In Season 2 of “Gentleman Jack,” Anne Lister (Suranne Jones) and Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle) have tied the knot and settled down together at Shibden Hall. But, as a new trailer for the historical dramedy hints, the pair haven’t reached happily ever after quite yet. Although Ann consider her wife “the only person I’ve ever really been able to trust,” Anne hasn’t been completely transparent about her romantic past — or present.
As one character puts it, Ann “hasn’t got a clue” about Anne’s many past love affairs. “How much does she know about you and me?” Anne’s ex and close friend Mariana Lawton (Lydia Leonard) asks. “I’ve told her all that was necessary” is Anne’s vague reply. But it appears that whatever Anne and Mariana shared isn’t completely over. “I’m not the other woman — she is,” Mariana tells Anne.
There’s also plenty of drama happening in Anne’s public life. Scandalized by her living arrangement with Ann and resentful of her business ventures, her neighbors decide to take action. “She needs to feel the consequences of what could happen,” a man in the community says.
Created by Sally Wainwright, “Gentleman Jack” is based on the diaries of the real-life Anne Lister, who has been described as the “first modern lesbian.” “Gentleman Jack” was pejorative nickname used in reference to Lister’s social climbing and her gender expression.
Wainwright and Jones have previously collaborated on “Scott & Bailey” and “Unforgiven,” and Wainwright and Rundle have worked together on “Happy Valley.” The latter show has been renewed for a third and final season.
“Gentleman Jack” returns April 10 on BBC in the U.K. No word on its U.S. debut on HBO just yet.