In terms of TV shows that are primarily driven by action, Gangs Of London has set the highest possible bar for shows to come. It certainly helps that you have someone like Gareth Evans being involved, bringing his sensibilities to the production of the first season, bringing the same raw and brutal sensibilities that made his Raid movies so beloved by action junkies everywhere. The new season has already premiered in the UK back in October, but we will finally get access to it domestically on AMC+ starting November 17th.
I was lucky enough to be sent screeners of the new season in advance of its domestic release. And I guess I can start this whole thing off by saying, it’s still really good, and fans of the show shouldn’t be too disappointed. Now, I say “too disappointed” because I can’t say it comes close to the quality of the first season. You can definitely feel the lack of Gareth Evans’ presence here, which is understandable since he’s busy with his next film, Havoc. With that said, let’s talk about the action since I’m sure that’s what most of us were here for.
Like I said, Evans’ presence is sorely missed. There’s a certain je ne sais quoi that’s missing here. The action is far from bad, it’s still one of the most brutal things you’ll see on TV that isn’t an HBO fantasy show, but the filming and choreography does have a noticeably different vibe. Though, it’s still leagues above what you usually see on TV. It’s also not as action packed, taking a bit of a slow burn approach after a pretty explosive opening episode before taking its time with the next few episodes letting the tension build between the various characters.
On a story level, it’s a bit on the convoluted side as we dig into some of the mechanics that go behind various alliances and betrayals and loyalties, many of which are constantly tested and in some cases broken as a character who goes by Koba (Waleed Zuaiter), enters the scene as an enforcer sent by the Investors in hopes to keep order among the gangs, though he proves to be a bit too power hungry, and his brutal tactics results in a quick rise in power that has everyone on their toes. There is more going on plot-wise, but his presence is what’s driving this season’s narrative.
Corin Hardy directs most of the eight episodes here, with a few helmed by Marcela Said and Nima Nourizadeh. Hardy’s experience in the horror genre does lend itself well to the way the series builds tension and creates an ongoing atmosphere that is dark and oppressive. Even in episodes where you don’t get much action, the mood is done in such a way that it feels like something really messed up is going to happen at any moment, and it keeps you on edge until it does finally get the blood splatter going. I found the slow burn approach to remain fairly engaging, but I can see why some who are just looking for the action would not be as into it.
The performances are strong across the board. Some supporting players from the first season are given a lot more to do this time around like Orli Shuka, Lucian Msamati, Narges Rashidi, Asia Raza Mir, and Pippa Bennet-Warner while Sope Dirisu’s story takes a bit of a back seat until the second half of the season. In terms of newcomers, Zuaiter is definitely an absolute beast here, a true force of nature that you buy as someone so intimidating, he gets seasoned gangsters to bend to his will.
I was ultimately happy with the latest season of Gangs Of London, but I would be lying if I said there wasn’t a short period where I was getting used to the new vibe that this show was going for. It’s not the action extravaganza that the first season was, but the action is still incredibly hard-hitting, wildly bloody, and made with care for the craft. There’s still a giddiness to how the filmmakers put their characters through so much brutality, and it is supremely entertaining to watch it all unfold. And it doesn’t sacrifice character or story in order to accomplish those ambitions. As far as I’m concerned, this is still fantastic television (and lowkey the best video game adaptation to date), and I am hoping they greenlight a third season because I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
Gangs Of London Season 2 will premiere on AMC+ starting November 17th.