Peaky Blinders: 10 Best Characters To Only Appear In One Episode

Perhaps one of Netflix’s best imports, Peaky Blinders, is set to return with its sixth season soon. The show was successful not just because of its main characters but because of the brilliant writing of every appearing character. Some characters appeared only once in the series, as enemies of the Shelby family who perished swiftly, contributors to the show’s principles, or characters who revealed the true selves of the main characters.

Whether due to their outstanding dialogue, acting, or how they gave viewers memorable scenes with the main characters, these characters created a lasting effect on screen and in viewers’ minds.

Zilpha Lee: Season 1 Episode 4

Serving as the head of the Lee family, Zilpha Lee appeared in a meeting with Tommy to confirm the wedding of Esme and John that reconciled the Shelby and Lee family. She is the matriarch of the family, signifying power and intelligence.

Zilpha was significant to the Shelby and Lee family reconciliation that helped the Peaky Blinders defeat Billy Kimber. Their dialogues also show Zilpha’s intelligent mind and Tommy’s wicked ways of doing business and war. As she says, “You come in here, boast that you’re gonna do someone down, and in the same breath ask me to trust you?” To which Tommy intelligently replies, “On my mother’s side, we are kin. Let’s talk family business.”

Arthur Senior: Season 1 Episode 5

Arthur William Shelby Sr. was the father of the Shelby siblings who abandoned them while they were still kids. During his brief appearance, he managed to dupe Arthur into handing over money that he alleged to use to start a casino empire together with Arthur. However, he betrays his son and runs away with the money, leaving Arthur devastated such that he tries to hang himself.

Arthur senior’s character gave an insight to the viewers about the Shelby family’s rough exterior. Living without a father is tough, and it likely had a significant impact on their lives. Tommy and his brothers did not turn out to be exactly like their father, but it is clear that they did inherit some of his vices. Even though his role virtually asks to be hated, he provided essential insight into the Shelby brother’s criminal psyche, who can do anything for money and power, just like their father.

Malacki Byrne: Season 1 Episode 5

Malacki was a member of the IRA, and fans admired his approach to Tommy Shelby regarding his cousin’s assassination. He is responsible for the Garrison Pub action in season one. Byrne appeared feeble at first, but he had the upper hand throughout most of his bout with Tommy. This was rare for a character who had just appeared in the series.

Malacki’s performance drew praise from the audience and he had all the makings of a captivating protagonist. Fans were treated to another flashback to Tommy’s wartime past during the combat scenario between him and Tommy. It was also another major hint at Tommy’s severe PTSD. After Tommy brutally killed him, Peaky Blinders‘ soulmates, Grace and Tommy, shared a touching moment. As a result, Byrne made a significant contribution to the screen, both while alive and after his death.

Chinn: Season 1 Episode 6

Chinn was a sex worker at the brothel-dry cleaning business where the Peaky Blinders and Campbell used to go. Inspector Campbell raped her in one of the most emotional and intense scenes in the series. At first, she appears quiet and naive, but her character takes on a tragic yet powerful picture after being raped.

She played a significant role in shining light on brothels and the struggles of sex workers while showing Campbell’s evil side on Peaky Blinders to viewers. Campbell’s sickening response to Grace for choosing Tommy over him is revealed in this sequence since he imagined her as Grace while raping her. Her character development takes place in minutes, acting as the reason behind her acclaim.

Digbeth Kid: Season 2 Episode 3

Harold Hancox, popularly known as the Digbeth Kid, had one of the most memorable deaths in Peaky Blinders. He stood up as a Peaky Blinder to help the local police meet their arrest quotas. He was only supposed to be in jail for a few nights and then collect his pay from the Peaky Blinders, but unfortunately, Sabini’s men killed him.

Fans call his death one of the few deaths that made them sad. His role contributed to showing the twisted side of Peaky Blinders’ power and their collaboration with the police. He invoked real emotion among the viewers in the brief time he appeared on the screen. That is a distinction that not every character possesses. Many viewers were moved to tears by this 19-year-old’s short-lived role, some who believe that he deserved better.

Anton Kaledin: Season 3 Episode 1

Anton’s role was of the perfect Russian infiltrator for the Soviet Embassy. His looks, conversations, and eventual struggle with Arthur after Tommy orders for his assassination, everything contributed to the emotional rollercoaster of the third season for the fans.

Anton had a tragic end in the show, but his struggle with Arthur during their fight showed Arthur’s struggle with himself and how he will always have demons inside of him no matter how hard he tries. Just before shooting him, Arthur emotionally and repeatedly says no to Anton’s pleads, “For the Love of God, don’t shoot.” This reveals to the audience that all of Arthur’s attempts to become God’s man, as Linda desires, have failed, and Arthur will always be a gangster at heart.

Bethany Boswell: Season 3 Episode 3

Bethany Boswell was the lady Tommy went to ensure if the sapphire he gave to Grace was indeed cursed or not. The feeling of normalcy in Tommy came back upon meeting Bethany. So, despite appearing only once in the show, she was cast as a healer, giving weight to her role.

She comes to light in a moment of intelligent direction, living in Wales and being disconnected from society as a Romani woman. The Boswells, in real life, were among the most influential Romani Traveller families of England. Bethany showcased their history in the show, making her interesting for the viewers.

Antonio: Season 4 Episode 1

Antonio was introduced as a sous-chef and eventually revealed as an Italian assassin. One of the most intelligent antagonists in Peaky Blinders, Darby Sabini sent him to assassinate Thomas. Among all other short-lived enemies sent to kill Thomas throughout the series, Antonio had a distinct aura as a foreign assassin, so he is remembered by all Peaky fans.

Viewers felt the impact of his brutal killing through the screen. Furthermore, his dialogue with Tommy provided fans with a preview of Tommy’s brilliant thinking who suspected his ill motives by simply speaking to him. His death also marked the start of a war between Thomas and Sabini, as Thomas sent the head chef to warn his boss that “he picked the wrong side in this war.”

Michael Levitt: Season 5 Episode 1

Mr. Levitt was a reporter for The London Times who also worked in Birmingham during the reign of the Shelby Family there. He managed to interest Tommy with his questions and earned the opportunity to meet him. However, with his queries about Tommy’s shift from a bookmaker to a socialist, he manages to anger him.

Mr. Levitt was slain shortly after, most likely by Tommy’s orders. His assassination tells viewers that Thomas will always be a gangster, no matter how politically involved he becomes. He will always choose the Shelby way of dealing with people who look at him the wrong way. Mr. Levitt’s witty banter and clever interviewing earned him great respect from the show’s viewers.

Mother Superior: Season 5 Episode 3

Mother Superior, the head Nun of the orphanage Shelby company donates to, appears in one of the show’s most well-written sequences. Playing the role of a racist and child abuser, she is not a favored character, but she is well-remembered. Polly’s most-loved calm yet menacing side was revealed in this scene with Mother Superior, earning her admiration.

Fans remember her for what this scene symbolizes. The Shelby family cares about innocent children and equal treatment, no matter what. This scene provided viewers with one of the most memorable quotes, “There is God, and there are the Peaky Blinders.” While confronting her, fans also got legendry four minutes of the best Peaky Blinders duo – Tommy and Polly.

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