Tommy’s killer return

FIRST LOOK: Peaky Blinders, Series 6 By SARA WALLIS, TV Columnist

WHEN we last saw Tommy Shelby, he was screaming into the mist as he shoved a gun up against his temple, ready to pull the trigger.

His plan to assassinate fascist leader Oswald Mosley had collapsed and likely the visions of his dead first wife were not exactly helping his mental state.

That cliffhanger was two-and-a-half years ago, but this sixth and final season looks set to be worth the wait.

Gritty and as stylish as ever, it’s no wonder there’s a movie in the works.

Of course the survival of mobster Tommy, played by the magnetic Cillian Murphy, has been a hot topic.

But perhaps the biggest question has been how the show would tackle the death last year of actress Helen Mccrory, 52, whose character, Shelby matriarch Aunt Polly, was at the heart of the show. The opening episode pays tribute to both Helen and Polly with masterful poignancy. The action focuses on 1933 and the end of prohibition, which brings opportunities – and dangers. There are enemies around every corner, including Michael (Finn Cole), who blames Tommy for what happened to his mother.

Arthur (Paul Anderson) is mostly drunk or high and good for nothing.

The formidable women, including Sophie Rundle as Shelby sister Ada, Natasha O’keeffe as Tommy’s wife Lizzie and Anya Taylor-joy as

Michael’s wife Gina, steal their scenes.

There’s excitement to come with the arrival of Stephen Graham in a new role and Tom Hardy’s Jewish gangster Alfie. Peaky revels in its comedic moments too, but the bleakness will no doubt overwhelm. Polly’s past words to Tommy and Michael ring out: “There will be a war and one of you will die, but which one, I cannot tell.”

Peaky Blinders, Series 6, begins on BBC1 tomorrow at 9pm.