Throughout the six gripping seasons of Peaky Blinders, viewers were treated to a myriad of memorable villains. However, few could have anticipated that Tommy Shelby’s ultimate rival would emerge from within his own family—his cousin, Michael Gray (Finn Cole). This bold narrative decision stirred some controversy among fans over the years. Fortunately, Finn Cole’s stellar performance helped to seamlessly transition Michael from ally to antagonist, making it feel both believable and impactful.
While some critics argue that Michael’s conflict with Tommy feels forced and unconvincing, the groundwork for this battle had been laid well in advance. Speculation swirled about whether Michael would go so far as to take Tommy’s life, creating significant tension as the final season unfolded. This wasn’t merely a ploy to win back viewers after the show’s lowest-rated season; it was a plotline that the writers had envisioned since season 4, woven intricately into the overarching story arc.
Michael Being Peaky Blinders Season 6’s Villain Wasn’t Always The Plan – Why It Changed
Helen McCrory’s Death Changed The Story Massively
The choice to have Michael turn against Tommy came on the heels of Aunt Polly’s (the late Helen McCrory) death. Initially, the creators didn’t plan for this character evolution. Finn Cole himself expressed disappointment with the trajectory of Michael’s storyline in season 6, suggesting it shifted following McCrory’s tragic passing. Her character’s demise left a void that had to be filled, and it felt natural for the writers to shape Michael’s narrative around that loss, portraying that he’d been affected by the IRA’s violent takeover during Tommy’s failed assassination attempt on Oswald Mosley (Sam Claflin).
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Given the circumstances, it made sense that Michael couldn’t simply forgive Tommy for the tragic events concerning his mother. This conflict was unavoidable. Throughout the series, Michael was always aligned with Polly, even when it meant standing against Tommy. Following Polly’s death, their bond disintegrated, leading directly to Michael’s antagonistic role in the final season.
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There Was No Coming Back From That For The Cousins
Interestingly, Michael’s unexpected evolution into a rival was, perhaps unintentionally, set up in the season 4 finale. In that episode, Tommy orders Michael to leave for the U.S., just as Michael is poised to grow within the family business. This banishment only escalated the tension between them, with accusations of blame growing as Tommy remained unaware of his cousin’s discontent.
Much of Peaky Blinders centers around Tommy trying to outrun his own destiny—and Michael represents that impending doom for him.
Tommy’s fear of being outshined by the younger generation manifested in Michael’s role, underscoring the series’ themes. Michael epitomized the grave threat to Tommy’s empire, highlighting how the latter’s inability to embrace his own legacy ultimately led to destruction. He always recognized the potential in Michael but resisted allowing him to thrive, turning his cousin into a reflection of his greatest insecurities.
Why Michael Was The Best Choice For Peaky Blinders Season 6’s Villain
The Character Represents All Of Tommy’s Worst Fears
Despite some fan backlash regarding this storyline, Michael’s emergence as Tommy’s final foe was an incredibly fitting conclusion to the series. The stakes had never been higher, ensuring that audiences remained captivated. Moreover, this narrative arc unveiled Tommy’s fundamental flaws—his pride and arrogance alienated those around him, and by season six, he faced the consequences of his actions in multiple painful ways.
Throughout Peaky Blinders, Tommy faced a series of adversaries, but Michael posed a unique threat due to their familial ties. Unlike the previous villains—who were merely obstacles—Michael embodied everything that Tommy dreaded: self-destruction and the devastation of his legacy. Had it not been for Tommy’s decisions, Michael might have led a different life altogether, amplifying the tragedy of their rivalry.