Steven Knight's new series features a woman-led gang

Steven Knight, the creator of "Peaky Blinders," has a new show titled "A Thousand Blows." This series is set in the 1880s in London, focusing on a bareknuckled boxing scene and an all-women gang called the Forty Elephants. The gang is led by Mary Carr, a real-life crime boss. Knight shared that he doesn't aim to convey a specific message in his writing, but the story reflects issues related to women's rights. Each character struggles within a working-class environment. The series aims to show a historical landscape that feels both unfamiliar and relatable. In "A Thousand Blows," Knight explores the lives of characters like Mary Carr and Hezekiah Moscow, a Jamaican who becomes a successful boxer. This raises hypothetical questions about their possible interactions in a shared historical context. When it comes to blending fact and fiction, Knight believes the reality of history is often more remarkable than imagination. However, he allows flexibility to craft a compelling narrative while keeping characters true to their essence. The emotional depth of characters like Mary Carr unfolds gradually, revealing layers behind their tough exteriors. Knight notes that showing vulnerability can have a powerful impact. The show's music differs from "Peaky Blinders," opting for a score-based approach instead of contemporary pop. Knight emphasizes the significant role of music in enhancing the emotional experience for viewers. Currently, "A Thousand Blows" can be streamed on Hulu and Disney+.