I've always felt Polly Gray was the true Peaky Blinders leader and the late Helen McCrory proved it many times

Steven Knight's period crime drama Peaky Blinders is a show that has made me witness how art exists at its pinnacle. And one such rendition, a bright example, is the character Polly Gray (the late Helen McCrory portrays), whose contribution to the series has been invaluable since its inception.

Even though she is technically not the leader of the Peaky Blinders, Polly does call the shots when it comes to making important decisions for the gang. Her commanding nature, lined with a tough outer core, conceals a soft and kind-hearted person who has had her share of misfortune as well. Struggle is the word that always seems to be around her.

Still, Polly is like a mother figure to the Peaky boys (Tommy, Arthur, and John), and I believe she is the fiercest female character who helps to drive the plot in the right direction. To be honest, I have always felt that she is the true leader of the Small Heath, Birmingham gang.

However, I was absolutely heartbroken when the character had to be written off the show back in 2021 due to Helen McCrory's sad demise. I feel Polly's character is built on three strong pillars: resilience, an aspiration to achieve something big, and the urge to rise above the everlasting social barriers.

I am fully convinced that Aunt Polly was the heart and soul of Peaky Blinders

I feel female characters have always been at the focal point of Peaky Blinders, and back in 2022, one statement from Steven Knight per Tudum justified the same:

"Having come from a working-class background, and in Birmingham, the women run the show."

It would be worth mentioning how the socio-political premise of Birmingham (at that time) was kept in mind and accurately aligned with the story of Peaky Blinders. Male members of the gang got down to the streets, did the dirty work, and fought their rivals, but without the backup of the women, it would have been impossible to get ahead in life.

Aunt Polly is the manifestation of the same, and the way she pulls the strings on the Peaky business is impeccable. With Arthur struggling owing to his short temper and John playing with guns like they were toys, Polly always had to keep an eye on both brothers.

There have also been multiple instances where she proved that she is at the heart of this family and that the business goes on. I clearly remember this one scene from Season 1 Episode 6, where she faces off against Grace (Tommy's love interest who later married him) and steals the show with one of the best lines:

"And it’s me who runs the business at the heart of this family. And as far as I’m concerned, you’re a snitch from the parish, and if you’re not gone from this city by tomorrow, I’ll kill you myself."

Late star Helen McCrory's solid delivery at every point is what made me admire the character so much. Time and again, she has proved that she does call the shots if she wants and wouldn't even need Tommy Shelby's approval on that.

Polly, on multiple occasions, has also been very careful about how the Peaky Blinders tread into the underworld and deal with their enemies. She has always warned Tommy what danger might befall their family because of his overambitious and power-hungry nature, not to mention that her predictions did come true many times.

So, I think intelligence and clarity of thought are two major driving forces behind Polly's arc. She has always served as Thomas Shelby's right hand, advising him on what to do or not. Surprisingly, Polly was the only person Tommy ever listened to, and occasionally, he also changed decisions based on what she directed him to do.

Cillian Murphy (who plays the role of Tommy Shelby) is definitely a major reason why fans love the show so much. But Helen McCrory's unparalleled performance is what made Aunt Polly the heart and soul of the Peaky Blinders.

By helping Ada raise her babies, fiercely protecting her long-lost child Michael, contributing unconditionally to her family, and even killing notorious men like Major Campbell on her own, Polly has outdone herself and won millions of hearts. And I am definitely one of those who believe that Helen McCrory's legacy lives on forever.

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Also Read: Now we know why this Peaky Blinders death was absolutely necessary

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