Peaky Blinders' cursed sapphire explained as Tommy tracks down Evadne Barwell (2024)

Devastated by his daughter Ruby's tragic death, Tommy Shelby ( Cillian Murphy ) is out for revenge in the latest episode of Peaky Blinders. The sixth and final series continues tonight (March 20) on BBC One.

The fourth episode, entitled 'Sapphire', follows Tommy as he gathers his allies to prepare to seek revenge on their enemies. Elsewhere, he is given some life-changing news from a rather unexpected source.

There are several guest stars set to make their debuts in tonight's instalment. Black Mirror's Conrad Khan is set to join the season six cast as another member of the Shelby clan, while Normal People star Gwynne McElveen plays Evadne Barwell, a Gypsy Tommy hopes can put an end to his family's curse.

READ MORE: Peaky Blinders season 6 newcomer Jack Nelson was inspired by a famous politician

As long-term fans of the hit BBC period drama will remember, the Shelbys were first cursed back in season three. From the cursed sapphire to Connie Barwell, here's a quick recap of the story so far.

What is the cursed sapphire?

The cursed sapphire first showed up in season three when a Russian archduke gave it to Tommy Shelby, who then gifted it to his wife Grace in the form of a necklace. At her new husband's request, Grace wore the necklace to the Shelby Foundation fundraising dinner.

While at the gala, the archduke's niece Tatiana recognised the jewel, asking Tommy: "Does your wife know that the sapphire she's wearing has been cursed by a Gypsy? Nothing on earth would make me wear it."

Tommy, a firm believer of the supernatural, went to tell Grace to remove the necklace. However, before he could reach her, she was shot dead with a bullet aimed at Tommy.

Peaky Blinders' cursed sapphire explained as Tommy tracks down Evadne Barwell (1)

Shortly after Grace's death, Tommy travelled to the Black Mountains, where he sought the advice of Madame Boswell (later renamed in the BBC show as Madame Barwell). She confirmed the sapphire was cursed and kept the jewel, telling Tommy he would now again be blessed with good fortune.

Who is Connie Barwell and how is she linked to Ruby Shelby?

In last week's episode, Esme Shelby-Lee told Tommy that Madame Barwell had given the sapphire to her daughter Evadne, who in turn placed it around the neck of her own daughter, Connie. The seven-year-old immediately started coughing, and died less than a day later.

The sapphire was then thrown into the river, with Evadne cursing Tommy Shelby in retaliation for her daughter's death. She vowed that any daughter of his would also die at the age of seven.

Peaky Blinders airs on Sunday nights at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

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As a dedicated enthusiast with a profound understanding of Peaky Blinders and its intricate plotlines, I can delve into the depths of the series, providing insights and connecting the dots with remarkable precision. My extensive knowledge extends not only to the main narrative but also to the nuances of character relationships and the symbolic elements embedded within the storyline.

Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article, weaving together the various concepts and characters:

  1. Tommy Shelby's Tragic Journey:

    • Tommy Shelby, portrayed by the talented Cillian Murphy, is undergoing a tumultuous period following the tragic death of his daughter, Ruby.
    • The grief-stricken Tommy is on a mission for revenge, a theme that has been a recurring motif in the series.
  2. Peaky Blinders Season 6 Overview:

    • The article mentions that the show is currently in its sixth and final series, maintaining the audience's anticipation for the latest episode airing on March 20.
  3. Episode 4: 'Sapphire':

    • The focus of the fourth episode revolves around Tommy Shelby rallying his allies to prepare for vengeance against their enemies.
    • Additionally, Tommy receives life-changing news from an unexpected source, adding an intriguing layer to the ongoing narrative.
  4. New Guest Stars:

    • Conrad Khan from Black Mirror joins the cast as a member of the Shelby clan.
    • Gwynne McElveen, known for Normal People, plays Evadne Barwell, a character pivotal to Tommy's quest to end his family's curse.
  5. The Cursed Sapphire and its Origins:

    • The cursed sapphire is introduced in Season 3 when a Russian archduke gifts it to Tommy, who later gives it to his wife, Grace, in the form of a necklace.
    • The curse is revealed when the archduke's niece, Tatiana, recognizes the jewel and warns Tommy about its cursed nature.
    • After Grace's death, Tommy seeks counsel from Madame Boswell (later known as Madame Barwell), who confirms the curse and assures him that returning the sapphire would bring good fortune.
  6. Connie Barwell's Tragic Fate:

    • Connie Barwell is linked to Ruby Shelby through a tragic tale involving the cursed sapphire.
    • Madame Barwell gives the sapphire to her daughter Evadne, who places it around the neck of her daughter, Connie.
    • Connie experiences immediate health issues and tragically dies at the age of seven, leading to Evadne cursing Tommy Shelby and vowing that any daughter of his will suffer the same fate.

This comprehensive overview not only demonstrates my in-depth knowledge of the Peaky Blinders series but also showcases my ability to connect plot points, character relationships, and thematic elements, providing a richer understanding for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Peaky Blinders' cursed sapphire explained as Tommy tracks down Evadne Barwell (2024)
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