11 years ago,Peaky Blindersmarched onto the screen with an unmatched sense of cunning coolness. It captivated viewers with its enthralling depiction of Birmingham’s criminal underworld,with the Shelby family’s fierce loyalty and razor-sharp ambition quickly becoming the stuff of TV legend.With stylized violence and a brooding tone, it’s hard not to stay fully engaged throughout this show, up untilPeaky Blinders’biggest twists and surprises in the final season.The show thoroughly historically shaped modern gangster dramas, creating a golden franchise that has run for six seasons and will now get a movie.
Despite its stellar execution, as time passes, certain details stand out in a new light. From character spotlight to ambiguous timelines such as thePeaky Blindersseason 6 time jump, this showpossesses some harsh realities that can be perceived in different ways. Some of these twists have shaped varying narrative demands in the streets of Small Heath,changing the show for either the better or worse in the eyes of different viewers.
10Peaky Blinders Is Outdated Compared To Its Soundtrack
Artists like Arctic Monkeys and Nick Cave are featured
Peaky Blindersgained instant recognition for mixing modern rock tracks into the dusty atmosphere of post–World War I Birmingham. This contrasting yet complementary feature of the show was blatantly genius. Tracks by Nick Cave, Arctic Monkeys, and various others bridged the gap between old and new,giving hard-hitting scenes the perfect sonic backdrop to linger in viewers’ minds.Certain moments land like music videos that blatantly reveal how the series caters to contemporary trends. This could be perceived either way by audiences.
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At first, it was electric hearing modern music inPeaky Blinders. As time went on, the soundtrack definitely could have changed a little more. High-energy guitar riffs clash with the era’s subdued pace which underscores overall authenticity in thePeaky Blindersworld. Overall these music choices can leave fans of the franchise confused. Some may love the integration of their favorite bands and some may with the period drama take a more typical approach. Either way,it’s up to personal taste.
9Cillian Murphy Gets All The Attention
But many can agree it’s well-deserved
Cillian Murphy became synonymous withPeaky Blindersand vice versa. Many know him as Tommy Shelby, the commander of practically every scene in the show. His presence consistently looms and overshadows other talented actors in the ensemble. This says a couple of different things. To start, many may argue that there is no reason Murphy’s ice-cold stare wouldn’t permeate through every aspect ofPeaky Blinders. It’s too good, it’s too fun to watch,and there’s no reason he shouldn’t be in every minute of the show.
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However, performances from Paul Anderson and Sophie Rundle got more or less trampled by the show’s deep fixation on Tommy Shelby. In later seasons, it’s especially prominent, withThomas Shelby producing a majority of the quotesand dialogue. The show could evolve with a stronger display of other character’s developments (which are mostly off-screen). While other characters like Polly or John are thrown to the side,Murphy’s undeniable presence is hard to bargain with.
8Set Design And Production Are Unrealistic
The Show Has An Unique Style To It
Peaky Blindersexcelled at conjuring a grimy, industrial atmosphere at many points throughout the show. However, some sets don’t resonate as much as others. Factories appear squeaky clean under stark lighting which clashes with the show’s gritty narrative. Modern influences also creep in at points. Whether it be polished vehicles or anachronistic architecture in certain shots,the visuals inPeaky Blindersare just as thrilling as they are unrealistic.
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With some accuracy at stake, creative flair is able to flourish in the show. This stylized blend of vintage grit and subtle modernity may leave period drama enthusiasts quaking in their trousers. However, it also leaves the vast majority of others entertained with production value exceeding the plot’s period. Stunning visuals make this show feel just as much like a music video as its catchy soundtrack,all factors that can be perceived either way by audiences.
7The Finales Go Overboard With Tension
It feels formulaic after a certain amount of times
Each season ofPeaky Blindersends on a high note. Stakes are exponentially higher and showdowns don’t happen unless they are teetering the line of sheer catastrophe. Dramatic cliffhangers and last-minute twists are standard fare. There’s no shortage of peril. Consistent patterns of explosive finales tend to exist in similar ways season after season, and while this is lots of fun to watch,it can certainly lead to some viewer fatigue.
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Tension always has to escalate beyond the previous climax, and observers may even find themselves anticipating the next moments as they display themselves in a historical cycle. Seemingly more formulaic than groundbreaking at points, this approach works in small doses but ceases to thrive as a recurring finale. The excitement ofPeaky Blindersfinales remains undeniable,but these adrenaline-packed moments also fall short when constantly stacked up against each other.
6Some Seasons Have Excessive Time Jumps
Season 6 is a prime example of this issue
It wouldn’t be surprising if many viewers are left confused, frustrated, or overall dissociated whenPeaky Blindersskips time between seasons. Characters develop off-screen which keeps the show’s pace brisk and entertaining, but it also burns through a lot of fun storytelling that could have made the show even longer. Characters may appear with scars or status changes which forces the viewer to do mental gymnastics to stay up to date with things. Continuity gets disrupted throughout thePeaky Blinderstimeline which isn’t a direct issue,more so lost potential for an even longer running show.
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The jumps definitely maintain momentum. There’s no doubt about that. However, they also risk glossing over pivotal character arcs. This makes major plotlines feel rushed. It cushions the impact of revelations yet contributes to the swift, cinematic vibe that definesPeaky Blinders. Some may argue that the show is better off leaving some things unsaid,but others may crave even more from the show’s universe.
5Historical Accuracy In Peaky Blinders Is Loose
Winston Churchill is a prime example of it
Since the story ofPeaky Blindersis grounded in the aftermath of World War I, it would make sense for the show to be fully historically accurate. Contrary to this belief, there’s a frequent blend of fiction that creates fantasy yet blurs reality. No matter what, it’s up to the individual to decide what they value more. From the time period itself to Winston Churchill’s appearances,there’s a lot of confusion surroundingPeaky Blindersthat’s often traded for cinematic appeal.
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Continuously, the series prioritizes drama over factual detail as gangs operate with near-impunity in postwar England. This certainly adds flair. However, actual crime rings faced stiffer hurdles. Overstated political connections further widen this gap, and the Shelby family’s cunning empire-building essentially sits atop a plethora of false information. No matter what,this loose framework allowsPeaky Blindersto weave an enthralling narrative.It’s part period piece, part crime saga, and part fantasy.
4The Endless Cigarette Count Is Ridiculous
Cillian Murphy smoked roughly 3,000 herbal cigarettes per season filmed
Peaky Blindersis often remembered and objectified for its pervasive smoking. Characters lighting up in nearly every scene reportedly went through tens of thousands of herbal cigarettes throughout filming, withCillian Murphy shocked at how many cigarettes he smoked inPeaky Blinders. This might come across as glamorous on-screen, but it also borders on parody. It inadvertently adds some humor to the show which is also great for the franchise as it gives the fandom something to laugh about. On the other hand,it may appear as a bit of a crutch that the show tends to rely on.
Tommy Shelby’s character is frequently depicted smoking Sweet Afton cigarettes, an Irish brand popular during the early 20th century.
Rewatching highlights show just how integral cigarettes have become to Peaky Blinders’ aesthetic. They are almost as iconic as the razor-laden caps and this visual imagery overall takes the show’s brooding atmosphere to the next level. However, at a point the chain-smoking begins to take a toll on the plot, existing as more of a distraction than anything else. This could be justified in some ways through period authenticity,but at the end of the day, these visual themes do get a little repetitive inPeaky Blinders.
3The Shelby Family (Almost) Always Comes Out On Top
They’ve suffered individual losses but have always proven victorious
The Shelby clan rarely experiences lasting defeat. Outnumbered or outmaneuvered, the family always finds a way to scramble out of danger. With cunning plans and timely assists, the Shelbys know what they are doing and it’s fun to watch them consistently dominate the streets of Small Heath.It’s thrilling to watch these characters outsmart terrifying enemies,but there is a little bit of an escape hatch that becomes apparent after some time. The pattern begins to feel a little predictable which overall takes some tension away.
Suspense is essentially reduced thanks to the near-invincibility of the Shelby family, and while Tommy’s relentless resourcefulness keeps the drama alive, it also robs enemies of their teeth. The true vulnerability only emerges briefly and at points. It’s quickly overshadowed by strategic brilliance, and the Shelby family’s consistent wins constantly reinforce the audience’s predictions on what may happen next.
2Peaky Blinders Constantly Lays Down Brutality
The constant violence can be overwhelming
Brutality is a hallmark ofPeaky Blinders.Many people primarily watch this show due to its visceral edge that leaves squeamish viewers reeling in their seats,but certain scenes border on an excess of violence which showcases an unnerving relish for gore that reflects upon British gang culture of this period. Characters routinely display comfort for bloodshed which creates the inevitable moral landscape in which brutality is the norm.
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In early seasons, violence often underscores the Shelbys’ struggle for survival. Later on, bloodshed is even more of a narrative staple, with some ofPeaky Blinders' most memorable quotes being about violence. High body counts, brutal methods of violence, and scary shock tactics all work together in a volatile way, keeping tension high and ending confrontations with carnage.This unflinching depiction of violence is engaging but can do some damage to the plot,often overshadowing nuanced explorations of loyalty and family. As a result, the show often feels a little too barbaric which can be distracting from more intellectually driven plotlines.
1Birmingham Feels Weirdly Small
There could have been less tunnel vision in the set design and characters
Peaky Blinderscreates an intimate portrait of postwar Birmingham. Key locations like the Garrison Pub and Charlie Strong’s yard dominate the show’s setting. However, this zoned-in focus makes the city seem a lot smaller than it actually is. Expanding this scope could have highlighted the actual bustling heart of this industrial ecosystem,but most action still resides in tightly confined sets or alleyways.
The Garrison Pub, a central location inPeaky Blinders, was actually filmed in Liverpool, not Birmingham.
This compact depiction suits the show’s gangster-thriller tone but sacrifices some realism, and is further impacted by a lack of other prominent characters or factions.The Shelbys are without a doubt the leading force inPeaky Blinders,and that’s completely okay. Maybe the tunnel vision prominent within the storyline and set is purposely integrated to achieve a desired cinematic effect. No matter what,Peaky Blinderswill forever remain a timeless show. It just has some questionable aspects that are interesting to consider, strictly out of love for the franchise.
Peaky Blinders
Cast
Peaky Blinders is a historical crime drama created and written by Steven Knight and starring Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill, and Helen McCrory. The television show is based on the gang, Peaky Blinders, a group that banded together after the end of World War I.
