"Gangs of London" continues on with a very good second episode, one that finds director Corin Hardy taking the reins from Gareth Evans. The results are quite impressive, with a strong one-two punch of drama and brutal action.
It becomes evidently clear that this show has bigger aspirations, which it doesn't hide. This isn't just confined to London alone, the whole narrative is international, with connections and grudges crossing continents. It's a bold choice and one that looks like won't be a problem for the show to explore in the future. It really does serve it well, showing off a variety of layers to its characters.
While the world-building is all well and good, the series still has some glaring issues. The pacing doesn't seem to be too streamlined and some scenes drag more than others. It's especially annoying when the story at hand doesn't develop too much further. There were at least two that just cut out midway before they were resolved.
That being said, the main focus of the Wallace murder remains intact, sharply so. Moreover, there is a hint of a deeper brotherly dynamic between the two Wallace boys, which adds an extra bit of drama. The episode's opening minutes are also pitch-perfect in terms of writing and come back to underscore the brother's relationship. (No spoilers, but props to the casting department for absolutely knocking that sequence out of the park with pitch-perfect choices)
Then again, it wouldn't be an Evans vehicle without a helping dose of grisly fight scenes and thank goodness a decent segment of the episode is dedicated to reminding us of just that. Grenades go off, propane canisters fly and guns light up the sky. It's a drawn out, loud and shockingly brutal sequence. Whoever was working the blood effects, squibs, pyrotechnics and demolitions delivered action gold here, coupled with stellar coordination.
"Gangs of London" is coming into its own and it's so great to see a show show us it has what it takes to be bigger and have a broader focus. It still needs to figure out how exactly it will balance those ambitions, but that's a detail that will no doubt be worked out. The central story arc and the development of most characters remain as precise as ever, with an amazing action sequence to top if all off.