Gangs of Galicia Season 2: Should you watch or skip the Spanish thriller on Netflix? A viewer's guide

Gangs of Galicia is back, and this season has an extra bite!

Gangs of Galicia season 2 is different from its first season from the first frame; it has a distance, a history, and a quiet about it that is so much heavier.

If the first installment was intense, then Gangs of Galicia leans heavily on consequence, fractured loyalty, and unwelcome reunions, which, quieter of course, was expected of this story.

However the the series is much more than just picking up from where season 1 left off; we have jumped forward in time placing the characters in an all new environment before drawing them back in to the fray, the latest season of Gangs of Galicia continues with fresh power conflicts and fight to survive that makes this Netflix series a definite watch for you, if you favor intricate plotlines over fast moving action.

What is the story of Gangs of Galicia season 2 about?

Season 2 has taken on a notably different feel from its first part. The story takes a time jump, leaving Ana in Dublin, and it seems to have a quieter life outside the madness of Galicia. The Gangs of Galicia establishes from the beginning that distance does not work, as Ana is drawn back to the criminal underworld by new opportunities. This drew her into the cocaine trade linked with Macario, hence altering the powers of the trade.

Gangs of Galicia brings forward new characters and opposing families, such as the Padns and El Curilla, further fracturing existing loyalties and reunion dynamics. With the Ana and Daniel story remaining ever-present, it keeps the plot moving along, so all in all, you might find yourself more engrossed in Ana and Daniel's story within this series compared to the other story arcs.

Tone and pacing: A deliberate, if cluttered, narrative

Gangs of Galicia season 2 shares a similar tone with the first installment, as the focus is firmly placed upon the slow-burning approach to narrative. A story driven more so by dialogue, atmosphere, and character interaction than the action-driven scene you would expect.

Although a deliberate attempt to further develop each character in the Gangs of Galicia, this proves to be somewhat of a double-edged sword, as numerous plotlines run concurrently.

The series has moments where certain plotlines appear more difficult to balance, with a variety of stories taking longer than others to unfold into anything significant. Regardless of this, there is a very real and convincing consistency to the tone within the Gangs of Galicia, and avoiding the over-the-top and bombastic plotlines that many would prefer in the show.

Characters and performances: Anchored in complexity

The show is ultimately a show of character; the season sees the characters pushed further to their limits and places more focus upon their individual drives and inner demons. The role of Ana has continued to dominate.

However, this season has seen her come to terms with her new role in the ever-changing hierarchy, as well as finally attempting to come to terms with previous actions. Ana's relationship with Daniel in the Gangs of Galicia is the central driving force that gives the show its emotional weight.

As the tension between the two has mounted, their opposing attitudes have proved to be a very powerful combination, which certainly pulls at your heartstrings in moments of shared scenes between Ana and Daniel. The characters within the show perform at a level of authenticity and have that natural and slightly restrained feel that you would expect of the series.

Themes in Gangs of Galicia season 2

The second installment of Gangs of Galicia touches on the same themes of power, loyalty and survival as the first installment, but it places more emphasis upon the complexity of those themes within this world.

The volatile and fragmented nature of power within the underworld, the reality of loyalty when constantly challenged by treacherous and unfulfilling friendships, the enduring nature of past actions continuing to have their effect in the present and the fundamental rule that survival comes above all other morality, will certainly be a theme to be looked out for throughout the second season.

The story refuses to reach any neat resolution for these complex themes; it just presents them as ongoing struggles throughout the entire series.

What works for Gangs of Galicia season 2

Gangs of Galicia season 2 builds on the established atmosphere from the first season, making it instantly believable and authentic from its very beginning. The introduction of new characters and subplots into the narrative has made the show feel even more intricate and complex.

The strong focus on character development continues as always from Gangs of Galicia, meaning there is a great emphasis on the human element of the series and how it affects the events. The series relies heavily upon its realist nature and slow-burning storytelling method for its development.

What may not work for season 2?

The series may not work for everyone due to the story seeming overly busy. With so many interwoven plotlines, there has been an element of this, making the narrative feel like there isn't always a focus. The story pacing throughout the season can sometimes feel slow in some parts and fast in others and this is not always ideal for those viewers wanting an efficient storyline.

The number of characters appearing in the show can also be rather overwhelming when there are many appearing throughout and this might prove confusing to a viewer who has not seen season one.

How season 2 compares to season 1

Season 2 relies heavily on the plot established in season one and attempts to delve deeper rather than produce a new, fresh and exciting story. We are presented with a time-jump into the lives of Ana and Daniel, where the only difference in the structure of the series is that, otherwise, there is not much differentiation in terms of the narrative of season one to season two.

Though the show does do a lot more developing in terms of character, which continues the story rather than reinventing it.

Should you watch or skip Gangs of Galicia season 2?

Whether or not you should watch the season 2 relies entirely on your personal preference for viewing styles. Gangs of Galicia will always deliver a deep and thoughtful story centered on characters as opposed to focusing on fast-paced plot movements, which is great for viewers who enjoy that sort of slow-burning narrative.

Those interested in the continued story of Ana and Daniel will also likely want to tune in as their story remains ever so central to the show and we witness more developing with regard to their relationship dynamics. Gangs of Galicia might not be suited to those who prefer a less complicated and tightly plotted story that moves at a slightly quicker pace.

Season 2 is, by all means, a worthy continuation of the first installment, adding in a whole host of new and interesting features such as a time jump, additional characters and further stakes involved in the story, while managing to retain a lot of what worked for its predecessor.

It attempts no attempt to do a radical rebrand or completely new style and builds steadily upon a solid narrative foundation, providing a better, more thorough investigation of characters and plot arcs, which may be appealing to viewers who are fans of an in-depth viewing experience, but may be discouraging to viewers who crave something a bit more simplistic.

Also read: Gangs of Galicia Season 2 finale recap and ending explained: Ana’s deal with the police changes everything