With the Peaky Blinders film, titled 'The Immortal Man,' set to premiere in cinemas and on Netflix this March, excitement is reaching fever pitch among fans of the gritty Birmingham-based saga. Steven Knight, the mastermind behind the series, has now unveiled three crucial episodes that viewers should rewatch to fully appreciate the cinematic continuation. This guidance comes as the final chapter of Tommy Shelby's story prepares to unfold, featuring a star-studded cast including Cillian Murphy, Barry Keoghan, Sophie Rundle, Stephen Graham, Rebecca Ferguson, and Tim Roth.
The Pilot – Episode 1.1: Laying the Foundation
According to Knight, the very first episode of Peaky Blinders is indispensable for understanding the core of the series. He emphasizes that this pilot 'lays out what this whole series is about,' introducing Tommy Shelby in a powerful, wordless scene where he rides a horse through an industrial landscape. This moment, Knight explains, establishes Tommy's character and the fearsome reputation of the Shelby family, making it essential viewing before the film. The episode sets the tone for the entire narrative, highlighting the roots of the gang's rise in post-World War I Birmingham.
Season Two Finale – Episode 2.6: A Turning Point
For those whose memories of the series have faded over time, Knight points to the season two finale as a critical episode for the upcoming film. This dramatic conclusion sees Tommy forced into a high-stakes assassination by Campbell, with his own life hanging in the balance. Knight describes it as one of his 'favorite sequences of the series,' revealing a key aspect of Tommy's psyche: his struggle between life and death. This episode showcases Tommy's resilience and sets the stage for his complex journey, making it a must-watch to grasp the character's evolution leading into the movie.
Lock and Key – Episode 6.6: The Climactic Finale
The final television episode of Peaky Blinders, the season six finale, is perhaps the most obvious recommendation. It centers on the tragic death of Aunt Polly at the hands of the IRA and Tommy's discovery of a brain tumor. However, a twist reveals that the diagnosis was false, orchestrated by a doctor working with Oswald Mosley. Knight highlights this moment as symbolic, noting that Tommy rides away on a white horse, contrasting with the black horse from the series' beginning. This suggests a potential transformation or redemption for Tommy, hinting at the themes that will carry into the film.
Anticipation Builds for 'The Immortal Man'
'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man' is scheduled for release in cinemas on March 6, 2026, followed by its Netflix debut on March 20, 2026. Set in World War Two-era Birmingham, the film follows Tommy Shelby's return after years away, with Barry Keoghan's character, Duke, taking on a leadership role in the gang. Knight's episode recommendations aim to enhance viewers' experience by reconnecting them with pivotal moments that define the series' legacy. As fans eagerly await this new installment, these episodes serve as a perfect primer for the cinematic event that promises to close one chapter while setting up a highly anticipated sequel series.
