So much to unpack on this one so let's get on with it. As a series for now it stands out like a sore thumb compared to the rest but you'd expect that given the jump from small scale gang conflicts to a web of politics and "official" business so it gets a pass, just. Strangely it still seems to be a background focus and is often rushed and such a longer episode run could've been beneficial to give more depth to that aspect, saying that for what little comes from that subplot it's utterly compelling with Mosely quite possibly being the most compelling villain of all series to date. Claflin rises to his role and is genuinely detestable as an individual so hats off for that and in terms of performances Cillian Murphy and Packy Lee are exceptional with the former carrying the show once more and the latter stealing the show in his few scenes and providing a bit of levity that is very much needed in what's a bleak show overall. The finale is my main qualm with this outing as a whole, Peaky has in my opinion took the crown from Game of Thrones (ironically) and can boast about it being the greatest thing to currently grace the small screen but this season in actuality is little more than setup, your baited in and dragged along to see the rest unfold further down the line as made very evident by 'Mr.Jones'. In hindsight things are rather predictable especially if you give Mosely a quick google and realise it's not about to step into the Tarantino world and distort history for plots sake and the subplots are a written as if it's intentionally going to hit a brick wall and just end. The Billy Boys arc has no pay off and in fact the "subversion" in the form of Aberama's death is cheap due to its sudden occurance, theres no threat of anyone really 'major' meeting their end and such the stakes are missing in action. The fall through of Tommy's plan is another thing that would've benefited from another episode of not 10 more minutes as it's bold to assume the interest will not wain between the wait for season 6 and to be honest it seemed as though a little too many misdirects were chucked around. Main issue with this? I hear you ask, well that'd have to be the return of Alfie Solomons personally, his demise at the hands of Tommy was crucial for the character of the lead and such it felt cheap when Hardy returned donning a little prosthetic makeup as the death fakeout has been pulled before, other than the shock return he offers little but comic relief and his men which could be perceived as contrived. The splintering of the Shelby's is interesting to see but is ill balanced compared to Tommy's mental decline and as interesting as it is seeing his ruthless side come forth and have that introspective element it's either clunky and stalls the runtime or ends on an apparent cliffhanger which if you put any though into will likely never become reality. For as much as I've whined on (apologies if you've read this far) there's still much to boast about, it's soundtrack is incredible and it feels as though the attitude of seasons one and two have returned becoming a little rough round the edges. Visually it's stunning and the introspection as much as it's a burden is artistic and so striking it really adds a new element. The conflicts which I predict are currently close to boiling point are excellent crafted and well detailed and I can imagine the deaths of a few of the minor characters will have a more satisfying conclusion in later series so for now I've still got hope. It feels a little disheartening this was essentially a 6 hour build up but I can still say it had heart pounding moments and is as strong a series as it's ever been. Having weighed up the pros and cons I'd still recommend a viewing and am sat in anticipation for what's next to come
Review of Mr. Jones
