first time watching *PEAKY BLINDERS*

Season 1 - Part 1

GEAR I USE:
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RODE Microphone

Original Show: Peaky Blinders

[mmhdata]

Sappers were part of trench warfare. Each side tried to tunnel under the opposite sides trenches, to undermine them. Literally under-mining. Soldiers who had mining experience were sent, it was one of the most dangerous jobs

[alexwelch]

I’ve been waiting for this, it’s an all time classic.

[either-application]

As a Birmingham native who’s followed your channel for a few years I’m so happy you’re finally covering this Nat!

Also don’t worry about the accent, most people in the uk struggle with it

[literalbot]

One of the greatest shows of all time. This is gonna be a ride!

[JackMellor]

15:23
“Chuck him in the Cut”
A Cut used in this context for all scratching their heads, is a local Birmingham/Midlands term for a canal, because it is man made and cut through

[either-application]

How Helen McCrory didn’t receive more accolades for playing Polly I’ll never know

Also her portrayal of a Birmingham woman ( 15:46 ) is so accurate, they’ve been through it, they’re far too honest, and they absolutely know what’s best for you

[Karnaax_]

Helen McCrory was a gift in this world, and an outstanding example of the absolute focus, dedication and nuance of incredible British actors. She is greatly missed from our screens. Polly is the best character in this show.

[bencotton]

23:46 - Thomas Shelby was a tunneller, these were the men that were respected by all branches of the forces...they dug tunnels beneath the enemy lines and laid explosives beneath them...

[TyStevens]

I can't wait for Natalie to take this ride. 6 seasons and a movie!

[SpectrumAnalysis]

Btw, to connect the dots that it took me too long to connect: The brim of a hat is called the peak. They use the razors in their hat peaks to blind people that oppose them. Hence, The Peaky Blinders.

Also some historical context, during WW1 one of the only ways that they perceived they could make progress against the stalemate that trench warfare created was known as "Mine Warfare" which we see in Tommy's dreams. The idea was to dig underneath the enemy trench and stuff the mine with several tonnes of explosives to lift the trench, the ground below it, and all the men inside it several hundred feet into the air and create an opening to charge through. Several huge craters are still visible in the French and Belgian countryside as evidence of these mines, and one unexploded mine even got struck by lightning a few years ago, killing a cow which still counts as a casualty of the war all these years later. In reality this tactic rarely worked and one of the most terrifying situations to fight in was created, as both sides dug these mines.

Men who frequently were miners first and soldiers second had to dig, knowing their tunnels could be within centimetres of the enemy's tunnels, and they had to use listening techniques and primitive technology to both detect the enemy and avoid him. Sometimes this would be holding an iron rod in your teeth and sticking it into the soft clay to sense vibrations nearby, it was this crude. If two tunnels dug into each other, however, the bloodiest and most frantic battles of the war would take place. In a narrow trench, maces made of emptied grenades on sticks, sharpened shovels and knives with brass knuckles built into the handles were used since bayonetted rifles were too unwieldy. In the mines, only knives were usable, and frequently pistols were only rarely available, with some men sawing off rifles for a quick one-shot method of defence.

There are several books on the subject, and one very effective film called "Beneath Hill 60" which covers the topic very well. The final battle scene of that film sticks with me even now. That scene and this series captures one of the most heart-breaking elements of the war in general, that some of the most horrific tactics, inventions, and actions of the war were ultimately useless in ending the war and men had to suffer and die in the most painful ways for absolutely no reason.

[danielgardecki]

At least 17 *Peaky Blinders* locations are in my city, at least 12 of which are within 1.5 to 3.2 miles from my house in *Bradford* the world's first *UNESCO City of Film.*

[axr]

RIP to Helen McCrory (who played Polly Gray, as well as Narcissa Malfoy (Draco's mom) in the HARRY POTTER films). She died before Season 6 premiere.

[dinsism]

Wow, was not expecting you to check it out!
Peaky Blinders has a special place in my heart, my favorite show!
Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby is AMAZING!

[michaelcerrone]

Freddy went from one of the boys fighting for King and Country to one of the leading Communist organizers. He just handled his trauma in a different way. He was Tommy's best friend. They used to be two peas in a pod. He is Tommy's foil as a character example. This becomes important later

[RagingWarrior]

No way this is great i cant wait for nat to watch this

[rittherugger]

The dreams....
During WW1 both sides used miners to tunnel under No Man's Land to the enemy trenches. Usually they would stop just short of the enemy trench, pack the tunnel end with explosives. The detonation was usually followed up with an assault directed against the 'disorganized' area.
Occasionally opposing tunnelers would stumble into each other or hear the others digging.... The trick was to ambush the opposition in very narrow dark confines.

[Numberonedaredevilfan]

That intro is gold when Natalie comes to find out no one from Small Heath speaks like that

[jeffcohnphoto]

Easily my favorite show ever and without a question the best soundtrack of all time.

[hariskolar]

Every season gets better and better and I don't know how they did it...amazing show

[ronburd]

Thanks for doing peaky blinders! My favourite show by far and unlike a lot of shows does not take too long to end and doesnt fall off! Hope you enjoy it!