Gentleman Jack Review: Faith Is All (Season 2 Episode 1)

Please note this review contains some minor spoilers for Gentleman Jack Season 2 Episode 1

Hurricane Lister is back, and she is just as vibrant and formidable as we remember. Gentleman Jack Season 2 makes its US debut with Gentleman Jack Season 2 Episode 1, “Faith is All,” and what an absolute joy it is to have this show back on our screens. 

“Faith is All” picks up about a month after the Season 1 finale. Ann Walker has moved out of Crow’s Nest but is not yet living in Shibden Hall.

Instead, much to the chagrin of Miss Walker’s relatives, she is living in York with Anne Lister playing intermediary as she prepares for Miss Walker to move in with her. 

“Faith is All” establishes the tensions and conflicts we’ll see play out throughout the season, both from external forces and internal challenges.

Miss Walker’s family is still a prominent presence with strong opinions about Miss Lister and her influence on Miss Walker. Anne’s attempt to mine the coal on her land is still a risky endeavor. As we learn on “Faith is all,” it is also an expensive one. 

All of which is ripe for some brilliant drama. Even more interesting, though, are the internal conflicts the season premiere sets up. 

Season 1 was the story of how these two women came together despite so many things working against them. Season 2, on the other hand, is setting up a story about what happens after the triumphant reconciliation when these two very different people have to get to the business of living together.

We can already see how dominant traits of each woman — traits that at times are the very things that draw them to each other — will become sources of friction as the season progresses. It’s friction that will put their commitment to each other to the test. 

I am already eagerly anticipating all the delicious angst to come.

There is so much to look forward to this season. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the series continue to tackle Ann Walker’s mental health challenges and seeing her interact more with the Lister family. 

Seeing more of the Lister family is on the top of the list of things to be excited for this season in general. Still, they are such a stark contrast to Miss Walker’s family that seeing her surrounded by them and able to experience what it means to be part of a supportive family is something I desperately want for her. 

More than anything, it is just a pleasure to be back in the world of Halifax spending time with these characters. “Faith is All” wastes little time reminding us why we love Gentleman Jack and what makes it so unique.

The pacing, the dialogue, the performances, and of course, the music all come together and practically vibrate with life.

Just as it was in Season 1, the series’ impeccably crafted dialogue — particularly as delivered by Surrane Jones — is what gives it its signature sparkle and pop. 

Jones is as good as ever, finding that perfect balance of charm and arrogance, vulnerability and strength that makes Anne Lister one of the most compelling and charismatic characters on TV.

Frankly, Gentleman Jack could consist entirely of Suranne Jones delivering lines about the minutiae of sinking coal pits, and I would still be enthralled.

It took three years to get a second season of Gentleman Jack, but if “Faith is All” is anything to go by, it is well worth the wait.

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Gentleman Jack airs Mondays at 10/9c on HBO and streams Mondays on HBO Max.

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