You may remember the 2000 film of the same name, which starred Ray Winstone and Ben Kingsley (who got an Oscar nom). This film is a prequel that focuses on the crimes they committed that got them fully ensconced in the underworld. The duo is played by James McArdle (as the cool sexy one) and Emun Elliott (as the hothead sociopath). There’s plenty of cussing and threats thru the think accents, but also a few hits of violence. Toss is lots of interpersonal interactions for even more drama dialogue. McArdle is suave and assured, while Elliott’s constantly on-edge character never becomes likeable. However, the villains create the most fun: Stephen Moyer (best known from True Blood) makes a dark, cruel boss, while Tamsin Greig (wonderfully funny in Showtime’s Episodes) is wonderfully ruthless here. There’s a lot of raw energy and dark moments, but the series never feels especially compelling or even that interesting. There are other dark British crime dramas that do it better. (10 one-hour eps). 
(2.5 / 5)