“When you’re dealing with a very powerful enemy, taking revenge sometimes requires time. You have to pick your moment“.
Thomas Shelby
Season 6 Episode 1
Within the realm of Peaky Blinders, Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy) is a powerful character who possesses both heroic and anti-hero qualities, shaped by his cunning and ambitious nature in addition to the enemies he confronts. Every season of the show features a fresh cast of rivals, ranging from politicians and criminals to relatives, all of whom pose a distinct and dangerous threat to Thomas. These enemies are more than just obstacles, forcing him to transform from a low-level criminal into a significant and well-respected member of British society. This article dives further into the enemies that Thomas Shelby faces in each season, examining how they influence the story and the evolution of his character.
So let’s begin with step by step analysis of all the enemies of Thomas Shelby appeared in each season, and how Tommy outmaneuvered all of them.
Powerful Enemies Thomas Shelby Faced in Peaky Blinders
Billy Kimber
Billy Kimber (Charlie Creed-Miles) appeared in the second episode of season 1 when Tommy got his undivided attention. Kimber was the well-known name in the world of races and no one set up a race without his knowledge and permission. As Tommy was new in the game, and most importantly he was a gypsy, so he bugged a race without telling anyone to get Billy’s attention. He already knew it was not acceptable to anyone so he made that move so he could get to meet Billy in person for his own hidden agenda.
Their first meeting was not a pleasant one, but somehow Tommy got his involvement in the races with some negotiations with Billy’s accountant. And, once he got his official betting license for the races, he outplayed Billy which turned out to be a terrible situation for both parties. Even at their first meeting, Tommy said “I admire you Mr. Kimber“, did he really mean it? The correct answer is “no”. He said this to win his temporary trust. Despite having a short rivalry, that was the first ever enemy Tommy had to face and he beat him to death.
The first season revolves around the tension between Thomas and Kimber. Tommy slowly undermines the control of the betting king by using a combination of psychological manipulation and physical force. The two men’s rivalry builds throughout the season, ending in an outstanding climax. Tommy defeats Kimber in the crucial moment, murdering him and seizing control of his operations. This victory is a vital moment for Thomas Shelby, marking the beginning of his rise to power.
Major Chester Campbell
The only enemy appeared in two seasons, whose only sole purpose was to destroy Thomas Shelby and his family. He first appeared in the first episode of season 1, where he was sent to Birmingham to safely discover the stolen machine guns and ammunition bound for Libya. Though, he was never aware of whom he was going to face. Campbell (Sam Neill) even tries to manipulate Tommy by putting a mole in their organization (Grace Burgess), who ultimately falls in love with Tommy and deceives Inspector Campbell for love.
Due to unfortunate events between these two enemies, Campbell came back in season 2 with full force and with even a higher rank, but this time his sole target was not only Tommy but his business, family, and all his associates. He wanted to destroy him root and stem, and that’s why he put Tommy into a nasty crime-based conspiracy that he couldn’t escape without completion. In the final act, Tommy does as Campbell instructed him to do, but beats him in the last step where he secretly gets help from Winston Churchill (Neil Maskell).
Thomas and Campbell have a deep-seated, complex rivalry. Tommy sees Campbell as a dangerous enemy whereas, Campbell sees him as a dangerous criminal who needs to be stopped at all costs. When Campbell tries to confront Seargant Moss (Tony Pitts) for the bribes he had taken from Peaky Blinders, he mentions Shelby in a very brutish way by saying “Shelby is a worm, that feeds off the rotten parts of your mind“. In addition to issues of control and power, their conflict is motivated by personal grievances and ideologies.
Darby Sabini
One of the most dangerous enemies from the series, who nearly killed Thomas in season 2, but somehow he was saved by another enemy Chester Campbell for a business reason. Darby Sabini (Noah Taylor), the head of an Italian gang that owns the city’s racetracks, and Thomas Shelby clash as both men try to expand their business into London. Sabini is a brutal and ruthless gangster, known for his violent methods and strong grip on the London underworld.
One of the very first reasons Sabini hated our cunning hero, was being a gypsy. He was never on good terms with these people as he was a highly regarded Jew, and secondly being defeated by a gypsy in races is a shameful act for him so he wanted to get rid of Peaky Blinders for good. He made multiple attacks and tried to corrupt his organization with the help of Alfie Solomons (Tom Hardy) but later he couldn’t make his promise to Alfie which became an opportunity for Thomas to destroy Sabini.
The battle between them is fierce, with both sides suffering heavy losses. Tommy’s ambition drives him to challenge Sabini’s dominance, leading to a series of violent confrontations. Despite the odds, Tommy’s strategic brilliance and alliances with other gangs allow him to gain the upper hand. Sabini was a proud and stubborn man which was the actual reason for his defeat whereas Thomas was smart, patient, and cunning and took advantage of every possible situation.
Father John Hughes
Father John Hughes, a corrupt priest with ties to the Russian noble families, is introduced in season three. Hughes is one of Tommy’s most dangerous opponents since he is part of a conspiracy that puts Thomas and the British government at risk. He’s a strong opponent because of his influence over influential religious and political figures. Probably the second dangerous enemy in the series, who nearly took Shelby’s life in an attempt to manipulate him.
He was the only man who even had deep contacts in Shelby’s personal life, he tried to hurt his family and even kidnapped his boy when Tommy tried to undermine the plan for robbery. We already know how much Thomas is concerned about the welfare of his family, and as a matter of fact, despite being a violent show we can learn a lot of lessons for the family from Peaky Blinders.
There is a lot of deception and manipulation in the conflict between Thomas and Hughes. Hughes uses psychological pressure and threats to try to control Tommy in an effort to use his influence to his advantage. Hughes’s death marks the end of one of the darkest chapters in Tommy’s life, leaving him more ruthless and determined than ever.
The Royal Russian Family
The Royal Russian family introduced in the third season adds another layer of complexity to Thomas Shelby’s list of enemies. The Russians pose a serious threat to Tommy and his objectives since they are cunning and impulsive. Fleeing the Bolshevik Revolution, these Russian nobles are desperate and dangerous, willing to do whatever it takes to regain their lost wealth and power. Their involvement with Tommy leads to a series of dangerous plots and double-crosses.
These Russians especially Tatiana Petrovna (Gaite Jansen) were one of the trickiest enemies Shelby ever faced. They were fierce, cunning, ruthless, and most of all crazy in the head. Remember, what Tommy said to her at their celebrations before executing the robbery “Why do you like to play with people when there is no benefit to you“.
Tatiana even tries to manipulate Tommy by acting like his late wife, she wears her perfume wore her clothes, and all she wanted was to get inside Tommy’s head so he can overcome his grievance and obey her. At one point during the celebrations at the Russian residence, Tommy got hypnotized in an intimate scene with her but somehow he realized that it was only for a purpose. Tommy somehow got rid of them after the completion of business but that family really made his life hell at multiple points.
Luca Changretta
In the fourth season, we are introduced to Luca Changretta (Adrien Brody), an Italian-American mafioso who is out for revenge after the Shelby family killed his father (Vincent Changretta). Luca is one of the most dangerous enemies Tommy faces, bringing with him the full force of the American mafia. His vendetta against the Shelby family is relentless, leading to a brutal and bloody gang war.
He was certainly the most professional mafia leader bound to rules and regulations. He professionally began the vendetta by sending black hand cards to all family members providing them with enough time and opportunity to prepare themselves for a war. Most of all, he had a wide network in the UK that he could use against Tommy, the only drawback he faced was Small Heath Town, and local police working for Tommy. That’s why he warned Tommy there would be no police and Tommy asked in return there would be no children involved in vendetta.
The conflict between Tommy and Luca is intense and personal, with both men determined to destroy each other. Tommy is pushed to his limits by Luca, who is a fierce opponent due to his cold-blooded and systematic tactics. One of the most dramatic plots in the series is the high-stakes struggle between them, which ends in a spectacular clash that permanently damages the Shelby family.
Alfie Solomons
Was he a friend or an enemy? Alfie Solomons (Tom Hardy), is one of the most complex characters in Peaky Blinders. While not always a direct enemy, his relationship with Thomas Shelby is characterized by shifting alliances and betrayals. Alfie is a Jewish gang leader from Camden Town, known for his unpredictable nature and sharp intellect. His connections to the underworld and his willingness to play both sides make him both a valuable ally and a dangerous enemy.
Counting back to how many times he betrayed Tommy, well, the first time in the second season for Sabini, second time when Tommy was dealing with Russians (his boy was kidnapped because of Alfie), and later on he betrayed him on multiple occasions. But, in the end, he was the one who helped Tommy to complete his story and defeat Jack Nelson. Thomas was a smart businessman, and he knew how to overcome betrayals and transform the worst opportunities into valuable ones, and we can learn a lot of business lessons from Peaky Blinders due to the strategies involved by Tommy in the series.
In Season 4, the tension between Alfie and Thomas reaches a boiling point. Although they have worked together in the past, their relationship is built on mutual distrust. Alfie’s manipulative nature and his tendency to betray those close to him eventually lead to a dramatic confrontation with Thomas. Their violent relationship comes to an end when Thomas is forced to shoot Alfie in a heartbreaking moment. But Alfie reminds Tommy of the moral difficulties and complexity of the world of organized crime, which has a significant impact on Tommy.
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Oswald Mosley
Season 5 introduces Oswald Mosley (Sam Claflin), a real-life historical figure and one of Thomas Shelby’s most dangerous enemies. Mosley is a charismatic politician who leads the British Union of Fascists, a far-right political party that gained traction in the turbulent post-war period. His political ideology and ambitions put him at odds with Tommy, who is now a Member of Parliament and has his own political aspirations.
He is portrayed as the most cunning and corrupt leader in the series with a very dark background. He was against the Jews and their political ideologies and maybe that was the reason Alfie supported Tommy when he planned to pluck him out for good. He also had a history with Tommy’s second wife Lizzie Stark Shelby (Natasha O’Keeffe), which he later on used as an opportunity to disrespect and tease Tommy. But he was one of those enemies that can’t be dealt with directly, Tommy had to win his trust and allegiance to defeat him.
The conflict between Thomas and Mosley is not just a personal rivalry, it represents a clash of ideologies. Mosley’s rise threatens the very fabric of British society, and Thomas is determined to stop him. However, Mosley is a cunning and resourceful opponent, using his influence and connections to outmaneuver Tommy at every turn. The season builds up to an assassination plot against Mosley, planned by Thomas. But in a shocking twist, the plan fails, leaving Mosley alive and more powerful than ever. This failure deeply affects Tommy, as it represents one of the few times he is outplayed by an enemy.
The Billy Boys
Another significant threat in Season 5 comes from the Billy Boys, a violent Protestant gang from Glasgow led by Jimmy McCavern (Brian Gleeson). The Billy Boys are known for their brutal tactics and their fierce loyalty to the Protestant cause. Their introduction brings a new level of brutality to the series, as they pose a direct threat to the Shelby family and their business interests.
The conflict with the Billy Boys is intense and bloody, with both sides suffering heavy losses. McCavern’s gang is aligned with Mosley, further complicating Thomas’s efforts to undermine the rise of fascism in Britain. The Billy Boys are ruthless and relentless, forcing Tommy to adopt even more extreme measures to protect his family and his empire.
Michael Grey
As the series progresses into its final season, the most personal and heartbreaking enemy Tommy faces is Michael Gray (Finn Cole), his cousin and once-loyal family member. Michael, who was initially brought into the Shelby fold as a trusted ally, becomes increasingly disillusioned with Tommy’s leadership. Influenced by his wife, Gina Gray (Anya Taylor-Joy), and driven by his ambition, Michael begins to see himself as the rightful heir to the Shelby empire.
Michael was not part of the Shelby family in the beginning, as we can see he was taken by the parish and adopted by a catholic family. But he was Polly’s (Helen McCrory) son, so Tommy used his resources and find out the family who took Michael into their possession and he offered him after his 18th birthday he could do as he liked. He got all the violent and smart instincts of Shelby’s and moved to Small Heath to join his actual mother. Technically, he found his way into Shelby’s family because of Tommy but later on became his enemy due to personal reasons.
He believes that Tommy’s decisions have led the family down a dangerous path, and he is determined to take control, even if it means destroying the man who raised him. The power struggle between Tommy and Michael is filled with deception, plotting, and ultimately, violence. The resolution of their conflict is bittersweet, as it marks the end of an era for the Shelbys, but also the beginning of a new chapter for those who survive.
Jack Nelson
Uncle Jack Nelson (James Frecheville) is introduced in Season 6 as a powerful and influential figure from Boston, connected to the upper-class elites of American society. He is an American businessman and politician with deep ties to the illegal liquor trade during Prohibition, making him a formidable enemy for Tommy. Uncle Jack is also the uncle of Gina, Michael Gray’s wife, which further complicates the already tense relationship between Tommy and Michael.
He represents a new kind of threat to Tommy, one that is not just about physical power or gang warfare but about political influence and international connections. His wealth and status give him leverage that even Tommy struggles to counter. Uncle Jack is interested in expanding his operations to Europe, particularly in partnership with Oswald Mosley and the fascist movement, which puts him directly at odds with Tommy.
The conflict between Thomas Shelby and Uncle Jack is characterized by a clash of ambitions and ideologies. While Tommy seeks to protect his empire and prevent the spread of fascism, Uncle Jack is focused on consolidating power and increasing his wealth, regardless of the political consequences. Their interactions are filled with tension, as both men are master strategists, always calculating their next move.
Throughout the six seasons of Peaky Blinders, Thomas Shelby’s enemies play a crucial role in shaping his character and the narrative of the series. From gangsters and politicians to family members and mysterious figures from his past, each enemy presents a unique challenge that pushes Tommy to his limits. These conflicts are not just battles for power and control, they are deeply personal struggles that force Tommy to confront his own morality, ambition, and the legacy he will leave behind.
I’m Jason Gill, founder of propeoplemag.com. I’ve graduated in Aviation Management and Avionics Engineering from Superior University, Lahore. I’m certified in WordPress Website Creation and Content Management. I’m a passionate blogger and have seven years of experience in content writing and web development. With a dynamic blend of expertise in web development, blogging, and content creation, I have expertise in dispatch and customer services where I’ve worked with top-tier USA, UK and Canadian based companies located in Pakistan. I’ve also worked as a Student Brand Ambassador for the Cultural Exchange Program at Superior Univeristy and have visited twice for 6 months in Istanbul, Turkey, and Doha, Qatar.