Best known for creating the popular crime series "Peaky Blinders", Steven Knight takes viewers back to Victorian London in his new period drama, "A Thousand Blows". This fast-paced, detail-oriented series puts a twist on the usual narrative by focusing on a band of female thieves, two Jamaican best friends new to England, and a desperate gangster clinging to his hard-earned empire.
Set in 1880s London and inspired by historical figures, this storyline begins with Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby) and Alec Munroe (Francis Lovehall) arriving from Morant Bay, Jamaica, penniless and without a support system. They soon encounter the wrath of the sugar industry kingpin, Sugar Goodson (Stephen Graham) who, alongside his brother Treacle (James Nelson-Joyce), tightly controls the rough East End region, their pub, and boxing ring.
Coming up against racism and desperately seeking a place to stay, Hezekiah and Alec find refuge at the Green Dolphin boarding house, managed by Mr. Lao (Jason Tobin). Mr. Lao is acutely aware of the racially-prejudiced London society due to his own experiences. The Green Dolphin also serves as the new base for Mary Carr (Erin Doherty), leader of The Forty Elephants, a group of female criminals notorious for pickpocketing and daylight robberies at Harrods, among other crimes.
Mary quickly becomes intrigued by Hezekiah and sees him as a valuable asset for her next big plan. Unexpectedly, their relationship grows deeper. Sugar is shaken by Hezekiah's arrival and their first encounter during a contentious boxing match. As Mary advances her plot, she faces opposition from the disgruntled Elephants and other powerful criminals in London.
Showcasing the grit and nuances of late 19th-century London, "A Thousand Blows" explores themes of racism, sexism, greed, and retribution throughout six hour-long episodes. Both Alec and Hezekiah face the relentless strains of racism, while Mary battles chauvinism. Amid the storyline's complex narratives and struggles, the series also traces the evolution of boxing from bare-knuckle brawls to the revered sport we know today.
The "A Thousand Blows" series levels a critical gaze at social ambition and determination, providing a powerful reminder that while desire can be a robust driving force, it can also lead to self-destruction if unchecked. The first six episodes of "A Thousand Blows" will be available on Hulu starting February 21.
