Ep 1. Episode 1

As the third season of Peaky Blinders kicks off, we find ourselves back in 1924 Birmingham, England, where the Shelby family is firmly entrenched in their criminal enterprise. The episode opens with a series of ominous shots -- a dark, shadowy figure lurking outside a church, a bloodied hand clutching a razor blade -- that set the tone for what's to come.

After an explosive season two finale, which saw the Shelby family narrowly escape from a gang war with their lives intact, they're now faced with new challenges. For one, there's a new enemy on the horizon: the Russians, who are looking to expand their criminal empire into Birmingham. And to make matters worse, the Shelby family is starting to crack from within.

At the center of this turmoil is Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), the ruthless leader of the Peaky Blinders. He's a man who's used to being in control, but as the season begins, he finds himself struggling to keep his gang together. His sister, Polly (Helen McCrory), is still reeling from the revelation that her long-lost son is alive and well, and has been living in Australia all these years. Meanwhile, Tommy's brothers, Arthur (Paul Anderson) and John (Joe Cole), are both dealing with the fallout from their respective romantic entanglements.

But it's not just personal drama that's weighing on Tommy's mind -- he also has to contend with the Russians, who are led by a ruthless gangster named Father Hughes (Paddy Considine). Hughes is a man who's used to getting what he wants, and he's not afraid to resort to violence to achieve his goals. As he begins to encroach on Peaky Blinders territory, it's clear that a showdown is inevitable.

Throughout the episode, we're treated to the same stylish, moody cinematography that's become a hallmark of the series. The streets of Birmingham are shrouded in fog, and the characters are often framed in dramatic close-ups, their faces half-hidden in shadow. It's a world where violence and danger lurk around every corner, and where loyalty is a precious commodity.

As the episode draws to a close, we're left with a cliffhanger that sets the stage for what's to come. It's clear that the Shelby family is about to face some of its toughest challenges yet, and that the stakes have never been higher. Though the episode is a slow burn, it's a promising start to what looks to be an intense and gripping season.