Peaky Blinders: A Brief Overview
Peaky Blinders is a British crime drama television series created by Steven Knight and produced by Caryn Mandabach Productions, Tiger Aspect Productions, and BBC Birmingham for BBC One. The show is set in Birmingham, England during the post-World War I period and is based on the true story of the Peaky Blinders, a criminal street gang active in Birmingham from the late 19th century and into the early 20th century.
Born from Oppression and Ambition
The story revolves around the head of the criminal gang, Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy), a former soldier returning from World War I. After returning home, Shelby and his brothers take control of the Peaky Blinders, and become a powerful force in Britain’s criminal underworld.
The Peaky Blinders were born out of oppression and ambition. Under the oppressive rule of the landlords, who charged large rents and gave tenants little to nothing in return, many people descended into poverty and had no choice but to turn to crime. As Shelby and his brothers rose to power, they also imposed a “Peaky Blinders Tax,” a taxation system that made illegal activities like gambling and prostitution more lucrative.
In addition, the Peaky Blinders had a violent streak, often resorting to violence and intimidation to get what they wanted. They also formed alliances with other criminal organizations, such as rival gangs and the Irish Free State.
From Small-time Crooks to High-class Gangsters
The series follows the Shelby family as they transition from small-time crooks to high-class gangsters. Along the way, they encounter various enemies, including law enforcement, rival gangs, and other shady characters.
With the passing of time, the show also delves into the lives of the Shelby family, exploring the family dynamics and how each character can—and sometimes cannot—find their place in the world. The show follows a highly serialized format, using flashbacks to tell stories from Thomas Shelby’s past that explain his actions in the present.
The Legacy of Peaky Blinders
The series has been lauded not only for its intricate story lines and engaging characters, but also for its accurate portrayal of the period in Birmingham’s history. Peaky Blinders has been praised for exploring darker elements of the past, such as racism and class division, without being didactic or heavy-handed.
The show has become a cultural sensation, spawning merchandise and inspiring fashion trends. It has been praised by critics and enjoyed by legions of fans around the world. The success of the series has led to five seasons so far, with a sixth season announced and currently in the works.