That shootout at the end though, phew, that was some mayhem. A solid episode, elevated by another standout action sequence.
Definitely looking forward to more.
Definitely looking forward to more.
7 Reviews
Risky Business
bbevis-479549 December 2021
Growing complexity
Leofwine_draca12 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Episode three sees the depth of the show increasing and focusing more on inter-gang rivalry and the violence that it spawns. The opening flashback in Turkey is arresting, as is the frenetic fight at the climax, but the emphasis throughout is on political complexity and the loyalties that the main characters have to vie for.
The story is starting to open up
grogan-6725024 April 2020
In parts the script is quite cliche but the story is unfolding in an entertaining way which makes up for some of the clunky dialogue. The twists are strong I just hope they don't go down a blind alley like many other crime
Shows. The acting again is solid
But nothing spectacular in this episode and again the shows violence is unparalleled and richly cartoonish but extremely entertaining .
London Gone International
highmarksreviews7 May 2020
Episode three of "Gangs of London" pays off a pretty strong storyline and leaves room for plenty more hardships to come. While it's still a shame that its focus can't quite keep pace and some characters aren't where they should be, there is still so much ambition and layered storytelling that the momentum keeps going.
Again, it's so rewarding to see how "big" this show is trying to be. Even better to see it succeed at it. It's a complex world of mobsters, businesses and money, where survival is key. However, it is also a good thing to show that sometimes all of it is a facade to support nobler causes despite their being potential for personal gain. It's good that a series which portrays the criminal underbelly with such ferocity manages to sneak in a huge chunk of humanity.
On the other hand, it's hard to see where the players who are caught in the crossfires play into the main storyline. Elliot (Sope Dirisu) get's more action and time to contemplate his deeds, but his character seems out of place at this point. His arc doesn't seem to exist and he is constantly dragged into situations which don't reaffirm his position in the world as a whole. Of course him being a double agent, or even triple agent means he will (or in some cases others will make him) make choices that contradict the nature of said situation, but there needs to be some consistency. Not to mention he get's a rather underwhelming little side job here, which takes him on a collision course with a new character (a hitman is all I will say), who also ends up a missed opportunity.
In terms of action, there are some impressive stuff on display. The opening is riveting (although cartoonish) and the showdown between Elliot and his new opponent led to some Raid level, claustrophobic gory goodness. It's a fight that utilises the environment perfectly and has a handful of weapons involved.
Overall, the episode also ends a very strong note. A real gut-punch that pays off that little unconventional story thread I mentioned earlier. It's both emotionally powerful and beautifully shot (though I do question which airport in existence would not take notice of the deeds that took place on their runway) While there is still some course correcting to manage in terms of focus and character development, the world-building remains efficient and the fights still entertain.
Again, it's so rewarding to see how "big" this show is trying to be. Even better to see it succeed at it. It's a complex world of mobsters, businesses and money, where survival is key. However, it is also a good thing to show that sometimes all of it is a facade to support nobler causes despite their being potential for personal gain. It's good that a series which portrays the criminal underbelly with such ferocity manages to sneak in a huge chunk of humanity.
On the other hand, it's hard to see where the players who are caught in the crossfires play into the main storyline. Elliot (Sope Dirisu) get's more action and time to contemplate his deeds, but his character seems out of place at this point. His arc doesn't seem to exist and he is constantly dragged into situations which don't reaffirm his position in the world as a whole. Of course him being a double agent, or even triple agent means he will (or in some cases others will make him) make choices that contradict the nature of said situation, but there needs to be some consistency. Not to mention he get's a rather underwhelming little side job here, which takes him on a collision course with a new character (a hitman is all I will say), who also ends up a missed opportunity.
In terms of action, there are some impressive stuff on display. The opening is riveting (although cartoonish) and the showdown between Elliot and his new opponent led to some Raid level, claustrophobic gory goodness. It's a fight that utilises the environment perfectly and has a handful of weapons involved.
Overall, the episode also ends a very strong note. A real gut-punch that pays off that little unconventional story thread I mentioned earlier. It's both emotionally powerful and beautifully shot (though I do question which airport in existence would not take notice of the deeds that took place on their runway) While there is still some course correcting to manage in terms of focus and character development, the world-building remains efficient and the fights still entertain.
1x03
formotog13 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Episode 3 delivered some decent television. The opening scene and other parts of the episode like the later fight scene continue to be unbelievable and overly dramatic (Cole could have quite easily won the fight if he, you know, actually swung at Elliot). However, the story is becoming more and more layered and intriguing by the minute. It's a shame, though, that there are very few characters out of the many carrying the story that are actually that interesting. So far, perhaps only three characters have really been anything more than a cardboard cutout, those being Elliot to a degree, Sean and Lale. As for the rest of the recurring cast, they are plain at best. There's also not much in the way of character development right now. The show feels much like a video game where the plot carries the characters rather than the other way round. Nonetheless I thought this episode was still very nicely shot and the music was also good. The story is what's carrying the show for me at the moment, but until the characters start being more gripping, I don't see the show being much better than decent.
Mid 7
Mid 7
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