Peaky Blinderstends to be praised the most for its acting, especially by the inimitableCillian Murphy.
It’s understandable given the caliber of the performances by the main cast.
However, most of the show’s success is really the result of its stellar writing.
Image via Federico Napoli
Without it, the actors would have a hard time, no matter their talents.
That they succeeded in doing so across a full six seasons is an impressive feat.
The writers are particularly good at coming up with memorable lines, ranging from the comedic to the bone-chilling.
Tommy, especially, is given many pithy phrases practically dripping with menace.
Here are the best lines inPeaky Blinders, ranked.
However, it’s hard to tell how serious Tommy is being, and what exactly he means.
At the same time, Tommy is simply being honest about his abilities and what he’s capable of.
14"It was f**king biblical, mate."
13"There’s no rest for me in this world.
Perhaps in the next."
This is a source of strength, but also weariness.
He insists that any sign of weakness risks the destruction of the Peaky Blinders.
However, when peace is equated with weakness, war becomes inevitable - and endless.
He has been dominated in the past and refuses to be placed in such a position again.
11"Everyone’s a wh*re, Grace.
We just sell different parts of ourselves."
Thereisstill some goodness in the world, and that makes his position even harder to bear.
10"Nevertheless, I say no."
In other words, Tommy’s toughest opponents have joined forces, backing him into a terrible corner.
Campbell and the IRA know this.
9"All religion is a foolish answer to a foolish question."
Several of them wrestle with questions of meaning and morality.
Tommy, too, holds some superstitious beliefs but never counts upon the help of a higher power.
Ever the realist,he has neither the time nor inclination for existential musing.
In this regard, he’s a contradictory character when it comes to the supernatural.
8"When youre dead already, youre free."
The writing and performances are exceptional, showcasing the family’s varied responses to this tragedy.
Image via BBC One
Polly’s (Helen McCrory) grief, in particular, turns to bitterness.
In other words, she’s become a more fearsome adversary than ever.
7"Sometimes the women have to take over.
Image via Netflix
Like in the war."
Most of all, the shadow of World War I hangs over the entire show.
Most of the older male characters fought in that conflict, being irrevocably changed by the experience.
Image via Netflix
The increasing social prominence of women is a recurring theme over the following seasons.
She already has experience being in charge and does not so easily yield to Tommy’s wishes anymore.
6"Good taste is for people who can’t afford sapphires."
Image via Netflix
Tommy playfully dismisses her concerns.
He doesn’t care what people think and only wants to spoil Grace with whatever she desires.
However, the line also has a darker significance.
Image via Netflix
Grace is shot soon after while wearing the sapphire and dies.
Tommy is told that the stone was cursed, tugging at his deep-down Gypsy beliefs.
Tommy’s bad taste is his desire for power to the exclusion of almost everything else.
He may be wealthy enough to afford such lavish items, but this comes with costs of its own.
