Smooth Criminal: Who Is the Softest Shelby Brother in Peaky Blinders?
Did Arthur Shelby get the ending he deserved?
Despite being the main characters in the hit series Peaky Blinders, the Shelby brothers are criminals and murderers, we all know that. But let’s admit it, they are definitely good at what they do. However, what the criminal world does not tolerate is softness, and of the brothers doesn’t seem to suit.
The eldest of the Shelby brothers, Arthur Shelby, portrayed by Paul Anderson, is a man of contrasts. While he's often seen as the muscle behind the Shelby operations, he is also the softest of them.
What makes Artur the softest? Well, most of the Shelbys are traumatized people. Artur, Tommy and John, — these three had to face the horror of war, but Arthur is the one who is least capable of managing this trauma.
Arthur is a complex character with deep-seated insecurities, stemming from his position as the eldest Shelby brother. While he was expected to lead, Tommy took over the reins, leaving Arthur grappling with his role in the family and the business.
From his initial insecurities and childish tantrums to his tumultuous relationship with his wife, Linda, Arthur's journey is filled with ups and downs. His actions, such as the brutal killing of a young boy in a boxing ring, juxtaposed with his struggles with guilt and addiction, only broke him further.
Despite being a fan favorite, he's committed some heinous acts along the way. Living in a world filled with despair and death, Arthur struggles with his inner demons. From his relationship with his father to his suicide attempt, w see a man battling his past and seeking a path to redemption.
In the final season of Peaky Blinders, fans expected to see Artur’s redemption. Yes, we do see him grow, but there are fans out there who think that his character development got a bit overshadowed by other plotlines.
From being Tommy's right-hand man to his struggles with addiction and mental health, Arthur's character arc felt somewhat unresolved. The finale hinted at a possible reunion in the upcoming Peaky Blinders film, leaving fans hopeful for a fitting conclusion to Arthur's story.