I'm convinced Tom Hardy's Peaky Blinders role almost took the focus off Tommy Shelby at times (even with limited appearances)

While BBC crime drama series Peaky Blinders has always been Cillian Murphy's show as the leader Tommy Shelby, Tom Hardy shines as Alfie Solomons even in his limited appearance.

While the drama series had an ensemble cast of all A-listers, it was hard to focus on anybody else with Murphy present. That changed for me in Season 2, when Hardy was introduced as Alfie Solomons. Right from his thick beard to the unkempt old gangster look, Alfie presented himself in stark contrast to Tommy, who is more dapper and suave in his fashion.

Even though Alfie betrayed Tommy on many occasions, I believe he commanded the room and often dominated Tommy in their scenes. Both brilliant actors, it was a treat to watch Murphy and Hardy go head-to-head in Peaky Blinders.

More on Hardy's Alfie in Peaky Blinders in our story.

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

Tom Hardy's Alfie Solomons was a nuanced villain in Peaky Blinders

Hardy debuted as the indifferent Jewish gangster in Peaky Blinders Season 2. While he started out as one of Tommy and the Peaky boys' allies, he was quick to change sides when the opportunity presented itself. And despite emerging as a full-on antagonist and deceiving Tommy on every occasion he got, Alfie is still one of the most liked characters on the show.

Even while he betrayed Tommy on many occasions, I did not feel disgust or hate for Alfie (like other antagonists). While every actor on the show, be it Adrien Brody or Sam Neill, who portrayed a villainous character on Peaky Blinders, did their part flawlessly, Hardy's Alfie had layers.

Unlike Sam Claflin's Oswald Mosley, who was evil through and through, Alfie had a complex character, executed flawlessly by Hardy's nuanced portrayal. His indifference and unpredictability made him an intriguing character, even outshining Tommy in many scenes.

Tommy has seldom had public vulnerable moments in the show. While the leader dealt with his war PTSD and the pain of Grace's death in isolation, he was great at masking his vulnerabilities.

Exploring a key scene between Alfie and Tommy from Peaky Blinders Season 3

To demonstrate how Alfie dominated every scene he was in, even with Tommy present, discussing Peaky Blinders Season 3 Episode 6 is crucial. In an intense sequence, Tommy not only confronts Alfie for betraying him for a second time but also for putting his son Charlie in jeopardy.

Tommy is furious at Alfie, as he thinks that Alfie has crossed a line by giving Charlie up. Alfie catches him off guard by calling out his hypocrisy. He confronts an angry Tommy by asking him how many times he has murdered innocent fathers, sons, and brothers.

He should understand the rules of their world and that nothing is off-limits here. In one of the best dialogue deliveries by Hardy, he says:

''What f*cking line am I supposed to have crossed? You f*cking stand there, you judging me? If you pull that trigger, you pull that trigger for a f*cking honorable reason...not like a civilian that does not understand the wicked ways of our world, mate!''

While the dialogue is strong enough to stir Tommy out of his superior trance, Hardy's delivery makes it even more powerful. And probably for the first time, we see Tommy defeated by his own logic. Alfie's words, albeit harsh, are truthful, and he even reveals that he was unaware of Charlie's kidnapping.

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Also Read: I firmly believe Paul Anderson, aka Arthur Shelby, is the only Peaky Blinders character who overdid his role

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