Ep 2. Episode 2

The second episode of Peaky Blinders season 1 is all about keeping the family together. With Aunt Polly in jail, Tommy Shelby and his brothers must band together to keep the Peaky Blinders' operations running smoothly. However, with rival gangsters on their doorstep and a member of their own gang turning against them, their task is not an easy one.

The episode opens with a flashback to Tommy's time in the trenches during World War I. This gritty scene highlights the horror and senselessness of war, and the trauma that soldiers like Tommy carry with them long after the fighting is over. It also sets the tone for the episode's central conflict, which is the struggle to maintain order and control in a post-war world that is still grappling with its own wounds.

Back in Birmingham, Tommy gets wind of a plot by another gang to blackmail and extort local businesses. He sees an opportunity to assert his own power and gain some leverage over his enemies, but he knows that he can't face them alone. He turns to the rest of the Peaky Blinders for help, but they are hesitant to get involved. They know that any misstep could lead to a full-on gang war, and they're not sure if they're ready for that kind of fight.

Meanwhile, Aunt Polly's imprisonment is taking a toll on the family. Her absence leaves a gaping hole in their organizational structure, and her leadership and wisdom are sorely missed. The Shelbys struggle to cope without her, with each member of the family reacting in their own way. Arthur, in particular, seems to be spiraling out of control, indulging in drugs and alcohol as a way to numb his pain.

As tension mounts in Birmingham, Tommy has to work to keep his own house in order. His sister Ada is pregnant, and her illicit relationship with Communist agitator Freddie Thorne is causing problems within the family. Tommy must navigate the complicated politics of the Shelby clan while also dealing with the external pressures bearing down on them.

One of the most gripping moments in this episode comes when Tommy confronts a member of his own gang who has been working with the enemy. The tension in this scene is palpable, as the loyalty and trust that holds the Peaky Blinders together is put to the test. The outcome of this confrontation has far-reaching consequences for the rest of the series, as it sets the stage for a power struggle that will have grave implications for the Shelby family and their business.

Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of Tommy's past, as he grapples with memories that refuse to fade. His experiences in the war have left him scarred, and the violence he encounters on the streets of Birmingham only exacerbates his trauma. But even as he struggles to keep his own demons at bay, Tommy remains a force to be reckoned with - a cunning strategist who is always one step ahead of his opponents.

The final scene of the episode is a heart-pumping montage that cuts between various members of the Peaky Blinders racing through the streets of Birmingham. It's a thrilling sequence, full of tension and danger, that showcases the show's excellent direction and cinematography. By the end of the episode, the audience is left breathless, wondering what will become of Tommy and his family as they continue to navigate the treacherous waters of gangland Birmingham.

Overall, episode 2 of Peaky Blinders season 1 is a tense, gripping installment that sets the stage for the rest of the series. With its compelling characters, complex relationships, and high-stakes drama, it's no wonder that Peaky Blinders has become one of the most beloved shows on television.