Guy Ritchie’s “The Gentlemen” Season 2: Ambitious, But Does It Lose Its Charm?
Netflix’s crime thriller “The Gentlemen,” known for its quirky characters and intricate plots, returns with a second season that aims higher but risks losing the very essence that made it so enjoyable. While visually stunning and boasting strong performances, this season feels like a beat-by-beat retelling of “The Godfather” without fully embracing the humor and charm of its predecessor.
A Tale of Two Bosses: Eddie’s Ascent and Bobby’s Decline
Giancarlo Esposito shines as billionaire Stanley Johnston, while Ray Winstone embodies the aging cannabis kingpin Bobby Glass. Both characters push Duke Eddie Horniman (Theo James) to embrace his potential, but viewers are left feeling like they’re suffering alongside him as Guy Ritchie sheds much of the humor and eccentricities that defined the first season. The convoluted plots, a hallmark of Ritchie’s work, often feel pointless, with diversions looping back to the same core conflict from season one.
The expansion of the series’ scope to Italy feels unnecessary, serving primarily as an opportunity for “Godfather” references and showcasing beautiful lakeside settings where wealthy individuals make icy threats while sipping Campari. After spending much of season one trying to free his family from their obligations to Glass, Eddie decides to embrace criminal pursuits with reckless abandon. He’s frustrated by Bobby’s leadership, especially given the aging gang leader seems to be taking advice from a mythical sauna sprite – one of the season’s best recurring gags.
Susie’s Dilemma and the Absence of Freddy
Kaya Scodelario delivers a strong performance as Susie, Bobby’s daughter, who served as a perfect foil for Eddie in season one. However, she has less agency this season, torn between following different men. She does get a chance to shine when dealing with Joe (Tyler Conti), an old flame turned cocaine dealer offering Susie a third option. The chemistry between Scodelario and James remains palpable, which is likely why Ritchie teases fans by constantly pulling them apart in both their business and personal lives.
The absence of Freddy (Daniel Ings), Eddie’s unreliable older brother, is keenly felt throughout the season. His chaotic presence is sorely missed. In his place, the Horniman family expands with the addition of Nanny (Benjamin Clementine), Eddie’s status-obsessed and oblivious brother-in-law. He serves as a wet blanket, interrupting tender moments between Charlotte (Jasmine Blackborow) and Geoff Seacombe (Vinnie Jones), the groundskeeper who is actually Charlotte’s father.
Lost in Translation: Humor and Consequences
The attempt to make this season more serious diminishes the show’s simple delights. While there are still hilarious scenes, such as money launderer Chucky Kubra (Guz Khan) explaining his scheme for a chain of Japanese-Pakistani restaurants, and an entire episode where Eddie must track down a missing prized falcon to curry favor in the House of Lords, Hugh Bonneville shines as Lord Hawthorne, a nobleman all too eager to be seduced. Both Eddie and Ritchie should have focused more on the business in the U.K., rather than the international expansion that never quite pays off.
The show’s funniest characters are sidelined. Susie’s chief weed grower Jimmy Chang (Michael Vu) previously provided plenty of goofy stoner humor, but gets only one episode to really shine as he deals with a growing labor movement and some questionable experimental product. The consequences of both are tied up far too neatly, even as Susie and Eddie take actions that should make their labor problems worse.
Visually Stunning, But Lacking Focus
“The Gentlemen” remains visually stunning, with luxurious sets, gorgeous costumes, and the high-energy chase scenes and chaotic shootouts that Ritchie excels at. However, there are too many close-up shots of cast members speaking directly at the camera, which fail to take advantage of the sumptuous scenery.
Setting the Stage for Season 3
Season 2 ends on a high note, setting up a new chapter for Duke Eddie, his family, and Bobby Glass’s criminal operations. After all the talk throughout the season about how Eddie is evolving, hopefully the series won’t become unrecognizable in season 3. Eddie learns the hard way about the perils of ambition, and Ritchie should take that lesson to heart as well. He doesn’t need to make “The Godfather”; he should stick to making another great season of “The Gentlemen.”
“The Gentlemen” is now streaming on Netflix.
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