17 Polly Gray moments from Peaky Blinders that stole our hearts

Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions
Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions

Polly Gray stands out from every other character in the gritty universe of Peaky Blinders and with good reason. Played by the remarkable Helen McCrory, she has become one of the toughest and most magnetic characters. As the fierce matriarch of the Shelby family, in equal parts cunningly intelligent, irrevocably loyal to her family, and fiercely protective of her kin, Polly has a place in the hearts of many. Throughout the series, Polly has delivered countless unforgettable moments that have left us in awe and showcased her indomitable spirit. Here are 17 of such moments that stole our hearts.

17) Polly Gray confronting Chester Campbell

Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Production
Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Production

This pivotal moment occurred in season 2, Episode 6 at the Epsom Derby where McRory's Aunt Polly takes decisive action against Sam Neill's Inspector Chester Campbell and shoots him. Polly's decision to kill Campbell, her abuser is a testament to her strength and strong desire to take revenge from a man who made her feel helpless in her time of vulnerability. This moment showed the strength and resilience of her character which stole our hearts.

16) Protecting Michael

Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions
Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions

Polly Gray's protection of her son Michael, played by Finn Cole, is a poignant example of her maternal instincts and unwavering loyalty, which deeply resonate with viewers. One notable moment is when she reunites with Michael after years of separation, instantly welcoming him into the Shelby family. Her fierce determination to shield Michael from harm is evident when she stands up for him in the face of accusations or threats, leveraging her influence and power within the family to ensure his safety.

15) Her Intuitive Sense

Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions
Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions

Her intuitive sense and understanding of people make her one of the most formidable of the Shelbys in the series. One memorable example is when she warns Tommy about trusting certain individuals within the family business. She can sense danger and betrayal by using her instinct and knowledge of people's characters and then relays this information to Cillian Murphy's Tommy, often influencing his decisions. This sixth sense adds to Polly's mystique and solidifies her as an invaluable and trusted member of the Shelby family.

14) Her Unwavering Support For Ada

Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions
Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions

Polly Gray's support of Sophie Rundle's Ada illustrates her strong commitment to family and demonstrates her nurturing and protective nature. For example, when Ada gets romantically involved with a communist, Freddie Thorne, played by Iddo Goldberg, Polly stands by Ada, giving her not just emotional support but wise counsel as well. Against the dangerous consequences and the disapproval of the Shelby family, Polly stands by Ada's side. She helps Ada navigate the challenges of her relationship with Freddie, providing a haven and emotional support when Ada needs it the most.

13) Her Grief Over Freddie Thorne's Death

Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Production
Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Production

Polly's grieving over the death of Freddie Thorne is a deeply humanizing moment showing Polly's vulnerability and love in the show Peaky Blinders. Despite the hardened exterior she often showcases, Polly's heart-rending sorrow for Freddie-who was not only her son-in-law but a very close ally of the family- highlights just how deep her emotional connections are. These emotions speak of her protective nature toward the family and also highlight the personal sacrifices and emotional toll that come with the Shelby family's dangerous lifestyle.

12) Her Vulnerability With Arthur

Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions
Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions

McRory's Polly Gray and Paul Anderson's Arthur Shelby share many vulnerable moments throughout the five seasons of Peaky Blinders. In season 5, when Arthur is filled with guilt, blaming himself for his son's death, Polly recognizes his pain and comforts him. She tells him that John's death was an accident and not his fault and advises him to be strong. Putting an arm around him and offering a shoulder to lean on, Polly and Arthur share a moment of vulnerability and a deep bond between them.

11) Her Use Of Humor

Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions
Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions

Polly Gray has a dry, often sarcastic wit which she uses to defuse tension or make a point. In season 2, during a tense and heated discussion at the Shelby Company Ltd. office, Polly, with perfect timing and deadpan expression, makes a humorous comment aimed at the Shelby brothers. Amidst a serious and heated discussion, her comment provides a sudden shift in tone making the situation a little light but not unserious.

10) Polly's Interaction With Esme

Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions
Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions

Polly Gray's conversation with Esme, played by Aimee-Ffion Edwards, shows vulnerability and deep care for her character. In season 5 of Peaky Blinders, when Edward's Esme returns after John Shelby, played by Joe Cole's death, Polly empathizes with her. She understands Esme's pain and anger as she has experienced the same due to her losses. It Highlights Polly's capacity for compassion and ability to connect with others.

9) Her Ability To Exert Power

Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions
Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions

Polly Gray has many instances where she showcases her ability to shake the power dynamics with just her words. In season 3 of Peaky Blinders, Polly confronts Father Hughes, played by Paddy Considine, in his setting of the church. McRory's Gray visits him in his confessional and confesses about a planned assassination, hinting at her knowledge of his involvement in a planned train bombing. Through this, she gains the upper hand and threatens to expose his secret if he tries to mess with the Shelbys.

8) Polly Gray Stands Up For Injustice

Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions
Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions

In Peaky Blinders season 5, Polly Gray showcases her intolerance when she stands up against those who abuse the vulnerable. In one of the episodes, McRory's Aunt Polly threatens the nuns at St. Hilda's Orphanage who are mistreating and abusing the children in their care. While Tommy's threat is a physical one where he breaks the nun's glasses, Polly's is more with her sharp words. She, in an intimidating tone, threatens the nun that she will withdraw the funding and take away the children if they are not treated well.

7) Her Manipulative Skills

Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions
Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions

Polly Gray's manipulative skills are a critical aspect of her character that significantly contribute to her effectiveness within the Shelby family. In Peaky Blinders season 4, Polly subtly steers a heavy discussion the family has about responding to Luca Changretta and the Italian Mafia's threats. She plays on the family's emotions, highlighting the dangers of the situation, mainly to save her son Michael from Changretta. She finally sways the family's decision and fails Tommy's plan.

6) Her Understanding Of Tommy's Character

Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions
Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions

In season 3 of Peaky Blinders, McRory's Polly Gray reveals during a conversation with Cillian Murphy's Tommy Shelby about how she understands what Tommy is capable of doing and that it scares her. This conversation highlights Polly's deep insight into Tommy's character and the burden she carries as his confidante. Her awareness of Tommy's potential for both greatness and ruthlessness demonstrates her wisdom and the unique bond they share. This line underscores Polly's role as the family's moral compass, often trying to steer Tommy away from the darkness that threatens to consume him.

5) Taking Over The Business

Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions
Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions

During World War I, when the Shelby brothers are fighting on the front lines, McRory's Polly steps up to manage the family's betting business and other operations. She navigates the challenges of maintaining order, dealing with rival gangs, and making critical decisions that impact the family's future. Polly efficiently runs the bookmaking business and ensures its profitability in the absence of the Shelby men.

4) Her Relationship With Aberama Gold

Hele McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions
Hele McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions

Polly Gray's relationship with Aberama Gold, played by Aidan Gillan, is a compelling and tender aspect of her character arc in Peaky Blinders. This relationship showcases Polly's capacity for love and vulnerability, adding depth to her otherwise formidable persona. One specific example of how this relationship fits the list is when Aberama proposes to Polly in Season 5. Despite the dangerous and tumultuous world they live in, Aberama's genuine affection for Polly and his desire to marry her reveal a softer side of both characters.

3) Her Support For Women's Rights

Scene from Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions
Scene from Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions

Polly Gray's support for women's rights is an essential part of her character that resonates deeply with the audience. In season 3, Polly, along with other Shelby women, attends a protest advocating for women's rights. This protest is significant as it showcases their solidarity with the broader movement for gender equality. Polly's presence at the protest underscores her commitment to the cause and her willingness to stand up for what she believes in, despite the dangers involved. The scene highlights the Shelby women's strength and determination to fight for their rights and justice.

2) Standing Up Against Tommy Shelby

Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions
Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions

Polly Gray's moments of standing up against Tommy Shelby ( Cillian Murphy) demonstrate her strength, independence, and the vital role she plays within the family dynamic. One significant example is when she challenges Tommy's decisions that she believes are putting the family at risk. In Season 4, Polly is skeptical of Tommy's plan to confront Luca Changretta ( Adrian Brody) and the Italian mafia. She voices her concerns and stands her ground, demanding that Tommy consider the safety of the family above all else. This moment highlights Polly's courage and her willingness to confront even the most powerful family members to protect their interests.

1) Her Final Moments

Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions
Helen McRory in Peaky Blinders | Image via Tiger Aspect Productions

Polly Gray's final scene in Peaky Blinders is a somber and heart-wrenching moment. In Season 6, Polly's death is revealed to the Shelby family. Her body is discovered by her nephew, Michael, and it's clear that she was killed by the IRA as a message to the Shelbys. The family holds a funeral for Polly, where they burn her body on a pyre according to their Romani traditions. This scene is deeply emotional and marks the end of an era for the Shelby family, highlighting Polly's significant impact and legacy within the show.

Edited by Zainab Shaikh
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