Premiered on October 20, 2022, in the UK and Germany and then on November 17, 2022, in the US, Gangs of London Season 2 ratcheted up the action several notches. With its rich narratives and nuanced characters, the season appeals to viewers who might be streaming on HBO Max or AMC Plus.
The complex network of alliances and betrayals drives a startling and blood-soaked ending that prepares the ground for the next events as the season finale plays out.
The way Gangs of London Season 2 ends is a masterclass in suspense and ambiguity. It gathers the strands of intricate alliances and rivalries to create a violent and startling climax.
The season finale explores changing power relations that cause upheaval in the city's underworld in addition to the physical fights. The expected death of Sean Wallace and Elliot Finch's ascent as a power player set the stage for an explosive narrative continuation.
Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers for Gangs of London Season 2.
Exploring the ending of Gangs of London Season 2
The final showdown: Sean vs. Elliot
Sean Wallace and Elliot Finch meet face-to-face in a confrontation that has been building throughout the season and finally happens in the last episode of Gangs of London Season 2. Driven by a thirst for power and a need for retribution, Elliot l draws Sean to a misty scrapyard for their last meeting. Though with a contemporary, brutal twist, the scene is set like a classic Western confrontation.
Elliot's plan to make Sean suffer before killing him takes an unexpected turn when Billy Wallace, Sean's brother, intervenes. Despite being severely injured, Billy manages to stab Elliot, creating a momentary advantage for Sean.
However, the tide quickly turns, and Elliot gains the upper hand, nearly killing Sean in the process. The fight ends with Sean hanging from a crane, barely clinging to life, as Billy watches in despair. The screen fades to black, leaving viewers wondering if Sean is truly gone or if there's more to come.
The rise of Elliot Finch
In a flashback, it showed that Elliot had intended more than only Sean's death. His actual aim was to replace Sean as the king of London's underworld and seize over all he had built. This turn gives Elliot's character more complexity since it reveals that he is a strategic and merciless player rather than only a pawn in the game.
In the climax of Gangs of London Season 2, Elliot enters his new position seated at the head of a gangland summit surrounded by both allies and past rivals.
Marian Wallace's betrayal
In Gangs of London Season 2 finale, Marian Wallace's treachery in the finale marks one of the most startling turns. Marian has been a multifarious character over the season, caught between her ambition and her allegiance to her family.
Ultimately, she sides with Elliot in an attempt to run the criminal empire of the city and chooses power above family. Along with determining Sean's fate, this choice prepares for a fresh power struggle.
The Dumanis' Power Grab
While the main focus of the finale of Gangs of London Season 2 is on Sean and Elliot, the Dumani family's storyline also plays a crucial role. Ed and Shannon Dumani's decision to steal a large heroin shipment from Marian Wallace marks a turning point in their story.
The Dumanis, who have long been under the thumb of the Wallaces, seize this opportunity to carve out their own empire. The scene where they ambush Luan's men in a motel is a testament to their ruthlessness and ambition.
Koba's downfall
The death of Koba, the Georgian mercenary who has been a major presence all through the season, marks another turning point in the finale. Sean kills a threatening rival by poisoning Koba which shows his willingness to do whatever it takes to survive. The rest of the episode, where alliances change and trust is a rare find, is set by this act of treachery.
The way Gangs of London Season 2 ends it leaves the criminal underworld of the city in anarchy. The balance of power has changed drastically with Sean Wallace most likely dead and Elliot Finch ascending to prominence.
The betrayal of Marian Wallace and the Dumanis' power grab complicate the matter even more and prepare the ground for a possible third season full of fresh alliances, treacheries, and power battles. Sean's future remains a mystery, which excites readers to discover what the Gangs of London characters have ahead.
The show is currently available on Amazon Prime Video.