By order of the Peaky Blinders, we suggest that you pay proper respect to the following
clips.
Welcome to WMUK, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Peaky Blinders
Moments.
For this list, we’re focusing on the most memorable moments from the Birmingham-set,
period piece BBC series.
In the Series Two premiere, time has passed, but trouble persists.
As the Peaky Blinders pay respect to the late Freddy Thorne, their pub—The Garrison—gets
blown to smithereens.
Unsurprisingly, Mother Shelby asks the most obvious question.
But in the world of “Peaky Blinders,” logic doesn’t always lead to the right answer.
So, as Thomas Shelby views what’s left, he sees more than just an explosion; he sees
the future.
This event sets the stage for another iconic moment in the Series Two finale.
Midway through Series 3, Thomas Shelby has concerns about a gypsy sapphire, along with
Father John Hughes, a known child molester and potential double agent.
But there’s more obstacles to overcome than just Hughes, one of them being a Russian business
associate, Princess Tatiana.
She’s a cunning woman that doesn’t act without proof,
but she recognizes that Thomas and the Peaky Blinders often cause trouble based on their
emotions.
This meeting is then about plain facts, leading Thomas to consider the bigger picture and
who’s actually in charge.
What does it mean to be a Peaky Blinder?
Well, it means understanding who you are.
Near the conclusion of Series 2, Thomas has lost a grip on his personal and professional
life, making him insecure and skeptical.
Enter Esme Shelby, wife of John, who reminds her brother-in-law of a simple concept while
suggesting a new way of life.
It’s these moments that eat away at Thomas, as he’s torn between happiness and power.
He listens, but Thomas Shelby is a man who trusts his instincts.
In the Series 1 finale, the Peaky Blinders are ready for war.
They’ve had enough of Billy Kimber and plot against the Italians on “Black Star Day.”
Only there’s a twist, as Thomas Shelby’s rivals show up at The Garrison, surprising
the Peaky Blinders who plan to attack at the races.
Against all odds Thomas and his crew give it their all which, with the help of a machine
gun, proves to be enough.
They may be crazy, but they’re not cowards, and in this moment the Peaky Blinders are
willing to risk everything.
After three months in a hospital, Thomas Shelby seeks vengeance for a nasty beating, courtesy
of Father Hughes.
This prompts a meeting with Alfie Solomons, played brilliantly by Tom Hardy.
By this point, Thomas is fearless and fed up.
Meanwhile, Alfie just wants some peace of mind.
This moment brings the two men together; two men who view the world differently but ultimately
have common goals.
In “Peaky Blinders,” power moves are both necessary and crucial for survival, even if
the most trivial of situations.
In the Series 2 finale, Thomas learns that he’ll be a father, but there’s more important
things to think about, as he’s on the verge of being killed by Major Campbell.
Furthermore, his fails to one-up Darby Sabini at the race track seems to seal his fate,
especially since he’s taken to a shallow grave in an empty field.
It’s the logical conclusion to a series of mistakes, and Thomas prepares to meet death.
Alas, there’s a greater plan at work, and the Peaky Blinders rise again.
Early on in Series 3, Thomas has conflict with both the Russians and the Italians.
But it’s the latter that concerns him most, especially after his younger brother—John—slices
them up with a razor blade while defending Lizzie Stark.
Thomas doesn’t request advice, but rather makes his own call.
It’s a polarizing moment for the Shelby Clan, but Thomas realizes that action must
be taken to save John from the Italians.
The decision highlights the brutal nature of Birmingham business, while demonstrating
Thomas’ ability to stay one step ahead.
In Series 2, Thomas Shelby looks for someone with influence.
That man is Jewish gangster Alfie Solomons, who's got his own history with Darby Sabini.
The Camden Town meeting foreshadows a business partnership, but it also marks Tom Hardy’s
debut, and he’s nothing less that extraordinary.
Intimidating yet charming, Alfie is someone that Thomas needs, and this moment suggests
their relationship is based on mutual respect, as both men seem to understand each other
on a practical level.
Thomas also shows respect for his most trusted family members, evidenced by Polly’s birthday
surprise in the same episode.
Before John Shelby married Esme Lee, the Peaky Blinders had some conflict with the Lee Family.
In the second episode, the gypsies clash after a vulgar insult.
It’s a highly stylized scene, which sheds light on the nature of the setting.
Violence comes naturally for both families, and the score gives the impression that it’s
simply tradition.
It’s a significant moment, as the Lees ultimately plot revenge, leading Thomas to execute his
own cursed horse.
After all, it’s the Peaky Blinders way, and their troubles often begin with physical
confrontations.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
To be “The Man,” you’ve got to beat “The Man.”
In this case, Thomas Shelby just needs to outsmart Alfie Solomons to stay alive.
But the problem is that Alfie wants to kill Thomas, just after the Peaky Blinder signs
over 100% of his business.
It’s a moment of truth, as Thomas calmly reveals his backup plan: a plot to blow up
Alfie’s distillery should he be harmed.
Poor Ollie buckles under the pressure, while Thomas suggests that he actually blew up his
own pub, The Garrison.
The clock ticks, leading Alfie to back down from his original “offer.”
Per usual, Thomas Shelby stays cool under pressure, allowing him to fight another day.