The second season of Netflix's "The Gentlemen" picks up with Edward Horniman, the 13th Duke of Halstead, entangled deeper in the illegal marijuana empire he inherited. The premiere episode, "The Road to Kingdom," immediately thrusts viewers back into the darkly comedic world created by Guy Ritchie, blending opulent country estates with the gritty realities of organized crime.
Three months after the events of the first season, Duke Eddie is managing a sprawling, international operation in a partnership with Susie Glass, the heir to a criminal empire. Their success relies on a network of secret marijuana fields on the properties of cash-strapped aristocrats. The empire has expanded to Italy, overseen by the ambitious Cico, who introduces new players to the game. Among them is Bella, a beautiful aristocrat whose godfather, Marco Moretti, is a powerful mafia boss.
Eddie's ambitions extend beyond the criminal underworld. He seeks a seat in Parliament through an elected hereditary peerage, with the ultimate goal of influencing marijuana decriminalization. This pursuit involves Lord Hawthorne, an influential but financially struggling member of the House of Lords who holds sway over the election. Hawthorne agrees to support Eddie's bid in exchange for a favor involving Susie's brother, Jack.
The episode takes a sharp turn when Cico's double-dealing is revealed. He orchestrated a bidding war for a valuable Botticelli painting, not to secure it for his godfather, but as a ruse to betray Eddie and Susie. The escalating situation culminates in a high-stakes confrontation in Italy, where Eddie and Susie expose Cico's betrayal to Moretti, leading to Cico being fed to his own pet tiger. This event solidifies Moretti's direct partnership with Eddie, offering protection across Italy in exchange for Eddie's continued business.
Adding a touch of the supernatural, the premiere introduces a folkloric entity known as the Bannik, a bathhouse spirit that answers questions about the future. This mysterious figure advises Susie to proceed with the Botticelli auction, a decision that proves crucial. However, a warning about trusting Moretti is seemingly missed by Bobby Glass, Susie's father, adding an element of foreboding.
The episode showcases the series' signature blend of witty, profane dialogue and stylish, often violent, action. The chemistry between Theo James as Duke Eddie and Kaya Scodelario as Susie Glass remains a central element, even as new romantic interests are introduced. The premiere episode effectively sets the stage for further conflict and expansion of the Horniman and Glass families' criminal enterprise.