In that same episode, Tommy opened his front door to Sir Oswald Mosley, Diana Mitford, Captain Swing aka Laura McKee and mobster Jack Nelson to discuss their grand plan to ensure that fascism prevails.
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After performing a Nazi salute at Mosley's request to prove his loyalty to the cause, Jack granted Tommy permission to import his heroin into Boston. Mosley is also under the impression that Tommy will, when the time is right, resign from the Labour party and run as an independent, in turn bringing with him one of the largest Commons majorities in the country.
We also learned that Gina and Mosley have been spending some quality time together, so to speak, with Tommy now using her as a pawn in his ploy. He instructed her to travel to Germany with Mosley and report back on what's said during his interactions with German government officials.
After swearing off the hard stuff for more than four years, Tommy also treated himself to a single sip during an intimate exchange with his brother Arthur as they reminisced about simpler times, before Polly's death, Mosley, Luca Changretta, Chester Campbell, and the war. A time when they were just boys, free of the weight that strangles them both during their waking moments and their nightmares, too.
But all of that paled in comparison to what we learned in the episode's final moments when Tommy discovered that his future is more uncertain than ever.
Following Ruby's diagnosis, both Tommy and Lizzie were examined for signs of the disease, but unlike Lizzie, who was given the all-clear, Tommy's fate looks bleak.
The doctor informed the head of the Shelby clan that he has tuberculoma, a non-cancerous growth or tumour brought on by his daughter's illness. It isn't a brain tumour, but the symptoms – headaches, seizures, changes in brain function and behaviour – mimic the condition.
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According to the doctor, the growth, which is located in the brain stem – the lower part of the brain that connects it to the spinal cord – is "inoperable" and "any attempt to remove it would result in trauma and brain hemorrhage", which can lead to death in 12–24 hours if the bleeding is "extensive and rapid".
"How bad will it get?" asked Tommy.
"As the tumour grows, the rate of physical and mental deterioration will increase," he replied. "Eventually, you will need people around you constantly."
It will be one year, perhaps 18 months before Tommy reaches that point.
But is this really the beginning of the end for Tommy F**king Shelby? Of all the enemies he has encountered, will this be the one that stops him in his tracks?
There is one specific case from 1933, highlighted in Wired (via the British Medical Association/ Wellcome Trust), in which surgeons carried out brain surgery to remove a tumour caused by tuberculoma. Miraculously, the patient not only survived but went on to make a full recovery, bar some "minor movement problems".
The doctor told Tommy that neither himself nor his colleagues would operate on him due to the futility of the endeavour, but is there someone out there who would be so bold and attempt to save his life? And would they succeed?
Given the gulf between modern medicine and what professionals were working with in the early 1930s, Tommy's chances of going on to life a full life are, realistically, non-existent. The less advanced methods available during that period, plus the absence of vital drugs, put him at a severe disadvantage – and even if the tumour was removed, Tommy would still be infected with tuberculosis.
This could, indeed, be it.
But there's a degree of hope, however slim, and with Tommy set to feature in the Peaky Blinders movie, we're choosing to believe that he will, once again, do the impossible.
- Read More: Peaky Blinders director responds to season 6 criticism: "It has to evolve"
- Read More: Who is Diana Mitford in Peaky Blinders season 6?
- Read More: Peaky Blinders’ Captain Swing explained: Why did she kill Polly?
- Read More: Peaky Blinders' Amber Anderson says viewers will be "quite shocked" by what’s in store
- Read More: When is Peaky Blinders season 6 released on Netflix?
Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV Guide or visit our dedicated Drama hub for the latest news.
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As an enthusiast well-versed in the Peaky Blinders universe, it's evident that the article you provided delves into a pivotal episode, introducing key characters and unraveling a complex web of alliances and conflicts within the storyline. Let's break down the concepts used in the article:
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Sir Oswald Mosley and Diana Mitford:
- Sir Oswald Mosley was a real historical figure, a British politician known for founding the British Union of Fascists. In the context of Peaky Blinders, he is portrayed as a central character with political ambitions.
- Diana Mitford, also a historical figure, was Mosley's second wife and is likely depicted in the show in a similar role.
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Captain Swing (Laura McKee):
- Captain Swing, portrayed by Laura McKee, seems to be a character with a mysterious identity. The article doesn't provide much detail, but her inclusion suggests an intriguing subplot or twist in the storyline.
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Jack Nelson and the Heroin Deal:
- Jack Nelson is introduced as a mobster involved in a heroin deal with Tommy Shelby. This plot point adds an element of criminality and further complicates Tommy's alliances and motives.
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Tommy's Loyalty Test and Political Maneuvering:
- Tommy performs a Nazi salute at Mosley's request, indicating the political complexities and allegiances at play during this period.
- There's a strategic political move where Tommy is expected to resign from the Labour party and run as an independent, aligning with Mosley's plans.
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Gina and Mosley's Relationship:
- Gina and Mosley's relationship becomes a tool for Tommy in his strategic maneuvers. Tommy instructs Gina to travel to Germany with Mosley and gather information.
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Tommy's Health Crisis:
- The article takes a dramatic turn with the revelation of Tommy's health crisis. He is diagnosed with tuberculoma, a non-cancerous growth in the brain stem, making his future uncertain.
- The doctor explains that the growth is "inoperable," raising questions about the potential consequences for Tommy's life.
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Historical Context and Medical Possibilities:
- The article draws parallels with a real case from 1933 where surgeons successfully removed a tuberculoma-caused tumor, highlighting a glimmer of hope for Tommy's situation.
- It explores the limitations of medical knowledge and technology in the 1930s, suggesting that Tommy's chances of survival are slim given the era's less advanced methods and lack of vital drugs.
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Peaky Blinders Movie and Future Speculation:
- Despite the grim diagnosis, the article introduces a degree of hope, mentioning the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie and expressing optimism about Tommy's ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
In conclusion, the article masterfully weaves together political intrigue, criminal dealings, personal relationships, and a health crisis, creating a compelling narrative that keeps fans eagerly anticipating the next developments in Tommy Shelby's tumultuous journey.
