Spoilers For Peaky Blinders.
Blog Contains Strong Language.
Peaky Blinders is a British television crime drama, created by Steven Night. The TV Show is primarily set in Birmingham, England and follows the Shelby crime family's exploits after world war one. However, the show being highly fictional is loosely based on the real life Peaky Blinders gang who were active in the late 19th to the 20th century.
Characters/Cast
Thomas Shelby(Cillian Murphy)
The show primarily follows the main protagonist Thomas Shelby as he slowly carries his business and family up the corporate ladder through manipulation, blackmail, murder, fraud and a magnitude of other crimes. Thomas Shelby was a British 'tunneller' during the great war taking up the job roll as a 'clay kicker.' This was one of the hardest jobs for a solider because it involved the individual to be confined in a tight space in harsh conditions for almost twelve hours every day; they were exposed to the same illnesses and trench foot as the main soldiers fighting up top.
The warfare in the tunnels was harsh and brutal, since conventional weaponry was useless, battles were won by making and using equipment to their advantage mainly mining equipment. Most soldiers who endured this living hell would come home with some form of mental illness and this is something that our main protagonist is challenged with throughout the show. The experience in the first world war would corrupted Tommy making him the formidable leader we see him as; the reasoning for this, Tommy should have died in the first world war with his brothers and friends, with no ammo, reinforcements and cut off from their fellow soldiers; they were sitting ducks. But luckily for them the enemy did not show up to take there lives, Everyone made an agreement that they should have died there and then, and everything from that point was extra.
"Everyone's a whore, Grace, we just sell different parts of ourselves."- Thomas Shelby
Arthur Shelby(Paul Anderson)
Arthur Shelby is the oldest brother in the Shelby Family, this would cause a minor conflict between him and Tommy because Arthur thought he deserved to run the Shelby company and the Peaky Blinders.
However, it was quickly initiated that Tommy is more of a perfect fit to run company and the family.
Arthur Shelby is the polar apposite of his younger sibling, where Tommy is tactical and intelligent Arthur is rash and aggressive, having a shoot first and think later mentality. This makes him the right hand man to Tommy being sent in to do most of the dirty work.; he is more or less the brute of the Shelby family and all of this combines makes him a very loyal and scary figure for Tommy to use as a deterrent.
Finally, like his brother, Arthur fought in the great war as a tunneller, he was subjected to the same harsh conditions as every other solider and we quickly learn that he shares the same mental illness as Tommy; with them both suffering from PTSD (Post - Traumatic Stress Disorder.)
"This place is under new management...by order of the Peaky Blinders!"- Arthur Shelby
John Michael Shelby( Joe Cole )
John Michael Shelby; Johnny boy or Johnny is the third oldest brother of the Shelby family and is a high ranking member of the Peaky Blinders.
Furthermore, along with is older brothers John also fought during the great war, he served as a Calvary man and gunner solider in the Warwickshire Yeomanry.
When he came home John joined the Peaky Blinders, as a high ranking member and the third oldest brother John frequently joins in on the family meetings. It is evident from these meetings that john does not like or respect the cops. He is a very submissive character, who with a bit of encouragement is willing to do whatever it takes to protect him and his family.
He is married to Esme Lee who he got married to as a way to stop the war between the Lee's and the Shelby's; Esme and John would then have two children together.
John would later die from a hailstorm of machine gun fire, after being given the 'black hand' from the New York mafia - - leader Luca Changretta.
"Anyway, we're Peaky Blinders. We're not scared of coppers. If they come for us, we'll cut them a smile each."- John Shelby
Elizabeth "Polly" Gray( née Shelby )
Polly Shelby comes from a Romani family is the daughter of Mr Shelby and a Gypsy princess called Birdie Boswell.
In her younger years Polly would take care of her family in the woods whilst her father was on the run from the police. At the age of sixteen she was impregnated and personally aborted the unborn child. Polly then later married a river Gypsy and they had tow children together, however, they would be taken away from her when they were young. (Anna Gray) Polly's daughter died when she was sent to Australia, cause of death was supposedly spring fever. Her son however, (Michael Gray) would be found by Thomas were he becomes a major player in the Peaky Blinders.
Polly is the unofficial head of the Peaky Blinders, looking after the business when the boys went to fight in the great war. When they men came back from the war she still upheld the matriarch in the Shelby business, helping Thomas with his - criminal deeds whenever he needs it.
"Whilst working for this company, I have killed a man, I have lost a man, I have found a son, I have almost lost a son, I have almost lost my own life. Now, I will accept my job back if the terms on offer are favourable, but I will not behave myself."- Polly Gray
Ada Thorne(Née Shelby)(Sophie Rundle)
Ada Thorne is the forth and only female of the Shelby family making her the sister of Thomas, John, Arthur and the niece of Polly. Ada is also the only person who did not originally join the Shelby family business at the beginning, however; later she does.
Unlike her brothers, Ada strictly deal with the legal side of the business, assuming the lead position in the United States Branch of the company.
Throughout the show Ada is seen as a strong capable character; she's skilled at defending herself, capable of persuading others to do what she or Tommy wants and she is very knowledgeable. This makes her a strong figure head for the Shelby and throne family.
Ada was also the wife of the known communist Freddie Thorne, who she had
a son with; Karl Thorne. However, Ada would soon become a widow after Freddie dies at the beginning of season two, due, to pestilence.
"I came back for love. And common sense."- Ada Thorne
Grace Helen Shelby(Née Burgess) (Annabelle Wallis)
Grace is the wife of Thomas Shelby and the mother of his son; however, during the TV Show this does not happen until later. When she first met Thomas Shelby she was a spy (Undercover Agent) working for the Birmingham Police under the orders of Chester Campbell in the Garrison pub. Her orders were to get close to the cut-throat gangster Thomas Shelby to acquire Intel and find out if he stole the missing gun shipment.
Grace, slowly starts to fall in love with Thomas Shelby before she runs off to america ,however, some time later returns to confess that she is pregnant with his baby.
Thomas proposes to Grace were they then get married, she soon after dies from a gun shot to the heart.
Grace becomes a requiring theme during season 5, with Tommy seeing visions of his wife enticing him to take his own life; showing us that Tommy's mental health is declining even more.
Grace: "I warn you, I'll break your heart."
Thomas: "Already broken."
Michael Gray(Finn Cole)
Michael Gray is the son of Polly Gray and is the cousins of the Shelby Brothers; at the age of five Michael was taken away from Polly and was placed into foster care. He lived in the care of the Johnson's; (Mr Johnson and Rosemary Johnson) his given name by them was 'Henry'. At the age of seventeen he was met by Thomas Shelby who told him about his real origins and that his birth mother is looking for him.
Slowly Michael was introduced into the Peaky Blinders, soon becoming a full member taking up the position as 'chief accountant of Shelby company limited.' Michael also has a sister named Anna Gray, however, she died when he was young with him having no recollection of her.
Michael is married to Gina Gray who he fell in love with when he was in america, she was introduced to the Shelby Family through her insistent's to come back to - - England with him.
"We're not the Peaky fucking Blinders unless we are together."- Michael Gray
Finn Shelby(Harry Kirton)
Finn Shelby is the youngest of the Shelby family brother's being aged twenty one in the events of seasons five; he's also a ranking member of the Peaky Blinders.
In his younger years, Finn helped the Peaky Blinders in small way's because Polly and Thomas; seeing him as the youngest of the family tried to shield him from their more nefarious deeds, giving him smaller jobs, like messenger; making him deliver important messages to other members of the Peaky Blinders when necessary.
However, Polly and Tommy would find that shielding him from their deeds would become a lot harder when Finn got older; with him being more knowledgeable and more involved with their business.
Tommy still tries to keep him on the side lines but Finn is incredibly hungry for that thrill the Peaky Blinder offers him, sometimes ignoring Tommy's orders out right.
Finn, unlike his brothers did not fight in the first world war with him being too young when the requirement processes was initiated.
"When did either of you two do a days work?"- Finn Shelby
Johnny Dogs(Packy Lee)
Johnny Dogs is a friend of Thomas Shelby's. He has close ties with the Lee's and Shelby family, he's also a member of the Peaky Blinders helping out on certain tasks when required. Johnny dogs is single having no girlfriend or wife, due, to his wife having a change of heart and leaving him to raise his only son and two daughters on his own.
John Dogs has helped out the Shelby family in the many years he has known Thomas. John married Esme and John he also distracted the police officer guarding field Marshal Russell's house, allowing John enough time to push an explosive parcel through the letter box.
Season one is where we first meet Johnny Dogs, he is seen trading a new horse to Thomas in exchange to ride in the Shelby family car.
In season two Johnny works for Thomas Shelby unloading products from the B.S.A to Camden town. Finally, in season three Johnny Dogs burns the body of Anton Kaledin after Arthur Shelby killed Anton during Thomas Shelby's Wedding.
Johnny Dogs is a very loyal member of the Peaky Blinders helping them out with any task they may require from him.
Johnny Dogs: "Oh, fuck, Tom. I thought your sporting days were over?"
Thomas Shelby: "Yeah, so did I."
Curly(Ian Peck)
Curly is a 100% reliable, kind, polite Didicoy horseman and ferryman, he often works on Charlie Strong's yard. He typically dresses in a dark ragged suit, wearing gold earnings and a dapper trilby. He's simple minded, walks with a trot but do not let this fool you, he know horses like no other; being quoted by Thomas as the "best horseman in England".
Curly is a member of the Peaky Blinders looking after Thomas' horses and sometimes accompanying him to horse auctions.
Apart form this not a lot is known about Curly, he is a hard worker loves talking to horses and is friend of charlie; this is what allows him to work on Charlie's yard.
. It's not been specifically stated if he fought in WW1, if he has children or a wife and the same applies for his siblings. All we do know is he is loyal, funny and a very reliable member of the Peaky Blinders.
Finally, always listen to Curly when he says he has a feeling that something isn't right...
Or this happens. .
"Wh-while you're waiting for the man who doesn't exist, would you like to try some of his gin?"- Curly
Charles "Charlie" Strong(Ned Dennehy)
Charles works for Thomas along side other members of the Peaky Blinders and with curly in his yard. He helps with shipping products and looks after Shelby company Limited's horses.
Charlie Strong is a prevalent character throughout the show, He provides insight an guidance to Tommy when necessary. From what we know Charles is Tommy's uncle being the Brother of Tommy's mother. Charlie loved his sister and was distraught when he had to pull her from the 'cut,' Thomas's mom committed suicide; she drowned willingly walking into the canal. Before she died; Thomas mom gave him a beautiful white pony, which he rode on, apparently she was happy seeing Tommy on the pony and then she was gone.
The reasoning behind her suicide was because the gypsy' made the nails for jesus' cross and that's why they are cursed and restless; gypsy' need to keep moving to avoid it or the guilt catches up with them.
"What's this, teddy bear's fucking picnic?"- Charlie Strong
Esme Martha Shelby(née Lee) (Aimee-Ffion Edwards)
Esme is a member of the Lee Family and is married to John Shelby.
Thomas seeing an opportunity for peace between the Lee's and the Shelby's arranges John to be married to Esme; conveniently for Thomas, John needed a Mother for his 'wild' children and Esme needed a husband making there marriage a win-win for all the party's involved.
Esme tend's to have minimal involvement in the Shelby company, focusing more on looking after her's and John's children but being the wife of John she is still allowed to voice her opinion in the family meetings and she's not afraid to confront Tommy on some of his way's.
Esme would soon become a widow when John is brutally murdered by the orders of Luca Changretta; in grief and anger Esme blames Tommy for his death and decides to take herself and her children away from Tommy and the Peaky Blinders, choosing to live on the 'road'. Esme is yet to return - - in the show.
"I'm taking the children on the road, to live with decent people. They'll never know the cursed side of this family."- Esme Shelby
Lizzie Shelby(née Stark) (Natasha O'Keeffe)
Lizzie Stark is a former prostitute working in Birmingham. When we are first introduced to Lizzie we learn that she is supposed to be marrying John to help him with his 'wild children. However, the wedding was called off when she failed Tommy's test.
Lizzie expresses to Tommy (after providing her services to him) that she has taken up the aspiration of learning to type. Tommy soon surprises Lizzie by giving her the opportunity to work for him as his personal secretary and assistant Tommy, however, give's her one rule which is to stop providing her services; which she promptly agree's to.
However, Tommy would later break this rule, asking Lizzie to seduce a person that Tommy has to assassinate by the orders of the inspector Campbell and the British government.
Lizzie in the season five is married to Tommy, and has a child with him called - - Ruby Shelby.
Lizzie: "Your brother is ten times the man you are."
Thomas: "Of that, I have no doubt."
Freddie Thorne(Iddo Goldberg)
Freddie Thorne is a former childhood friend of Thomas Shelby's, he is famously known for being a communist rallying strikes at the BSA (Birmingham Small Arms Company.)
Before being a communist Freddie was in the great war with Tommy serving in the same regiment as him; Freddie saved Tommy's life at one point which Freddie regrets after learning about all the beatings and crimes Tommy commits.
Freddie was briefly engaged and then married to Ada Thorne, however, their love was kept secret due, to Freddie knowing that Arthur, Tommy and John would kill him for messing around with their sister. Ada and Freddie had a child called Karl Thorne before he was arrested. Tommy broke Freddie out of prison and formally welcomed him into the Shelby family, However, a year later Freddie would die for 'pestilence'--- likely the Spanish Influenza pandemic.
"Sergeant Thorne reporting for duty, sir"- Eddie Thorne
Linda Shelby(Kate Phillips)
Linda is the wife of Arthur Shelby JR and both have a child together called Billy Shelby.
Linda used to be a Quaker before meeting the Arthur. Her love, religion and hold over Arthur is what provides her with the strength to help him through his sobriety.
In 1929 Linda begins to become distant with Arthur looking at anyway she can divorce him. She consults Lizzie about this matter who tells her there is only one man in London who would ever consider divorcing a Shelby. Furthermore, angry at the way Thomas is running Shelby company limited Linda writes down her thoughts in a letter for Arthur to read, however, he ignores her letter and burns it. Linda begins to speak with a recent widow about her feelings, Arthur soon finds out and cuts the mans face beyond recognition. Linda fuelled on emotional goes to kill Arthur, However she is stopped when Polly shoot's her in the arm. After, having the bullet removed and waking up she parts way's from Arthur and the Shelby family for good.
"May you Peaky Blinders all rot in fucking hell!"- Linda Shelby
May Fitz Carleton(Charlotte Riley)
May Fitz Carleton is a beautiful, widowed, intelligent, incredible bored rich women. May was gifted all her riches at the point of her late husbands death.
We fist meet May at a horse auction were she spy's our brummie gangster, in an attempt to grab Tommy's attention May bets against his horse, however, in the end she let's him win their civil dispute.
After, May introduces herself to Thomas; starting conversation with him, then further letting him know that she trains and breeds racehorses, telling Tommy she would be willing to look after his horse for him.
Tommy agree's, and May begins to look after his horse. There agreement, however, leads the two to have an affair but Tommy soon calls it off with him still having feelings for Grace.
May would still train Tommy's horse's but there relationship would stay purely - - platonic.
"You... have lost your wife, and now your brother too. I thought it would make you different, but it doesn't seem to change you. Nothing seems to change you."- May Carleton
Isaiah Jesus(Jordan Bolger seasons 2-4, Daryl McCormack Season 5
Isaiah Jesus is the son of the Afro-Caribbean long time Peaky Blinders member Jeremiah "Jimmy" Jesus. We first meet Isaiah at the beginning of season two when he and Finn witnessed Arthur kill another fellow boxer in a boxing match. They were then both summoned for questioning by Thomas, however, Isaiah would not talk because he was not family ad it was none of his business, thanking him for his loyalty, Thomas made Isaiah a full member of the Peaky Blinders.
Isaiah is great friends with two of the younger Peaky Blinder members; Finn and Michael. This is first indicated when Michael and Isaiah first meet each other. Isaiah is in charge of showing Michael how the Peaky Blinders operates and functions.
Isaiah like his father are not family members in the Shelby family and therefore, are not major members of the gang, However, Jeremiah served with Tommy in the great war, making there workmanship more than professional.
"Shame, it was a nice pub"- Isiah Jesus
Jeremiah "Jimmy" Jesus (Benjamin Zephaniah)
Jeremiah "Jimmy" Jesus is the
aforementioned Afro-Caribbean long time Peaky Blinders member and he is the father of Isiah Jesus. Not a lot is known about our street preacher apart from the fact, that he served in the great war with Tommy and this is what asserted his place in the Peaky Blinders gang.
We first meet Jimmy in the first season, however, we soon learn that he does not have a large involvement in group, instead providing religious and spiritual support to the group.
Jimmy at the end of the great war vowed never to take up arms again, most likely because of his traumatic experience in the great war but in season 1.6 Tommy under the pressure of gang war ask's Jimmy to help 'take up arms' and defend Small Heath against Billy kimber, to which he agree's.
In later season we see that Jimmy goes back into his fitting roll as the gangs priest, not involving himself in their affairs too much.
Jeremiah: "Do you, Thomas Michael Shelby, take Grace Helen Burgess to be your lawful wedded wife?"
Thomas Shelby: "I do."
Jeremiah: "Do you, Grace Burgess, solemnly swear to love, honour and obey till death do you part?"
Grace Burgess: "I do"
Jeremiah: "I now pronounce you, husband and wife"
Aberama Gold(Aidan Gillen)
Aberama Gold is a Romany Gypsy, ruthless gun-for-hire with little to no regard for the rules, he is also the father of Bonnie Gold.
We first meet our faithful saviour in season 4 when Aberama is hired by Tommy to help him deal with the american mafia leader Luca Changretta, apart, from money he also wants Tommy's help in training his son to become a boxing champion. He also grows a romantic relationship with Polly to which the both become engaged.
Aberama stay's loyal to the Peaky Blinders after the events of season four but there relationship would soon become an issue. The Billy Boy's on the hunt for Tommy, track down Aberama and kill his son in front of him after shooting him in the shoulder, in anger and grief Aberama attacks Johnny Dogs and then further advances to send the Billy Boy's message to Tommy. Tommy and Lizzie cool down the situation telling him he will get his revenge against Jimmy McCavern for the murder of his son, however, this revenge would amount to his eventual demise; when attempting to kill Jimmy McCavern he is ambushed and stabbed to death.
"Everything is for sale. Everything."- Aberama Gold
Bonnie Gold(Jack Rowan)
Bonnie gold is the son of Aberama Gold the ruthless gun for hire. Bonnie does not want to follow in his fathers footsteps of becoming a hitman; instead wanting to pursue a goal in becoming a professional boxer; which his father soon agrees to give him with their agreement with Thomas.
Bonnie gets to full-fill his dream in the end of season four when Thomas sets up a boxing match, were Bonnie would fight Goliath, coincidentally, Alfie Solomons is the uncle of Goliath. However, Bonnie won the fight against Goliath before Tommy interrupted their victory claiming his brother to be dead.
Bonnie's story would soon come to an end in season 5 when he is brutally murdered in front of his father to send a message to Tommy, by first being beaten, suspended upon a crucifix and then being shot in the head by Jimmy McCavern the head of the Billy Boy's.
"I could fight a fucking tree and knock it out, Mr Shelby."- Bonnie Gold
Colonel Ben Younger(Kingsley Ben-Adir)
Colonel Ben Younger was a was an officer in the Warwickshire Yeomanry in Flanders, Belgium, stating he was the only cavalry man who could ride a horse. We first meet Ben when he arrested Ada Shelby for her communist past, learning the he is the head of the army intelligence officers.
Ben would then later return in season five to strike a deal with Tommy regarding information about the communist and fascist party. However, this would later lead to his demise when he dies in a car explosion.
Ada and Ben grew close after their first encounter, what seemed professional at first with Ben trading information about the communist party on behalf of Tommy. Made their relationship grow from platonic to passionate. In their night's of passion Ada became pregnant with Ben's child but was not able to tell him before he was killed. Ada and Ben's child will soon grow up without a father like Ada's other child, Karl.
"Ben Younger was an officer in the Warwickshire Yeomanry In Flanders. The only cavalry man who could ride a fucking horse."- Thomas Shelby
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill (Andy Nyman Season 1, Richard McCabe Season 2 and Neil Maskell Season 5)
Winston Churchill was a British politician, army officer and writer. He was the prime minister of Britain from 1940 to 1945 where he led Britain to victory in the second world war; he would again become prime minister of Britain from 1951 to 1955.
Churchill first joined the British army in 1895 serving, and saw action in British India, the Anglo-Sudan war and the second Boer war, gaining fame as a war correspondent and writing books on his campaigns.
Winston Churchill has a complex intertwined relationship with Thomas Shelby. During the first season it is Mr Churchill who orders Chester Campbell to reacquire the stolen guns. It is also Mr Churchill who orders Campbell to gather the men he thinks are suitable to carry out an assassination on behalf of the crown. Churchill saves Tommy's life from the men Campbell sent to kill him, Furthermore, he grants Tommy with the demands he required before carry out the aforementioned assassination. Finally, Churchill learns about Tommy's sudden partnership with Oswald Mosley soon learning that Thomas plans on assassinating him; Churchill's only two request's; his involvement is excluded in every possible way and for Thomas to do what ever he requires to kill him. There relationship is similar to Tommy's and Alfies, requiring each others services when necessary.
"This is England, not Belfast. Bodies thrown in the rivers wash up in the papers here. We must keep the existence of these stolen guns out of the news, otherwise we are simply advertising them for sale. If there are bodies to be buried, dig holes. And dig them deep.”-Winston Churchill
Jessie Eden(Charlie Murphy)
Jessie Eden in Peaky Blinders is based on her real life representation, all aspects of her story in the show, truly took place in real life; apart from, her relationship and interactions with Thomas Shelby. However, the shop stewardess would have had to negotiate with factory owners like Thomas, as we seen in her first appearance.
Jessie was born as, Jessie Shrimpton on February 24, 1902 at 61 Talbot Street in Winson Green. Not much is known about her childhood but after the first world war she became a very important figure in Birmingham. After World war one her boyfriend returned from Passchendaele, unfortunately, when he came back, he was listed among the Shell shocked. He would soon take his own life with a self inflicted gun-shot leaving Jessie to grieve over her boyfriend death.
She became a shop steward for the Transport and General Workers Union and worked at Joseph Lucas’ motor components factory, filing shock absorbers. In 1924 Jessie brings all the female workers in the spot-welding and wire-cutting shops out on strike that day. They are protesting at poor conditions, lack of holidays, unsanitary lavatory provisions and lower pay for female workers. These events correspond with the ones in the show; Jessie soon becomes a head strong ally and tool for Thomas to use for his own deeds.
"You've never been a friend of the government. They've used you. Now I image you've found out already that no amount of money allows you to pass through the steel sheets that separate class from class."- Jessie Eden
Rivals
William "Billy" Kimber(Charlie Creed-Miles)
Billy Kimber is one of the main antagonists in the first season of the peaky blinders; besides Chester Campbell.
Billy Kimber is the leader of the gang, 'The Birmingham Boys' he runs most of the legal tracks outside of London, which would cause tension between the Birmingham Boys and The Peaky Blinders, with Tommy wanting to expand his control into London.
Kimber has a large portion of wealth and influence, thus meaning he had the police under his payroll. Even, this couldn't stop the Peaky Blinders, Billy would soon meet his end by the hands of Tommy after being shot in the head during their gang war. At that point the relationship between the Blinders and the Birmingham Boy's ended with Tommy and the Peaky Blinders victorious.
“Nobody works with me. People work for me.”- Billy Kimber
Chester Campbell(Sam Neill)
Chester Cambell is the second out of our two main antagonists in season one.
Even tough there are two antagonist, Billy Kimber and Mr Campbell never see eye-too-eye during the show, instead perusing there own goals; there only similarity is Thomas.
Chester Campbell is sent by Winston Churchill to acquire and retrieve the stolen guns that were taken from the Birmingham small arms company's, factory. While in small heath with Grace Burgess; Chester meets Thomas Shelby and soon finds out he has the missing guns he requires, with a little bit of negotiating and rivalry Chester got the guns and took a bullet for the job. He would soon return in season two with a vendetta against Thomas and the Peaky Blinders. Swearing to get his revenge on them for what they did to him. However, his plan does not go accordingly and he is killed at the hands of Polly.
"Men like us, Mr Shelby will always be alone. And what love we get, we will have to pay for."- Chester Campbell
Alfred "Alfie" Solomons Jr (Tom Hardy )
Alfie is in a weird place, Thomas and Alfie are valued business partners and tools to be used for there personal gain; both use each other when necessary to gather information and more wealth, however ultimatley in the end it was Alfie who betrayed Thomas, in what they call 'bad blood;' Alfie betrays Thomas to Charles Sabini nearing the end of season four.
I put Alfie in the rivals spot because Tommy and Alfie have a rough relationship of betrayal and deception; Alfie is more foe to Tommy but they do consider each other as friends.
Alfie is a Jewish Gangster from London, located in Camden town, who is in a war against the Italians when we first meet him. In season two we see that Alfie sent a telegram to Thomas saying "Hello" as a greeting but also a way of saying 'help,' due to the fact that Alfie is losing the fight to the Italians. Apart from this, not a lot is known about Alfie, all we really know is he's a veteran from World War One supposedly having lung cancer and his mother was a Russian. Tommy and Alfies partnership grows more complex over the show with Tommy shooting Alfie in the face at the end of season four; then going to him for help in season five, there relationship is the exact definition of friend's and enemies.
"Big fucks small always, actually. There is a fight going on out there between big and small. Big will fuck small."- Alfie Solomons
Father John Hughes(Paddy Considine)
Father Hughes is the main antagonist in the third season, he was a member of the Economic League, working with Patrick Jarvis.
Thomas was forced to work with Father Hughes to protect his family and friends.
Thomas came to suspect that Father Hughes was a double agent, seemingly working for the British Crown and with the politically White Russians but reporting to the Communist Russians. This was only partially true; Hughes does represent the Crown and was acting under orders to report to the Reds because they wanted to provoke an attack on British soil, that would break diplomatic relations with the communists.
After kidnapping Thomas' son, Thomas devises a plan to kill and save his sons life; which was 'somewhat' successfully. Michael chooses to be the one to kill father Hughes, due, to his alleged paedophilic tendencies and sexual abuse towards Michael.
Jimmy McCavern(Brian Gleeson)
Jimmy is a potent member of the Billy Boy's and is also a member of the Glasgow razor gang. Jimmy is working with Sir Oswald Mosley; nothing is really known about the history of Jimmy apart from the fact he knows Oswald.
He is first introduced in season five when he brutally murders Bonnie Gold and leaves Aberama seriously injured. The reason Jimmy does this is to send a message to Tommy letting him now that the Billy Boys are done being subjected by the Peaky Blinders.
McCavern is a cruel man not worrying about hurting others to send a message to people of interest. He killed Bonnie Gold to send a message to Tommy. Moreover, he sent a scarecrow surrounded by land mines to Tommy to also send a message, and with Charles playing in the area, Thomas' son could have been killed by the message sent by Jimmy.
Jimmy is almost killed by Aberama Gold in the final episode of season five but is saved from one his fellow members who notices Aberama sneaking up behind McCavern; Aberama is then repeatedly stabbed and killed.
"Hello! Hello! We are the Billy Boys! Hello Hello! We are the Billy Boys! We're up to our knees in Fenian blood So surrender or you'll die! We are the Brighton Derry Billy Boys!"
"Did you not hear my song? These gentlemen are the Billy Boys...and me? I'm Jimmy."- Jimmy McCavern
Sir Oswald Mosley(Sam Claflin)
Sir Oswald is the MP of the neighbouring constituency to Tommy’s. He is one of the main antagonist of season five as Tommy tries to do a 'good thing' by killing Oswald. Oswald is a highly charismatic individual with an proposition about fascism that he runs past Thomas Shelby; Thomas agrees to work in his ranks only to spy on him; this is apart of his plan to succeed on his 'good thing.'
Sir Oswald Mosley, in Peaky Blinders is based on the real life Oswald Mosley who; in the 1930's became leader of the British Union of Fascists.
Tommy plans to assassinate Oswald and, with Winston Churchill on his side it looks promising for Tommy to pull of his planned assassination. Tommy is told by Winston to do whatever possible to stop the revolution and to contact him if he should need help. Tommy recruits the help of his former friend Barney to do the killing, which is planned to happen on the night of Mosley's speech; when Tommy is also on the stage to keep the suspicion that the Blinders are involved at bay. Unfortunately, Tommy assassination does not go to plan; Mosley escapes with his life; Barney and Aberama Gold are killed in the chaos of the failed attempt.
"Welcome, men and women of Birmingham. Thank you for coming here on this cold, dark night, in spite of the obstruction and provocation of our enemies. Our enemies deal in bricks and stones and bottles. We deal in reasoned principle, argument and fact. Among those enemies, we can number Mr Winston Churchill, who last night condemned me in the House as a threat to democracy. Them's that gone are the lucky ones. Them's that gone are the lucky ones. But then Mr Churchill has never been a friend of the common people. Faced with the alternative of saying goodbye to the gold standard, and therefore to his own employment, he characteristically selected the latter, but of course not all attending tonight will be convinced of our cause. Some will have come here tonight to find out for themselves what we stand for."- Oswald Mosley
Charles "Darby" Sabini(Noah Taylor)
Charles Sabini is first introduced in season two where he is at war with Alfie Solomons. He soon becomes an enemy of Thomas Shelby's; he served as the second antagonist of season two. Sabini was christened Ottavio Sabini, however he frequently called himself Charles or Fred, which, are actually the name of his brothers. We first meet Mr Sabini in season two episode one when he beats up Thomas and gets his me to slice the inside of his mouth, they do this in retaliation for Thomas, Arthur and John attacking his club, 'Eden club.' However, Sabini's retaliation plan to kill Thomas is thwarted by inspector Campbell who, once again, requires Thomas' service to assassinate another target. After learning that Alfie and Thomas are in a current partnership, he sets up a meeting with is old pal Alfie and requests that they instead work together against the Peaky Blinders, in return Sabini will allow Alfie's bookies to attend the Epsom race, unfortunately, this, in the end seals his ultimate downfall when he doesn't allow Alfie's bookies to attend Epsom, so in retaliation Alfie changes sides and reinstates his partnership with the Peaky Blinders. Sabini does live past these events and is mentioned by Thomas twice in season four; first suggesting that Sabini helped a hired assassin disguised as a sous chef enter his home. And the second is when Thomas is talking to May Carleton, he suggests that Sabini is helping the Changretta family in an effort to get his criminal organisation recognised. Thomas correctly puts it saying that Sabini's men are "local kids trying to be famous".
"You fucking lose, you fucking Gypsy bastard! You lose!"- Sabini
Luca Changrette(Adrien Brody)
Luca Changrette is the main antagonist of season four; he is the son of Vicente Changrette and Audrey Changrette.
After his father was killed by the hands of Arthur, Luca swore a Vendetta against Thomas Shelby and the Peaky Blinders, making a promise that everything he loves and cares about will be stripped away from him one-by-one, and in is pain of losing everything he love's; Luca will end Tommy's life.
However, his plan does not come to fruition, Luca is the leader of a gang in New York and is in a heavy rivalry with Chicago's Al Capone, and this is, his ultimate downfall. Luca thought it would be a great idea to bring all of his close family to Birmingham for the vendetta, but then Thomas killed all his close family in a gun battle. Lucas men; who are paid off, find new management under the employment of Al Capone, thus, when a fight breaks out between Luca and Thomas, he has no-one to defends his cause, leaving him to eventually get shot in the head by Arthur; putting an end to the vendetta.
"All that is left of the Peaky fucking Blinders."- Luca Changrette
Personal Review
Story
Peaky Blinders show is set in post world war one and pre world war two, following the event of Thomas Shelby as he navigates his crime syndicate through this bleak portrayal of post war England.
Peaky blinders is a show of many themes, portraying the effects of war and its many consequences; mental illness and substance abuse are the two main themes that appear throughout the show with Tommy and members all having their own problems and issue to resolve. Alcohol and smoking are the two most prevalent substances abused that appear during the show, with every and each member all having some form of smoking or drinking problem.
Themes
Alcohol
It's no secret that Thomas is an intelligent, sociopathic businessman not shying away from doing anything to increase his power and influence. Alfie is very similar; in most ways to his 'friend' Thomas; he to is an intelligent, sociopathic businessman willing to do whatever to increase his power and influence and both men certainly know how to use alcohol to their advantage.
Thomas and Alfie both strictly drink whiskey when participating in business activities. Alcohol is not just a way to slip away from reality, it has more powerful uses than simply just being an escape. Alcohol can be used for business purposes to truly show you the person you are talking to, as Thomas said "Whiskey is great proofing water, it shows you who's really and who isn't."
Whiskey is shown as a drink, drunk only when on business, however, alcohol like rum is for personal fun and fucking. Like Alfie said, "Rum's for fun and fucking, innit? So, whisky, now that... That's for business."
Whisky is for business, rum is for fun and fucking, so, what is an alcohol like gin used for? "The problem, right, between rum and gin, is that gin, right, it leads to the melancholy. Wheres rum incites violence, it also allows you to be liberated from your self-doubt."- Alfie Solomons
According to Alfie, gin, when drunk, leads to melancholy; a feeling of sadness or depression, Alfie was correct because at the end of season 4 episode 6 'The Company' Thomas is seen to be extremely drunk in his house, dealing with his mental illness and the alcohol he is drinking, is, his own distilled gin.
Small details about alcohol and it's intended use crop up often in the show. On various occasions alcohol is used for foreshadowing, conversation starter or exposition and sometimes as a plot point; however it is used, alcohol in Peaky Blinders has more uses than just being a simple beverage.
Smoking
Smoking is definitely a requiring theme throughout the show, with almost every scene having someone smoking, but, unlike alcohol, there is not a lot of meaning behind it.
. Thomas, certainly uses his smoking addiction to his advantage, using it to concentrate and think, buy himself time or to start a conversations. smoking accompanied with drinking is, also, somewhat, shown to be an initiation into the gang with Tommy asking Michael if he smoke or drank; which he did not, justifying the fact that he has not yet made his own decisions, and because of this he is not ready to enter the dangerous world that Tommy resides in.
All I can say is Thomas Shelby certainly looks good when he smokes.
Plot
The main plot of Peaky Blinders follows a basic premise; Tommy expands and improves his business, and in doing so makes one or multiple enemies who he has to eliminate.
Season one
Season one portrayed Tommy becoming the leader of his family and business, acquiring guns from the British government and making a new nemesis in the form of a man called Chester Campbell.
Season Two
Season Two see's the return of Chester Campbell and introduces two new rival's for Thomas to compete against as he expands his business to London. We have the introduction of Alfie Solomons as Tommy's friend/enemy and Charles Sabini as the second antagonist of the season.
Season Three
Season Three, introduces new foe's for Tommy to defeat; the Russians and Father John Hughes are the main antagonists.
Season Four
Season Four is a tie into season three, with Thomas' opposition being Luca Changrette who has a vendetta against him and the Shelby family because Arthur shot Lucas father in the head when Thomas threatened to torture him until birds sang in the morning.
Season Five
Season Five, is a more personal season for the Peaky Blinders and the Shelby family, with there being a lot of conflict and tension between the members with Tommy suspecting Michael to be a traitor. Sir Oswald Mosley is the main antagonist of season five with Tommy wanting to assassinate him as a means of "doing something good."
As you can see each season follows the same decisive plot elements; Thomas encounters an enemy that he has to overcome. The foundations of the show may be simple but the drama and narrative storytelling are were this show excels.
The show being set after the events of the first world war is not only an unexplored historical area in television, it is also a great way of depicting a battle-hardened mentally fragile war veteran; Steven knight took this prime opportunity and gave us some of the best written characters in British television.
Characters
Were would a drama based television show be without engaging characters with building storylines and character arcs? The short answer would be nowhere. When it comes to complex characters with shifting motives and personal issues Peaky Blinders ticks all the boxes; each character in the show has a few individual characteristic that makes them stand out, Tommy is the intelligent, broken and strong head of the Shelby family; Polly is the forward-driven, clear-headed matriarch of the Shelby business, Arthur is the loose cannon and right-hand man to Thomas and John is the loyal, dependable brother following Tommy's orders to the letter but never shying from sharing his true thoughts.
Season one to season five has given us a lot of viewing time to watch these characters develop and that they have. Thomas has grown from the Strong-headed, unbreakable character that we witnessed in season one, to a more broken, damage and angry man we see him turn into at the end of season five. Michael has grown from a young, independent man who wanted to leave his own life and trade it for a sense of freedom, to a cold, pretentious, traitor who wants to steal Thomas' throne from underneath him.
When a well-written character are in a scene it amplifies the viewing experience immensely, the joy of watching characters personalities play off each other is satisfying to the audience; and that same satisfactions can be felt whenever you see the Shelby family in any scene together, the though of were the scene and characters might be heading is overwhelming and it sure does feels good, one of the best example of this is the fight between Thomas and John.
Mental Illness
I have separated mental illness from being in the themes section because I feel that it has a more important role to play on the show as a hole than just simply being an object that appears in certain scenes.
Mental illness appears at every corner off this show, all the way from season one through to the end of the show. Thomas Shelby is a war veteran, a man that participated in the events of world war one as a British tunneller he has witnessed atrocities and fought for his own life countless times and the same can be said for Arthur and John. These men have been mentally scarred from their time in the army and this has left a profound effect on their lives.
This effect can be witnessed in the show there are many scenes with either Thomas or Arthur contemplating or attempting suicide, they use substances to ease their pain, drinking alcohol everyday and using drugs like cocaine and opium, they both can't sleep and they are troubled by PTSD; this is what their characters are built around, this fundamental premise of the broken man they are and always will be damaged.
Conclusion
Peaky Binders is an amazing show set in an area that has not been explored or looked at that often in the world of television and because of this it has allowed Steven Knight to create one of the best TV Shows I have ever watched. The Themes, focus on mental illness character development, cinematography, soundtrack and not forgetting the amazing performance from the whole cast and especially Cillian Murphy have allowed for this show to make its mark in the TV world. I highly recommend you watch Peaky Blinders if you have not already and I can promise that you will not be disappointed.
For all the people that read the whole article thank you, your concentration and aptitude for reading is god-like.
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