Peaky Blinders has become one of the most popular crime dramas on television. Set in post-World War I Birmingham, it follows the rise of the Shelby family and their criminal empire.
At the center of the family is Aunt Polly Gray, a character known for her wisdom and strength. One significant plot twist in Peaky Blinders Season 4, where Arthur Shelby faked his death to trap a powerful rival, proved how significant Polly was to both the business and the story.
Why Aunt Polly’s twist in Peaky Blinders showed her true importance
Polly Gray (played by Helen McCrory) wasn’t just another member of the Shelby family; she was the person who held everyone together. As the aunt of leader Thomas Shelby, Polly was often his adviser, his support, and sometimes the only person he could rely on at his hardest moments. She had the intelligence to run the business and the toughness to face any obstacle that came their way.
In season 4, the Shelbys faced one of their most dangerous enemies, Luca Changretta, a mafia boss from New York. When Arthur was attacked and believed to be dead, the Shelby clan seemed to be on the verge of collapse. But in reality, Arthur’s death had been staged as part of a trap.
This plan, created by Tommy Shelby, depended heavily on Polly’s help. She was one of the few people who knew Arthur was still alive. Without her, the plan would have never worked.

Polly had to convince her son, Michael, and Arthur’s wife, Linda, to support the plan as well. She arranged for Michael to travel to New York and negotiate with rival gangs to back the Shelbys. Once everything was in place, Luca walked into the trap. Arthur came back and shot him, shocking both the viewers and their rivals.
This twist wasn't just excellent storytelling; it also highlighted Aunt Polly’s true role in the family and the show. She wasn't just helping out; she was taking care of business when Tommy needed someone he could trust blindly.
Throughout the show, Aunt Polly constantly proved her value. Whether it was helping Tommy understand his feelings for Grace, managing the company’s money, or making hard decisions, she was always a step ahead.
When John Shelby was killed and Tommy found himself lost, he turned to Polly with the words,
“I need you back, Polly.”
That plea reflected how much he depended on her. Even when she was falsely led to believe her lover was betraying the family, Polly was focused. Her instincts rarely failed her, and her loyalty never wavered.
Helen McCrory’s performance as Polly was one of the strongest in Peaky Blinders. Her death in 2021 brought an early end to Polly’s journey, and everyone felt her absence in the final season. Without her, the show seemed incomplete.

Peaky Blinders is streaming on Netflix.
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