Gangs of London: A Gritty Tale of Crime, Violence, and Loyalty

A Gripping and Unflinching Look at London’s Criminal Underworld

Gangs of London has been a force to be reckoned with since its debut in 2020. The show has captivated audiences with its unapologetically violent and intense portrayal of the criminal underworld in a fictionalized version of London. At the heart of this gripping narrative is Elliott Carter, played by Sope Dirisu, an undercover police officer who infiltrates the powerful and infamous Wallace family. The series is not for the faint of heart, but it has earned a loyal following for its intricate storytelling, high-octane action, and deep exploration of its characters. Now, as it returns for its third season, fans are eagerly diving back into the world of betrayal, power struggles, and raw violence that define the show.

A New Chapter in Elliott Carter’s Turbulent Journey

Season three of Gangs of London sees familiar faces return alongside the introduction of fresh characters, as the battle for dominance in the criminal underworld intensifies. Elliott Carter, the show’s complex antihero, finds himself in a new role within the gang hierarchy, dealing with the aftermath of his family’s tragic death in a car accident. This season delves deeper into the events that shaped Elliott’s life, offering viewers a more intimate understanding of his motivations. According to Dirisu, the actor who brings Elliott to life, the show’s ability to evolve and push boundaries each season is a testament to its strong audience engagement. “Every year we’re trying to go a bit further,” Dirisu told Sky News, emphasizing the show’s commitment to delivering something fresh and thrilling.

A Dark and Stylized Vision of London

The show’s setting—a fictionalized and starkly brutal version of London—has often been compared to Gotham, the iconic city from the Batman universe. This comparison isn’t lost on the cast, as actor Richard Dormer humorously noted, “It does feel like Batman is going to fly in at any minute.” Dormer plays Cornelius Quinn, a new but significant figure in the series, and is joined by other standout performers like Michelle Fairley and Joe Cole. The show’s use of stylized violence and gritty visuals creates a unique atmosphere that feels both real and heightened, drawing viewers into its dark world. Dormer, who admits he’s not typically a fan of violent content, praises the show’s technical prowess, calling it “breathtaking” when done right.

New Faces and Fresh Perspectives

Season three introduces several new characters, each bringing their own dynamic to the story. One of the most anticipated additions is Andrew Koji, who plays a mysterious assassin shrouded in secrecy and sporting a striking side fringe. Koji, known for his roles in Bullet Train and Snake Eyes, was drawn to the show’s unique blend of high-stakes action and family drama. “This mix of raid-esque style action with gripping family drama in this kind of heightened, stylized London is interesting, nuanced, and different,” he said. Koji, who has a background in mixed martial arts, also highlighted the physicality of the role, which allowed him to lean into his strengths as a performer.

Pushing Boundaries and Delivering More

The success of Gangs of London is evident in its ability to secure a third season, a milestone that Dirisu and the cast do not take lightly. “It’s a great testament to the response that we’re getting from our audiences that they want more of it,” Dirisu said. Season three promises to deliver more of the same high-octane action and emotional depth that fans have come to expect. All eight episodes of the new season will be available as a box set on Sky Atlantic and NOW from March 20, giving viewers the opportunity to binge the entire season at once.

A Raw and Unforgettable Viewing Experience

For those who enjoy gritty crime dramas, Gangs of London offers a raw and unforgettable viewing experience. With its dark, stylized portrayal of London, complex characters, and non-stop action, it’s a show that continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences. While not for everyone due to its graphic violence, the show’s technical brilliance and emotional depth make it a standout in its genre. As the third season unfolds, fans can expect more twists, turns, and heart-pounding moments in the battle for control of London’s criminal underworld.