The Shocking Truth Behind John Shelby's Tragic Exit in Peaky Blinders Season 4!

Summary

John Shelby's on-screen death in Peaky Blinders was shocking and unexpected, leaving fans wondering why it happened.

Killing off John Shelby was crucial in establishing the credibility of the threat presented by the Changretta family and provided an opportunity to delve into the authentic influences on the show's storyline and the complex emotions of its characters. Joe Cole's departure from Peaky Blinders stemmed from his ambition to pursue new projects and undertake lead roles, rather than continuing to portray a supporting character within an ensemble cast.

The death of John Shelby in season 4 of Peaky Blinders was a shocking moment for viewers. Even after almost five years, many are still curious about why this event occurred. Peaky Blinders, a critically acclaimed period drama on BBC One, follows a powerful gang in early 20th-century England and has gained international success. Although the series will conclude with a movie after its sixth season, its characters have always been at the core. Therefore, John Shelby's death, a beloved character and long-time member of the Peaky Blinders, left audiences stunned.

John Shelby's on-screen demise is anything but merciful. In the first episode of season 4, titled "The Noose," the character is unexpectedly shot outside his house in front of his wife, Esme, and brother, Michael. This act is carried out by one of Luca Changretta's hired men, who was ordered to eliminate the Blinders. Fans were taken aback by this turn of events as the actor, Joe Cole, who had been portraying John Shelby since the show's inception in 2013, had not previously announced his departure from Peaky Blinders. Despite the surprise factor, there is still much speculation regarding the decision to kill off John Shelby.

How John Died In Peaky Blinders

Peaky Blinders season 4, episode 2, titled "Heathens," delves into the immediate aftermath of a significant character's death. With the Changrettas seeking revenge after the demise of their family leader Vincente, Tommy, overwhelmed by the loss of his sibling, brings his family together in the protected enclave of New Heath, Birmingham, with the Peaky Blinders as their safeguard. In the meantime, Esme, newly widowed after her husband's death, decides to start afresh with her children in a different place, expressing her disdain towards her late husband's dangerous family before leaving.

The sudden and inevitable death of Esme's spouse aligns with the high-stakes nature of the Changretta storyline, making it both comprehensible and realistic. It was crucial for the plot to claim the life of a significant character in order to establish the genuine threat posed by the Changrettas, and this fate befell John Shelby. This turn in the plot not only provides an opportunity to delve into the influences of the show's true story and the characters' emotions but also highlights Esme's cold detachment as she doesn't even attend John's funeral. On the contrary, John's brothers find themselves bonded by his death in the face of dire circumstances.

John Shelby Had To Die Because Actor Joe Cole Quit

Following the November 2017 episode, Joe Cole promptly clarified the true reasons behind John Shelby's death in Peaky Blinders. In an interview with Independent, the actor explained that he had other filming commitments and believed it was the appropriate time to depart from the show. Additionally, in a 2022 interview with Metro to promote his new series Gangs of London, Cole disclosed that he decided to leave partly due to the show's emphasis on Cillian Murphy's character and felt limited in further developing his role as John Shelby.

"I didn't really get a chance to shine in 'Peaky Blinders'. It's really Cillian's show. However, 'Gangs of London' is different. It's more of an ensemble, with a focus on deep character development." Some people took Cole's words as suggesting resentment or envy towards Murphy, but it seems he was simply stating that 'Peaky Blinders' primarily revolves around Tommy Shelby's story, leaving limited opportunities for other characters. It's understandable, considering Cole's portrayal of John Shelby for four seasons where he didn't have many significant storylines. Although he was present during key moments, he often played a secondary role to Tommy."

Ultimately, Joe Cole, who has proven his talent, desired more opportunities to showcase his skills as a lead actor rather than playing a supporting role in an ensemble cast. And he has successfully accomplished that. Giving sufficient notice to show creator Steven Knight, Cole allowed for the creation of a shocking death scene for John Shelby in the premiere episode of Peaky Blinders season 4. This death served the plot effectively as it demonstrated the danger presented by the Changretta family. Shelby's sudden departure truly surprised and divided fans worldwide, as expected in any captivating drama, especially in Peaky Blinders, a show centered around gun-wielding gangs where characters constantly confront death in its merciless face.

What Joe Cole Has Done Since Leaving Peaky Blinders

Following his role in Peaky Blinders, Joe Cole fulfilled his desire to play a leading character in a television series by landing the role of Harry Palmer in ITV's drama series The Ipcress File. Previously adapted into a 1965 film starring Michael Caine, this captivating show is based on the eponymous book written by author Len Deighton. Notably, Joe Cole's outstanding performance in the Black Mirror episode "Hang the DJ" earned him a BAFTA award nomination. Additionally, he has appeared in other notable productions such as Gangs of London and Against the Ice.

Joe Cole's departure from Peaky Blinders has not hindered his momentum as an actor. Following the series, he immediately delved into Black Mirror. Subsequently, he portrayed Ed in the 2018 film Happy New Year, Colin Burstead, and had a recurring role as Charlie in Pure for six episodes. He further showcased his talent as Kyle Parson in One of These Days before landing the role of Sean Wallace in Gangs of London. Alongside The Ipcress File, Joe Cole is also involved in the production of a TV miniseries titled A Small Light. Despite his character's demise in Peaky Blinders, it seems that Joe Cole's career will remain vibrant, filled with lead roles rather than ensemble appearances.

John's Death Marked A Turning Point For The Show

The death of John Shelby in Peaky Blinders served as both a response to Joe Cole's desire to depart from the series and a pivotal moment within the storyline. Although the Shelby family had already encountered numerous hazards and experienced significant losses like Grace in season 3, John's demise showcased the vulnerability of the family, dispelling any notion of their invincibility.

Grace's death, in an unsuccessful assassination attempt on Tommy, placed symbolic blame on him and triggered a quest for revenge. John's demise was more than an attack on Tommy himself - it was an act of war against the entire Shelby family. His murder served as a grim reminder that the family had adversaries beyond those seeking retribution from Tommy. While the show may have been compelled to eliminate John's character, it ensured that his death carried significant weight, heightening the audience's suspense as no character seemed immune from demise. Ultimately, this paved the way for Polly's eventual death in the Peaky Blinders series.