Sapphire

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.

I love this show, and I'm all for slow burners, but something is definitely missing this series. Dragged out scenes and characters feeling sorry for themselves.

I feel like Helen McCrory's untimely death has played a big part on how this series has ended up, which is sad. It almost seems like the show feels guilty for going on without her.

Hopefully we'll have a big finish, but this feels destined to be the shows weakest season.

I am not the one who thinks that season 6 is awful, I don't hate on it. But I don't like the direction of it. I feel fine for the show exploring feeling and thoughts of Shelby, and I am all for political drama about fascists. What I don't like are cheesy dialogues.

With good music and acting, the dialogues are what making the show boring. Maybe more action would help the situation, and those who crave for it and hate S6 are right?

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.

Ruby's funeral leads to a melancholy and slower paced episode. Both Tommy and Arthur are in not the right mind and it is about to get worst.

Ruby might have died from TB but Tommy Shelby is convinced that it was dark magic and takes it out on a gypsy camp in the most brutal way.

It leads to question how well Tommy is able to spy for Winston Churchill as he continues to make inroads with Oswald Mosley's inner circle.

Writer Steven Knight highlights how some people are comfortable with fascism today as Diana Mitford casually spouts a story about the treatment of Jews at a dinner party.

It is unfortunate that after such a bright start, the final series had entered a lull. It is not quiet up to its high standards but there is still plenty to play for the Shelbys.