When the second episode begins, Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) pays a visit to the Lanchester Motor Company. During his visit, he manages to obtain the keys to a storage unit, which is full of army tanks. Afterwards, Tommy meets up with Father John Hughes (Paddy Considine), who tells him about his connections. The vicar also chats about Tommy’s upcoming foundation and his friend’s intentions of getting involved. When their conversation comes to an end, Tommy tells his new friend to tell his comrades that he has been to the factories and has discovered 27 tanks. Before he departs, the vicar tells Tommy to head to London for a meeting with Grand Duke Leon Petrovna (Jan Bijvoet). Next, we jump to the Duke and watch as he confirms the meeting. While Tommy is out of the area, John (Joe Cole) and Arthur (Paul Anderson) meet with the Changretta gang leader.

Vicente Changretta (Kenneth Colley) attempts to convince Arthur and John to leave his son alone and that he’ll see whoever he wishes. Things don’t go over so well, when John threatens to put two bullets in the man’s legs. Vicente smashes a chair to bits, before Arthur orders Isiah (Jordan Bolger) to add two men to their clubs to prevent any possible repercussions. Next, Tommy heads to the library and finds a book with the help of his sister, Ada (Sophie Rundle). The book contains information regarding the Grand Duke and his time with the army. Meanwhile, Polly (Helen McCrory) speaks with John and attempts to convince him to apologize for his actions. Tommy arrives in London and is pestered for money, before being allowed to see his contact. He hands it over and sits down with the Grand Duke, who rambles on about his time in the army, before the men get down to business.

Tommy admits he was promised more than he was given for killing the spy. Petronva gives him a massive sapphire to tide things over. Back at home, John sneaks upon Vicente’s son and attacks him viciously. Once Tommy returns home, he meets with Michael (Finn Cole) and his introduced to his new woman, Charlotte Murray (Stephanie Hyam), whose father makes cars. Afterwards, he meets up with Polly, Arthur and John to learn about John’s exploits. Surprisingly, Tommy sides with John and insists they need to attack two of Vicente’s clubs tonight, as caving in will only result in further pushback from their rivals. Petrovna speaks with his wife and is told that he may be required to kill Tommy himself, after this business comes to a conclusion. Tommy finally returns home and learns about their guests accepting their invitations for the upcoming fundraising dinner. Tommy also gives his wife the massive sapphire as a necklace.

Linda (Kate Phillips) confronts Arthur and learns about his decision to go out. Linda tells Arthur that he needs to start working in the light and that he has his own light inside of his head. Nonetheless, Arthur follows through with Tommy’s orders and helps attack the two clubs. However, he returns home afterwards, despite being ridiculed by John every step of the way. In the morning Vicente checks on his son in the hospital and plans for him to get away from the city. Tommy gets brought in by Scotland Yard, who is working for Father John Hughes and his comrades. Tommy has an intense showdown with the Vicar and his dog, but it amounts to very little aside from a few threats. The Vicar admits Tommy would be dead, if he wanted it so. He also tells Tommy to look under his son’s pillow, when he arrives home. Tommy does so immediately and finds a business card.

The card features the name of The Co-Operative Crematorium. The bad of the card says, “Charles Shelby R.I.P”. Tommy is confronted by Grace, but he manages to keep the situation a secret. Next, Ruben Oliver (Alexander Siddig) pays a visit to Polly and is nearly set up with a date by Ada. He also profusely compliments Polly’s dress, which he wears to Tommy’s fundraising dinner. Tommy and Grace, who is wearing the sapphire, join the party. The pair speaks with the leader of the Birmingham City Council, Danny, who Tommy knows firsthand. Seconds into the conversation, John Hughes and MP Patrick Jarvis enter. Tommy speaks with the men in private and learns about their desire for Princess Tatiana Petrovna (Gaite Jansen) to examine the lockup. Although Tommy insists it will be a bad ideal, they refuse to back down. Also, Tommy outlines his plans for the robbery and insists he will not forget what has been done to him.

Tommy immediately returns to the party and chats with Tatiana, who tells him that the sapphire has been cursed by a gypsy. Tommy rushes over to his wife and attempts to get her to take it off. She doesn’t. Seconds later a man rushes in and shouts, “For Angel!”, before he fires at the pair. Grace is hit and goes down, while the others viciously attack the man.

 

Peaky Blinders Review

The second episode of Peaky Blinders was definitely an improvement over the previous. The episode felt fresh and new, whereas the previous opener was fairly uneventful. The episode did a better job of expanding on the storyline and setting up previous additions. It seems the trouble the Shelby family has gotten themselves has doubled and quite possibly tripled. However, the attack on Grace could leave Tommy in a fit of rage. What could happen next?

A good episode, which deserves an 8.5 out of 10. Check out previous recaps of Peaky Blinders right now.