Netflix has released the television continuation of Guy Ritchie’s “The Gentlemen,” a series that revisits the director’s signature style of crime drama laced with dark humor and stylized violence. The show, which builds upon the 2019 film of the same name, follows Eddie (Theo James) and his confidante Susie (Kaya Scodelario) as they expand their marijuana operation into continental Europe. This move triggers conflict with the local mafia, setting off a series of violent confrontations and power struggles.
The narrative opens amid the picturesque setting of Lake Maggiore, juxtaposing the refined aristocratic lifestyle with the gritty criminal underworld. Throughout the series, there is an attempt to layer the story with moral themes, notably through a subplot involving Susie’s imprisoned father, Bobby Glass (Ray Winstone), a crime boss who engages with mystical elements while confined. However, the show often sidelines these deeper motifs in favor of rapid editing, flashier cinematography, and frequent shootouts.
“The Gentlemen” stays true to the franchise’s established formula, combining fast-paced action sequences with sharp, albeit sometimes crude, humor. The series features a mix of characters typical of Ritchie’s films, including loyal tough guys and flamboyant villains. Theo James’s Eddie is portrayed as a tough, educated operator who remains largely unchallenged amid the chaos. Supporting roles include Hugh Bonneville as Lord Hawthorne, a corrupt aristocrat, and Giancarlo Esposito as Stanley Johnston, a methamphetamine kingpin with a nuanced personality.
The show leans heavily on familiar tropes and character archetypes, drawing on Ritchie’s nostalgic London gangster style that began with “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.” The humor often relies on character quirks and ironic casting choices, such as Esposito playing a character with a delicate sensibility, contrasting with his previous roles. While some may appreciate the series’ unapologetic embrace of genre clichés and stylized violence, others may find it lacking in sophistication or depth.
Overall, the series offers fans of Ritchie’s earlier work a continuation of the fast-talking, action-packed crime drama, though it may not appeal to those seeking more nuanced storytelling or character development. Theo James’s performance has drawn mixed reactions, with some suggesting it could serve as a showcase for his potential in similar action-oriented roles, while others remain skeptical about the show’s broader impact on his career trajectory.