TV Series Review|The Gentlemen Season 1 (2024)
Guy Ritchie superbly expands the World from his 2019 film, delivering captivating refined aggression.
“Tackle Tommy Woo Woo”
2019’s The Gentlemen starring Matthew McConaughey and Charlie Hunnam was a return to form for the British creative, reminiscent of his best outings: Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and Snatch (2000).
5 years later, Guy Ritchie further explores the cannabis underworld of the UK occupied by posh criminals in a TV Series of the same name, that’s equally entertaining if not better.
Both the film and the series are standalone ventures that can be watched in the order of your choosing.
The story of The Gentlemen Season 1 follows Edward (Eddie) Horniman, a secondborn son of a Duke returning to his family estate after the father falls ill. Becoming the heir of the family, he finds himself in a bind after learning that the estate is home to a weed empire and they are not keen on uprooting the pot machine.
The 8-episode run comprises an overarching plot of Eddie forced to navigate the criminal underworld with the ruling heir of the cannabis syndicate Susan (Susie) Glass while simultaneously taking care of his family and dealing with the consequences of their aristocratic shenanigans.
Alongside the main plot, episodic adventures are dispersed throughout the season — often turning wacky —, intertwining a web of maniacal, eccentric and colourful personalities that either aid or hinder Eddie’s goals, with a dash of fun subplots for major secondary characters.
With a smashing performance of a Duke stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea balancing organized crime and familial responsibilities, and a growing affinity towards illegal dealings against his thus far law-abiding gentlemanliness, Theo James as Eddie Horniman is fantastic in the leading role.
With cunning, charm and wit to rule an empire encased in a posh outlook, going toe to toe with all manner of moguls and kingpins, and fierce sisterly love for the relatively dim testosterone juiced promiscuous boxer brother, Kaya Scodelario as the second leading role Susie Glass, the daughter of the jailed cannabis tycoon Bobby Glass, the Yin to Eddie’s Yang, is amazing.
Intriguing and charming partnership, solid chemistry and effortless banter make it a delight whenever the two are onscreen together.
Joining the leads is an impressive roster of secondary characters, whether criminal magnates partaking in a different venue (meth, cocaine etc), high as a kite worker bees residing mostly on cloud 9, upgraded Roma or Gypsies (of course Guy Ritchie will include them), cleanup specialists taking care of the messy business remindful of John Wick’s dinner reservation, or FAMILY!
The most notable ones from the lot are:
- Friedrick (Freddie) Horniman: Played by Daniel Ings, Eddie's cocaine-addicted older brother, who is constantly dismayed about not receiving the family’s inheritance. His foolhardy antics and general idiocy are both frustrating and hilarious.
- Geoff Seacombe: The loyal caretaker of the family estate with a myriad of hardened skills making him someone you do not want to cross, with a penchant for taking in wounded animals, Vinnie Jones is splendid in the role.
- Stanley Johnston (with a T): Gus Frin-I mean Giancarlo Esposito is a legend and he delivers yet again here as an American billionaire keen to buy the estate from Eddie, sparing no expense for his goals.
- Jimmy: The endearing cannabis grower and lover whose good heart is both charming and a hindrance for Susie and Eddie. Michael Vu is lovely in the role.
Guy Ritchie has a knack for witty, posh, and quick dialogue revelling in dark humour coupled with webbed plot threads often relying on effective happenstance and he delivers it here in spades (with his team of writers). Conversations are captivating; boredom is non-existent.
Combined with beautiful cinematography, sets and locations of the UK’s aristocratic states, the avarice of the elite and the city's underbellies, strong direction and sound score, the TV Series is a complete entertaining package.
The only disappointment that Season 1 has is the missed opportunity to include cameo(s) from 2019’s film The Gentlemen. An appearance from Mathew McConaughey (Michael Pearson), Michelle Dockery (Rosalind Pearson), Charlie Hunnam (Ray), or Colin Ferral (Coach) would have been a cherry on top of the classy criminal cake.
Overall, The Gentlemen Season 1 is great television. Guy Ritchie (and team) superbly expand the unholy marriage of cannabis syndicate and aristocrats from 2019’s The Gentlemen, bringing in a fresh roster of eccentric, maniacal and zany characters, led superbly by Theo James (Eddie Horniman) and Kaya Scoledaria (Susie Glass). Coupled with solid direction, beautiful cinematography, sound score and witty, posh, quick and entertaining writing, the 8-episode run is a delight.
The only disappointment is the lack of crossover from the film. A cameo or two would have been marvellous.
Even if we don’t get a second season — I REALLY hope we do —, the first season wraps up the story nicely and can act as a mini-series.
I’d highly recommend checking out The Gentlemen Season 1 (it’s on Netflix) and the 2019 film (if you haven’t yet) whether you’re a fan of Guy Ritchie or not. And if I were to rate my time with it, I’d give it a 9/10.
TOSS a COIN to YOUR Writer, OH VALLEY OF PLENTY!!
(I can’t earn from Medium since the platform doesn’t support my country for its Partner Program. I’d be eternally grateful should you choose to toss some coins my way through Patreon)
Thanks For Reading!
Sayonara!!
