Compulsively Watchable–‘The Gentlemen’ Reviewed
by Tito W. James
The Gentlemen is a TV series based on the film of the same name by Guy Ritchie. The series follows Eddie, an aristocrat who inherits the family estate only to discover that it’s home to an enormous weed empire run by the Glass crime family. Eddie attempts to extricate his family from the gangsters’ control without breaking bad in the process.
The eight episode series has many Guy Ritchie staples: boxing, English Traveller communities, high-end food and fashion, diegetic text, stylish editing, and sharp dialogue. In some cases, these elements can feel like retreads of Ritchie’s earlier films rather than a refreshing reversal of formula. The story of The Gentlemen TV series is not quite as punchy or unpredictable as the feature film.
However, even with my nitpicks, The Gentlemen remains compulsively watchable. Theo James’s performance as Eddie Horniman has a compelling dynamic with Kaya Scodelario as the mysterious Susie Glass. Ray Winstone slays it as the jolly, yet threatening Weed Kingpin, Bobby Glass. Unsurprisingly, Giancarlo Esposito lays on his sinister charm as the heavy-hitting Mr. Johnston. The series may not be reinventing the wheel but with a strong cast, and slick production design, The Gentlemen is a fun watch and worth another season.
The Gentlemen is currently streaming on Netflix.