The Birmingham-based show has captured the imagination of not only those in the United Kingdom but also those around the world. It takes us into the heart and soul of a family living between two World Wars and with that idea being set out for the series, it does seem as if we've got plenty more to get through in the next few years.
Two of the central characters who run The Shelby Company Limited are brothers Tommy and Arthur. The pair are constantly at the heart of all the big decisions that are made in regards to the company and when they need to, they aren't exactly afraid to get their hands dirty. Which of these two gentlemen can be called the best character based on everything we've seen since their journey began?
TOMMY - The Leader
At the head of the Shelby family, and the company itself sits Thomas Shelby. While there were some early disagreements regarding who the leader was and what direction they’d be heading in, Tommy eventually introduced himself to the watching world as the main man.
He gives off that aura and, by all accounts, the show follows him as he attempts to keep this train on the tracks.
ARTHUR - Incredibly Loyal
It doesn’t matter whether you want him to cheat on his wife or murder a handful of innocent civilians because Arthur Shelby is going to be there every single step of the way.
Tommy was often the one giving the orders to his brother and while Arthur may not have always agreed with what he wanted, he served as the kind of mercenary that Tommy needed to maintain law and order.
TOMMY - Move Into Politics
Almost in the blink of an eye towards the end of the fourth season, Tommy Shelby becomes an MP for the Labour Party and adopts the role of a socialist.
Tommy takes on this position with great pride and he carries himself brilliantly during his stint in Westminster, with one of the most eye-catching scenes being when he stands up and delivers a fantastic speech in the House of Commons.
ARTHUR - Emotional Growth
The Arthur Shelby that is introduced to us in the show and the one that we end up with in the latest season are incredibly different.
There’s a distinct emotional growth to Arthur’s persona that can’t be denied and with that comes elegance and class that many thought was impossible for him. Linda is certainly at the heart of that, proving once and for all that behind every good man is a great woman.
TOMMY - Ladies’ Man
From his appearance to his charm, it isn’t hard to work out why women are attracted to Tommy Shelby. He doesn’t exactly go out of his way to sleep with every single female that crosses his path but he does have plenty of connections, with the biggest being alongside Grace.
They make up one of the best couples on television with their chemistry being immediately apparent, and even though it didn’t last, their story was mesmerizing.
ARTHUR - Comedic Side
Arthur was able to make the audience laugh even when he wasn’t intending to do so, and that’s the true indication of a character that can do anything he puts his mind to.
His wedding speech for Tommy was amusing, his many outbursts are often hilarious and his one-liners really lighten the mood in episodes that need something different. He’s unique, and that’s rare to come by in modern TV.
TOMMY - Composure
Tommy Shelby is capable of doing some nasty things and he does lose his temper from time to time, but above all of that sits his impressive composure when placed under high-pressure situations.
He is a leader and in a role such as that, you have to be ready and willing to make important decisions at all times. Tommy is calculated, cold, and can read the room better than just about anyone in the show - and that speaks volumes for his intelligence.
ARTHUR - Avenging John
John Shelby’s demise came at the hands of the Changretta family who came to England in order to settle a vendetta. It was one of the most shocking moments in the show’s run thus far, and it seemed to hit Arthur harder than it did anyone else.
After apparently coming back from the dead by tricking Luca Changretta, Arthur did what he swore he was going to do - he put a bullet between the eyes of Luca and avenged the death of his brother.
TOMMY - Dynamic With Polly
They may not always see eye to eye but in a way, that’s what makes the relationship between Tommy Shelby and Polly Gray so perfect.
The pair balance each other out and they sit at the head of Shelby Company Limited with pride. Polly has to pull Tommy back in line when he steps out, whereas Tommy will always do everything he can to look out for Polly and make her feel appreciated.
ARTHUR - His Rage
The encouragement of rage isn’t something that should always necessarily be praised, but when it comes to Arthur Shelby, his acts of violence often come at the opportune moment.
Even when they don’t he is able to create quite a stir when he unleashes his inner demon and it gives his character an edge that nobody, not even Tommy, possesses. That’s a powerful emotion and it’s one that places him at the forefront of just about every war we see in Peaky Blinders.