‘Gangs of London’ Recap: ‘Episodes 1 & 2’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episodes One and Two of ‘Gangs of London’.
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The vast majority of us, live in a supremely structured and secure world. One that has all kinds of safety nets available for us to utilize in the event we run into some kind of trouble. For example, if we lose our jobs, there is unemployment insurance available to help us pay our bills. Or if we are badly injured and/or in trouble, we can call some kind of emergency service to help us in our time of need. And our safety measures in modern society, extend well beyond the individual. For there is even continuity of government in place, in the event of death or disaster, so that our nations won’t slip into complete and utter chaos.
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Which are elements about our modern society, that help us sleep better at night for certain, but sadly… these wonderful safeguards aren’t utilized by all. For there are people in this world that have shunned how the rest of us live and go about life their own way and when bad things happen in their world, it is up to them to handle it accordingly. And it just so happens, that there is a brand-new series on AMC that explores what that parallel world looks like and that makes Gangs of London one fascinating watch. For it wastes zero time in plunging us into a world that few of us understand and it is one that is in crisis. Because we are immediately witness to quite the shocking moment, one where Finn Wallace, the most powerful criminal in London… is gunned down in cold blood by a nobody and that brings about the crisis in question.

For his son Sean, wants revenge and is convinced that someone he knows is the one that took the time to murder his father in an embarrassing manner and that motivates him to stop all crime in London. All in the hopes of exposing the killer since money talks and panic walks and well, that definitely allows for the story to show us in great detail, what a world without a safety net looks like. After all, there’s no money coming in for any of the organized crime members in this story, and that creates incredible unease and worry amongst them. For these people are desperate for direction and security and prosperity and this really does bring forth some stunning and immersive world building when all is said and done.

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Since all of these issues help us to understand how organized crime thrives and how the folks that live in this parallel world, truly believe that the rules we live by, don’t apply to them, and that kill or be killed is the only way to function. Which is a reality that leads to some incredibly intense and downright gory moments in this tale. Because we are forced to watch people do horrible things to survive in this tale, the kind of things that we wouldn't even dream of in our darkest moments. But that really is what this world is all about and the violence only draws you into it further since you are morbidly curious to see, just how far people will go in the underworld in order to survive. But all of that aside, there is a juicy plot to be found within this story as well, the kind that is filled to the brim with secrets and surprises.
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Such as the fact that Finn Wallace was hiding quite the secret before he died, one that his closest and most trusted advisor Ed, is working hard to keep hidden. To the point where dear Ed will put down valued members of the organization if it means the truth might be exposed. And as for the surprises, well that came about by way of the introduction of one Elliot Finch. For when we meet this man, his ambitious nature makes it appear as though, his story arc is going to teach us all about why some love this type of life and what it means to them to be in a position of power in organized crime. But the grand reveal that he is actually an undercover police officer, instead helps us to understand that this is a world that isn’t able to operate without impunity forever.

Which really does leave one to wonder, what is going to become of the Wallace family and this entire organization. For there are barbarians at the gate, and infighting is everywhere, and revenge is the only thing on Sean’s mind and that is a perfect recipe for disaster and strife and collapse. But while we wait to uncover this family’s fate, we can revel in two quality tales. The kind that truly exposed us to a fascinating world that exists beneath our noses, where only the strong survive and no one is safe and all of these elements, will make the wait for tonight’s brand-new episode a difficult one for certain. Since we are all now eager to see what violent and horrific surprises await Elliot and the Wallace family, as their carefully crafted and unsecured world, continues to slowly crumble around them. Until next time.  

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