Peaky Blinders is a popular British crime drama series that follows the exploits of the Shelby family, a gang of ruthless and ambitious criminals in Birmingham, England, in the aftermath of World War I. The show has won numerous awards and accolades for its gripping storyline, stellar cast, and stylish cinematography.
One of the main characters of the show is Tommy Shelby (played by Cillian Murphy), the leader of the Peaky Blinders and the mastermind behind most of their schemes and operations. Tommy is a complex and charismatic figure, who often struggles with his past traumas, his moral dilemmas, and his enemies.
Tommy has a large and complicated family, consisting of his brothers Arthur (Paul Anderson), John (Joe Cole), and Finn (Harry Kirton), his sister Ada (Sophie Rundle), his aunt Polly (Helen McCrory), his cousin Michael (Finn Cole), and his various love interests and children. However, there is one family member who has always been a mystery to many fans: Charlie Strong (Ned Dennehy).
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Who is Charlie Strong?
Charlie Strong is a recurring character in Peaky Blinders, who has appeared in every season since the first one. He is often referred to as Tommy’s uncle, although it is not clear whether he is related to him by blood or by marriage.
Charlie runs a scrap metal yard by the canal, where he also operates a boat service that transports illegal goods for the Peaky Blinders. He is loyal and trustworthy, and has always looked out for Tommy like a father figure. He also has a fondness for horses, and helps Tommy take care of his racehorses.
Charlie is an old friend of Tommy’s mother, who died by suicide when Tommy was young. He was the one who pulled her out of the canal, where she drowned herself. He also knew Tommy’s father, Arthur Shelby Sr., who abandoned the family and later died in America.
The exact nature of Charlie’s relation to Tommy has never been explicitly explained in the show. However, there are some clues and hints that can help us deduce the possible scenarios.
Scenario 1: Charlie is Tommy’s biological uncle
The most straightforward and simple explanation is that Charlie is indeed Tommy’s uncle by blood. This would mean that he is the brother of Tommy’s mother, and that they both had the surname Strong before she married Arthur Shelby Sr.
This scenario would explain why Charlie calls Tommy his nephew, and why Tommy refers to him as his uncle. It would also explain why Charlie has a close bond with Tommy, and why he feels responsible for him.
However, this scenario also raises some questions and contradictions. For example, why did Charlie say that he was in love with Tommy’s mother in season 5? This would imply that he had an incestuous relationship with her, or that he harbored a secret crush on her. Either way, this would be very disturbing and unlikely.
Another question is why did Charlie never mention having any other siblings or relatives besides Tommy’s mother? If he was her brother, he should have had some connection to her other children, such as Arthur, John, Ada, and Finn. However, he seems to have no interest or involvement in their lives.
Scenario 2: Charlie is Tommy’s adoptive uncle
Another possible explanation is that Charlie is not related to Tommy by blood, but by adoption. This would mean that he was adopted by Tommy’s grandparents, or that he was a close friend of the family who was treated like a son.
This scenario would explain why Charlie said that he was in love with Tommy’s mother in season 5. This would not be incestuous or taboo, but rather a forbidden romance between two people who grew up together but were not biologically related.
This scenario would also explain why Charlie has no other siblings or relatives besides Tommy’s mother. He may have been an orphan or a runaway who was taken in by the Strong family. He may have also changed his name to Strong to fit in with them.
However, this scenario also has some flaws and inconsistencies. For example, why did Charlie never reveal his true origin or background to Tommy? Why did he keep it a secret for so long? And why did he never try to pursue his love for Tommy’s mother?
The final and most radical explanation is that Charlie is not related to Tommy at all. He may have just been a friend or an associate of Tommy’s mother, who helped her out with her business or personal affairs.
This scenario would explain why Charlie said that he was in love with Tommy’s mother in season 5. This would be a normal and plausible situation between two people who had a close friendship or a professional relationship.
This scenario would also explain why Charlie has no other siblings or relatives besides Tommy’s mother. He may have just been a loner or a drifter who had no family of his own.
However, this scenario also has some drawbacks and doubts. For example, why did Charlie call Tommy his nephew, and why did Tommy refer to him as his uncle? Why did they use these terms of endearment if they had no blood or legal ties? And why did Charlie act like a father figure to Tommy, and why did Tommy trust him so much?
Conclusion
The truth behind Charlie’s relation to Tommy is still a mystery that has not been solved by the show. There are several possible scenarios that can explain their connection, but none of them are conclusive or satisfactory. Perhaps the show will reveal the answer in the final season, or perhaps it will remain a mystery forever.
Whatever the case may be, one thing is certain: Charlie and Tommy have a strong and special bond that goes beyond blood or law. They are more than just family, they are friends and allies who have been through a lot together. They are both Peaky Blinders, and they will always have each other’s back.
According to Express, Peaky Blinders is coming to a close with one final season left to go. However, fans are still confused by how Tommy Shelby is related to Charlie Strong. Hopefully, this article has shed some light on this intriguing question.
