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Peaky Blinders Long Gone, But Fans Still Can’t Stand This Character

Peaky Blinders Long Gone, But Fans Still Can’t Stand This Character
Image credit: BBC

That lady sure left a mark, didn't she?

Peaky Blinders is a concluded series, and while a movie installment was announced, things have gone pretty silent on that front. So, all fans can do is binge-watch the series again.

The die-hard Peaky Blinders fans on Reddit have shared their least favorite characters, and it turns out Linda Shelby is the undisputed champ in the dislike department. But why is Linda still stirring the pot in the fan community?

For those who need a little refresher, Linda is Arthur Shelby's wife. Initially, she was this church-going, straight-laced woman who appeared to be a soothing influence on our hot-headed Arthur.

She was the "good" to his "bad." But, as the series progressed, we got to see different shades of Linda, and it became evident she wasn't just a simple preacher’s daughter.

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Fans are split right down the middle when it comes to Linda. Some love her for trying to get Arthur out of the grimy criminal world, thinking she genuinely cared for him. Others... well, they think she's a little more manipulative than she lets on.

But you have to give it to her, Linda isn't a one-note character. She wants a peaceful life, but she also craves power and influence. This makes her unpredictable, which makes the character interesting, regardless of what kind of emotions she stirs.

That’s why there are those who hate the character, and those who think that the hate isn’t justified. Some believe Linda wanted Arthur to start fresh, to find happiness and peace. But, of course, since we're all Team Tommy, Linda's actions sometimes came off as antagonistic. It's actually about perspective.

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While some fans are quick to dismiss Linda, others have come to her defense. Some argue that many female characters in the series, except for Polly, face undue criticism. It's almost as if the fandom has a blind spot when it comes to strong, independent women.

Whether you love her or loathe Linda, isn't that what great television is all about? Characters that stay with you, make you think, and even rile you up a bit? In that sense, Linda Shelby has certainly cemented her place in Peaky Blinders history.

What do you think? Is Linda a misunderstood angel or a devil in disguise?

Source: Reddit