I'm convinced that Michael was a bright Shelby who fell short against Tommy in Peaky Blinders

While nobody came close to Cillian Murphy's Tommy Shelby in the BBC crime drama series Peaky Blinders, Aunt Polly's biological son Michael Gray was a strong competitor.

Introduced by Tommy to the Shelby family in Season 2, the ruthless leader involved him in the family business and welcomed him with open arms. But Michael forgot that only Tommy runs the show here and dreamed of ruling the Blinders someday.

While Michael was manipulative, fierce, and strong, just like Tommy, and possessed all the qualities of a Shelby, his unchecked desire to lead the gang and eliminate Tommy resulted in his doom. Since nobody can outwit the Birmingham leader, Michael witnessed a tragic end at the hands of Tommy in the series finale.

More on Michael in Peaky Blinders in our story.

*Disclaimer- This article is based on the author's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.*

Michael started as a promising character in Peaky Blinders

When Tommy introduced Polly's biological son Michael to the Shelby family in Season 2, who knew this young and shy boy would challenge the Blinders' leader one day.

Many fans have noticed Michael's similarities to Tommy, especially his hunger for power and limitless ambition, but ultimately, he made all the wrong choices.

Having a strong force like Tommy Shelby and Polly by his side, Michael was destined for greatness. Even Tommy recognised his spark, which is why he introduced the boy to the family and even tried to teach him their business, but Michael had plans of his own.

While Arthur was short-tempered and John was too involved with his family, Michael looked like the best option to support Tommy and take their legitimate business to new heights.

In Peaky Blinders Season 4, Michael even acted as a neutral balance between all the scattered Shelbies until Luca Changretta targeted them. But after the prison incident, Michael started relying on cocaine and met Gina, which started his eventual downfall.

Michael vs Tommy in Peaky Blinders- Are they two sides of the same coin?

Many also saw Michael as a mirror to Tommy, who also possessed limitless ambition and a hunger for power. Tommy even starts to distrust Michael in Peaky Blinders Season 4, after he dreams about a black cat and is certain that Michael is trying to take his 'throne'.

While it is difficult to threaten a man like Tommy, he became cautious around Michael because he was aware of his capabilities and that he posed a threat to his leadership and empire.

However, one major difference between Tommy and Michael was family. While Tommy Shelby did everything for his Peaky Blinders family, to provide them social mobility and standing in the world, Michael was a self-absorbed man who wanted everything for himself.

When he is abandoned by Tommy in Season 5, Michael vows to take revenge against him and even plans to kill him by setting up a bomb in his car. Tommy was a family man, who fought countless enemies for the sake of his family, but Michael did not think twice before attacking his own family.

In the end, nobody could stand against Tommy, and he proves that he still runs the show and was always one step ahead of his cousin. In the Peaky Blinders Season 6 finale, Tommy shoots Michael in the eye, proving that it is not good to see the ruthless gangster the wrong way.

Also Read: 5 Peaky Blinders characters that deserved a better ending

Trending

For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback