RECORD

PEAKY BLINDERS

BBC2, 9pm LAST time we saw the Peaky Blinders, there was a lot of screaming and shoving as half of them were hauled off by the authorities.

Polly (Helen McCrory), Arthur (Paul Anderson), John (Joe Cole) and Michael (Finn Cole) were arrested – and what was worse, it seemed to be Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) who had dobbed them in. “I’ve made a deal with people even more powerful than our enemies,” he said. So now what?

Well, as series four starts, there are new levels of intensity. And that is saying something for this gritty crime drama where someone can kill someone else at any moment.

Before the opening credits even start, we see the four arrested gangsters all being led to the noose as Shelby tries to save them in INTENSE Cillian Murphy time. And, understandably, they’re all terrified. Let’s just say that you’ll be hooked in the first 30 seconds.

Other reasons to watch include Tom Hardy, Aidan Gillen and Adrien Brody.

There’s also a cool soundtrack, some admirable flat caps and a (loose) historical basis on a real-life criminal gang from Birmingham.

A bit Brummie meets Hollywood, this is a brilliantly acted belter of a TV show.