TV

Real Reason Why Peaky Blinders’ Most Promising Character Left the Show

Real Reason Why Peaky Blinders’ Most Promising Character Left the Show
Image credit: BBC

Why did Freddie Thorne have to say goodbye?

If you watched Peaky Blinders, you likely wondered why Freddie Thorne, a character with so much potential, suddenly disappeared from the show. His death felt abrupt and forced. Well, there might be a real-life reason behind his departure.

Freddie Thorne was a significant character in the first season of Peaky Blinders, a British crime series set in Birmingham. Born in 1884, Freddie grew up alongside Tommy Shelby, the show's main protagonist. Their bond was strong, having served together in World War I.

However, as they matured, Freddie's communist beliefs strained their friendship. Despite this, Freddie secretly dated and later married Tommy's sister, Ada. They even named their son Karl, after the famous communist philosopher, Karl Marx.

But Freddie's life took a tragic turn when he died of the Spanish flu, leaving behind Ada and their young son. But while Freddie's on-screen death was attributed to the disease, many fans were left wondering why such a promising character was written off.

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Well, the reason is simple. It looks like Iddo Goldberg, the actor who portrayed Freddie, left Peaky Blinders for a role in a different show. Goldberg took up a role in the American TV series Salem.

Salem is a supernatural horror television series that aired from 2014 to 2017. Set in the 17th century during the infamous Salem witch trials, the show reimagines the events, suggesting that witches were real and plotting to take over the world.

While Salem might not have been as critically acclaimed as Peaky Blinders, it likely offered Goldberg more exposure and potentially a heftier paycheck, given it's an American production.

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Another user pointed out that Goldberg's wife, Ashley Madekwe, also starred in Salem, which might have influenced his decision. Additionally, Goldberg had a part in Mob City, which could have further conflicted with his Peaky Blinders schedule.

Was it worth it? Opinions vary. Some fans believe that Peaky Blinders would have been a legacy in Goldberg's career, while others argue that actors need to explore diverse roles to grow.

One thing's for sure: whether it was the right decision or not, Freddie Thorne will always be remembered as a character who had so much more to offer.

Source: Reddit