Peaky Blinders Season 6: Why leaving the audience gripped will help the shows popularity

Although the show has already exceeded expectations in how far and wide its popularity would grow, I think this is only just the beginning for Tommy Shelby and the Peaky Blinders. With the recent announcement of shooting being started for season six, it got me reminiscing about what was left unanswered at the end of season 5 and why I am so excited to see the controversial gang back on TV.

Obviously, the main reason is because I am a huge fan of the show, but if season five revealed anything, it’s that there’s plenty more to come - which is exactly why the show will continue growing. Fans are left gripped for what may come next and there’s a world of possibilities surrounding the show’s narrative and characters after season 5 that has left the viewers divided. I personally thought season 5 was great - not the best I’ve ever seen, but when the series is held to such a high standard, critics will always be hard to impress.

Unfortunately though, some fans who I’ve spoken to disagreed with my opinion of the latest season. For me, they all seem caught up in the gritty violence and gangster showdowns that underpins the show’s complex plot, the side we saw early on that laid the foundations for the powerhouse gang we watch now.

However, the thing about Peaky Blinders that makes me such an avid viewer is the way it sets up the next big moment - it creates anticipation in a way that very few TV shows do - and this is exactly what season 5 did perfectly. The final shot of Tommy holding a gun to his head is only a small piece of information we were given in regards to what is next for the Shelby’s. The cliffhanger that closes season 5 has various elements that could have a big impact on what direction the show goes. This is especially important now as the family and business is as broken as ever.

As an audience we are left wondering what may happen in season 6. The thing is - nobody knows. When we left season 5, Tommy had just turned down Michael’s offer to run a large chunk of the business - which left the pair in a hostile situation. We know Michael has a ‘plan B’ for dealing with Tommy, but what this could mean is unknown. Will Michael try and overthrow or kill Tommy? What we do know from a recent interview with the director, Anthony Byrne is that Gina’s family will make their presence known in season 6 - as their ties with Oswald Mosley will be an important factor.

This being the case, the other area of question is what Gina’s look towards Mosley at the party meant. Could they already know each other and have previous plans against the gang, which could lead to sabotage against the business. May she be trying to undercut Michael for her own family’s gain?

Perhaps the biggest question of the season finale surrounds the attempted killing of fascist leader Oswald Mosley. If he knew all along about Tommy’s plan then what does this mean for the gang and Tommy himself. This also brings into topic the resurfacing of Alfie Solomons - who I think could have another big role to play in the coming season.

This all comes back to my main question. This unknown of what is next to come is what makes the show special. The unknown is what makes us sit and watch every night and it is exactly why I’ll be tuning in once again for season 6.

If you enjoyed this post please have a look at my other piece here: https://up926208.wixsite.com/mysite/post/stranger-things-why-i-m-so-glad-i-started-watching

Cillian Murphy as 'Tommy Shelby' in Peaky Blinders