The Sparks Of War
The first episode of Gangs of London Season 2 begins one year after the events that gripped London last time out. This high-octane, thrilling drama begins with two cars full of Albanians stopping in a secluded locale and grabbing a shipment of guns. The gang work quickly, making sure they’re not detected as they move the package to a secure location. ..
As the news of Koba’s victory spreads, people are shocked and terrified. They don’t know what to do or where to go. Some of them try to run away, but others find themselves in the middle of a gunbattle. They can’t escape, and they can’t tell who’s winning and who’s losing.
The man is allowed to leave, but only so far as to send a message to Uncle Basem, who appears to be in charge here.
In Istanbul, a big fight breaks out in the laundrette. It’s stylishly shot, with a camera rotating smoothly around various gruesome and gnarly deaths. And at the center of it all is Elliot. After thwarting the various goons in his way, the camera pans across to a letter on the floor, signed by none other than Alex Dumani. Elliot has been forced to work to protect his family, and in particular his father, who is being kept captive by Miss Kane and the others.
The article discusses the murder of two Turks who were killed in Turkey, Alex’s clients. It asks the question of whether or not Alex is still alive after one year.
Koba, a former gang member turned gun dealer, meets with all of London’s gangs to remind them that he is the only one selling firearms in the city. Asif Afridi, a powerful and ruthless criminal lord, uses his dog to keep all of London’s criminals in line. Koba’s efforts may be successful in the short term, but Asif’s reign of terror will ultimately lead to his downfall. ..
After the meeting, Ed speaks to Asif and calls Koba a wind-up. He sees problems with him in the future and worries about what will happen to Finn Wallace.
Ed comes to see Luan Dushaj, a heroin dealer and business owner. He’s in the business of selling drugs and is not happy that Koba is dictating and forcing all business to go through Asif. He knows that Asif won’t stop at controlling the product, rather work to eat into his profit margins.
Ed offers to bargain in exchange for saying who supplied the guns to them, in order to protect himself from Koba and the others.
Asif brings this news back to Asif, pointing out that Luan is not stupid and knows what Asif is doing. He brings up the terms suggested and Asif complies, for now. Asif admits that Luan is on thin ice but Koba will lay off him for now.
Koba is waiting in the car, but as the sparks of war ignite, he’s shot in the head. The driver charges off to safety, leaving Koba seething in anger on the street.
Shannon Dumani, released from prison after serving a stint for killing a cop, takes her son Danny and drives away from school. The police had mistakenly thought she was the killer of the officer, and despite evidence to the contrary, the case would have fallen apart at trial. Alex sees this as a good thing- believing they can go back to being a family again. Shannon though is having none of it- she wants revenge on Alex for what he did to her while she was in prison. ..
Shannon is a 23-year-old student who lives on her own. She’s never had any problems with anyone before, so she doesn’t know who would want to hurt her. ..
Asif’s driver, Luan, is the one who was killed as a result of Asif’s zero tolerance policy. Asif apologizes to Ed for his role in the death of Luan, admitting that he can’t do anything about it. Unfortunately, this means that Luan’s death will have far-reaching consequences for Ed and the team.
Something very bad is about to happen, so he puts his wife and kids in the saferoom and hurries over to where he’s stashed his guns. He gets there just in time, grabbing a shotgun and trying to thwart his attackers. They’re being led by Koba, who’s predictably nowhere to be found as Luan manages to kill all of his attackers one at a time in brutal fashion.
As Luan staggers back to the panic room, he notices the door wide open and his two girls sobbing on the floor. It turns out Koba has taken his wife hostage.
That night, Elliot showed up to see Alex. With a silenced gun, he forced the CEO to sit out on the balcony, high up on this skyscraper. Alex was shocked to learn that he was working for “them”, but Elliot was quick to remind him that he’s only there because they willed it that way. He handed over a USB with incriminating evidence on. ..
Sean gave it to Elliot and in return, he tells Alex to use it to blackmail the Investors and get them a way out of this mess. Alex is the one with all the contacts and both their families could be safe if this topples the house of cards. “You can’t beat them.” Alex says gravely and with that, throws himself off the balcony.
Elliot is in a state of shock after his best chance to find answers to his problems disappears. However, before he dies, Alex had told Elliot to go to Shannon. Perhaps she can help him out? ..
As the episode ends, we pan across to Marian Wallace, who happens to be the one with all the guns. She’s the one who has been working with Luan, which she clearly intends to use to wage war against those who have wronged her family. Game on!
The Episode Review
The first episode of Gangs of London Season 2 gets off to a fiery, pulsating start as it seems like war is about to break out once more. The mix of old and new characters is a nice touch, while the show manages to set the foundations for what should be a very intense series this year. ..
The show’s return to its core essence is evident in the big fight in the laundrette and another in Luan’s house. Both of these were beautifully shot and the show’s storyline seems to be layered with betrayals and double-crossings. Despite having multiple characters at its disposal, this one is pretty easy to follow thus far. ..
The battle lines have been drawn and it’s fair to say that there are going to be some who don’t make it out alive.
