Guy Ritchie has taken his crime saga into considerably darker territory, and critics have noticed the change in The Gentlemen Season 2. The current sprint keeps the sharp suits, ruthless criminals and stylish action, but its heavier mood has split opinion.
The Gentlemen Season 2 reviews are in
The new season has landed as a more ambitious chapter, with reviewers broadly agreeing that Theo James gives Eddie Horniman a richer and more dangerous edge. Variety praised James as “exceptional” and described the season as “engaging” and “thoroughly entertaining,” while Collider welcomed the show’s transformation into something darker and more expansive.
That evolution comes with a price. ScreenRant argues that Eddie’s growing hunger for power pushes Susie Glass, played by Kaya Scodelario, too far into the background. Their partnership formed much of the first season’s appeal, and separating them leaves some of the new romantic storylines feeling less convincing. Radio Times reaches a similar conclusion from another angle, calling the return less confident and saying the season “lacks swagger,” and “might have gone stale.”
The plot certainly refuses to stay small. Eddie attempts to expand his criminal operation into Italy, protect his family’s 15,000-acre estate, and influence British politics as the characters become tangled with Italian organized crime and a marijuana decriminalization bill. New faces include Sergio Castellitto’s Marco Moretti, Benedetta Porcaroli’s Bella and Hugh Bonneville’s Lord Hawthorne.
Not every reviewer thinks the darker approach misses the mark. Collider sees the tonal shift as a strength, arguing that the series develops its themes around power, class and morality. Variety likewise views Eddie’s transformation into a colder crime boss as compelling. But RadioTimes says the first half moves too slowly, while ScreenRant finds several side stories either underdeveloped or stretched thin across eight episodes.
Despite the mixed reception, the season has plenty of firepower. Vinnie Jones stands out as Geoff, while Joely Richardson earns praise for Lady Sabrina. Giancarlo Esposito also returns as Stanley Johnston. More importantly, the latest chapter leaves several pieces on the board for the already-confirmed third season.
