But where a man might have resorted to violence, in Polly's words, “we women have more sense.” The two share a civilized drink, and even a laugh or two, before Polly lays out the facts. She knows what Grace has done, and she will never, ever forgive her — even if
They share drinks and Polly tells Grace that though Thomas might accept Grace into the family, Polly herself never will.
While the Peaky Blinders get ready for battle, Aunt Polly pays a visit to Grace and tells her that Thomas may forgive her, but she never will.
Yet the worst act he has ever committed is forcing Polly to sleep with him to keep her son from spending the rest of his life behind bars.
Speaking to fans, creator Steven Knight stated that the creative reasoning behind Grace's death was simply that Tommy wasn't supposed to be happy (via Reddit).
Freddie died of "pestilence," likely the Spanish Influenza pandemic of 1918–1920, before the series begins. At Freddie's funeral, Thomas reveals that he made a promise back in France to speak over Freddie's grave should he pass away before him, which he fulfills.
Michael Gray, was the son of Polly Gray and the cousin of the Shelby siblings. He becomes part of the Shelby family and the Peaky Blinders, starting out on the respectable and legal side of the family business, Shelby Company Limited.
Luckily for Polly, she was finally diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) — a genetic disease that attacks nerve tissue and interrupts signals from the brain to the body. If left untreated, CIDP can cause total paralysis, leaving its victims in a physically “frozen” state.
Realizing that Thomas won't get Michael out of prison soon enough, Polly takes the matter into her own hands. Campbell offers to release Michael the next morning but only in return for a sexual favor. Polly agrees to this deal.
Lizzie is in love with Thomas, and while he definitely cares for her, her love is unrequited. In the final episode of Series 2, Lizzie attempts to explain her feelings to him, but gives up trying when it becomes evident that he's not even listening. After Grace's death, Lizzie becomes Thomas' emotional crutch.
Thomas Shelby and his adversary Inspector Campbell are both in love with Grace. Grace only loves Tommy, but she ends up breaking both men's hearts when they each make their own revelations about her.
Polly Shelby tells Ada Shelby about her children, and how the police took them away from her. She tells Ada to forgive Thomas because he is the one who brought strength and power to the Shelby family, and will make sure the same thing won't happen to Ada.
Handsome, charming and well educated, Ruben is a beguiling portrait painter who is immediately attracted to Polly.
Polly hasn't seen her son and daughter since they were cruelly taken away from her by the authorities thirteen years ago. Realising their loss weighs more heavily on her heart than ever, Tommy sets out to find Polly's missing children.
Polly Gray, portrayed by the wonderfully talented Helen McCrory, is undoubtedly the strongest woman in Peaky Blinders.
Her murder, which happened off-screen, was punishment for his machinations and meant to bring him to heel. Polly is given a Gypsy funeral, her caravan being set on fire with her body inside, and Michael swears to avenge her, blaming Tommy for her death.
Lillian Marks is the deceased twin sister of Polly Marks. She is a minor character in Season Two of the series Claws, portrayed by Carrie Preston.
The actress, who played Polly on the show, passed away last year at the age of 52.
"Episode 2.2" is the second episode of second series of Peaky Blinders and the eighth episode overall. It aired on October 9, 2014.
Arthur Shelby Sr.
Turns out the elder Arthur had walked out on his family years before the start of the show, and the brothers were essentially raised by their Aunt Polly, since their mother was also long deceased. The absence of their father affected Tommy and his brothers in different ways.
The Shelby siblings have had a difficult life, growing up with neither of their parents around. Mum Martha Shelby died and Arthur Shelby Snr (Tommy Flanagan) was left with their four children to look after. But it wasn't too long before he ran off, leaving his children in the care of aunt Polly Shelby (Helen McCrory).
Thomas Shelby is surely a complex person but if there's one thing that is unquestionable is his love for Grace. Although treachery and time apart temporarily separated this couple, deep down, their love remained strong.
At the beginning of Series 5, Ada Thorne discovered she was pregnant with Ben Younger's child.
Following season 5's shocking failed assassination attempt, things remain tense with fascist politician Oswald Mosley (Sam Claflin) and his partner Diana Mitford (Amber Anderson) on the scene, and Tommy has betrayed Lizzie by sleeping with Diana.