Key Highlights
- Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty reunite for Season 2 of A Thousand Blows
- Series faces criticism for perfunctory plotting and modern-day messaging in a 19th-century setting
- Main character Hezekiah Moscow struggles with addiction and seeks vengeance against those who wronged him
- Show’s social conscience is seen as a weak attempt at relevance, overshadowing its historical context
A Thousand Blows: A Second Chance for Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty?
Following their acclaimed performances in the 2023 series Adolescence, actors Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty return to the small screen with a new season of the Steven Knight period drama, A Thousand Blows. However, while the show promises a gritty, 19th-century setting, it falls short in delivering the depth and authenticity expected from its creator’s previous works.
The Setting: A Gritty East End of London
Set against the backdrop of 1880s London, A Thousand Blows follows Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby), a Jamaican transplant who is banned from professional boxing following an accidental killing during a bout. Now confined to the gritty docks of Wapping, Hezekiah’s anger and frustration are palpable, making him a formidable character.
The show introduces us to Hezekiah in a state of despair, with his former ally and now enemy, Henry “Sugar” Goodson (played by Stephen Graham), in an even more dire condition. Sugar’s transformation from a respected boxer to a homeless alcoholic is a central theme that drives the narrative forward.
Erin Doherty’s Mary Carr: A Complex Protagonist
Mary Carr, played by Erin Doherty, remains a complex and enigmatic figure. Despite her past as a boxing promoter and gang leader, she now finds herself in a precarious position after being abandoned by her criminal associates. Her determination to reclaim her former glory is central to the plot, making for compelling viewing.
However, Mary’s character development feels somewhat underdeveloped compared to Stephen Graham’s nuanced portrayal of Sugar. The show’s attempts at social commentary, particularly around class and race, feel forced and disconnected from the historical context.
A Critique of Modern Messaging in a Historical Setting
A Thousand Blows faces criticism for its modern messaging delivered through a 19th-century lens. The show’s emphasis on contemporary values—such as standing up against racism and colonialism—feels out of place, undermining the authenticity of its setting.
Characters like Hezekiah and Mary are portrayed as virtuous figures fighting against oppression, but their actions often feel like thinly veiled allegories for modern-day social issues. This approach fails to fully immerse viewers in the historical context and instead creates an artificial disconnect between past and present.
The Bottom Line: A Missed Opportunity
Despite the promising premise and strong performances, A Thousand Blows ultimately comes across as a missed opportunity. The six-episode run is too brief to fully explore the rich narrative potential of 19th-century London. While Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty bring their usual charisma to their roles, the show’s weak plotting and reliance on modern-day messaging fail to deliver the historical depth expected from Steven Knight’s work.
For fans of period dramas who are looking for a more authentic exploration of 19th-century London, this series may fall short. However, it does provide a timely reminder of the challenges in balancing historical accuracy with contemporary relevance.
