Hulu’s Boxing Drama ‘A Thousand Blows’ Is Another Knockout From ‘Peaky Blinders’ Creator: TV Review

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In his latest work, titled “A Thousand Blows,” creator Steven Knight focuses the limelight on a distinctly new criminal group instead of the Irish family featured in “Peaky Blinders.” This gripping, swift-moving period drama centers around an array of characters often overlooked, including a gang of female criminals, two best friends who have recently immigrated from Jamaica, and a ruthless gangster struggling to maintain his empire. The narrative, both captivating and brutal in its execution, explores themes such as ambition, desire, and violence.

Set in London during 1880, “A Thousand Blows” begins as Hezekiah Moscow, portrayed by Malachi Kirby, and Alec Munroe, played by Francis Lovehall, arrive from Morant Bay. Struggling with scant funds and limited resources, they are compelled to navigate the harsh East End, a territory dominated by Sugar Goodson, a fierce character played by Stephen Graham. As the East End’s ruler, Sugar instills fear in the community, casting an ominous shadow over the pub and boxing ring he jointly owns with his brother Treacle, portrayed by James Nelson-Joyce.

Hezekiah and Alec, feeling utterly out of place and facing discrimination, find solace at the Green Dolphin Lodge, managed by Mr. Lao (Jason Tobin), who shares their plight as a victim of racial prejudice in London. Remarkably, this very same boardinghouse is now under the leadership of Mary Carr (played exceptionally well by Erin Doherty), who heads the Forty Elephants, a band of female criminals. They’re infamous for pickpocketing, daylight robberies at Harrods, and numerous other illicit activities that Mary devises.

Hezekiah and Alec find a safe place to stay at the Green Dolphin, a boardinghouse run by someone who understands their struggles due to racial discrimination. This boardinghouse is also where the boss of a group of criminal women, known for pickpocketing, robbing in broad daylight, and other illegal activities, lives.

Mary quickly develops an interest in Hezekiah, viewing him initially as a useful tool for her upcoming masterplan. Yet, an unexpected connection seems to be forming between them, particularly after their encounter during a heated boxing match, which also unsettles Sugar. As Mary initiates her plan, she encounters resistance from the dissatisfied Elephants and stronger figures in the London streets, complicating matters further.

Title “A Thousand Blows” showcases an exceptional portrayal of the late 1800s society. In six one-hour episodes, Knight’s story grapples with themes such as racism, sexism, greed, and revenge that permeate this shadowy world. The protagonists, Alec and Hezekiah, strive to establish their reputations in the boxing ring, but are repeatedly faced with the corruption of racism. This relentless struggle is draining, and they must either suppress or express their anger while preserving their humanity in a place that views them as barbaric.

Despite Mary’s ability to project a sense of purity, her gender is persistently used against her, causing her to become defensive, even towards those who mean well. Caught up in her own objectives, she often overlooks the fact that while her supporters might seem unwavering, they are ultimately driven by their individual agendas.

In the journey of boxing’s evolution from primitive brawls to the organized sport we recognize today, Knight crafts an exhilarating narrative that centers around a band of underdogs yearning for more than society is prepared to offer them. Additionally, Mary and Hezekiah discover significant truths: ambition can be a potent driving force, yet overzealous pursuit of it could potentially lead to self-destruction.

The six episodes of “A Thousand Blows” premiere on Feb. 21 on Hulu.

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2025-02-21 17:17