After watching this finale, I took a moment to contemplate whether or not I like this season, I finally come to the conclusion that this season while good and has some impressive elements, is nowhere as good as the previous season. Normally, shows improve on their premiere season but I'm disappointed to say that this, however doesn't improve and keeps only struggling to impress or give its characters something worthwhile to do. One major problem I noticed is that this season needed a fresh dynamic between Tommy/Peaky blinders and the antagonist. And Inspector Campbell while, excellent as the baddie in the first season, totally lacks the conviction that his character has Initially. The rivalry between him and Tommy feels dragged out. And just isn't absorbing enough to keep things interesting. And not to talk how atrocious is the manner they killed off the character. Another frustrating segment that didn't work for me this season is that of Polly and her long lost son Michael. Polly is an amazing character serving as a mother figure and also the voice of season to Peaky blinders in the first season. But it seemed like she's relegated in this season and feature in some half-baked mother-son relationship, what also didn't help is that Michael is an annoying character with terrible character development. He's totally unbelievable, he's supposed to be a sweet school-going teenager but he came across as cold and callous as though he's been a member of the gang for years. Another disappointment in terms of character is that of Grace. I dislike the direction they took her character here. In the previous season, she's an integral part of the plot and come across as intelligent, independent and dutiful but here after a long absence, she came back only to tell Tommy she loves him even though he's low-key not interested. And have her featured in a really sappy love triangle angle. This show's redeeming quality is its main character and Tommy still maintains that likability and charisma to keep things together. Also introduction of Tom Hardy's character is a big plus. The main plot involving the intermittent rise and fall of the Peaky blinders was engaging enough. On the whole, This show is impressive in terms acting, technical elements but the story and characters sometimes fall short. I hope the next season will bounce back.
Review of Episode #2.6
