A Thousand Blows: A Gritty Historical Drama with Punch
Steven Knight, the mastermind behind the iconic Peaky Blinders, returns with A Thousand Blows, a gritty historical drama that doubles as both an evocative boxing saga and a festive crime caper. Available on Hulu, this six-episode series is set in 1880s London and follows the story of Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby), a young Jamaican immigrant, and his best friend, Alec (Francis Lovehall), as they navigate a world of mud, blood, and betrayal. While A Thousand Blows shares some of the same murky brutality as Peaky Blinders, it feels less brooding and more alive, thanks to its vivid characters and the energy of its storytelling.
The show is loosely based on a true story, and its premise is as compelling as it is raw. Hezekiah leaves Jamaica with a clear goal: to work as a lion tamer at the London zoo. But life in the city is cruel and unforgiving, and he soon finds himself thrust into the brutal world of bare-knuckle boxing. It’s here that Hezekiah becomes a star, his talents catching the eye of Mary Carr (Erin Doherty), the leader of an all-female crime ring. Mary sees Hezekiah as the missing piece in her grand plan, referring to him as "a knight in battered armor" rather than just a pawn. Her words hint at the complexity of their relationship and the larger game of survival and power they’re playing.
A World of Vengeance and Struggle
The world of A Thousand Blows is one of vengeance,identity, and constant struggle. Hezekiah and Alec are not the only ones haunted by their pasts; nearly every character is driven by a desire to punish those who wronged them. Mary Carr herself is a product of a Dickensian upbringing, and her rise to power is fueled by both cunning and a deep-seated anger. Then there’s Sugar Goodson (Stephen Graham), a volatile bare-knuckle boxer with a history as dark as his name. Sugar’s rivalry with Hezekiah is immediate and intense, and their conflicts are as much about pride and reputation as they are about survival.
But the struggles here aren’t just personal; they’re also deeply rooted in race, class, and gender. The characters are constantly reminded of their place in society, whether through the racism Hezekiah faces as a Black immigrant or the sexism Mary endures as a woman in a man’s world. Yet, despite these obstacles, they find ways to fight back—sometimes through crime, sometimes through love, and often through the raw, brutal art of boxing. The ring becomes a metaphor for life itself, a place where pain and triumph are inextricably linked.
A Show of Contrasts: Blood, Glamour, and Heart
While A Thousand Blows is undeniably bleak, it’s not without its moments of glamour and fun. Mary and her crew pull off high-stakes robberies that feel almost cinematic, set against the backdrop of lavish parties and glittering candelabras. These scenes are a breath of fresh air in a show that otherwise leans heavily into the ugliness of its world. The contrast between the muddied streets of London and the opulence of these crimes adds a layer of unpredictability, making the show feel both grounded and entertaining.
The performances are another major highlight, particularly from Malachi Kirby, Erin Doherty, and Stephen Graham. Kirby brings a quiet intensity to Hezekiah, making his journey from lion tamer to boxing star both believable and compelling. Doherty, meanwhile, shines as Mary Carr, infusing her character with a mix of charisma and ruthlessness. Graham, as ever, is magnetic as Sugar Goodson, bringing depth to a man who is as terrifying as he is tragic. Together, the cast elevates the show, giving it a sense of urgency and humanity that keeps viewers hooked.
A Breathless Ride with Room to Grow
At just six episodes, A Thousand Blows moves with a relentless energy, barreling toward a finale that leaves the door wide open for more. While the show’s predictable in places, its pacing and performances make it feel fresh and exciting. The finale, in particular, sets up possibilities for future seasons, hinting at new conflicts and alliances that could deepen the story even further.
For fans of Peaky Blinders, the similarities in tone and style are undeniable, but A Thousand Blows carves out its own identity with its diverse cast of characters and its unique blend of boxing, crime, and period drama. It’s a show about fighting—not just in the ring, but for survival, dignity, and a place in a world that often seems determined to knock you down.
If you’re looking for more of Steven Knight’s work, Peaky Blinders is currently streaming on Netflix, while his slower-burning period drama Taboo (co-created with Tom Hardy) is available on Peacock. Fans of the cast might also enjoy Boiling Point, a tense restaurant drama starring Malachi Kirby and Stephen Graham, with the movie available on Peacock and the TV sequel streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and the Roku Channel.
