The emotional cliffhanger in Polly Gray, after Polly Gray unexpectedly vanished into thin air with an absence spanning multiple episodes was truly gut-wrenching for Shelby Fam members everywhere. In the absence of our beloved matriarch during Season Six, her beloved kin remain scattered. And while fans know Tommy made his grand exit at the close of Season six, he isn’t directly facing fallout over his sister leaving without saying goodbye
But as loyal followers recall their journeys with the McAllisters in Peabody Estate and beyond, a nagging question bubbles to the surface: why exactly did Pauline take such abrupt leave from Arthur to Finn? There’s a sense many fans hold that she might be keeping her children tucked away somewhere safe after some chilling events within Peaky Blinders history have brought out both protective instincts in Polly, but also perhaps regret.
Some speculate it stems from Arthur’s tragic downward spiral during the aftermath. Remember Season 5 and its horrifying moments? This could indicate she’s shielding them from what she senses is the worst of their bloodline. The McCalisters weren’t raised in comfort or kindness after a bloody journey under Grace’s guidance.
Arthur’s arc has always been fueled by intense emotions – both loveable ones, like his genuine caring for Finn, and darker impulses.
After Tommy dealt an unimaginable blow against his own brother (season six finale), wouldn’t it also be plausible That Polly feels she might as well run off to a safe haven for her blood kin because the “Peaky Blinders life” is too dangerous for the children?
Adding fuel to this theory: consider the impact of past events like Ada’s struggles within marriage, and Thomas Shelby’s own choices. Each generation seems susceptible to heartbreak and bloodshed. It wasn’t enough just that her children were exposed in Tommy’s world; perhaps witnessing Arthur take himself further into darkness was the breaking point for Polly – she saw echoes of the trauma inflicted on John within him, maybe too late for redemption.
Beyond personal protection motivations, don’t forget Polly held strong views about freedom and choice . While the life as a matriarch to these ambitious men may have felt more like responsibility than choice – who’s to say this “vanished moment” is anything BUT a statement of self-reliance on her terms; the exact opposite of an “arranged marriage’ like Ada’s struggle!
Regardless, while there might not be clear answers within current canon, the show has definitely crafted enough intriguing backstories for each character that it fuels fan’s continued engagement with this world. Some argue it’s just lazy storytelling to say Polly simply wanted to start afresh. No; there’s an unmistakable air of caution surrounding her departure. Did she have a secret plan? Is she in hiding because She recognizes a potential betrayal on the horizon – could even Finn or Arthur betray Tommy next as time drags out without her influence? With Polly known for her shrewdness, whatever reasons motivated her move are deeply entangled with both personal tragedy and survival – aspects that have always made the Shelby family compelling to audiences.
Let’s hope creator Steven Peacocke sheds some light into Polly’s final decisions down on Peaky Blinders Lane…and we keep debating it in earnest with every rewatch!