The Gentlemen Season 2: Where Glamour Meets Gangster History

From Stately Homes to Italian Palazzos

When I first tuned into 'The Gentlemen' Season 1, I thought I was watching a show about eccentric British nobility. But Guy Ritchie's latest offering quickly revealed itself to be something much more: a darkly comedic caper wrapped in velvet suits and gold-plated bullets.

“We are always looking for new ways to murder people,” quips one of the producers — not as a joke, but as a mantra that perfectly encapsulates this series' blend of high-end aesthetics and brutal action.

Season 2 opens with the same charm we've come to expect from the show, but now it's taking its story beyond the rolling hills of England. In an ambitious move, the creators have shifted focus to Italy — not just because it's home to the Mafia, but because it offers a visual palette as rich and complex as the characters themselves.

Italy: A New Stage for Old Crimes

The producers are clearly aware of the cultural weight behind these choices. As executive producer Jonathan Glickman notes, “Americans are obsessed with the British, whether we want to admit it or not.” That sentiment extends beyond just the audience — it's also how the show positions itself in global entertainment.

But while the show might be rooted in British eccentricity, Season 2 introduces Italian grandeur and its own brand of criminal sophistication. The palazzos that grace the screen are not mere backdrops; they're characters themselves, filled with history, secrets, and the kind of opulence that makes viewers want to live there — even if only temporarily.

Costume Design: The Key to Cultural Authenticity

One thing I've always admired about this show is how meticulously it handles its costume design. Loulou Bontempts, the costume designer, takes inspiration from real-life British aristocratic traditions, down to the smallest details like fabric choices and jacket styles.

“Tailoring is so important,” she says. “And the history behind British quintessential country dressing. You know, there really are rules.” These aren't just guidelines for fashion — they're social hierarchies that make the characters' status visible even before they speak. And when those rules are broken — as newcomer Cico Maldini discovers — it creates comedic tension and dramatic consequences.

Glamour and Violence: Two Sides of the Same Coin

What sets 'The Gentlemen' apart from typical crime dramas is its ability to balance glamor with violence in a way that feels both stylish and grounded. The tiger scene, for example, is not just a spectacle — it's symbolic. It represents the wildness of power and the danger lurking beneath elegant surfaces.

But it's also a reminder that even in a world where everything looks polished and perfect, violence never stays hidden. The producers have learned to treat each violent moment like a carefully choreographed dance between chaos and control. “Action works when you have an emotional attachment to the people that are in the action scene,” Glickman points out.

The Show's Unique Voice: Reality Plus 7%

Read, another key producer, explains the show's philosophy with a charmingly simple formula: “The tone of the show is reality plus 7%.” This might sound like a small tweak, but it's what gives the series its distinctive flavor. It's grounded enough to be believable yet fantastical enough to be entertaining.

In Season 2, they push that idea further by introducing mythical elements like the Bannik — a Slavic figure who adds a surreal edge to the otherwise grounded plot. “Sometimes I think it's more like 8%,” Read admits with a laugh, acknowledging that the show can veer into unexpected territory without losing its identity.

Character Development Amidst Chaos

Despite all the glitz and glamour, the real heart of the series lies in its characters. Eddie and Susie's relationship is more than just a business partnership — it's an emotional rollercoaster that shifts from trust to betrayal with each episode.

Glickman emphasizes how important it is for viewers to feel emotionally invested in these characters, even when they're involved in the most outrageous schemes. He notes that the team spends a lot of time discussing tone and pacing, ensuring that action sequences don't overshadow character arcs.

A Visual Feast with Hidden Depths

Every shot feels like it's been crafted for maximum impact — from the sweeping panoramic views of London to the ornate interiors of Italian villas. But beneath the surface beauty lies a complex narrative about class, identity, and what happens when two worlds collide.

Even the practical side of production reflects this duality. For instance, the tiger scene was shot in a U.K. garden with Italianate sculptures — not because they had the budget for location filming, but because they wanted to maintain the visual authenticity of the setting. It's the kind of clever compromise that keeps the show fresh and exciting.

Looking Ahead: What's Next?

With Season 3 already greenlit, there's no doubt that this series is going places we never expected. As the show evolves, it continues to blur the lines between high society and low crime, making us question who really holds the power in a world where everything has a price.

Ultimately, what makes 'The Gentlemen' so compelling isn't just its stunning visuals or sharp writing — it's the way it captures the absurdity of wealth and privilege while never losing sight of human emotion. Whether it's in a London estate or an Italian villa, these characters remind us that sometimes the most beautiful things can be the deadliest.