Set in London’s East End during the post-industrial revolution, A Thousand Blows follows Jamaican immigrant Hezekiah Moscow as he navigates the underground boxing scene and interacts with Mary Carr, leader of the Forty Elephants gang. With a stellar cast including Malachi Kirby and Stephen Graham, the series, created by Steven Knight, blends historical events and compelling narratives, showcasing power struggles and fierce rivalries. This six-episode miniseries is now streaming on Disney+.
Overview of A Thousand Blows
Set against the backdrop of London’s East End during the tumultuous post-industrial revolution, A Thousand Blows follows the journey of Hezekiah Moscow, a Jamaican man captivated by the underground boxing scene that has taken the city by storm. In his quest for glory, he encounters Mary Carr, the fierce leader of the Forty Elephants, a notorious female gang fighting for their existence in a challenging world.
As Hezekiah prepares for the ring, he finds himself in fierce competition with Sugar Goodson, a powerful boxer who quickly becomes more than just a rival in the boxing world.
Stellar Cast and Characters
A Thousand Blows showcases a remarkable ensemble cast that fully immerses themselves in this riveting series crafted by Steven Knight, the mastermind behind acclaimed shows such as Peaky Blinders and Rogue Heroes.
Malachi Kirby takes on the role of Hezekiah Moscow, a rising star recognized for his performances in EastEnders and Doctor Who, and he has also made a mark in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe, as well as in films like The Chef and Scandaleusement vôtre.
Erin Doherty shines as Mary Carr, a character she portrayed with finesse after her notable role as Princess Anne in The Crown. Meanwhile, the formidable Stephen Graham embodies Sugar Goodson, drawing from his extensive experience in gangster-themed roles from films like Snatch, Public Enemies, Gangs of New York, and the series Boardwalk Empire. His impressive range also includes appearances in Band of Brothers and The Chef.
Is It Worth Your Time?
Steven Knight, an acclaimed screenwriter, gained significant recognition with Peaky Blinders, which is set to continue with a highly anticipated film on Netflix. Following that success, he has been engaged in various projects, including Taboo, Rogue Heroes, and See.
However, none of these ventures, despite sharing a similar gritty and rebellious essence, have succeeded in capturing the magic of Peaky Blinders. In A Thousand Blows, Knight draws from real-life events and historical figures to weave a compelling narrative.
Set in the gritty world of underground boxing in Victorian England during the 1880s, this series introduces Hezekiah Moscow, a Jamaican immigrant striving to carve out his identity amidst the transformational changes of the post-industrial era.
A Nod to Peaky Blinders’ Roots
With its authentic British setting, period-specific costumes, and a nod to the early days of Peaky Blinders, A Thousand Blows marks a return to the creator’s roots, sure to resonate with fans of the original series.
This new show also highlights the Forty Elephants, a real-life all-female criminal organization active in the 19th and 20th centuries, known for their audacious shoplifting tactics. Mary Carr, the character inspired by this gang, could easily be imagined as a contemporary of the formidable Polly Gray.
With a rich tapestry of power struggles, political intrigue, gang rivalries, and intense boxing matches, A Thousand Blows emerges as a historical drama filled with action, wit, rhythm, and unexpected twists, all brought to life by a cast of dynamic and spirited characters.
As anticipation builds for the Peaky Blinders film, fans can enjoy the six-episode miniseries A Thousand Blows, which offers captivating entertainment supported by a talented and charismatic cast reminiscent of the iconic Shelby family.
A Thousand Blows is now streaming on Disney+.