A family of south London gangsters, the Lords, have fallen from grace and find themselves at the bottom of the criminal food chain. After a violent confrontation with the police, the youngest son and his ambitious fiancée flee to the Costa del Sol. When the rest of the clan follows, they attempt to rebuild their empire among the palm trees and neon lights of 1980s Spain.
This is an unapologetically loud, neon-soaked crime caper that wears its influences on its sleeve. Created by Nick Love, the series functions as a high-octane love letter to the eighties, complete with a relentless soundtrack of era-specific hits and a wardrobe of primary colors and tracksuits. It is a stylistic explosion that favors energy and attitude over subtle character development.
The show is at its best when leaning into its pulpy, exaggerated nature. The ensemble cast delivers performances with broad, energetic strokes, particularly Martha Plimpton as the fierce matriarch. While the plot follows a familiar trajectory of betrayal and bloody retribution, the sun-drenched setting provides a refreshing change of pace from the grey streets usually associated with British grit.
It was ultimately a short-lived experiment, cancelled after its debut, but it remains a vivid, if somewhat hollow, piece of escapist television for those who appreciate flair and volume.
Production Details
UK / Sky Max - Vertigo Films, Rogue State / 8x60 Minute Episodes / 2023
Created by: Nick Love
Executive Producer: Paul Gilbert, Jane Moore
Main Cast
Jack Rowan as Gene Lord
Tahirah Sharif as Cindy Carter
Jason Flemyng as Albert Lord
Martha Plimpton as Mint Ma
Dougray Scott as Uncle Tony
Lex Shrapnel as Leonard Lord