Peaky Blinders: Season 1, Episode 3

 Peaky Blinders: Season 1, Episode 3

September 30, 2014

The third episode of Peaky Blinders is nothing short of fantastic. It easily combines the frenetic action of the first episode and the introspective, more character-oriented drama of the second film. The result is a wild ride that leaves you longing for me. Give credit to Steven Knight for his exemplary writing and Otto Bathurst for his cinematic directing skills. This series has been all about the well-written, fleshed out characters…and that includes the strong female characters. If you look at Aunt Polly or Grace, they are no damsels in distress or half-hearted romantic interests. We seen the kind of woman Polly is, but Grace takes center stage as she proves her worth against an IRA agent and creates a sophisticated relationship with Tommy. The relationship between the two is complicated and is further complicated when Billy Kimber takes an eye for Grace. Luckily, Tommy has “a girl with the clap” on his mind. Annabelle Wallis delivers a magnificent performance and Cillian Murphy continues his powerful acting. This episode tackles more about Tommy’s past during the war and rather than preaching, we get a realistic take on the effects of war.

Thomas is approached by two IRA agents about the guns. He listens but does not give himself away. Grace overhears the conversation and follows the men out of the pub where she gets into an altercation with them thus killing one of the men. The IRA suspects the Peaky Blinders. He takes Grace to the Cheltenham races where he warns Kimber that he is about to be robbed. As a result, the Peaky Blinders are hired as security. In terms of the pregnancy plotline (which shows more urgency), Ada and Freddie are now married. Freddie is back in Birmingham to lead a worker strike. Tommy is furious and Polly tries to pay Freddie to leave. This causes more headaches between the Peaky Blinders and the police.

Great episode! The action is well-paced, the performances are magnificent, and I like the cinematic scope. Plus, the music remains unusual…and great! Three cheers to Jack White! Most of all, I adore the chemistry between Tommy and Grace. I will feel Tommy’s heartbreak if he finds out Grace’s true identity. Steven Knight has created a killer show and his vision is expanded furthermore throughout the episode.

My Grade: A


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