Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Thomas Shelby, the highly intelligent, cold, and resourceful leader of the Birmingham-based Peaky Blinders, is truly unforgettable.Steven Knight’s creation of the entire Shelby family is impressive (though they werebased on a street gang of the same namethat operated from the 1880s to the 1920s). However, there’s no doubt that the three-dimensional writing of Tommy’s character has stood out from the bunch and captured the attention of many as the BBC One series rose in popularity throughout the years.
Although Murphy is now an Oscar-winning actor for his astounding performance inChristopher Nolan’sOppenheimer, there is no doubt that his efforts inPeaky Blindersare also worthy of critical acclaim and global appreciation, as the character quickly became one of Murphy’s most iconic. Among many other noteworthy aspects, what makes Shelby so remarkable and charismatic is his quintessential, defining lines and Murphy’s impeccable delivery, whichbrings us to look back at some of the best Tommy Shelby quotes in the series.
Peaky Blinders
25"If you make the wrong choice, you won’t see 11:44."
Season 3, Episode 3 (2016)
Delivered by the iconic character during an intense interrogation of an associate of The Economic League, this Season 3 scene perfectly showcases Tommy’s power and confidence. As the clock ticks toward 11:43, he presents the man in front of him with an ultimatum: he has to decide whether he fears the Peaky Blinders or Section D most, and prepare to face deadly consequences.
While simple on the surface, this line stands out becauseit fully demonstrates Tommy’s ability to instill fear and urgency, reminding audiences that he doesn’t merely control the fate of others but holds dominion over the very minutes of their lives. It’s an epic quote because it puts Tommy’s confidence and all the efficiency with which he handles threats on show.
24"I don’t hear the shovels against the wall."
Season 1, Episode 5 (2013)
One of the show’s most heartwarming, yet subtly heartbreaking quotes is surprisingly delivered by Tommy himself. The morning after spending the night with Grace (Annabelle Wallis), she gently asks him if he’s okay. In a rare moment of vulnerability, Tommy opens up about his PTSD from the war, recalling the sounds of shovels and picks echoing through the tunnels, which went on to become his recurring nightmares.
For a brief moment, Tommy is free from his trauma and at peace. This small but very important line is touching becauseit showcases the softer, more human side of the oftentimes cold and distant character, one that audiences had not witnessed until that point. It also hinted at how comfortable he was around Grace.
23"There is no rest for me in this world. Perhaps the next."
Season 4, Episode 6 (2017)
Directed at his trusted housekeeper, Frances (Pauline Turner), after surviving another cycle of violence and betrayal, this line is Tommy at his most introspective. It captures a moment of self-awareness, his existential fatigue, and the growing realization that no matter how much he achieves or how many enemies he defeats, true peace will always remain out of reach.
It’s not surprising that Tommy has been condemned to a life of unrest; nor is it surprising that he sees himself as an irredeemable man (even though the show’s last episode hints at a path towards redemption). Nevertheless,it’s nearly impossible not to feel a deep sense of empathy for Murphy’s character, particularly for the man worn down by grief, guilt, and demons he will never be able to outrun.
22"Can the chosen one smoke?"
Season 2, Episode 1 (2014)
Peaky Blindersis not short on smoking scenes, and this one from season two’spilot episode is one of the most memorable. This is thanks to the dialogue shared between Tommy andSimone Kirby’s character, Irene O’Donnell, who states that Tommy has been chosen by “an informed consensus” after a vacancy opens within their organization.
The intense conversation between the two characters emphasizes Tommy’s influence and control while also delivering a memorable moment that manages to steal a chuckle or two from audiences. “Can the chosen one smoke?” isa sassy, Tommy-esque question that reinforces how the character is hardly ever intimidated, not even under pressure, always reasserting a degree of power within his interactions.
21"What are you doing?" “Shoveling s**t. To remind myself of what I would have been if I wasn’t who I am.”
Season 2, Episode 5 (2014)
In a quiet and introspective moment in the show’s Season 2, episode 5, Tommy is found shoveling manure and asked what he’s doing, to which he replies that he’s reminding himself of what he “would have been” if he wasn’t who he was. Despite his obvious success, Tommy grapples with the path his life has taken in this resonating scene.
What makes it such a great line is how well it encapsulates Tommy’s relationship with his own identity and past: while he is a complex and flawed character, Murphy’s on-screen counterpart seldom exhibits moments of humility, including the acknowledgment of his origins. This makes him more sympathetic and relatable toPeaky Blindersaudiences, hence why this scene is so beloved.
20"Since my f**king wife took a bullet meant for me!"
Grace’s (Annabelle Wallis) death was one of the major turning points in Tommy’s life, and this heartbreaking season 3 scene underscores his deep emotional wounds following her death. Tommy’s outburst happens after John (Joe Cole) confronts his leadership decisions and authority following the death of his ex-wife.
This line, delivered to perfection with raw emotion byOscar-winner Cillian Murphy, is a raw outpouring of Tommy’s unprocessed grief, showcasing his strong feelings for Grace and how he feels directly responsible for her ultimate tragic fate (given that the bullet was meant for him). It is one of the few moments where audiences truly get to witness the emotional vulnerability of Tommy Shelby, and Murphy’s impeccable acting accentuates the traumatizing events the character has endured in a life marked by loss and violence.
19"I’m a man who drinks tea."
This line is said to Grace at her house during one of their early dates after she asks Tommy if he would like a drink. “I’m a man who drinks tea” creates a lighthearted and fun moment in the show, revealing a more relaxed and playful side of Tommy. This contrasts with his usual drink of choice, the Irish whiskey, which mirrors his violent and intense daily life.
Tommy’s unusual preference for tea during this scene in particular is memorable because of the context: it reflects how he lets his guard down when he’s around Grace. His choice subtly highlights the softer side of his character, impressing not only Wallis' characters but those sitting on the other side of the screen.
18"I think, Arthur. That’s what I do. I think. So that you don’t have to."
Season 1, Episode 1 (2013)
Considering how cheeky and straightforward Tommy has always been,this one scene in particular where he calls out Arthur (Paul Anderson) during an argument seems quite fitting for the character. It also perfectly encapsulates the dynamics between the two, especially at the beginning of the series.
With this line, Tommy suggests that he is always the one to do the thinking and the decision-making because, despite being the eldest brother, Arthur’s impulsive nature always gets him in trouble. Tommy knows that he is thebrains behind the Peaky Blinders— alongside Polly (HelenMccrory) — and the heavy sense of responsibility he carries on his shoulders is evident, especially considering that other family members don’t share the same burden.
17"Sometimes, death is a kindness."
Season 5, Episode 1 (2019)
Said to Arthur in season five’s pilot episode, this philosophical Tommy Shelby quote is hailed as one of his best for its resonance and the overall scene in which it is spoken. After being hardened by his experiences and losing so many close to him, Murphy’s character has come to see death as a merciful end to the pain and turmoil of life.
“Death is a kindness” reflects Tommy’s complex nature and pragmatism, which are traits that make him an interesting character that audience members can’t help but root for. His train of thought is not remotely difficult to understand — at its core, death is the lesser of two evils, offering an escape from terrible suffering. Like always, Murphy’s nuanced delivery makes this moment all the more impactful.
16"Lies travel faster than the truth."
Season 1, Episode 3 (2013)
This is a straightforward and self-explanatory line that meditates about how false information tends to spread quickly and widely, unlike the truth. It is said in response to Tommy’s long-term friend Danny Whizz-Bang (Samuel Edward-Cook) in the third episode of thefirst season ofPeaky Blinders, after he lets Tommy know that he heard the news of an IRA member being shot by one of the Blinders.
“Lies travel faster than the truth” is a great line because it is accurate and rings true to many different life situations: after all, misinformation gains traction rapidly and spreads like wildfire. Furthermore,it is also a great showcase of Tommy’s realistic approach to the worldand highlights how he is always in control of the narrative.
