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“Peaky Blinders” captivated audiences with its gritty storytelling and a cast of outstanding actors, including Cillian Murphy as the formidable Thomas ‘Tommy’ Shelby. Yet, amid the series’ ensemble, some viewers may have overlooked the compelling performance of Cosmo Jarvis. Known for his roles in “ShÅgun” as Jack Blackthorne and Netflix’s 2022 adaptation of “Persuasion,” Jarvis portrayed one of the show’s most poignant characters, Barney, who made his mark in Season 5.
BBC One
Tommy Shelby and Barney’s paths first crossed during World War I, where Tommy was Barney’s commanding officer in the marines. Barney, haunted by auditory hallucinations, faced emotional turmoil that war only magnified. Despite these challenges, Tommy had a knack for calming him. However, following the war, Barney found himself confined to a mental health institution due to breaking the law. Renowned for his impeccable marksmanship, Barney’s talents didn’t go unnoticed by Tommy, who would seek his expertise once more during the tumultuous events of “Peaky Blinders.”
In a plot involving a dramatized version of Winston Churchill, portrayed by Neil Maskell, Tommy is tasked with neutralizing Oswald Mosley, played by Sam Claflin. As Mosleyâs fascist political movement gains momentum, Tommy realizes that drastic action is needed to halt what could become a national crisis. He devises a plan that requires Barney’s sharpshooting skills to thwart Mosley’s rise by orchestrating his assassination.
To execute his plan, Tommy stages a daring escape for Barney from the mental institution, crafting a scheme that shields him from suspicion. The plan is simple: Barney is to eliminate Mosley during a speech at a rally, with Tommy sharing the stage to divert any blame from himself or the Peaky Blinders. Despite Barney’s willingness to assist, it’s apparent he still battles the same demons from his wartime experiences.
Barney is the key to the Oswald Mosley assassination plot
Tragically, Barney’s involvement ends in heartache. Just as he prepares to pull the trigger, he is abruptly silenced by an unknown assailant, derailing the assassination attempt. The failure weighs heavily on Tommy, compounded by the loss of his wartime friend. This devastating turn of events closes Season 5 on a somber note, setting the stage for Tommy’s continued journey in the final season of “Peaky Blinders.”
Tommy breaks Barney out of the mental health facility he’s in, designing an assassination attempt that keeps himself out of scrutiny. If all goes according to plan, Barney uses his shooting skills to kill Mosley while he gives a speech at a rally. Tommy is going to be on stage with him, meaning no one can reasonably pin the murder on him or the Peaky Blinders. Barney is willing to help, but it’s clear he is still experiencing the symptoms he did during the war.
However, Barney’s story ends tragically when, right as he is going to take the shot, he’s killed by a different, unknown individual. This stops the assassination attempt in its tracks, and Tommy takes the failure hard, especially since it’s rooted in the death of his old friend. It’s a heartbreaking way to end Season 5, but sets up Tommy’s story for the final season of “Peaky Blinders.”
If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.
