Father John Hughes is one of the main antagonists of Peaky Blinders, serving as the main antagonist of series 3. He was a member and representative of The Economic League, working with Patrick Jarvis.
Character History[]
Background[]
Father Hughes was an Irish priest involved in many different groups, including the Russians, the Economic League, and the church in Birmingham.
Series 3 · 1924[]
Thomas came to suspect that Father Hughes was a double agent, seemingly working for the British Crown and with the politically White Russians but reporting to the Communist Russians. This was only partially true. Hughes does represent the Crown and was acting under orders to report to the Reds because they wanted to provoke an attack on British soil, which would break diplomatic relations with the Communists. After Tommy accuses him of being a Soviet informant, Hughes extorts Tommy into publicly apologizing by reciting the Catholic Act of Contrition with Hughes' name in place of God's. When Thomas began communicating with the Soviets, Hughes had Thomas' son abducted and held the boy hostage to force Tommy to cooperate.
It is revealed that Hughes molested Michael Gray when he was six years old, after he was taken from Polly and put under Hughes' care. Thus, Michael insisted that he be the one to end Hughes' life. Michael kills Hughes by viciously stabbing him to death.
Relationships[]
Thomas Shelby[]
While Thomas Shelby barely had any respect for Father Hughes, he was forced to work for him in order to protect his family and friends. Following the abduction of Tommy's son, Hughes was confronted and killed by Michael Gray.
Appearances[]
| Series 3 Appearances | |||||
| Episode 3.2 | Episode 3.3 | Episode 3.4 | Episode 3.6 | ||