Few characters in modern television embody the fascinating duality of an anti-hero quite like Cillian Murphy's Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders.The leader of his titular pack isn’t just a crime boss but a hardened strategist and a man driven by equal parts ambition and trauma. Tommy operates in the grey areas of morality, where violence and survival override righteousness. But viewers remain drawn to his depth and relentless pursuit of control in a world constantly trying to break him.Now that Cillian Murphy is all set to don Tommy Shelby's flat cap and black overcoat for Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man again, here are 5 iconic lines that portray him as the best anti-hero of television.Disclaimer: This article is based on the author's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.5 Tommy Shelby lines in Peaky Blinders that capture his dark anti-hero personaHere are five unforgettable Tommy Shelby lines from Peaky Blinders that capture his anti-hero essence better than anything else, lines that remind us why he remains one of TV’s most compelling figures. View this post on Instagram Instagram Post"When fortune drops something valuable into your lap, you don’t just dump it on the bank of the cut." (from the Peaky Blinders Pilot)This is the line that started it all when Steven Knight first introduced his ambitious anti-hero in Cillian Murphy, to the world back in 2013. Tommy Shelby delivers this iconic line in the Pilot when he accidentally stumbles upon the shipment of guns that initiates his complicated relationship with Inspector Chester Campbell and brings Grace into his life. This line perfectly sums up Tommy Shelby's quick thinking and unchecked ambition, which often brought him face-to-face with death.However, being in this profession, Tommy Shelby is adept with the limitations and risks in the business but never backs away from taking them, which cemented him as the best anti-hero on the small screen.''To remind myself of what I would have been if I wasn’t who I am.” (from Peaky Blinders Season 2 Episode 5)One of the most harrowing lines from the series, Tommy Shelby delivers this line in the penultimate episode of Peaky Blinders Season 2, while shoveling manure. When he is asked what he is doing, he replies, “Shoveling s**t'' and then continues to deliver this iconic line. This dialogue carries a lot of self-awareness and humility on Tommy's part as he grapples with the truth and consequences of his dangerous world.However, this line perfectly embodies the dual personality and the dilemma of the character as he tries to imagine a harrowing 'what if' scenario in his life. While Tommy would like to have a different life, he only has the current one and he makes the best use of it."Sometimes, death is a kindness." (from Peaky Blinders Season 5 Episode 1) View this post on Instagram Instagram PostWhile this iconic line is quite self-explanatory, it aptly captures the core of Tommy Shelby's personality and train of thought. Tommy was a veteran WWI soldier who had just returned to his criminal empire in Season 1. While many of his fellow comrades died in the war, Tommy survived and returned home, but he was a changed man. Thus began his complicated relationship with death and he became convinced that it is better than suffering.Tommy Shelby is often seen delivering 'mercy' to his horses, an action that holds much regard in his life and is far better than the suffering in the world."The only person who could ever kill Tommy Shelby is Tommy Shelby himself." (from the Peaky Blinders series finale) This iconic dialogue from the series finale is in direct juxtaposition with the above-mentioned and perfectly embodies the essence of Tommy Shelby, the ruthless leader of the titular pack. Tommy delivers this line after discovering the truth about his fake tuberculoma diagnosis, which was a conspiracy orchestrated by Oswald Mosley in cahoots with Shelby's doctor. After Tommy discovers the truth, he confronts the doctor and delivers this iconic line, which immortalized him as the best anti-hero of the small screen.While Tommy sees death as a kindness, he makes sure that he is the real boss and the man of his own destiny. This also holds as a sharp reminder to all his enemies, who tried to kill Tommy Shelby but failed miserably."It's not a good idea to look at Tommy Shelby the wrong way'' (from Peaky Blinders Season 1 Episode 2) View this post on Instagram Instagram PostWhile this line feels straight out of an action movie, probably spoken to one of Tommy's many enemies, he actually delivers this iconic line to Grace at The Garrison. After asking her to sing a song for him, Tommy confesses that he just killed his horse because he 'looked at him the wrong way.''While Tommy can be gentle and even forgiving at times, this line suggests that all his enemies should tread lightly around him. This dialogue perfectly captures the ruthless nature of the character and cements him as the perfect anti-hero, who embodies all his darkness and flaws in style.While this list could be endless, Cillian Murphy will return with many more iconic dialogues and one-liners in the upcoming movie Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, scheduled to release in theatres on March 6 and on Netflix on March 20.For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.