Ranking Every HBO Drama Series From Worst To Best
23. Gentleman Jack
A lush historical drama co-produced by HBO and the BBC, Gentleman Jack attempts to modernise the petticoat-clad romantic saga. Based on the diaries of 19th century industrialist Anne Lister, this is a gentle drama that refuses to attempt worthiness or do anything at all stuffy.
It’s bolstered by Suranne Jones’ assured lead turn as Anne Lister, a juicy part for any actor to play. Lister was a successful business woman but an enigma, forced to hide her homosexuality from the world but recording her most intimate thoughts in a cryptically coded diary. Some of Lister’s real journals are used in dialogue which Jones delivers to the camera.
Gentleman Jack almost suffers due to the pomp and swagger of Jones’ performance; that is to say, when Lister isn’t on screen, the subplots feel a little flat by comparison. The remainder of the cast are game and play their parts well, but the oomph of the show comes from its protagonist.
It’s ultimately quite lightweight, but highly entertaining, and only one season down - there’s plenty of life left in this well developed world.