Tommy Shelby, the fearless head of the Peaky Blinders, finds his emotions stirred dramatically at the close of season four. The BBC drama, proudly streaming in Spain via Netflix, heads toward season six with a heightened sense of anticipation. Alfie Solomons, the enigmatic figure brought to life by Tom Hardy, makes a surprising comeback for the season five finale.
Although Hardy had not been scheduled for additional appearances, it was soon confirmed that Solomons would return to the Peaky Blinders storyline for season six.
Show creator Steven Knight explained in an interview with Metro that Hardy loves his character and did not want to miss the dramatic endgame of the series, even as plans were shifting to a movie that would bring the story to a close. Knight recalled Hardy’s insistence that kept Solomons alive in the narrative, stating that the plan changed because Hardy is committed to Alfie Solomons.
Beyond Peaky Blinders, Hardy and Knight collaborated on the mini series Taboo, set in Victorian London amid street gang conflicts, and Hardy also starred in Locke.
Patience
The sixth episode currently airing in the United Kingdom from February 27 to April 3 introduces a slower start with fewer familiar faces in the early chapters. Fans are advised to be patient as the plot unfolds.
Solomons’ fate had sparked speculation after Tommy Shelby shot him in season four. By the end of season five, Solomons is confirmed to be alive, though his face bears the marks of his injuries.
The trailer for the new episodes further fuels fan speculation about Alfie’s return. Knights suggests the comeback may be described as chaotic in tone. He noted that some developments are hard to explain without additional context, and there is a real possibility that Alfie might occupy a position weaker than his usual influence. The question remains whether the two men can rebuild their business alliance in the future.
Will Solomons and Shelby collaborate on a venture again soon? The audience will find out as the season unfolds.
Hardy character history
Alfie Solomons first appears in season two as the leader of a Camden Town gang. He aligns with Tommy’s faction while navigating the volatile clashes between Jewish and Italian groups. In season four, a sharp rift occurs when Changretta’s rivals escalate the conflict. The confrontation ends fatally with Tommy firing at Alfie, leaving viewers to believe Solomons is dead.
Season five, however, reveals that Alfie survived the ordeal and that the two former allies resume their intricate, if uneasy, camaraderie as the series moves forward.