Peaky Blinders: Season 1, Episode 2

 Peaky Blinders: Season 1, Episode 2

September 30, 2014

Peaky Blinder’s second episode is a vast reminder of this show’s distinctive style. I loved the visual flair that director Otto Bathurst and cinematographer George Steele bring to the table. This episode is a strong episode that continues to fleshen out the characters and their relationships with one another. The fighting sequences are intense and visceral. Shelby and his gang start the episode fighting their gypsy neighbors and they don’t hold back with their imagery. The performances continue to be very strong particularly Cillian Murphy and Sam Neill. Their one-on-one meeting to discuss the missing guns truly electrified me. Sam Neill is a legend, and he captivates me in every scene he is in.

In this episode (these episodes are unnamed), Thomas continues to keep his eye on Grace unaware that Campbell put her there to spy on the gang. Shelby fights the Lees, a gypsy gang, who later sends him a bullet with his name on it. Another adversary in addition to Billy Kimber, who has his own horse racing empire. This clash is to help ensure a working relationship between Kimber and the Shelbys. Meanwhile, Campbell sends Tommy a message through Aunt Polly to discuss the missing guns. Tommy proposes that if Campbell leaves him alone, he will return the guns. If he is arrested, he will send them to the IRA. Campbell reluctantly agrees. Meanwhile, Ada is now pregnant with Freddie Thorne’s child, which allows Polly to make a fantastic speech. Tommy tells Freddie to leave and not to return, but Freddie may have other ideas in mind.

Overall, a great second episode! This episode has excellent characterization thanks to Steven Knight’s powerful screenplay. It also seems like he is going to tackle PTSD down the line. It seems like Tommy is suffering based on his experiences during the war. Tommy has some excellent scenes with Grace, who is an enchanting character herself. The pregnancy portion of the plot is not my favorite although it gives Polly some excellent lines to prove she is the beating heart of the family. Fantastic episode!

My Grade: A


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