The Gentlemen is vintage Guy Ritchie before live action Aladdin remakes lured him to Hollywood. This is brash, brazen, and uncompromising Ritchie that reminds audiences what an outlandish writer-director should look like. With a second season in the works, it will remain a jewel in the crown of Netflix executives long after the dust has settled. Featuring a stand-out performance from Theo James as Eddie Halstead, successor to his father’s ancestral estate. This unexpected Duke takes stock of his assets, puts a leash on his unruly brother Freddie (Daniel Ings), and gets acquainted with super-skunk supremo Susie Glass (Kaya Scodelario).
From the kick off this wildly inventive series shows all the hallmarks of a classic slice of retro Ritchie, that embraces all his trademarks without drifting into caricature. Long time collaborator Vinnie Jones adds a surprising amount of pathos to proceedings as game keeper Geoff Seacombe. Sharing intimate recollections with Lady Halstead (Joely Richardson), revealing subtle character traits in conference with Eddie, and proving handy with a sawn off when things get explosive. By expanding on the landed gentry premise that made Ritchie’s original film so successful, this series makes several savvy choices.
Casting is key when it comes to making things work. The dynamic between Susie and Eddie throughout gives this series an edge. As escalating events threaten to derail Eddie’s aims, Ritchie introduces other eccentric elements into the equation, turning The Gentlemen into a real curveball. Not only does it make for one of the most enjoyable outings from the writer-director in recent years but proves that no one does this like Ritchie. Daniel Ings is also audaciously unhinged as younger brother Freddie, who is essentially a human car crash waiting to happen. From blowing away a drug dealer to sabotaging everything Eddie tries to achieve with the best of intentions, Ings goes above and beyond in making Freddie his own worst enemy.
With extended cameos from the likes of Peter Serafinowicz, Pierce Quigley as Gospel John, and deathbed kudos going to Edward Fox as the late Duke – The Gentlemen keeps it colourful without over egging the pudding. In a peerless extension of an already outlandish premise, this streaming series runs naked from the stately home brandishing its weapon of choice and delivering a dramatic hammer blow that packs a punch. Never short of backbone or gumption by the shovel load, The Gentlemen rolls up in its Land Rover and off loads an opening season guaranteed to blow your hair back.
The Gentlemen is available to stream on Netflix now.