5 Peaky Blinders episodes you need to watch before the movie

The much-awaited Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man, is expected to pick up the story of Tommy Shelby and his crew from the series finale. Now, since the movie advances the timeline into World War II and new threats are at play, audience members can be rewarded by viewing some of the most significant episodes that determine the character, relationships, and hanging storylines.

The film will pick up from the survival of Tommy Shelby in the last episode of the series, with loose ends on Oswald Mosley, Gina Gray, and Jack Nelson left unresolved. The creator, Steven Knight, has confirmed that the film would pick up on what happens after the last season of the series and get into untold stories of the war years.

To properly comprehend Tommy Shelby and Peaky Blinders' development, a few episodes provide integral background. The episodes reveal the origin of the gang, major character relationships, and some important plot revelations that are sure to impact the story of the film.

Watching these Peaky Blinders episodes will make audiences aware of what drives and holds the principal characters together, especially since the movie promises higher stakes and a new chapter for the Shelby family.

Key episodes to watch before the Peaky Blinders movie

Pilot episode (Season 1, Episode 1)

The pilot episode is the beginning of the whole Peaky Blinders series. It presents Tommy Shelby, his clan, and the underworld of Birmingham in which they work. It shows major characters, including Ada Thorne, Charlie Strong, Johnny Dogs, and Curly, who are all set to feature in the movie.

The gang remains small and in-house, and the episode establishes the power conflicts and aspirations that are the hallmark of Tommy's path. It also sets up the rivalry with Chief Inspector Campbell and the introduction of Grace Burgess, whose undercover activity instigates much of the first season's plot. Watching this episode puts into context how far the Shelbys have traveled by the time of the film.

Grace and Tommy's turning point (Season 1, Episode 5)

Season 1, Episode 5 is a turning point for the relationship between Grace and Tommy. This episode is where Grace chooses between her love for Tommy and her responsibility as an undercover agent. Their relationship is what triggers so many of Tommy's decisions throughout the series.

Grace's presence in Tommy's life is strong, even after she leaves, and her memory still impacts his behavior and way of thinking. This episode also emphasizes the personal sacrifices and betrayals that are at the center of the show's themes.

Tommy's brush with death (Season 2, Episode 6)

The season 2 finale is considered one of the greatest episodes of the show. Tommy is taken prisoner by Major Campbell's men in this episode and is set to be executed. This scene shows Tommy's fatalistic outlook and his invincibility complex, key elements of his personality.

He manages to survive despite all the odds, further cementing the notion that he is perpetually pursued but never permitted to have any peace. This episode also marks the end of the Campbell rivalry and the beginning of Tommy's ascension to power, which will play out in the film.

The loss of Grace and its aftermath (Season 3, Episode 3)

Season 3, Episode 3 is a turning point for Tommy Shelby. This episode addresses the emotional reaction of Tommy to losing Grace and how it turns his life and motivations around. The agony of this loss makes Tommy more vulnerable and informs his behavior in subsequent seasons.

This episode of Peaky Blinders also brings in elements of grief, revenge, and the supernatural as Tommy is convinced that a curse has befell on his family. These are all likely to be factors in the mindset of the movie.

Peaky Blinders series finale (Season 6, Episode 6)

The last episode in the series is a must watch before the movie. It wraps up key storylines, such as the death of Michael, Tommy's diagnosed illness, and Finn's exclusion from the gang. The finale places Tommy at a point of decision, thinking that he is going to die and is accepting his fate, only to find out that he was manipulated.

The episode establishes the open conflicts with Oswald Mosley, Gina Gray, and Jack Nelson, who are likely to play characters in the movie. The finale also mentions the legacy of Polly Gray, whose presence will be felt in the film.