10 Harsh Realities Of Rewatching Peaky Blinders 11 Years After The Show Premiered

11 years ago, Peaky Blinders marched onto the screen with an unmatched sense of cunning coolness. It captivated viewers with its enthralling depiction of Birmingham’s criminal underworld, with the Shelby family’s fierce loyalty and razor-sharp ambition quickly becoming the stuff of TV legend. With stylized violence and a brooding tone, it’s hard not to stay fully engaged throughout this show, up until Peaky Blinders‘ biggest twists and surprises in the final season. The show thoroughly historically shaped modern gangster dramas, creating a golden franchise that has run for six seasons and will now get a movie.

Despite its stellar execution, as time passes, certain details stand out in a new light. From character spotlight to ambiguous timelines such as the Peaky Blinders season 6 time jump, this show possesses some harsh realities that can be perceived in different ways. Some of these twists have shaped varying narrative demands in the streets of Small Heath, changing the show for either the better or worse in the eyes of different viewers.

10

Peaky Blinders Is Outdated Compared To Its Soundtrack

Artists like Arctic Monkeys and Nick Cave are featured

Peaky Blinders gained instant recognition for mixing modern rock tracks into the dusty atmosphere of post–World War I Birmingham. This contrasting yet complementary feature of the show was blatantly genius. Tracks by Nick Cave, Arctic Monkeys, and various others bridged the gap between old and new, giving hard-hitting scenes the perfect sonic backdrop to linger in viewers’ minds. Certain moments land like music videos that blatantly reveal how the series caters to contemporary trends. This could be perceived either way by audiences.

At first, it was electric hearing modern music in Peaky Blinders. As time went on, the soundtrack definitely could have changed a little more. High-energy guitar riffs clash with the era’s subdued pace which underscores overall authenticity in the Peaky Blinders world. Overall these music choices can leave fans of the franchise confused. Some may love the integration of their favorite bands and some may with the period drama take a more typical approach. Either way, it’s up to personal taste.

9

Cillian Murphy Gets All The Attention

But many can agree it’s well-deserved

Cillian Murphy became synonymous with Peaky Blinders and vice versa. Many know him as Tommy Shelby, the commander of practically every scene in the show. His presence consistently looms and overshadows other talented actors in the ensemble. This says a couple of different things. To start, many may argue that there is no reason Murphy’s ice-cold stare wouldn’t permeate through every aspect of Peaky Blinders. It’s too good, it’s too fun to watch, and there’s no reason he shouldn’t be in every minute of the show.

However, performances from Paul Anderson and Sophie Rundle got more or less trampled by the show’s deep fixation on Tommy Shelby. In later seasons, it’s especially prominent, with Thomas Shelby producing a majority of the quotes and dialogue. The show could evolve with a stronger display of other character’s developments (which are mostly off-screen). While other characters like Polly or John are thrown to the side, Murphy’s undeniable presence is hard to bargain with.

8

Set Design And Production Are Unrealistic

The Show Has An Unique Style To It

Peaky Blinders excelled at conjuring a grimy, industrial atmosphere at many points throughout the show. However, some sets don’t resonate as much as others. Factories appear squeaky clean under stark lighting which clashes with the show’s gritty narrative. Modern influences also creep in at points. Whether it be polished vehicles or anachronistic architecture in certain shots, the visuals in Peaky Blinders are just as thrilling as they are unrealistic.

With some accuracy at stake, creative flair is able to flourish in the show. This stylized blend of vintage grit and subtle modernity may leave period drama enthusiasts quaking in their trousers. However, it also leaves the vast majority of others entertained with production value exceeding the plot’s period. Stunning visuals make this show feel just as much like a music video as its catchy soundtrack, all factors that can be perceived either way by audiences.

7

The Finales Go Overboard With Tension

It feels formulaic after a certain amount of times

Each season of Peaky Blinders ends on a high note. Stakes are exponentially higher and showdowns don’t happen unless they are teetering the line of sheer catastrophe. Dramatic cliffhangers and last-minute twists are standard fare. There’s no shortage of peril. Consistent patterns of explosive finales tend to exist in similar ways season after season, and while this is lots of fun to watch, it can certainly lead to some viewer fatigue.

Tension always has to escalate beyond the previous climax, and observers may even find themselves anticipating the next moments as they display themselves in a historical cycle. Seemingly more formulaic than groundbreaking at points, this approach works in small doses but ceases to thrive as a recurring finale. The excitement of Peaky Blinders finales remains undeniable, but these adrenaline-packed moments also fall short when constantly stacked up against each other.

6

Some Seasons Have Excessive Time Jumps

Season 6 is a prime example of this issue

It wouldn’t be surprising if many viewers are left confused, frustrated, or overall dissociated when Peaky Blinders skips time between seasons. Characters develop off-screen which keeps the show’s pace brisk and entertaining, but it also burns through a lot of fun storytelling that could have made the show even longer. Characters may appear with scars or status changes which forces the viewer to do mental gymnastics to stay up to date with things. Continuity gets disrupted throughout the Peaky Blinders timeline which isn’t a direct issue, more so lost potential for an even longer running show.

The jumps definitely maintain momentum. There’s no doubt about that. However, they also risk glossing over pivotal character arcs. This makes major plotlines feel rushed. It cushions the impact of revelations yet contributes to the swift, cinematic vibe that defines Peaky Blinders. Some may argue that the show is better off leaving some things unsaid, but others may crave even more from the show’s universe.

5

Historical Accuracy In Peaky Blinders Is Loose

Winston Churchill is a prime example of it

Since the story of Peaky Blinders is grounded in the aftermath of World War I, it would make sense for the show to be fully historically accurate. Contrary to this belief, there’s a frequent blend of fiction that creates fantasy yet blurs reality. No matter what, it’s up to the individual to decide what they value more. From the time period itself to Winston Churchill’s appearances, there’s a lot of confusion surrounding Peaky Blinders that’s often traded for cinematic appeal.

Continuously, the series prioritizes drama over factual detail as gangs operate with near-impunity in postwar England. This certainly adds flair. However, actual crime rings faced stiffer hurdles. Overstated political connections further widen this gap, and the Shelby family’s cunning empire-building essentially sits atop a plethora of false information. No matter what, this loose framework allows Peaky Blinders to weave an enthralling narrative. It’s part period piece, part crime saga, and part fantasy.

4

The Endless Cigarette Count Is Ridiculous

Cillian Murphy smoked roughly 3,000 herbal cigarettes per season filmed

Peaky Blinders is often remembered and objectified for its pervasive smoking. Characters lighting up in nearly every scene reportedly went through tens of thousands of herbal cigarettes throughout filming, with Cillian Murphy shocked at how many cigarettes he smoked in Peaky Blinders. This might come across as glamorous on-screen, but it also borders on parody. It inadvertently adds some humor to the show which is also great for the franchise as it gives the fandom something to laugh about. On the other hand, it may appear as a bit of a crutch that the show tends to rely on.

Tommy Shelby’s character is frequently depicted smoking Sweet Afton cigarettes, an Irish brand popular during the early 20th century.

Rewatching highlights show just how integral cigarettes have become to Peaky Blinders’ aesthetic. They are almost as iconic as the razor-laden caps and this visual imagery overall takes the show’s brooding atmosphere to the next level. However, at a point the chain-smoking begins to take a toll on the plot, existing as more of a distraction than anything else. This could be justified in some ways through period authenticity, but at the end of the day, these visual themes do get a little repetitive in Peaky Blinders.

3

The Shelby Family (Almost) Always Comes Out On Top

They’ve suffered individual losses but have always proven victorious

The Shelby clan rarely experiences lasting defeat. Outnumbered or outmaneuvered, the family always finds a way to scramble out of danger. With cunning plans and timely assists, the Shelbys know what they are doing and it’s fun to watch them consistently dominate the streets of Small Heath. It’s thrilling to watch these characters outsmart terrifying enemies, but there is a little bit of an escape hatch that becomes apparent after some time. The pattern begins to feel a little predictable which overall takes some tension away.

Suspense is essentially reduced thanks to the near-invincibility of the Shelby family, and while Tommy’s relentless resourcefulness keeps the drama alive, it also robs enemies of their teeth. The true vulnerability only emerges briefly and at points. It’s quickly overshadowed by strategic brilliance, and the Shelby family’s consistent wins constantly reinforce the audience’s predictions on what may happen next.

2

Peaky Blinders Constantly Lays Down Brutality

The constant violence can be overwhelming

Brutality is a hallmark of Peaky Blinders. Many people primarily watch this show due to its visceral edge that leaves squeamish viewers reeling in their seats, but certain scenes border on an excess of violence which showcases an unnerving relish for gore that reflects upon British gang culture of this period. Characters routinely display comfort for bloodshed which creates the inevitable moral landscape in which brutality is the norm.

In early seasons, violence often underscores the Shelbys’ struggle for survival. Later on, bloodshed is even more of a narrative staple, with some of Peaky Blinders‘ most memorable quotes being about violence. High body counts, brutal methods of violence, and scary shock tactics all work together in a volatile way, keeping tension high and ending confrontations with carnage. This unflinching depiction of violence is engaging but can do some damage to the plot, often overshadowing nuanced explorations of loyalty and family. As a result, the show often feels a little too barbaric which can be distracting from more intellectually driven plotlines.

1

Birmingham Feels Weirdly Small

There could have been less tunnel vision in the set design and characters

Peaky Blinders creates an intimate portrait of postwar Birmingham. Key locations like the Garrison Pub and Charlie Strong’s yard dominate the show’s setting. However, this zoned-in focus makes the city seem a lot smaller than it actually is. Expanding this scope could have highlighted the actual bustling heart of this industrial ecosystem, but most action still resides in tightly confined sets or alleyways.

The Garrison Pub, a central location in Peaky Blinders, was actually filmed in Liverpool, not Birmingham.

This compact depiction suits the show’s gangster-thriller tone but sacrifices some realism, and is further impacted by a lack of other prominent characters or factions. The Shelbys are without a doubt the leading force in Peaky Blinders, and that’s completely okay. Maybe the tunnel vision prominent within the storyline and set is purposely integrated to achieve a desired cinematic effect. No matter what, Peaky Blinders will forever remain a timeless show. It just has some questionable aspects that are interesting to consider, strictly out of love for the franchise.