‘Peaky Blinders’ director responds to season six criticism

nme.com:

Peaky Blinders has responded to some criticism of the latest season.While the season has been largely praised by critics and fans alike, some have criticised the pacing of the show and its lack of action when compared to previous seasons.Director Anthony Byrne, who worked on both seasons five and six, told Radio Times that he has “no problem” with criticism but added: “you can’t continue to give people what they’re expecting.”He continued: “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**t 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.

And will there be any left of him? That’s what it is for me. And audiences who love the character will go with it because they’re on a journey with this guy, with Tommy Shelby.“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.