Steven Knight, the mastermind behind the renowned series Peaky Blinders, is back with his new historical drama, A Thousand Blows. This series, streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, brings to life the intriguing tales of the Forty Elephants—a notorious all-female gang—set against the gritty backdrop of Victorian London. Knight’s knack for immersing audiences in the gritty realities of criminal life has garnered significant attention.
Much like his previous work, Knight explores the underbelly of society, focusing on working-class individuals who defy their impoverished circumstances for more exciting, albeit dangerous, lives. He states, “There are stories about working-class people who were born… who had their destinies written,” emphasizing their drive to escape poverty.
A Thousand Blows intertwines the true stories of boxer Hezekiah Moscow and Mary Carr, the queen of the Forty Elephants. The plot kicks off with Hezekiah, played by Malachi Kirby, arriving from Jamaica with high aspirations of becoming a lion tamer. Instead, circumstances push him to become part of London's underground bare-knuckle boxing scene. His chance meeting with Mary Carr (portrayed by Erin Doherty) leads them to explore opportunities for criminal collaboration.
Mary Carr was one of the real leaders of the Forty Elephants, who operated through intelligence rather than brute force. Known for their pickpocketing skills and elaborate disguises, this gang captured the imagination of audiences and served as the series’ strong female focal point. She is depicted as ambitious, challenging her gang to steal from the affluent rather than the struggling. Carr’s character nuances the film’s portrayal of women’s roles, emphasizing both authority and resilience against the patriarchal backdrop.
The creation of A Thousand Blows was partly inspired by actor Stephen Graham, who informed Knight of boxer Hezekiah Moscow’s fascinating backstory, leading Knight to mesh tales of boxing with the illicit activities of the Forty Elephants. Graham, who also plays Sugar Goodson, recalls Knight's excitement when he discovered the extraordinary narratives of both Hezekiah and Mary Carr converging within London’s vibrant yet perilous streets.
Filming took place at historic sites, with the production team recreatively crafting Victorian London’s atmosphere, making use of locations like abandoned breweries. Knight reflects, “If you limit yourself to contemporary things, you have a very narrow time frame.” By setting the story in the past, he creates broader narratives about human nature and societal challenges.
While Knight draws from real historical figures, he admits to taking liberties for dramatic effect. The relationships portrayed, particularly between Hezekiah and Sugar Goodson—the reigning boxing champion driven to eliminate competition—are dramatized for entertainment, with the real-life dynamics between these boxers being far less antagonistic than depicted.
Critical observers note the rebellious spirit among characters, which resonates with audiences. Historical advisor Sarah Elizabeth Cox elaborates on the life of Hezekiah, who, though never a champion, inspired fictional rivalries necessary for television drama. Rather, real community support characterized the boxing culture of the time, contrarily depicted as fierce competition on-screen.
Much like Peaky Blinders, A Thousand Blows features strong female characters leading their own narratives. Knight, during discussions on the future of the series, underscored the continuing evolution of the gang, stating, “There were still people who identified themselves as Forty Elephants as late as the 1950s.”
Each episode delves deeply not only through character arcs but also through the unique criminal methodologies employed by the Forty Elephants—like the sophisticated ruses used during shoplifting operations, which employed coded rules for maintaining loyalty and sharing revenues among the gang members, thereby fostering camaraderie among thieves.
The series also examines themes of identity and race, showcasing Hezekiah’s experiences of prejudice upon arriving as a Jamaican immigrant. This added dimension is particularly relevant, highlighting challenges faced by marginalized groups during the period. Knight emphasizes, “I think audiences are attracted to people who don’t follow the rules,” capturing the essence of how A Thousand Blows provides escapism through the unconventional lives of its characters.
The blend of historical intricacies and creative fiction paints not just criminality but the societal contexts surrounding it. The Forty Elephants are not merely depicted as thieves; they embody the spirit of rebellion, individuality, and resistance against societal norms.
The performances of the cast garner praise, especially from both Graham and Kirby who recount their exhausting physical transformations required for their roles. Their dedication to capturing the boxing spirit and character complexity adds authenticity to the series. Kirby notes the challenges of exploring emotional depths resembling the dualities of admiration and rivalry.
Season one is already generating buzz, with early indications of a successful second season already confirmed by Knight, ensuring audiences are hungry for more compelling narratives. The combined allure of boxing antics, dynamic characters, and the historical backdrop makes A Thousand Blows not just another crime drama, but rather a captivating exploration of ambition, gender roles, and the struggles of the early working class.
The series will air all episodes on February 21st, promising to attract viewers who are ready for the next thrilling chapter crafted by the creator whose narratives have reshaped our perspectives on history and crime.