The second season of Peaky Blinders kicks off two years, after the ending of the first season. Things haven’t changed very much. Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy) continues pushing the Peaky Blinders further and further, with hopes of taking their gambling racket legal. Arthur Shelby (Paul Anderson) continues spiraling out of control, as he continues steering the crazy train right off the tracks. Meanwhile, John Shelby (Joe Cole) has arguments about Thomas’s handling of the company business, but still remains loyal to his brother.

While Aunt Polly (Helen McCrory) attempts to discover the current conditions of her children, which were taken from her, when they were young, Ada Shelby (Sophie Rundle) wishes to cut all ties with the family and start a life of her own. With the death of Freddie Thorne (Iddo Goldberg), Ada seems lost and scorned with the Shelby clan.

As Thomas attempts to push his business into London, he discovers an ongoing war between Dary Sabini (Noah Taylor) and Alfie Solomons (Tom Hardy). In the meantime, an old friend, Chester Campbell (Sem Neill) has arrived back in town. Of course, Campbell is now working closer with Winston Churchill (Richard McCabe) and begins using Thomas to pull off a series of murders. While Thomas continues delving deeming into the underbelly of London, he makes the decision to purchase a horse, Grace’s Secret, which helps him develop a new love interest, May Carleton (Charlotte Riley), who agrees to train the horse to race at Epsom.

Of course, we quickly discover that Grace Burgess (Annabelle Wallis) didn’t die at the end of the first season. In fact, she has been living happily in New York for the past two years. When she travels back to England, she quickly wishes to make contact with Thomas. Will Thomas be able to resist the urges to accept Grace back into his life? Or will he stick with his new flame, May Carleton?

With the help of Thomas, Aunt Polly is able to track down her living son, Michael Gray (Finn Cole). Will he run from the criminal family or embrace them will open arms? And will Polly even allow it? In the meantime, Thomas sides with the Jewish gangs of London, when he makes a deal with their leader, Alfie Solomons. Will he be able to use this to gain control over London for the Peaky Blinders? Or will Sabini be able to negotiate and maintain the upper hand?

At the same time, Chester Campbell’s true intentions begin to show, as he gives Thomas a deal he cannot refuse. Thomas must kill a military man, Field Marshal Russell (James Richard Marshall). If all goes according to plan for Campbell, both men will be dead and war will be declared against the anti-treaty IRA. Will Tommy be able to outsmart the now handicapped Campbell? Or will season two end with the death of the Peaky Blinders?

Review


Despite only being six episodes, a lot happens during each season. In fact, many would argue that six episode seasons are better than twelve, sixteen or twenty two. It can certainly be said that Peaky Blinder has no filler or unnecessary moments. Much like Thomas Shelby, the show is all business from start to finish. With that, the show doesn’t get bogged down with filler episodes. Instead, we receive a comprehensive story that carries perfectly from open episode to another.

It is hard to find fault with Cillian Murphy, as Thomas Shelby. In fact, he plays the role perfectly with an air of confidence that is often contributed to a lack of care. Paul Anderson should also be credited this season for going off the rails and delivering a fun, but slightly psychotic and edgy Arthur Shelby. Of course, the new additions to season two were fine as well, especially Noah Taylor as Sabini and Tom Hardy as Solomons.

While many people argue with the soundtrack choices of the show and I see where they’re coming from, I completely disagree. Going with a more timely soundtrack certainly didn’t help Boardwalk Empire any. In fact, I feel the music from Peaky Blinders helps to build intensity and emotion at all the right times. Regardless, music choice should not stop you from watching this excellent series, which is likely one of the best currently on television.

Peaky Blinders Season 2 is a roller coaster ride with ups and downs for the gang. I definitely enjoyed my time with the Blinders and you should too. The season deserves a 9.5 out of 10. I cannot wait for Peaky Blinders Season 3!