ourselves trying to figure out where things were headed, and there’s a certain satisfaction when you actually get one right. It isn’t predictable, but it rewards paying attention.
The characters are a big part of what makes this season work. Eddie and Susie remain central, but there’s a noticeable shift in their relationship and in the directions they’re heading. Eddie gets a little crazy, and watching his evolution is one of the more interesting parts of the season. Stanley Johnston plays a role in that, helping Eddie see himself as someone destined for something greater. It’s fascinating watching that idea take hold and seeing how it changes Eddie’s ambitions and behavior.
Susie has her own journey, particularly with the chop world, while the Contessa and the Arabs bring plenty of their own personality to the mix. Bobby also seems to be drifting further into his own version of crazy. And then there’s the Italian version of Freddy getting eaten by a tiger. It’s one of those moments that reminds you exactly what kind of show you’re watching.
The humor is another highlight. Given the British setting and Guy Ritchie’s reputation, you might expect something a little drier, but there’s a great balance here. The crime, comedy, ridiculous situations, and sudden violence all work together without making the show feel like it’s trying too hard to be funny.
There’s also a great balance between action and the slower, more strategic scenes. Some of those quieter conversations and decisions might not seem like much when they happen, but their impact becomes clear later. The show is setting things up even when it looks like it’s taking its time.
And then come the final three episodes.
That’s where the season really shifts gears. What initially feels like a slow burn suddenly starts paying off in a big way. The pieces come together, the stakes climb, and the last stretch makes it difficult not to immediately want more. The ending leaves things open, but it’s not one of those cliffhangers that makes you throw your hands up and yell at the television. It’s more of a, “Well, when are we getting the next season?”
The Guy Ritchie influence is unmistakable. The dialogue, editing, characters, sudden bursts of violence, and unexpected turns are all there. There are moments that bring back memories of Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, while still feeling connected to the world established in the first season and the original The Gentlemen film.
There are even shades of The Godfather in the family dynamics, power struggles, and the business of trying to keep an empire under control. One idea that sticks with us is the logic behind paying the help better: people are a lot less likely to steal when they’re being treated well. It’s a simple idea, but in this world, even the simplest business decisions can have serious consequences.
Our recommendation: If you enjoy crime shows, complicated characters, dark comedy, or Guy Ritchie’s style of storytelling, The Gentlemen is absolutely worth your time. Watch Season 1 before jumping into Season 2. You don’t necessarily need to watch the movie first, but you do need that first season to appreciate where these characters are going.
Season 2 delivers. It takes its time, lets the story develop, and then makes those final three episodes count. By the time it ends, you’ll probably be looking for more.
And that’s a pretty good sign of a show doing its job.
FnAround