Peaky Blinders' favorite gangster Thomas Shelby 'will become good', here's how this transition might take place
'Peaky Blinders' show creator Steven Knight confirmed that Thomas Shelby, the cold-blooded gangster's character will go through a 360-degree change when the show comes to an end. He will not remain the ruthless man that he is currently, and there will come a time when he will seek redemption. The fifth season of 'Peaky Blinders' is set to air sometime later in 2019 and the team finished shooting for the film in February. Knight is writing the sixth season and the show will end with season seven at the onset of world war II.
Thomas has always been a man who thinks first of the Shelby family and his priority is to protect them above all else. Throughout the series, there have been many instances that prove his fealty for the family. His belief system goes through a major change after experiencing World War I. The horrors of the war has Thomas believe that the only reprieve from it all is money - to be rich - and he sets out to make as much money as possible. Now, to think that he will become a good man at the onset of World War II is poetic.
However, the transition from a notorious gang leader to a 'good man' is something that will only take place in the final season. According to a report inVariety, Steven said at Cannes series TV Drama festival, "Season 7 will tell a different story, where Tommy Shelby – who begins as this nihilistic, looking out only for his family person – will be redeemed, and he will become good. I want to take him on that journey from the person we saw [in Season 1], to the person he will become in 1939."
Before that, we will see Thomas take on the role of a politician now that he is elected as the Member of Parliament. There is a lot more of ruthless gangster to see, especially as he is set to collaborate if not directly with the Irish Republic Army and the communists. This is when he is a staunch capitalist himself, who as a working-class man learned earlier on that poverty would only result in misery. There is also the equation between Thomas and Arthur that will get expanded on in the upcoming season, especially considering the influence that Linda may or may not have over her husband who is the point of contact between Thomas and the IRA.
Considering all of this, the one thing that could lead Thomas down the path of redemption would have to be his family as he began his quest for money and power also for himself and his family.