Why was Polly killed off?

Polly Gray was killed off in Peaky Blinders because the show's creator, Steven Knight, felt it was the most honorable and impactful way to address the character's absence from the series.

The Rationale Behind Polly Gray's Demise

The decision to write Polly Gray out of Peaky Blinders through her death was a deliberate choice made to ensure the character's profound impact continued to be felt within the narrative. Rather than having her simply disappear, the show's creative team opted for a more definitive and emotionally resonant exit.

Ensuring Impactful Absence

• Necessity of Absence: It was paramount that Polly's absence created a significant void and emotional resonance in the storyline, regardless of how it was handled.
• Rejection of Simpler Alternatives: The idea of Polly being alive but having simply gone elsewhere—for instance, moving to America—was considered by Steven Knight to be "not right." Such a scenario would not have adequately conveyed the gravity of her absence or her importance to the Shelby family's dynamic.

An Honorable Farewell

• Honoring the Character: Killing Polly off was seen as the "more honorable thing to do." This choice respected the character's pivotal role and ensured her exit carried the necessary weight and consequence within the Peaky Blinders universe.
• Early Revelation: Her death was revealed early in the new season, immediately setting a somber and impactful tone for the series' conclusion, emphasizing the permanent void she left behind.

The table below summarizes the key factors influencing the decision to kill off Polly Gray:

This decision underscored Polly Gray's indelible mark on the series, ensuring that her departure was as significant and unforgettable as her presence had been.