Sapphire

Tommy deals with the aftermath of the previous episode's events.

This is a very good character focussed episode.

For me, Cillian Murphy's portrayal of an obsessively controlling character and the visuals is what makes it work so well. The opening sequence in particular is incredibly harrowing.

The general thread of the plot is starting to increase interest and develop momentum. The political themes surrounding Britain and America flirting with right-wing rhetoric couldn't be more apt for the times we live in.

One significant development towards the end of the episode is intriguing. I cannot go into details without spoiling, but if the main narrative develops the way I think it might possibly go, it might result in a compelling series finale, but it's too early to judge. Natasha O'Keefe is also excellent in all her scenes.

So this episode is definitely the best of the season so far, it greatly shows how Tommy is dealing with the most recent loss in his life. It also feels like more of a season 3/4 kind of tone to it, the last 2 seasons have been the weakest in my opinion but heading in this track it should finish with 2 very strong episodes. Quite an emotional episode, it also had me cringing at a moment but I think that was the point.

The episode of course is not perfect, there were a few unnecessary scenes in my opinion, Arthur is absolutely wrecking my head, his character is gone to the dogs. After the "intervention" in the last episode I expected a lot of him but no, same old bs as usual with him.

"I am not a devil, but a mere mortal man" great quote.

They're just trying to wrap this abomination of a season up as quickly as possible. Not before time too.

Im sure they only used one slow mo walking scene, usually they squeeze a few in. At least there's no new quotes the down and outs can post to Facebook.

I think this was the worst episode in a meh season. It's so meh and lacks a lot of Peaky Blinders spirit that made the show popular among its fans. Tommy doesn't have to be happy and badass all the time but there's way too much introspective and melodramatic scenes. Like we get it. Tommy is depressed and Arthur is an addict. Can we move on to the plot?

The actual plot is taking a backseat to these soap opera scenes. 2 episodes left and most audiences don't even know the goal of this season. Is it the Boston business? Facism? Or Tommy vs Micheal part 2? A lot of plot devices used in a really good season 5 seems to be thrown out the window in season 6. Now they're hinting on a Nazi Germany episode that seems to be happening way too late into the season

And let's not forget the elephant in the room. Where is Finn???

Very well acted (especially from Tommy and Lizzie) and the cinematography was gorgeous in two scenes in particular: when Arthur was stumbling down the alley and when Tommy was driving to meet the gypsies. Also, I think the twist at the end will really shake up Tommy's motivations and principles. Despite the positives, the episode was yet another poorly paced addition to season 6. Every episode has suffered with pacing since the premiere and I think this episode suffered the most. Some scenes seemed to drag on for twice as long than they should have (particularly Arthur and Tommy's conversation) and Tommy's dealings with the fascists continue to feel more like a B plot to his family drama. Oswald Mosley has been entirely neutered as a character and has been replaced by the less interesting Diana. Meanwhile, it seems unlikely that interesting characters like Michael, Alfie Solomons and Hayden Stagg will get much time to do anything in the last two episodes. Also, Esme's reaction to Tommy's actions seemed strangely blasé. I genuinely do not know how they will end the show in a satisfying manner with only two episodes left. While the dialogue has been as great as ever, the writing for this season's narrative arc really must have suffered from Helen McRory's death. It is moving at a snail's pace and it feels as if the season has barely started, even with only two episodes left. I will definitely be interested in seeing if they will be able to pull off a conclusive ending but at this point, I can't say I'm that optimistic.