Renowned for his stylish action-comedy films, English filmmaker Guy Ritchie ventures into television with “The Gentlemen,” an entertaining eight-part action-comedy series making its debut on Netflix this week.
Inspired by his equally enjoyable 2019 film of the same name, the series blends refined sophistication with the brutality of the drug trade.
This move echoes Ritchie’s producer role in 2000’s “Lock, Stock…,” a seven-part series following his directorial debut with “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.” Sometimes, it’s best to stick with what you know.
For those unfamiliar with the film, fret not. You can savor the sophistication of its small-screen counterpart without prior big-screen indulgence. Though set in the same world, the series introduces a fresh narrative with no direct reference to characters like Matthew McConaughey’s Mickey Pearson.
In this streaming iteration, Ray Winstone’s Bobby Glass presides over a cannabis empire hidden beneath English country estates, including Halstead Manor, home to the Horniman family.
As the Duke of Halstead nears death, his son Eddie, played by Theo James, returns from the British Army to oversee the family. Tasked with watching over his volatile brother Freddy (Daniel Ings), Eddie finds himself embroiled in family strife when the will is read, leaving Freddy empty-handed.
Freddy’s descent into chaos complicates matters as Eddie navigates alliances and rivalries, particularly with Susie Glass (Kaya Scodelario), Bobby’s daughter and business operator.
As Eddie seeks to untangle his family’s mess, he faces challenges from various quarters, including the menacing Stanley Johnson (Giancarlo Esposito) and Susie’s brother, Jack (Henry Goodwin), a professional boxer.
“The Gentlemen” showcases Ritchie’s TV-directing debut in its first two episodes, maintaining a cinematic flair throughout the series. While subsequent episodes may not match the same intensity, the series unfolds like a television drama, building momentum toward a climactic convergence of plotlines.
