Birmingham, England in 1919 is a dirty and threatening place, according to BBC Two. Since 2013, the channel has been airing a wonderful period drama called "Peaky Blinders." A dangerously good looking gang rules the muddy streets of the industrial city. The grime of factories provides a fitting backdrop for a gang of middle class soldiers who are trying to acclimate after the horrors of World War One.
As any successful show knows, audiences demand sex, drugs and rock’n’roll (think Baz Lurhmann’s trademark of mixing modern songs with period pieces, but with more grit). However, “Peaky Blinders” has more than sex appeal. It’s very conscious of the history it so often toys with. In fact, the Peaky Blinders gang is actually based on a real Birmingham gang of the same name.
The historian in me is really pleased with the respect the show has for shell shock, the contemporary term for PTSD. In the midst of modern attention to emotional trauma, “Peaky Blinders” doesn’t modernize the response to trauma post-World War I. They depict the harsh emotional damage that torments the soldiers and how bonds were created and strengthened because of it. The soldiers didn’t have professionals to help them cope and heal; in order to save themselves, they had to rely on each other. It’s a dark yet beautiful glimpse into how men might have helped one another when the world wasn’t fully aware of the experiences that haunted them.
“Peaky Blinders” also gracefully handles family relations, strong female figures, Communism, rival and allied gangs, drug abuse, dirty cops and suicide – to name just a few. It’s an emotionally-charged show that has incredibly strong character development, phenomenal shot framing and true grit.
The best news? The third season airs next month. That means viewers will have at least six more hours of the beautiful Blinders and friends – and enemies, confusing love interests, haphazard allies, cops and a young Winston Churchill. In honor of this imminent release date, let’s reflect on 15 things the Peaky Blinders have taught us.
1. The most important part of being in a successful gang is to have a good suit.
2. The next best part is to get them for free.
3. Don’t forget about the haircut – it’s essential.
Thank goodness this is coming back into vogue.
4. The most important part of the wardrobe is the hat.
With razorblades sewn in, of course. No upstanding "Peaky Blinder" would be caught without it. Although the historical gang most likely didn't use this tactic, the show relies on this really cool touch for added flair and violence.
5. Cigarettes are a must-have.
Nothing will keep you more calm when you’re a stressed out Bolshevik or gangster.
6. Speaking of stress, don’t panic when someone pulls a gun.
It’s all about remaining cool. Tommy is a professional when it comes to smirking down the barrel of a gun.
7. No matter who is at the end of the weapon, you really can’t panic.
Even if it’s your sister who has about ten million reasons to be pissed at you – perhaps trying to get rid of her Communist boyfriend?
8. Besides, business is best handled when guns are involved.
It proves that you’re serious.
9. Women are also damn good at business.
The women are arguably more cutthroat and intelligent than the men – they just get ignored too often. I'd rather cross Thomas than Aunt Pol any day.
10. Speaking of women, getting caught up in love affairs really adds purpose to life.
Even if she’s an undercover agent, Thomas Shelby can bring her to the dark side.
11. Sometimes love doesn’t always work out, though.
The Shelby family seems to know quite a bit about this.
12. It’s part of life to feel heartbreak.
13. And there are always more fish in the sea.
Still waiting for an explanation of the tattoos, BBC.
14. …and plenty of distractions.
Booze, drugs, fights and business are just a day in the life of a Shelby.
15. No matter what, family sticks together.
Whether it's to a fight or wedding, you can bet your arse that the Shelby family will be together.
