Fans of Steven Knight’s works, such as Hulu’s A Thousand Blows, are well aware that he steers clear of traditional period dramas characterized by polite dances in corsets. Instead, his creations are known for their raw, gritty storytelling, peppered with modern soundtracks and frequent use of colorful language. The latest season of A Thousand Blows stays true to this formula, featuring a stellar cast that elevates the narrative.
In the opening scene, viewers are introduced to Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby), who finds himself in the midst of an intense bare-knuckle boxing match. Although he urges his opponent to take a dive due to exhaustion, the fight takes a turn when Hezekiah ultimately knocks him out amid a hostile crowd that favors the white boxer. Hezekiah’s return to boxing is driven by the desire to save enough money to return to Jamaica—a shared dream he and his late friend, Alec Munroe (Francis Lovehall), held dear.
The storyline follows Hezekiah’s journey through a gritty environment where he encounters Henry ‘Sugar’ Goodson (Stephen Graham), a disgraced tavern owner spiraling into alcoholism since being exiled from the Blue Coat Boy tavern once operated with his brother, Edward “Treacle” Goodson (James Nelson-Joyce). As Hezekiah drags Sugar back to the tavern, the narrative also introduces another plotline featuring Mary Carr (Erin Doherty) and her accomplice Alice Diamond (Darci Shaw), who are plotting to rob the vaults of a major bank. While they attain some jewelry, Mary has ambitions to reunite the notorious Forty Elephants gang for a more significant score.
To complicate matters, Mary must navigate her problematic relationship with her mother, Jane (Susan Lynch), and Indigo Jeremy (Robert Glenister), while also persuading Sugar to remain sober long enough to facilitate their heist. As the plot thickens, Hezekiah meets Victoria Davies (Aliyah Odoffin), the goddaughter of Queen Victoria, who is seeking his boxing expertise for a friend and reassures him that the tragic outcome of his past matches was not his fault.
As A Thousand Blows progresses, Mary Carr steals the spotlight with her cunning and calculated schemes, portrayed brilliantly by Erin Doherty—an Emmy winner known for her exceptional performances. Mary not only seeks to rob the rich but aspires to lead a criminal enterprise free from dependence on unscrupulous partners. Her drive for autonomy stands in stark contrast to other characters’ struggles; Sugar descends further into addiction, Treacle grapples with cognitive issues from previous fights, and Hezekiah wrestles with bitterness over Alec’s death.
Despite their grim circumstances, there remains a glimmer of hope, particularly evident in Hezekiah’s interaction with Victoria, who might just offer him a chance at redemption. This season promises to delve deeper into Mary’s ambitions as she attempts to reunite her crew and execute her elaborate plans.
For viewers who appreciate rich storytelling laced with dark themes and strong performances, A Thousand Blows is a series that merits attention. Its continuation of gritty, character-driven drama ensures it remains a compelling watch, particularly thanks to standout performances from its cast, especially Doherty and Graham, who deliver portrayals that resonate well with audiences. A Thousand Blows is a series that seeks to redefine the boundaries of historical drama, making it a must-watch for those who crave substance and depth in their viewing experience.