I'm convinced this Peaky Blinders character's (& it's not Grace) death was poorly written despite a production requirement

Peaky Blinders never fails to knock me off balance! Every time I think that I could tell where the story is headed, the show just blindsides me with another twist to turn everything around. But amongst all the many jaw-dropping shocks and really well-crafted moments, there is one that, to this date, remains difficult to grapple with: John Shelby's death in Season 4.

I do feel that the manner in which John was killed off wasn't well-written, even though I understand the production requirements behind it.

When the gunshots went off outside John's house, I can still remember thinking, "Hold on. Is that how they get rid of him?" Joe Cole has stated on several occasions that he decided to leave Peaky Blinders because he felt his character was unable to express himself fully. Writers then had to rush as his exit was the real challenge for production.

But knowing the reason doesn't necessarily make it feel right in terms of storytelling. Quite the opposite, the suddenness with which it happens actually draws more attention to the moment, though for reasons not altogether satisfying to me as a longtime watcher.

Deciphering the true motive of John Shelby’s departure

Joe Cole departed Peaky Blinders since he could not find the role stimulating from a creative point of view. Moreover, he expressed this sentiment in an interview with NME, stating that he left Peaky Blinders by his own choice because he wanted to explore new paths, characters, and stories.

This rationale was completely logical. Therefore, John’s death, which occurred right at the very start of Season 4, was definitely predetermined and directed by the production, not simply by the writers' desire to create a shocking moment.

The entire scenario of the behind-the-scenes decisions aligns perfectly with the normal way the series operates. The actors' leaving was a reason for the show to adjust. John’s removal was one such adjustment. It was thus clear, justified, and entirely reasonable.

But even with that context, the scene still felt abrupt

I have never been against the decision to remove John. My problem is the way it happened. In Peaky Blinders, major death events are usually dramatized, accompanied by emotional preparation, or at least some signs of prior events. But the death of John comes almost at once: attackers from Changretta vendetta appear, shoot, and John is no more in seconds.

It was not the violence that came across as sudden. Peaky Blinders is known for its harsh scenes. However, the lack of emotional preparation was the aspect that I found comparatively abrupt. One of the original Shelby brothers is murdered, and the event is over almost as fast as it starts. For a character who had been central since Season 1, that absence of dramatic build-up was very disorienting.

A sudden death that changed the Shelby family dynamic

John's death instantly affected the mood of Season 4. The trio of Tommy, Arthur, and John was always the emotional heart of the show. He was the brother who brought heat, unpredictability, and laughter, as well as volatility. His early demise caused a significant shift, not only in the plot but also in the emotional rhythm of the show.

Of course, the action that killed him had a direct point to the story, supposed to trigger Shelby's retaliation, further increasing the conflict with the Changretta. This portion is definitely working from a storyline perspective.

But emotionally, something was still missing. Yet the entire concert rapidly moved on; the interludes between the numbers were much shorter than they had been earlier. Peaky Blinders is usually slow-paced when it tackles family matters, but this time it seemed like the story had flicked a switch and was off running again.

Why I still think the moment was poorly written

Good storytelling is not only about facts being accurate, but also about emotional continuity, the rhythm of the narrative, and whether the moment is a worthy part of the character's journey. In my opinion, John’s death did not have that weight.

It was not the climax of his character arc. It did not show his character, his family position, or his inner conflicts. It was the removal of a character by the writers, not a goodbye done in a meaningful way. And since Peaky Blinders usually does such a great job with crafting meaningful exits, even violent ones, John’s sudden removal is highlighted all the more.

The Lingering Impact of John Shelby

To me, the manner in which John died was unsatisfactory; yet, his role was still present in the story. Over the following seasons, the Shelby family continues to be hurt by his absence. His name is mentioned at significant moments, and particularly Arthur is affected by the shadow of his loss. The show never allows him to be considered less critical.

He wasn’t just a minor character who was quietly set aside; he was a central one whose continuous presence dominated the family dynamic. But maybe that is the very reason I found the moment unsatisfying.

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Peaky Blinders has consistently delivered great storytelling since its inception. This is one of the primary reasons for the series' great viewership. However, when a major event, especially the death of a Shelby brother, comes across as rushed, it is immediately apparent.

Also read: Why did Peaky Blinders not get renewed for a Season 7? Details revealed

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