Tom Hardy's exit from Peaky Blinders was an 11 a.m. decision

At some point during Tommy and Alfie's first meeting, since the former's failed attempt to kill the latter, the subject of the divine comes up. Specifically, Hardy's character explains that since he returned from the dead, some claim he's a god. Apparently, the actor wields the same kind of power as his character; according to Steven Knight, the only reason Alfie returned is because Hardy wanted him to. “The plan changed, let me put it this way – because Tom loves this character,” he told Independent. And just like that, Alfie was back, albeit now with some gnarled scars on the side of his face to show it.

One ​​of the reasons Alfie's resurrection worked is that the character stopped antagonizing Tommy long before he was knocked down. Even his betrayal lacks malice and greed, as it is done for personal reasons, as opposed to professional reasons. When Alfie reappears, it's like someone Tommy asks for help finding men for his plot against fascist Oswald Mosley. But it also reveals that the shades of respect between the characters have only grown stronger. Tommy can dodge his questions, but it's clear that Alfie is still one of the few men who really seems to understand him.

Between that and how damn entertaining Hardy is to watch, it's understandable that few raised their voices to complain about his return. Now it remains to be seen what role Alfie will play in the upcoming 'Peaky Blinders' movie. I think I speak for a lot of people when I say I hope this is a big one.