Peaky Blinders: 10 Best Minor & Supporting Characters

A one-episode wonder is what Arthur Shelby Sr was. His single appearance in the series showcased the best and worst of his children in a single wonderful performance by Tommy Flanagan.

Arthur Sr left his family to fend for themselves many years before the beginning of the show. As a result of his desertion, the Shelby boys have all come to hate him, with the exception of Arthur Jr who still tries to have a relationship with him.

His return to Birmingham, under the guise of wanting to make amends and start a business with his boys, is a lie, and all he really wants is to get money out of them after hearing of their success. Which he does successfully when Arthur gives him £500 and leaves again.

Tommy and his own sister Polly are less enthralled with him and tell him to go as soon as they lay eyes on him, which he takes with an air of calm whilst telling them he is a changed man, though they will hear none of it.

What Arthur Sr represents in one episode is Tommy's cunning and Arthur's violence, he is willing to downright lie to his own children just to get some cash out of them and humiliate Arthur Jr in the process.

The Shelby boys are told of his death in the 3rd season and his last moments of begging forgiveness from his boys.