Gangs of London
Official Trailer
Plot Summary
When the head of London's most powerful crime family is assassinated, his youngest son Sean Wallace (Joe Cole) takes control and declares war on the mysterious killer. This brutal power struggle exposes the complex web of international gangs controlling London - from Albanian heroin smugglers to Nigerian drug lords and Pakistani syndicates. As alliances shift and bodies pile up, undercover cop Elliot Finch (Sope Dirisu) finds himself trapped between duty and survival.
Why You Should Watch
- Some of the most visceral fight choreography ever filmed for television
- Gritty, hyper-realistic portrayal of London's criminal underworld
- Complex multicultural gang dynamics rarely shown in crime dramas
- Directed by Gareth Evans (The Raid films)
- Season 1 features a 22-minute single-take fight scene
Main Cast
Review
"Gangs of London" redefines crime drama with its unparalleled action sequences and sprawling narrative ambition. While the plot occasionally strains credibility, the series compensates with breathtaking violence and fascinating cultural detail about London's immigrant gang ecosystems. Sope Dirisu delivers a star-making performance as the morally conflicted Elliot, while Gareth Evans' direction (especially in Season 1) sets new standards for TV action. The show loses some momentum in Season 2 but remains one of television's most visceral viewing experiences.
Behind the Scenes
- The now-legendary pub fight took 5 weeks to choreograph and shoot
- Real former gang members consulted for authenticity
- Gareth Evans left after Season 1 due to creative differences
- Used real East London locations for filming
Memorable Moments
"This is my city now. And I will burn it to the ground before I let anyone take it from me."
"In our world, there are no police. There's only what we allow."
Fan Reactions
- "The Season 1 finale is the most insane hour of television ever made"
- "Makes Peaky Blinders look like Teletubbies"
- "That hallway fight scene broke my TV from me gripping it too hard"
Critical Reception
- 92% Rotten Tomatoes score for Season 1
- Won BAFTA for Best Sound: Fiction (2021)
- Nominated for Best Drama Series at 2021 Broadcasting Press Guild Awards
Episode Guide
- "Episode 1" - Finn Wallace's assassination triggers gang war.
- "Episode 3" - The infamous 22-minute pub massacre.
- "Episode 5" - Elliot's undercover mission goes violently wrong.
- "Episode 9" - Season 1's explosive finale with 73 on-screen deaths.
