'The Gentlemen' Season 2 Is Finally Here: Did Guy Ritchie Raise the Stakes in the New Chapter?

The second season of The Gentlemen, a spinoff of Guy Ritchie's movie of the same name, has finally been released on Netflix, and critics have already praised the new episodes.

The creators promised to raise the stakes, and they delivered: the new chapter is a full-fledged evolution of a character who no longer wants to be a pawn in someone else's game.

What Is 'The Gentlemen' Season 2 About?

Having tasted power, Eddie no longer wants to be a mere function of the Glass empire – he craves more. Together with Susie, he enters the international market, expanding production and planning to conquer the Middle East.

However, Eddie's ambitions don't end there – he dreams of restoring his family's former glory, reclaiming their fragmented lands, and taking a seat in the British Parliament's House of Lords.

This political career would give him influence over legislation, including the possible legalization of illegal substances, which could undermine the black market. Eddie plans to seize the niche before the state legalizes business. However, his plans conflict with Bobby's interests.

Season 2 Focuses on the Main Character's Metamorphosis & Symbolic Subtext

Unlike most of Guy Ritchie's projects, which emphasize action, the main plot of the second season of The Gentlemen is a profound character transformation.

Despite his military background, Eddie initially dislikes violence. However, encounters with numerous gangsters trying to kill his brother or seize his business force him to reconsider. In the new season, Eddie finally abandons the role of victim and becomes a predator.

He protects his inheritance and builds his influence by using both brute force and cunning political intrigue. However, Guy Ritchie became so enamored with the concept of Eddie's chosen status that he overdid the symbolism.

Like the biblical figure, Eddie must resist three temptations and defeat the tempter. Meanwhile, the inmate Bobby Glass sees a spirit in the steam room that guides him to make the right decisions.

While this attempt to introduce symbolism into a crime drama seems absurd at times, it doesn't detract from the series' overall dynamic, rather, it adds a unique flavor.

'The Gentlemen' Season 2 Isn't Perfect, but It's a Worthy And Gripping Crime Show

Despite some exaggerated symbolism, the new chapter of The Gentlemen is a definite success: there are plenty of twists and turns, and the numerous storylines will definitely keep you engaged.

Ritchie directed three episodes this time, one more than in the first season, and he demonstrated his signature style. However, his episodes were the dullest of the season – it seems the maestro should finally transition to showrunning and entrust the production to his colleagues.

Nevertheless, the nonlinear narrative and the separate storylines of Theo James' and Kaya Scodelario's characters, who sometimes collaborate and sometimes compete, work to the show's advantage. These micro-stories heighten the dynamic rather than relying on endless shootouts.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Gentlemen' Season 2?

• The Gentlemen Season 2 has 84% from critics and 82% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

Where to Watch 'The Gentlemen' Season 2?

The Gentlemen Season 2 is available to stream on Netflix.