Polly Gray, played by Helen McCrory, was at the center of the story for five seasons. Peaky Blinders. So the death of the actress from cancer last year posed a serious dilemma for her. The show has lost one of its great talents. He also rethought his story around his absence and honored his memory. How could such a narrative miracle be achieved?
As a fundamental element Peaky Blinders — including the emotional and intellectual backbone of the Shelby family — the possibility of minimizing his absence was unthinkable. Therefore, several options were considered, including keeping the character alive and sending Polly to Australia. Also, explaining his physical disappearance as natural causes. None of the two options satisfied either the screenwriter or the director.
In the end, Stephen Knight decided to create an entire narrative line around Polly’s death. The perspective that made it possible Peaky Blinders find a way to tie into her value as a character and include her in the future of the series. The resulting plot twist is not only flawless, but has unexpected emotional depth in an increasingly convoluted story. It’s also a way to keep Polly (and McCrory) alive as an integral part of Shelby’s great history.
Death, revenge, journey to fear Peaky Blinders
As screenwriter Steven Knight intended, Polly Gray is killed in the first ten minutes of the series.. Rather, Tommy Shelby receives news of his death. The beloved character became one of the victims of the IRA when the organization betrayed Shelby.
Of course, it was a well-structured narrative explanation that showed Polly’s death as something more than a tragedy. This is a turning point in the series. Season six Peaky Blinders he had just shown considerable interest in the rivalry between Polly’s son Michael and Tommy. So the character’s death only adds pressure and complicates the future of TV’s most notorious crime family. Without camaraderie, Polly’s support, and especially strategic intelligence, Tommy is left to fend for himself. He is even more dangerous as he has to face new and new enemies. Some have shown themselves capable of betraying him, and worse: They will kill without mercy.
The death of Polly also has a heavy component in the family.
The death of Polly also has a heavy component in the family. Michael demands revenge, and Tommy’s leadership role depends on how capable he is. But revenge involves facing an armed and brutal army over which he has little control. Thus, Tommy must deal with two options of violent death or loss of power.
On the one hand, with the threat of the IRA, which will take advantage of the fact that Tommy is overwhelmed by family duels and his own demons. On the other hand, with Michael’s oath of vengeance that moving towards Peaky Blinders to dangerous ground total confrontation. After all, the possibility of being defeated or changing hands as a leader was part of Tommy’s recurring fears. Will it happen this time? What is Michael ready to do after his mother’s death?
Eyes that look and time that passes
Peaky Blindersheading towards its unexpected and unpredictable end. What is clear is that Polly’s death is not the end of her influence on the show. From her eyes in the sky over the funeral pyre at her final resting place to Tommy’s plea to her memory of Ruth’s health.
It is obvious that the strong personality of one of the most beloved members The Shelby family will continue to be indispensable for understanding her history. A plot success that fortifies the mind in resolving his most difficult conflicts at the start of his sixth season.
Source: Hiper Textual
