Need a last-minute gift for the action-lover in your life? Then look no further than Gangs of London. The second series of the Sky show has arrived, and much like its predecessor, it packs a mighty punch. Right from minute one of episode one, the show doesn’t hold back, unleashing bloody carnage onto the screen at every opportunity.
The story once more immerses the viewer in the violent world of London’s criminal underbelly. Events of the season one finale, and the death of Sean Wallace, have left a power vacuum that all factions are keen to fill. Leading the charge is the menacing new character, Koba (Waleed Zuaiter). At the start of the series he and his henchmen have London in an iron grip and his proclivity for violence is immediately demonstrated. If you thought this show peaked at season one, then strap in as the second season is even more traumatic.
Co-creator Corin Hardy returns for directing duties, overseeing four of the eight episodes. His involvement ensures that Gangs of London doesn’t lose the style or tone that made it an instant sensation the first time around. Once again he wears his horror heart on his sleeve, directing some of the most intense moments in recent television history. The final set-piece of episode one, featuring returning character Luan (Orli Shuka), leaves few moments for the viewer to breathe. Not because of the onslaught of action, but because of the tension that is built. It is the ultimate high-stake home invasion and hammers home the point that the show is back and it hasn’t lost any of its sparkle.
Joining Hardy behind the camera this time around are Marcela Said and Nima Nourizadeh. Both inject some freshness to the show with Said’s episode four easily being one of the most distressing hours you’ll spend in front of the television this year. Said continually teases the viewer, leaving them guessing the fate of a particularly cruel Koba punishment. Nourizadeh’s episode six is equally memorable as viewers are finally treated to a showdown between two of the series’ most bitter enemies. The pay-off is well worth the wait and has one Hell of a gut-punch conclusion.
Whereas season one felt focussed on the action spectacle, now that the characters are familiar, this series delves into them more. Solid connections are forged between audience and players, raising the ante and making those equally exceptional action sequences far more perilous for the emotions. Gangs of London season one worked as a setting of the scene. It built the foundations of all the factions, explaining how everybody interconnected. More importantly, it identified who had grudges against each other. With all the pieces in place by the dramatic conclusion, it meant that season two could get right into it. Given the high death toll of the last series, there is plenty of new blood introduced. These new additions all slot seamlessly into the story and quickly feel like they’ve always been there. It being Gangs of London it’s best not to get too attached to anyone as Hardy, Said, and Nourizadeh all delight in tormenting this eclectic band of characters.
A show can not sustain itself on dynamic action or cool characters alone. More substance is needed to maintain momentum, and the show’s writers have plenty of tricks up their sleeves. The story is once more a warren of twists and turns with rivalry, resurrections, and ruthlessness around every corner. There are plenty of shocks and shake-ups to keep the viewer gripped to the edge of their seat. Add to that even more of the kinetic and impactful action that the brand has become known for and you have an excellent way to spend eight or so hours of your Christmas break.
Gangs of London Season 2 is out on DVD and Blu-Ray now. A box set containing both Season One and Two is also available now.
Gangs of London Season 2
Summary
The welcome return of an instant favourite, Gangs of London season two is a bolder, more emotional and personal journey into the brutality of the criminal underworld.
