The Peaky Blinders

[WBA1955]

Although this is a very enjoyable and entertaining series, and the performance and scenic backdrop is very realistic, it has to be taken with a pinch of salt.
The real Peaky Blinders were a Birmingham street gang who operated from the 1890's to the first world war. They had gone by the time the series were set. They were involved in robbery, protection racket's, extortion and illegal bookmaking.
They were taken over by the bigger Birmingham Boy's led by Billy Kimber, these controlled all the race courses from the north down to London, and had strong connections in both. The Birmingham Boy's were later overtaken by Uncle Bob Sabini.
So while a lot of the name's in them were real people the story itself is all rolled into one with an exaggeration of the real power they had.
Jessie Eden was a well known trade union leader and communist. Billy Kimber was more in the role of Tommy Shelby.
Other than that the storyline has become unbelievable. They have fought the IRA, the UDA, The Russians and the Mafia and influenced Churchill.
Tommy has s hagged, a posh race horse owner, a Russian countess, an undercover police agent and Jessie Eden as well as a load of prostitutes.lol
Did I say a pinch of salt? Make it a shovel full.

[Omegstrat6]

Carl Chinn's books I found quite interesting. Obviously Stephen Knight moved the period setting a few decades forward for the TV series to take place just after the Great War rather than in the late 1800s. Still enjoy the series although must say it sometimes becomes almost a parody of itself in terms of its styling. Series One was a bit of a slow burner and thought Series 2 the best of all and really very good. Since then I've found it quite variable and whilst I enjoy the Tom Hardy scenes other storylines since Series 2 have been a bit hit and miss for me and a bit of a case of style over substance. It also misses the character of Polly through the very sad and untimely death of Helen McCory. Think it's right to call it a day as, much as I've enjoyed most of it, it's running out of steam a bit now.

[WBA1955]

Anyone remember the seventies series Gangsters also set in a modern day Birmingham? That was good too.

[TipperaryBaggie]

Thoroughly enjoyed Peaky Blinders but I think that this last series is one series too many. Smacks a bit of deparation to bring in storylines involving USA. Helen McCory has been a great miss.