The Gentle-meh Guy Ritchie's signature brand of frenetic crime comedy gets a half-hearted adaptation in "The Gentlemen" TV series. While it captures the director's fondness for fast cuts and a splashy underworld, the format struggles to sustain the frenetic energy that worked for Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels.
The story follows a newly minted Duke who inherits a family estate, only to discover a hidden marijuana operation. Thrust into the criminal world, he must navigate shady characters and rescue his bumbling brother from a local gang's clutches. However, the series falls into a repetitive cycle of rescue missions, lacking the clever twists and unexpected turns that make a tv series entertaining.
While classic Ritchie capers often feature inept and bumbling criminals, "The Gentlemen" doesn't fully utilize this comedic potential or tries to renew this form comedic relief. The constant rescue missions of his inept brother feels like a retread, leaving viewers with a sense of "seen it before", and "there we go again." Ultimately, the show prioritizes style over substance, relying on flash over fresh ideas. And I might add, this is an old style.
In short, "The Gentlemen" joins the ranks of forgettable crime comedies, failing to deliver the innovative approach or memorable characters that would truly set it apart.