As someone who has a deep appreciation for captivating Victorian-era dramas, I find myself irresistibly drawn to stories set in that fascinating period. My childhood fascination with notorious figures like Jack the Ripper and my formative experiences watching Guy Ritchie?s Sherlock Holmes films undoubtedly shaped my enthusiasm. There’s just something about the aesthetics of bustles and magnificent mustaches that captivates my imagination and pulls me into the world of historical drama.
This intense interest also explains my eagerness to explore Hulu?s new offering, A Thousand Blows, crafted by the brilliant mind of Steven Knight, known for his incredible work on Peaky Blinders. The series introduces us to three pivotal characters navigating the London underground scene in the late nineteenth century: Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby), who arrives from Jamaica with his friend Alec (Francis Lovehall), and Henry ?Sugar? Goodson (Stephen Graham), a formidable bare-knuckle boxer dominating the underworld with ruthless aggression. Alongside them is Mary Carr (Erin Doherty), leading the notorious all-female gang known as the Forty Elephants, which thrived in London from the 1870s to the 1950s. Throughout their intertwined narratives, these characters embark on a quest for wealth, recognition, and vengeance, navigating a world rife with challenges and moral dilemmas.
Experience the Vibrant Diversity of London in ?A Thousand Blows?
Whether you’re an avid fan of period dramas or a newcomer to the genre, I highly recommend watching A Thousand Blows with subtitles enabled. The East End accents?both genuine and exaggerated?coupled with Kirby and Lovehall?s impressive Jamaican patois, can make it challenging to grasp every detail. I found that I understood perhaps 70% of the dialogue, with the remaining 30% drowned out by the sound of fists colliding with faces and my own auditory processing challenges. A Thousand Blows is an intense viewing experience, brimming with loud proclamations and dramatic moments that often overshadow its more subtle and tender scenes, a hallmark of Knight?s storytelling style.
In its quest to authentically portray late nineteenth-century London, A Thousand Blows introduces a rich tapestry of characters, creating a portrayal of the East End that is more diverse than many other shows attempting a similar narrative. Alongside Mary, Hezekiah, and Sugar, the series presents a colorful cast of characters?including Mr. Lao, who runs the inn where Hezekiah and the Elephants find refuge, Sugar?s brother Treacle, and various members of the Elephants gang. The show’s strength lies in the sheer number of individuals we encounter throughout the series, each with their distinct motivations, loyalties, and dubious traits, enriching the narrative landscape.
Despite other actors like Daniel Mays making fleeting appearances as the charming Cockney bartender-slash-ringmaster Punch, Graham stands out as the quintessential East End character. He has embodied such roles throughout his career, dating back to his portrayal of a troublesome youth in Downtime alongside Susan Lynch, who plays Mary?s mother in this series. It?s no surprise that Graham gives a compelling performance, presenting a grounded presence that contrasts sharply with the more naive bravado of his co-stars.
However, it seems that even Graham is somewhat constrained by the script. Perhaps it?s due to the countless blows he?s taken to the head, but Sugar?s relentless pursuit of Hezekiah often becomes monotonous?his singular focus on revenge leads to a narrative that feels stagnant. Sugar?s quest for vengeance against Hezekiah lacks depth, resulting in a character arc that feels repetitive and uninspired, especially given that he possesses the acting chops to deliver a much more dynamic performance.
Comparisons to ‘Peaky Blinders’ Are Unavoidable in ‘A Thousand Blows’
Given the presence of Graham, comparisons to Peaky Blinders are almost inevitable. Although I personally watched only a few episodes of the acclaimed Netflix series before losing interest, the parallels are unmistakable. Knight?s distinctive style is evident throughout, and Mary?s character feels reminiscent of a less polished version of Tommy Shelby. However, this resemblance diminishes when considering that the narrative does not break new ground compared to previous series.
At least Peaky Blinders enjoyed the advantage of exploring settings beyond London?taking viewers away from the familiar urban landscape, which remains unchanged across centuries. In contrast, Knight’s new series suffers from a generic feel that permeates its story from the outset. This superficial gloss masks the grit the show attempts to convey, rendering the characters? situations less impactful and their struggles more palatable, despite their grim realities.
Related
‘Peaky Blinders’ Upcoming Movie “Won’t Be the End,” Says Steven Knight
Cillian Murphy will reprise his role as Thomas Shelby in ‘The Immortal Man.’
Explore the Unfinished Narrative of ‘A Thousand Blows’
The primary drawback of this series is its lack of narrative focus. While A Thousand Blows is marketed as a story about the Forty Elephants, a gang infamous for its longevity, the show ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying portrayal of this fascinating group. Despite Mary Doherty being prominently featured in promotional materials, the actual series does not provide her character with the depth and resolution she deserves. The struggle to balance screen time among three protagonists dilutes the tension and emotional stakes, which is particularly disheartening considering the rich historical context of the Elephants. This raises questions about whether the decision to sideline these women stems from a reluctance to portray female-led narratives or simply a narrative strategy that falters under its own weight.
Moreover, there?s an overarching concern that became increasingly apparent by the conclusion of Episode 6. Without revealing any plot details, the series concludes with a cliffhanger and a ?to be continued? tease featuring glimpses of what lies ahead. This indicates that what we’re witnessing is merely a fragment of a larger story, as this Hulu release is only the first half of two planned seasons. There?s hope that when the second season arrives, any narrative shortcomings might be addressed, which is a silver lining in a landscape where other streaming platforms often leave viewers waiting years between seasons. However, it still leaves a lingering sense of unresolved tension.
With the arrival of Season 2, I may find myself reassessing my feelings toward the series. I?ve been surprised before, and despite my critiques, A Thousand Blows manages to carve out a niche as an engaging period drama amidst a sea of Bridgerton clones that often prioritize style over substance. I’ve frequently heard that the first season of Peaky Blinders sets the stage for greater things to come?perhaps the same can be said for this series.
A Thousand Blows premieres on February 21 on Hulu.
