The Shelby’s have always tried to convince themselves that they were doing the right thing, even if it was taking out a man’s eyes with razorblades. They’re dodgy, but not bad people.
But in Black Cats, all of them, and their ability to be good men, is put to the test tonight and frankly, as much as the first episode displayed the show’s strengths, it’s this episode that releases the show’s full potential.
Strap yourselves in, lads, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Loyalties to the family and to Tommy are put to the ultimate test with the sudden involvement of outside influences tearing the Shelby’s to shreds.
Haunted by dreams of a black cat (the sign of a traitor) Tommy (Cillian Murphy) is keeping his wits about him as he tries to figure out who it is.
First on the list is the newly returned Michael (Finn Cole) and wife Gina (Anya Taylor-Joy) who were even accused by the IRA of trying to turn Tommy over…never a good start.
Michael gets a less than pleasant welcome back to Brum as a result of this, and coupled up with his involvement in the company losing thousands in the stock market crash, it’s clear he’s got his work to do.
Unfortunately, his arrogance is getting the better of him a little bit, and with the numerous f*** yous thrown around to every member of the family who didn’t welcome him back with open arms seems a little short-sighted on his part.
Honestly, what was he expecting?
Gina, by surprise, is very much a Shelby girl, with the ability to reign in her man but have a plan of action for herself. We have a feeling that Polly (Helen McCrory) isn’t going to like her very much…but we’re already a little obsessed.
The other Shelby girls are definitely happy though, with Linda and Lizzie joining forces and unionising against their men with the demands for more responsibility within the family, or to leave them.
This obviously, goes down like a lead balloon with Arthur and Tommy, especially considering everything else going on.
Over in London, Ava is still hiding her pregnancy and his jumped on board with Tommy to meet the illusive character of Oswald Mosley (Sam Claflin), an MP so oily even his accent makes you feel grubby.
Finally being able to see him properly in conversation is a highlight of the episode, with his charm failing on Ava as every word from his mouth visibly makes his skin crawl.
But the most heartbreaking moment of the episode – and the most horrific death for a while – comes in the form of the suddenly descending Billy Boys (led by Brian Gleeson’s heartless Jimmy McCavern)
After Aberamam (Aidan Gillan) and Bonnie (Jack Rowan) following China Town showdown of last episode, the gypsy pair had their location turned over by a traitor, and Bonnie didn’t stand a chance as he was pistol-whipped into submission before being hung on a cross and shot.
Rather than send a ‘message’ to the Shelby’s, the move sends Aberamam into a downward spiral that also results in him questioning everyone and coming after Tommy literally guns blazing.
Lesson learned: No one can be trusted in this life.
A broken man can end up doing anything, and Aidan’s performance at breaking the news about his somewhat gentle son’s savage death will grab at your heartstrings. There’s now revenge on his mind, we’re just not sure where he’s going to direct it just yet.
This episode shows the true strength of Peaky Blinders, as it manages to juggle so much without any of the balls being dropped in their court. We can’t wait to see how this all unfolds over the next few weeks.
Peaky Blinders continues Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.
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