Peaky Blinders finished with two huge twists last night as it was revealed Tommy Shelby is dying and has a secret son.
After reuniting with Esme Shelby , Tommy was shocked to discover he has a child named Duke. Duke was born after Tommy slept with a woman called Zelda at Appelby Fair before he fought in the Great War.
At the end of the episode, it was also revealed that Tommy has an inoperable brain tumour and just one year to live. Most fans were shocked by the unexpected revelations, but others said they were not enjoying this season's storylines.
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Erin tweeted: "What’s happened to Peaky Blinders? Every episode is a struggle this season."
Jim said: "Peaky Blinders has dropped off dramatically this season but the soundtrack is still top-notch as ever."
Ian added: "Another heartbreaking episode of #PeakyBlinders, and things aren't looking good for Tommy. Not sure if I'm liking the direction this final season is taking."
And Vicky said: "Hate to say it but Peaky Blinders isn’t doing it for me this season."
But other viewers disagreed.
Claire tweeted: "Bravo @ThePeakyBlinder another brilliant, blood-chilling episode."
Marga said: "It was a sad, dark and amazing episode, I can't describe how I feel each week with Cillian's performance and in general all cast acting skills."
And Megan said: "I'm literally speechless by tonight's episode. It was so amazing but so devastating."
Director Anthony Byrne, who worked on both seasons five and six, spoke to Radio Times about the criticism. He said: "You’re taking a show like Peaky that is culturally relevant, it’s a TV phenomenon, and there’s an expectation of, ‘I want Arthur kicking the s*** out of people and I want Tommy being Tommy and more Peaky stuff.’
“Season four was that. Season four was a gangster season with the Italians and the Peakys. There was a lot of gangster stuff and guns and all of that. And then season five was about the rise of fascism and it was darker. Season six is a character piece about the darkness of Tommy Shelby’s soul and it’s how far down is he going to have to go before he can get out."
He added: "There’s always going to be an element of people who want just the same stuff, but we’re not in it for that because it has to evolve, and it has to change. And it has to challenge the audience’s expectations and take you on a far deeper experience than you’re expecting to go"
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