From the electric tension of a derby day strike to a confrontation with the formidable Italian Mafia, Peaky Blinders has consistently delivered captivating season finales. Season 5 stands out as both the pinnacle and the pitfall of the series, weaving a myriad of subplots, narratives, and ideas into a chaotic yet artistically profound season that is bound to evoke mixed reactions among its avid followers. The finale is no different, skillfully setting the stage for the inevitable sixth chapter.
The narrative unfolds with a poignant scene between Churchill and Tommy, where conversations about loyalty and adversaries unfold. Tommy, inquisitive, wonders about Churchill's unexpected visit, prompting the future Prime Minister to broach the topic of Mosley and their supposed alliance. Churchill, privy to secret intelligence, reveals that Tommy has been spying on him. Their dialogue resonates with shared experiences from the First World War and their time in France, as Churchill concedes that they both navigate treacherous waters within the Government and can act as they see fit. As Churchill prepares to depart, he extends an invitation for Tommy to join him in Birmingham for an evening amidst the Shelbys.
Back in Birmingham, the Shelby family convenes for a crucial meeting. Tommy makes a bombshell announcement: Aberama and Polly's impending nuptials, followed by a toast to Ada amidst the somber aftermath of Ben Younger's assassination. However, Michael seizes the moment, revealing that an opium shipment stands to net them £2 million, sparking a shift in family dynamics. He proposes an ambitious expansion into America, envisioning a narcotics empire that could yield 20 million dollars annually.
Tommy, however, dismisses the idea with a dramatic gesture—throwing the file into the flames. Michael persists, asserting that the Americans will only deal with him, not Tommy. This sparks a confrontation, culminating in Polly slapping her son across the face for his betrayal.
Outside, the Blinders calm a restless Barney in the streets before returning to the pub, Michael conspicuously absent. Tommy meticulously outlines the plan, catching Aberama's attention when he reveals McCavern will head security. He rewards each family member with £30,000 for their roles in the upcoming operation. Just as they delve into a fourth agenda item, various players disperse, poised for the monumental day ahead. Enter Mickey, whose betrayal is now undeniable—he has been feeding information to the Titanic Boys and others all along. Tommy, weary and furious, shoots him in the neck, ending his life instantly.
Arthur, desperate for more to be discussed, pleads with his brother, only to be screamed at and tasked with continuing as usual. Tommy then visits Solomon, who, much to everyone's surprise, is very much alive. Bearing a scar from a gunshot wound and a glinting eye, they delve into discussions about fascism and Mosley. Tommy declares his intent to kill Mosley and seeks Solomon's companionship. He offers Alfie £10,000, but upon mentioning Birmingham, raises the stake to £25,000. With a promise to continue until he encounters an insurmountable foe, Tommy returns home, his resolve unshaken.There, he engages in conversation with Polly, who tenders her resignation, vowing that, in light of the harrowing vision she has just witnessed, either he or Arthur must meet their fate. As the fateful day dawns, Mosley graces his political rally, whereas Finn discreetly conveys the intricate details of the assassination plot to Billy, who instinctively grabs the phone rather than the stack of cash before him. The anti-fascist contingent arrives promptly, as Barney positions himself, ready to execute his crucial role. After consuming a line of cocaine to steady his jittery nerves, Arthur bestows him with well-wishes and retreats, leaving him to carry out his duty, while Tommy ventures inside.
Mosley ascends the stage amidst the crowd's reverent salutes and launches into his oration. Adjacent to the podium, Tommy lies in wait, poised for action, as a flurry of protestors rush into the building. Impatiently awaiting the commotion to dissipate, Mosley counts down from ten, but at the count of three, a shadowy figure perched high above terminates Barney with a silent pistol, while Aberama is seized and repeatedly stabbed. Arthur too is apprehended, yet he manages to overpower his assailants. Meanwhile, Tommy grapples to restore order amidst the treacherous bloodbath and devastation.
With the situation unresolved, Tommy dashes back to his dressing room, where Arthur bursts in shortly afterward, relaying the devastating news of Aberama's demise, while Jessie stands frozen in the corner, eyes wide with shock. Realizing that someone had been privy to their plan from the outset, Tommy paces anxiously, endeavoring to decipher who among them could have betrayed them. To compound matters, Mosley remains oblivious to the entire orchestration.
We then skip ahead to Arthur and Tommy reflecting on their uncertain future at his expansive estate. Confronted by an adversary he cannot vanquish, Tommy shakes his head in frustration, wandering aimlessly through the misty acres surrounding his abode. There, he encounters the ethereal visage of Grace, urging him to flee. Tommy raises a gun to his temple and howls to the heavens, leaving the episode—and the series—on a harrowing cliffhanger.
Far from the previous seasons where matters seemed mostly concluded, albeit with lingering issues carrying over to the next, Peaky Blinders leaves the confrontation with Mosley hanging precariously in the balance, teeming with unresolved tension. Aberama's demise, though anticipated, marks a startling conclusion to his journey, particularly considering McCavern's survival of similar perils. With both him and Mosley still breathing, the stage is set for another epic confrontation, potentially paving the way for an enthralling Arthur versus McCavern showdown.
Earlier, I hinted at it, but Peaky Blinders has truly demonstrated its finest hour alongside its flaws this season. The style and production design have reached unprecedented heights in the show's annals, with subtly integrated symbolism and intricate character development, notably Tommy's. However, the three interwoven narratives, coupled with numerous subplots and supporting character arcs, often struggled to find adequate room to flourish. Consequently, the season concludes on a breathtaking cliffhanger, gearing up for a rematch with Mosley.
Solomon's reappearance serves as a delightful surprise, his absence from the season keenly felt. His dark humor perfectly counterbalances the season's intense drama. Although his earlier inclusion would have been a delight, his cameo in the finale stands as a welcome twist.
The finale is bound to spark widespread conversations, with Aberama's brutal slaying and Mosley's continued existence fueling anticipation for season 6. If I were to hazard a guess on who orchestrated the assassination, Michael emerges as a likely suspect. Given the open-ended conclusion, Billy's phone call feels like a deceptive smokescreen, diverting attention from the true perpetrators. Furthermore, this theory aligns with the "plan B" mentioned by Michael's wife during their meeting. Nevertheless, we eagerly await the unfolding future.
Who do you believe betrayed Tommy? Feel free to share your theories below; we are eager to hear your insights into this mystifying twist!
