10 times we should have hated Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders instead of admiring him

Peaky Blinders is a highly acclaimed and well-known series that features Tommy Shelby as the lead character. Thomas Shelby, or Tommy Shelby, is enigmatic and ruthless. He is the leader of the Peaky Blinders, which is a criminal organization. Beneath the tailored suits and steely gaze lies a man who has often taken the path of moral ambiguity.

His actions have been controversial and often looked down upon. However, many viewers have admired his actions despite the decisions that he has taken throughout the series. The anti-hero portrayal of Tommy Shelby explores the flawed protagonist’s character. It is often easy to feel remorse for a character like Tommy Shelby. Although his willingness to sacrifice others for his own gain paints a picture of a man who has disregard for human life.

The resilience and strategic mind he has is often admired, but his actions should not always be admired. In this list, let's delve into the 10 times we should have hated Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders instead of admiring him. These actions should have sparked our condemnation, making us re-evaluate the admiration towards a deeply flawed character.

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1)Tommy Shelby distributing illegal substances

Tommy Shelby's actions in Peaky Blinders, such as his distributing illegal substances, are not correct. There are several cases when the media has glorified criminals. Tommy Shelby's case is a similar example.

In Peaky Blinders we see that Tommy Shelby's character is charismatic and powerful. This desensitizes the viewers when considering his actions. The admiration of characters like Tommy Shelby normalizes criminal behavior and undermines the respect of law, according to the viewers.

Though it is easy to be wrapped up in the actions of the main characters, his distribution of illegal substances should not be admired. Especially when we consider the negative impact these substances have in the real world.

2)Tommy Shelby’s evil nature in the below hell scene

In Season 3 of Peaky Blinders, Tommy Shelby has excelled in portraying the character that operated in the gray area. He has frequently resorted to violence and manipulation, especially in this scene. Throughout the season, we see several moments of Tommy Shelby’s brutality.

It has left a lasting impact on the viewers. It is very important not to let the violence that Tommy Shelby creates become normalized. Peaky Blinders is a challenge for the viewers to decide if the actions of Tommy Shelby are truly worth admiring or should be hated instead.

3)Manipulating his family in season 3

In Season 3, Tommy Shelby’s actions towards his family should be hated instead of admired. He orchestrated a complex and dangerous plan. It brought his family into a web of peril. He withheld critical information from his family and used his authority and strategic mind to manipulate them.

Tommy’s betrayal towards his family by handing over his family to the police truly left a lasting impact on the viewers. His actions throughout this season should warrant strong negative feelings toward him. As family is shown as a core part of Shelby’s world, the consistent withholding of information from them violated their trust.

The emotional trauma his actions had on his family was disproportionate. One of the most significant aspects of his nature was the need to control. This created negative outcomes even for the ones closest to him.

4)Marrying Grace despite her betrayal

Grace initially infiltrated the Shelby family as an undercover agent for the Birmingham Police. The primary purpose she had was to gather information about the illegal activities that they did. She gained Tommy Shelby’s trust to carry on her task.

Her deception was enough for many viewers to have a negative image of Grace. Despite her betrayal, Tommy decided to marry Grace. In any other scenario, if anyone other than Shelby had done that, Tommy would have had a different reaction.

However, his judgment in this case has been questioned by the viewers. He placed his personal desires above the safety of his family. Though he has been admired, this decision of Tommy's has been debated. In the world of Peaky Blinders, trust plays a significant role, and for this, many viewers have pointed out that Tommy Shelby marrying Grace should not be admired but hated instead.

5)Forcing John to marry

Forced marriage violates any individual’s right to choose their own partner. In Peaky Blinders, Tommy Shelby’s disregard for personal feelings and desires when he forces John to marry should not be admired, according to many viewers.

As Tommy wields significant power within the Shelby family along with broad control over the criminal underworld, he uses his power to manipulate situations. Forcing John to marry was a demonstration of his abuse of power. He sacrificed his personal agency for the sake of an alliance.

The ongoing conflicts would be resolved after the marriage, which was the reason he forced John to marry. Though John eventually accepts the marriage, the initial act of forcing him is problematic and should not be admired.

6)His treatment of Lizzie in the early seasons

The way Tommy Shelby treated Lizzie in the early seasons of Peaky Blinders definitely makes his character questionable according to the viewers. Lizzie’s past made her vulnerable, and Tommy Shelby has often exploited her. He has used her in strategic manners.

It showed his general disregard for the emotions. His behavior towards Lizzie lacked respect and was often dismissive. He had frequently manipulated Lizzie without considering the consequences that she might face. Their initial relationship set a bad foundation.

His flaw should be recognized instead of admired, according to the viewers. Though his behavior towards Lizzie shows some signs of change in the later seasons, the damage he had done in the early seasons was undeniable.

7)Tommy’s alliance with Oswald Mosley

The alliance Tommy Shelby had with Oswald Mosley was a deeply problematic aspect of Peaky Blinders. Many viewers have pointed out that it should not be admired. Oswald Mosley’s ideologies were inherently oppressive. The things promoted by him often led to violence.

Tommy Shelby’s association with Mosley, even under the guise of trying to undermine him. It is legitimizing his beliefs. His motivations for the alliance are complex. It involves political maneuvering and attempts to gain power. However, these do not excuse the moral compromise he makes.

The alliance has a negative impact and shows the dangers of Oswald’s ideologies. Viewers have noted that Tommy Shelby’s association with Oswald Mosley should not be admired but should be hated instead.

8)Tommy using Ben Younger

Tommy Shelby using Ben Younger in Peaky Blinders has significant negative impacts. He used Ben, who had a position within the military, to gather crucial information regarding Oswald Mosley. Oswald Mosley was a dangerous man, and using Ben for this purpose put him in immense danger.

The eventual assassination of Ben Younger leaves a lasting impact on the viewers. Tommy’s actions lead to the death of Ada Shelby’s lover. It caused her immense pain and suffering. His willingness to sacrifice the well-being of others for his selfish gains has truly impacted the views of the audience.

Ben Younger’s death is an example of the human cost of Tommy’s ambitions. He used him as a tool, which, when he ultimately became a liability, was discarded. This action of Tommy Shelby has been looked down upon by many viewers and should not be admired.

9)Tommy Shelby manipulating Aberama Gold

Tommy Shelby is known for his manipulative tactics that he frequently used. He used to manipulate people around him to control the situation. Many viewers have pointed out that his manipulation of Aberama Gold was not a good deed. Peaky Blinders is a world where the moral lines are blurred.

Tommy and Aberama have often engaged in activities that were considered bad to achieve their goals. Tommy’s manipulations have severe consequences not only for him but also for the people around him. Manipulative behavior should never be normalized. Mainstream media have often normalized these kinds of behaviors. It should only be considered as a form of entertainment and not admiration or inspiration.

10)Mistreating Finn

There have been several moments when Tommy has mistreated Finn. Finn was the youngest of the Shelby family. He was often unprepared for the situations that were thrust upon him. His errors can be attributed to the lack of mentorship, which is not his fault.

Tommy had a focus on strength and control. It is often at the expense of the emotional well-being of others. A toxic environment was created where vulnerability was seen as a weakness. Tommy’s harsh behavior towards Finn has been criticized by many viewers. They have noted that his behavior towards him should not be admired but looked down upon instead.

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