Peaky Blinders: Season 1, Episode 6

 Peaky Blinders: Season 1, Episode 6

September 30, 2014

The season’s finale is a perfect ending for this hit BBC series. Season finales tend to be divisive, but I think most can agree that director Tom Harper and writer Steven Knight put together a winner. This is a bittersweet ending. Tommy almost completed his redemption arc for it to fall apart in the very last scenes. On the flip side, Inspector Campbell had a falls-from-grace arc as he goes from Bible-thumping agent to murderous prostitute killer. That final scene where he pulls a gun on Grace came out of nowhere and completed Campbell’s season one story.

Each of the characters had a chance to shine this episode as they had all season. Cillian Murphy has undoubtedly been the season’s MVP. In addition, Helen McCrory is majestic as Aunt Polly who fought her own demons. Annabelle Wallis gave Grace a sense of guile and delicacy. Sam Neill made sure you were invested in every single line of dialogue. Everyone delivered strong performances. Sophie Rundle’s Ada even got to join in the finale’s fun.

The episode begins with Campbell telling Churchill Grace should be commended in finding the missing guns. However, Polly is aware of Grace’s secret and tells her to stay away. The Peaky Blinders, using one of the held-back machine guns, created a jailbust to free Freddie. With this, The Blinders and the Lee’s were going to overtake Kimber’s men, but Kimber is aware of the events, and he takes the Shelby’s unaware at their home. During the standoff, Ada bravely intervenes. But death and injury does not escape the Blinders. Grace finally meets with Tommy and tells him his true identity. Tommy goes home to search his feelings and decide his fate over a coin flip. But Campbell, being rejected by Grace, confronts her at the railroad station.

Crazy, crazy episode! All knots are tied up in a timely fashion and I really look forward to what is next with the Peaky Blinders. I was surprised how few deaths there were. The main ones were Kimber and Danny. This season was a wonderful surprise with its unique visual style, excellent performances, the song choice (modern, but fits the show aesthetic so well), and how the story was delivered. Yes, there is many awesome stylistic choices, but this was also an important character study. Steven Knight gave so much substance to his characters. I really recommend the series if you have not seen it yet.

My Grade: A+


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