The opening episode of Season 6 of "Peaky Blinders" begins with Tommy still grappling with the aftermath of the aborted assassination attempt on Oswald. At the estate, haunted once more by the spectral visions of Grace, Tommy raises his gun in desperation—only to find it barren of bullets. Lizzie's entrance is steeped in grimness as she reveals that Arthur had surreptitiously removed the ammunition. With a look of disgust, she scatters six reasons for him to surrender on the floor and strides away, her parting shot branding Tommy as a coward.
Tommy's reluctant decision to forgo self-annihilation paves the way for an intriguing twist as he retreats to his office. A crucial phone call brings to light that the attack was orchestrated by three Dublin brigades of the Republican Army. He is further informed of a organizational restructuring, accompanied by a grim omen: three bodies left as collateral damage—the sniper, Aberama Gold, and, though unseen due to Helen McCrory's passing, Polly Shelby, honored by a poignant portrait. Her caravan, a symbol of her legacy, is solemnly torched by Michael, who vows vengeance against Tommy. Given their fraught history, this誓言 of retaliation hardly comes as a shock.
The narrative then skips ahead four years, transporting us to Miquelon Island, a territory of Newfoundland nestled in France. The date is December 5th, 1933, and a bone-chilling cold pervades the air. Snow blankets the ground in a patchy quilt as Tommy Shelby trudges through the frost-crusted earth and biting wind, ultimately arriving at Hotel Robert.Tommy currently occupies the meeting room under his reservation for a later engagement, but in the meantime, he finds solace in sipping water—a recent resolution of his to abstain from alcohol. However, his actions have stirred up a hornet's nest among the island's inhabitants, as his influential maneuvers have led to decent folks being displaced from their jobs, their livelihoods shattered in the wake of his decisions.
While Tommy's choice to hydrate with water stems purely from his vow to quit drinking, the other men perceive it as a flagrant betrayal of their cherished values, an insult that mocks them openly. Jean-Claude, the de facto leader of a faction perched at the bar's edge, keenly observing this unfolding scenario, insists that Tommy partake in a toast. But as tensions escalate to a boiling point, Tommy demonstrates his prowess by drawing his firearm, discharging it to punctuate the wall—and, unfortunately, a hapless pigeon—with bullets, a stark display of his unwavering resolve.
Yet, Tommy refrains from taking a life, emphasizing to his adversaries that he has grown far more composed and rational than his former self. Polly's demise has served as an anchor for Tommy, steadying his resolve. He now possesses a clear motive for seeking retribution, and it is evident that he is orchestrating a meticulous, long-term strategy.On the final day of the prohibition era, Tommy orchestrates a crucial gathering, inviting Michael and his entourage. However, Michael finds himself entangled with Jack Nelson and his notorious Boston gang. Tommy harbors ambitions of forging an alliance for a promising new venture, capitalizing on the impending revolution in shipping systems. At the heart of this plan lies Miquelon, a strategic island paradise, effortlessly facilitating the clandestine transfer of contraband to both America and Canada. Its untouched shores present an unparalleled opportunity for smuggling illicit narcotics, shielded from the FBI's reach. For four years, Tommy and his men have been discreetly importing opium from Shanghai, using abandoned vessels as their conduit. This fresh opportunity, coupled with Tommy's cozy relationship with the police commissioner—bolstered by a generous bribe of 12 million francs—promises unprecedented profits.
When Tommy attempts to curtail the meeting, citing his newly adopted abstinence from whisky, the Americans insist, pouring him a generous glass and compelling him to recite a poem. Once the verses have echoes in the air, Tommy drops another revelation, stunning the assembled crowd: a mole resides within their ranks, marked by a "Bleeding Heart tattoo with 'Maria' inscribed in crimson." As he exits, Tommy leaves a business card at the bar, whispering words of resilience to those watching: "Every calamity is but another chance in disguise."
Yet, Arthur finds himself trapped in a whirlwind of despair and missed opportunities. His relapse into addiction and struggles to cope with Polly's passing overshadow any glimmer of hope. Ada, attempting to emulate a stern yet supportive sibling, finds herself overwhelmed and outmatched in her efforts.Returning to Tommy, it becomes evident that he has orchestrated a meticulous plan. Of course, a man of his caliber would never be without one. After striking a deal with Michael and relinquishing the opium into his possession, Tommy subtly alerts the police, providing them with precise details of his intended movements and actions. Unsurprisingly, this leads to his arrest.
Meanwhile, in the confines of Boston Prison, Michael's fury is palpable. Gina arrives in a rage, demanding clarification on the unfolding events. Michael, swayed by Tommy's assertions about the informant within their ranks, unknowingly falls prey to a strategy designed to sow paranoia and discord among the gang. He urges Gina to reach out to Jack Nelson, affectionately known as Uncle Jack, and secure his release.
Instead, Gina retreats to her home, where she indulges in an enigmatic dance. Just as she offers Tommy a drink, his unexpected arrival interrupts her. One wonders about the fascination everyone seems to have with offering Tommy a libation.
Jack conveys a stark message to Tommy: "No deal." Gina boasts of Jack's unparalleled success in business, highlighted by his upcoming meeting with the President of the United States. He has no time for "petty players."
Tommy retaliates sharply, revealing his true identity as the informant. His motive? To present Jack with a quandary so daunting that it will make him think twice before crossing Tommy. His ultimatum is clear: If Jack refuses to make a deal, Tommy will turn to the East Boston Jews, specifically the influential Solomon family, potentially sparking a full-scale war and a seismic shift in power dynamics.
Tommy places a call home, where Lizzie reveals that Ruby's condition has worsened. She mutters in Romany, prompting Tommy, deeply concerned for her well-being, to board the next steamer bound for England.
Prior to that, however, he pays Michael a visit, only to be astonished upon discovering that Tommy is the informant. Seething with rage, Tommy taunts him further by mentioning his impending meeting with Nelson, while Michael is condemned to rot in prison for an extended period—all by Jack's command. Just as he prepares to depart, Tommy stirs the hornet's nest even more vigorously, divulging that Gina is en route to London accompanied by Jack and his trio of meticulously chosen associates. Should the occasion arise, Tommy assures he'll keep her company. Michael is incensed beyond measure.
