Spoiler Warning: Peaky Blinders Seasons 1-6
The first episode of the now-famous Peaky Blinders series aired in September 2013, centering on the exploits of the Romani-Irish Shelby family. Ever since the first episode premiered, the series has gained a significantly large fanbase that ardently follows the pursuits of the Shelby family. The numerous gang wars, family betrayals, political turmoil, grief, and loss in the family, among various other things, have kept fans in a tight grip. The cliffhangers each season have religiously ended with have also done their part to ensure that fans never stray.
However, after a long (nearly ten years) and successful run, Peaky Blinders’ sixth and final season was released earlier this year. The season was named the finale despite a seventh season to complete Thomas Shelby’s character arc initially being planned. While the recently released sixth season was binge-watched by many, viewers just don’t want to let go of the charismatic Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his Birmingham Crew. This has led to widespread hopes for possible spin-offs to keep the Shelby clan’s story going. These hopes have been fueled by the many storylines left unexplored in the sixth season.
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A Peaky Blinders Prequel
Netflix
Ideas for a spin-off that explores a time before season one of Peaky Blinders have also been popular among fans. It would no doubt be interesting to see what life for the Shelby family was like while the men were at war. This storyline would also allow viewers the opportunity to see how the women managed and how the family business functioned at the hands of the women. By giving glimpses of the men during the war, a spin-off could also give insight into how the war shaped the men to be who they are when viewers meet them in season one.
Writing about the possibility of a prequel on a Reddit thread, @X_Gianni420 said:
“possibly a WW1 setting then maybe a bit when they come back, polly does mention that the women took over the business while the men were at war so who knows how long the business has been going b4 the war”
A Story for Finn Shelby
Netflix
Finn Shelby (Harry Kirton), the youngest sibling in the Shelby family, started his Peaky Blinders journey in season one when he was just eleven years old. His contribution to the family business was minimal, and given his age, he had no real say. Constantly under the protection of his aunt Polly and older brothers, Finn was mostly kept protected from the dealings of the Peaky Blinders gang. However, the character grows through the seasons and is a grown man with a significant impact on the family by the time season six rolls around. Having betrayed his family, Finn is kicked out and stripped of the family name.
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Given Finn’s backstory in the Peaky Blinders series, his ending in season six leaves much to be explored. A spin-off based on Finn could be an opportunity to give the character more substance and to expand the story of his betrayal and how he goes about standing in opposition to his family. Does he come back for revenge against Duke? Is he killed by one of his brothers like Michael was? A spin-off story will be the best way to tell.
Ada Shelby’s Political Career
Netflix
An exploration of Ada Shelby’s (Sophie Rundle) political career is another avenue that a spin-off could take. The storyline is left with enough potential at the conclusion of season six. Following the death of Helen McCrory’s Polly Gray, it is Ada who steps in to take over family business matters. She exhibits her capability of running the family business and proves herself equal to her brother Tommy by sitting in for meetings instead of him. Tommy also ends his political standing as an MP, positioning Ada to take over his role in Parliament. Given that Ada is a sharp-witted character who has her own mind, a political persona for her would be all the more interesting.
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Fans are also of the opinion that Ada Shelby’s political career would be a legitimate plot for a spin-off to take. Ada’s character traits and the fact that her character wasn’t deeply explored in the series give her enough potential to lead a spin-off based on her. A Reddit user, @Linnus42, expressing their thoughts on the Shelby sibling, said:
“…Ada seems like the true power and puppetmaster though and in charge of the legitimate side of business.”
The Younger Shelby Generation
Netflix
Many viewers believe that the younger generation of the Peaky Blinders gang should have the chance to create a story of their own. Given that Tommy’s previously unknown son, Duke, is introduced to viewers and given a prominent space within the Shelby clan, a neat foundation for a future story based on him is laid. Duke is also given a good backstory in terms of his relationships with other characters. His pairing up with Isiah (Daryl McCormack) and the animosity he carries towards the now banished Finn Shelby.
A spin-off based on the younger generation would be a fresh, new approach to the Peaky Blinders gang, given that the older characters seem to have gone through and passed the phase of needing to heavily physically engage in the gang’s activities. A possible spin-off could give those such as Tommy’s children and Isiah the chance to spin their own story, while the older characters could make appearances to provide guidance.
Reddit user @b3lial666, writing to this effect, said:
“I like the idea of Tommy’s sons growing up and running things, if they actors are strong enough and they are similar enough and different enough from Tommy. Could be interesting.”
Peaky Blinders has left many loose threads hanging. With the numerous possibilities for spin-offs, hopefully, some become a reality. For now, fans have something to look forward to as a Peaky Blinders spin-off film featuring Tommy Shelby has been confirmed by producer Steven Knight.
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