A gangster family epic set in 1900s England, centering on a gang who sew razor blades in the peaks of their caps, and their fierce boss Tommy Shelby.
Thomas Shelby and his brothers return to Birmingham after serving in the British Army during WWI. Shelby and his gang, the Peaky Blinders, control the city of Birmingham. However, Shelby's ambitions extend beyond Birmingham, as he plans to build on the business empire he's created, and dispatch anyone who gets in his way.
Birmingham, UK, 1919. In the aftermath of WW1, the Shelby family are making a name for themselves as bookmakers, racketeers and gangsters. Nominally the head of the family is the oldest brother, Arthur, but the real brains, ambition and drive in the organisation lies with Tommy, the second oldest. He will carve out an empire for himself that will stretch beyond Birmingham. This with the aid of his family and his gang, the Peaky Blinders.—grantss
Britain is a mixture of despair and hedonism in 1919 in the aftermath of the Great War. Returning soldiers, newly minted revolutions and criminal gangs are fighting for survival in a nation rocked by economic upheaval. One of the most powerful gangs of the time is the Peaky Blinders, run by returning war hero Thomas Shelby and his family. But Thomas has bigger ambitions than just running the streets. When a crate of guns goes missing, he recognizes an opportunity to advance in the world because crime may pay but legitimate business pays better. Trying to rid Britain of its crime is Inspector Chester Campbell, who arrives from Belfast to try to achieve that goal.—tpsimpleman
Steven Knight's sprawling historical crime drama, Peaky Blinders, unfolds in Birmingham, England, amidst the social and economic turmoil following World War I. The narrative centers on the Shelby family, a formidable gang known for their signature razor blade-laced flat caps, earning them the chilling nickname "Peaky Blinders."
Leading the Shelbys is the cunning and ambitious Tommy Shelby, a decorated WWI soldier forever marked by the horrors he witnessed. Haunted yet resolute, Tommy sets his sights on building a criminal empire. His unwavering resolve and ruthless pragmatism propel the Peaky Blinders into a world of violence and illegal activities, dominating the black market, controlling the gambling scene, and wielding intimidation to maintain their hold on power.
However, the Shelbys' rise is fraught with challenges. Birmingham's streets teem with rivals, most notably the Billy Boys, a ruthless Scottish gang vying for control. The Shelbys must constantly outmaneuver these threats, engaging in bloody gang wars that test their loyalty and leave a trail of bodies in their wake.
Beyond the brutal world of gangsters, the Shelbys navigate a complex social landscape. Their working-class origins clash with their newfound wealth and power, bringing them face-to-face with the upper echelons of society. Tommy, in particular, finds himself drawn to this new world, yet wary of those who might exploit him. This intricate dance adds another layer of tension to the narrative.
Adding to the pressure is the arrival of Inspector Chester Campbell, a relentless police officer determined to clean up the city. Recognizing the Peaky Blinders as the biggest threat, Campbell dedicates himself to bringing them down. His unwavering pursuit forces the Shelbys to constantly evade capture and stay one step ahead of the law.
The series delves deeper than just gang warfare and police chases. It explores the lingering effects of war on Tommy and his brothers as they grapple with PTSD, and the complex dynamics within the Shelby family. Loyalty and ambition constantly clash, leading to betrayals, power struggles, and internal conflicts that threaten to tear the family apart.
Furthermore, Peaky Blinders sheds light on the harsh realities of post-war Britain. Social mobility is a distant dream for many, and the working class struggles to survive. The series portrays the allure of the criminal underworld for those seeking a way out of poverty, even as it exposes the brutality and ruthlessness inherent in such a life.
As the seasons progress, the Peaky Blinders' ambitions expand beyond Birmingham, venturing into the world of politics and international dealings. They encounter new enemies, form unlikely alliances, and grapple with the consequences of their actions. The series becomes a saga of power, redemption, and the enduring pursuit of a legacy amidst a world shrouded in violence and uncertainty.
Malik Haider
