What does OBE mean in Peaky Blinders? Details explored in depth

BBC’s popular period crime drama Peaky Blinders, starring Cillian Murphy and the late Helen McCrory, is sharp, stylish, and soaked in history. Set in Birmingham in the aftermath of the First World War, the show follows the ruthless rise of Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), a war hero turned gangster.

Over six successful seasons, Peaky Blinders delivered more than gang wars and whiskey. It mixed political ambition with criminal chaos, and nothing proved this more than Shelby receiving an OBE. The moment came with power—but also questions.

What does an OBE stand for in Peaky Blinders?

OBE, or Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, is a respectable British title handed to people who have made significant contributions to society—artists, scientists, and war heroes.

However, in Peaky Blinders, the badge of honor comes with a twist.

Tommy doesn’t earn it through public service or charity. He blackmails his way into it. After surviving the chaos in Season 3, Tommy finally makes a power move, and in Season 4, Episode 1, titled The Noose, we see him make use of the OBE title, which gives him unprecedented legitimacy.

The title gives him more than bragging rights—it opens doors to new opportunities: Parliament, industry, and even high society. And for a man who clawed his way up from the Birmingham streets, that kind of legitimacy is priceless. But it’s not just about power; the OBE marks a turning point in the story.

Up until that moment, they are just criminals with ambition. After the OBE, Tommy becomes a political figure. The OBE isn’t the final goal—it’s a tool. One that helps him get elected as a Labour MP from Birmingham South by the end of Season 4.

Historically, the Order of Chivalry, which includes the OBE, was created in 1917 by King George V. It was established to honor men and women who had made important contributions to the British Empire. The Order comprises five ranks for both civil and military divisions. These ranks are:

• Knight Grand Cross
• Knight Commander,
• Commander of the Most Excellent Order (CBE)
• Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)
• Member Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).

The title is a clear sign of how far Tommy has come—from the trenches in France to the halls of power. But it’s not just pride he wears on his chest—it’s a strategy.

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The OBE scene is one of the smartest moments in Peaky Blinders. It shows how power works in Britain. For Tommy Shelby, the OBE is just another weapon—a way to survive in the gritty world of Peaky Blinders.

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