PEAKY BLINDERS Series 2, Episode 2 Review

Can Peaky Blinders follow-up from it’s fabulous premier? Read on to find out.

The official description from BBC:

Tommy offers to help Polly by searching for her children, who long ago were taken from her. In London, Tommy risks his life by meeting enigmatic leader Alfie Solomons. Meanwhile Arthur continues to feel the devastating effects of the Great War.

Following the explosive conclusion to last weeks opening episode, Peaky Blinders‘ second series moves further into the bigger picture. This results in a somewhat somber tone to the episode, with events slowing down ever so slightly. This in no way however means that the series has lost it’s edge, quite the contrary, with the more focused direction allowing us to see the Shelby’s in a much deeper way than ever before.

There are many elements on display throughout this episode, with there being some wonderful character developments, as well as some interesting introductions. Between Polly’s (Helen McCrory) quest to find her long lost children, and Arthur’s (Paul Anderson) battle with memories of the war the Shelby family are faced with their share of problems, with Tommy (Cillian Murphy) as every having to find a way of making things right. If this was the most compelling part of Steven Knight‘s script, then the most gripping came with the introduction of Alfie Solomons (Tom Hardy), with the meeting between him and Tommy being very intense, all be it short. There is also once again a brilliant choice of accompanying music, with director Colm McCarthy setting a suspenseful tone throughout.

The cast of this show never fail to impress, with the new additions only adding to the ever evolving dynamic. The big addition in this episode was obviously Tom Hardy, with The Dark Knight Rises actor having fans eagerly anticipating his arrival. Though as previously stated his appearance was rather brief, it was as expected a very deep and intense performance, with the chemistry between Hardy and lead actor Cillian Murphy adding a tense atmosphere. Despite this it was Paul Anderson who gave the strongest performance, with his portrayal of a broken man who’s been affected by the war making it hard not to feel some sort of sorrow towards his character. In addition to this fellow series regulars Sam Neill and Helen McCrory give solid performances.

Peaky Blinders is once again becoming the must watch series on British television, with it’s deep character development, and strong acting allowing for some truly captivating moments. It also introduces new elements, following on from last episodes explosive ending wonderfully. Due to all this I have no trouble in recommending this episode, as though not on par with the first, it was certainly well worth watching.