This Is Why and How Michael Gray Betrayed Tommy Shelby

[@viktorbasara2368]

Crazy how Michael went from my favourite character to most hated one

[@PowerHubShorts]

Yeah, they handled his character quite poor in the final season. Also kinda funny though lol

[@funkyduck8958]

@@PowerHubShorts Nah it was perfect! Their a family gang, a betrayal from the family is textbook. Also one of the most frequent themes of the show is change in characters. The evolution and rise of Tommy Shelby is epic and so is Michaels. sidenote I hate how people don't like Tommy's enemies, like that's the fucking point.

[@PowerHubShorts]

@@funkyduck8958 Yeah, I like most of the enemies in the show. Like you said, the point is to literally dislike them. And I don't hate Michaels transition to traitor/enemy. I just didn't enjoy how they handled him in season 6 (Basically in prison the whole season).

[@zimzimma2.0]

John been my fav they killed him for shi😂

[@TonyEgg93]

Favourite character?😂

[@johannpetersen3637]

TBH, From the moment we first meet Michael, I knew he would betray Tommy. You could feel from the first scenes in season two, that he put his ambition above his principles. You can see this in the way that he immediately takes interest in the business, and the way that a spark is lit inside him when he sees the wealth of the family. His "growth" in the third season is basically that, him showing more and more that he is only "nice and kind" because of the way he was brought up, but that deep down he is willing to do anything, and betray anyone to gain power. To me, he as a character is an opposite of Tommy. Tommy while he was brought up in a harsh situation, always kept a certain sense of honor. Michael on the other hand, though he was brought up to be a good person, was never an honorable person, and always put his own ambitions over everything else I never liked him, to me he was always a traitor, because you could see him betray his own principles more and more for his ambitions, so it was innevitable that he would also betray his family.

[@ManaNamvar-b2x]

Exactly how I felt about him too from the get go

[@seyer31]

Polly in her attempt to pull Michael away from “the life” set them up to have Michael have to choose between his mother and his cousin. She created a rift and a break of trust that could never be replaced. (Polly also almost got Tommy killed by father Hugh). This made Michael feel very insecure in his position and was open to alternative allinces and then he got influenced by Ginna to betray Tommy.

[@Father_Daniel]

Great video! The one thing I never understood was why Polly didn't let Michael know about their plan. Michael was forced to lie to Tommy and I considered that the biggest moment in their rivalry. Tommy saw it as a huge betrayal and Polly could have avoided it all

[@trevordavis6830]

Its because from the very beginning Polly wanted Michael to have nothing to do with the illegal side of the family business. The problem was though was that Michael was too competent and eager to join that side that it was inevitable that he would get permanently wrapped up into it even more than he already has(which mind you, has already almost gotten him killed three times). So Polly, likely of her own initiative, decided to set Michael up for failure here as him choosing not to tell Tommy about the trap would be all the reason she needed to get Tommy to essentially exile Michael from the gang and leave him to handle the legitimate side of the business in America.

[@Father_Daniel]

@trevordavis6830 well said, I could never really wrap my head around that but that definitely checks out. I underestimated the game of 4D chess Polly was playing LOL

[@annalisavajda252]

"fast women and slow horses will ruin your life".

[@trashketchum9782]

4:11 and the confrontation was diffused by Karl saying “fooking pheasant!” i’ll never forget that

[@avidviewer1238]

I didn't like how Tommy nd polly tested his loyalty like that...they should of told him about the plan from the start

[@Im_helpless]

basically everyone has their loyalty tested, finn literally gets kicked out because he failed a loyalty test

[@noahklassen4485]

Yea I’m Finn’s case it’s okay but they made Micheal chose between tommy and has mom wich is a way harder decision

[@1nickdaora]

You got one part of that wrong: after Tommy, Ada is the smartest one and the most competent to lead the gang

[@danonthestrings]

Facts, Ada took the role of leader when Tommy wasn't around like she has been doing it all this time.

[@seyer31]

Ada is not a gangster and she doesn’t think like one. Polly, Michael and Arthur do

[@jonathantovar2446]

⁠@@seyer31actually no, micheals more ligit business than gangster and Polly is to emotional to take care of the dark side of the business Ada was simply going off why tommy had planned out for her as far as who’s left I really can’t say who’s the best candidate for the dark side of the business

[@Nihilnoir]

​@@jonathantovar2446 Tommys bastard son seems promising, although he didn't have much screen time to show more of his potential.

[@SantomPh]

@@danonthestrings Ada is a good steward because everyone respects her, but she only works because she is doing it in Tommy's name. She can't lead the gang and neither could Polly. It's a man, specifically a brutal man's game. This is why Tommy suggests that she go into politics and run for his MP seat.

[@chukwuedumobi8814]

Michael asked Polly; Tommy came to see me with a Bentley,I know he’s RICH…. he was way too much ambitious

[@theflyingdutchman1301]

Michael Gray is actually quite a boring character history and im sure the future is filled with them, a extremely ambitious character with not nearly enough to back that ambition up. Being influenced by someone (His wife and her uncle) who find out quickly he actually has very little uses. Now Michael actually has alot off potential but Tommy never really develops that cause lets face it he can see Michael comming from miles away, Michael could have been a powerhouse if his ambition stay’d pure Tommy would have developed it he could have learned from all off them their good sides their flaws.

[@PowerHubShorts]

Yeah I agree, Michael could have been the next Tommy if he just trusted the process.

[@Jrh-rp7np]

It’s the good old Bull story come to life ,, The Son bull says to the dad Bull “hey dad let’s run down the hill F one of these cows”,,, so the Father Bull says “ No son let’s walk down and F them all”

[@KHLB516]

@@Jrh-rp7npwhy didn’t you just say so…all this Julius Octavius stuff

[@lkgguitar3382]

A little village on the outskirts of England … in the sea??

[@nikoguarro]

There other countries in the UK, you do know that, right?

[@nickw4087]

Great video man, only thing I’d say is maybe look more into a script and editing just to help with the flow. This is not a hate comment only want to help as this was a great video.

[@mudshrooze]

I fricking loved Michael. I still dont understand how badly he was treated in the last season. Like they made him a idiot pushover whos own wife openly cheated on him. I fucking hate her

[@bryce4443]

i thought that it was funny how tommy is the sole reason why michael is what he is, and he actually thought he could beat tommy in his own game.

[@mordecaidavis4280]

Why aren’t he clips being showed as you narrate instead of random scenes?

[@PowerHubShorts]

That would be due to copyright mate. Unfortunately the video get completely blocked if I were to use the correct scenes.... so I try to add scenes from the season with a pivotal scene here and there.

[@ffafnir]

Poor Michael, lost his family, his bitch cheated on him with Mosley, and to add insult to injury he came back with major Campbell's accent and mustache just to get shot in the Fing face.

[@AlkanthorTheDragon]

Nice summary of Michaels character throughout all seasons. Looking forward the video whether he indeed sold off Tommy to Billy Boys. If not, I believe, his betrayal was completely justified, after Blinders treated him like shit and Tommy threatened his unborn child. Too bad his arc in S6 was so bad, the war between him and Tommy was really hyped; perhaps if Helen McCrory didn't die, we would get a great showdown. Still, his words about Tommy treating his family like tools were kinda true, I am not sure why the character gets so much hate.

[@PowerHubShorts]

Thank you! Yeah, that video should be coming in the next month or so. I also agree, without the unfortunate passing of Helen McCrory, im sure the final season would have played out very differently!

[@dyslexicape4249]

It was revealed that Billy grade sold out tommy to the ira not the Billy boys If it’s the finale of season 5 your talking about

[@clarkkent8286]

I agree with this video, but I think this whole thing was because Gina got into his head. Michael Gray is very book smart, but not nearly as street smart as Tommy Shelby (due to overall lack of experience in life). Yes he was clearly ambitious, but still loyal to the family until season 5 when Gina more or less fed his ego. People don't realize this, but Michael Gray IS Tommy Shelby. From the very beginning, he was basically being groomed to be the next Tommy Shelby and they're alike in so many ways. Even Polly acknowledged that he was becoming too like his cousin, to which Michael responded with "I thought that was the idea" and Polly confirmed "Yeah Tommy, but with a bit more fucking charm and class". He would be Tommy Shelby with less blood on his hands. Despite his faults, Michael Gray is still my favorite character (probably cause I relate to an extent to him). Season 5 and 6 version of Michael was an absolute prick though

[@johnnyoldenjr.]

The war made tommy into what he is hes street smart and a great stragegist and a leader hes been leading men ever since the war. Micheal has never led anyone.

[@PowerHubShorts]

Yeah great analysis mate, bang on!

[@clarkkent8286]

​@@johnnyoldenjr.That's what I just said, Michael doesn't have the same experience as Tommy

[@clarkkent8286]

​@@PowerHubShorts When Michael was caught by the IRA, I don't think Michael was trying to betray Tommy (at least not intentionally). I think having been away from Tommy lost some of his discipline and didn't research the people he was dealing with like Tommy researches his enemies

[@mayieka6]

'it was the ambitions and strategies of one man that caused this' - yes Michael Gray, you got that right

[@ErrmNoo]

I honestly think that the whole plot point that for forced Michael to chose between Tommy and Polly is a bit silly. It seemed unnecessary. Of course Michael would chose his mum but he gets punished for it.

[@Father_Daniel]

I've watched this series several times and that's always something that bothered me. I never understood why Polly didn't fill Michael in so he wouldn't have to lie to Tommy. I consider that to be the most important moment in their rivalry

[@arbioctomahendra1534]

no its polly's plan to make michael looks like that, so tommy can fire him or send him far away and doing only legitimate business

[@arbioctomahendra1534]

no its polly's plan to make michael looks like that, so tommy can fire him or send him far away and doing only legitimate business

[@DMonsterr]

@@Father_DanielI think it was because Polly in that moment wanted Michael to be just naturally loyal she tried to teach him that back when he first got introduced but he was always hard headed and had an attitude with everything they did Tommy wanted everyone in the family to be naturally loyal you shouldn’t have to tell someone especially family to be loyal to you or anyone else in the family that’s why they set Finn up because even tho he may have been loyal he lets friendships get in the way of that

[@Mrprince4245]

Michael had so much potential like if handled right he could’ve potentially beens Tommy’s successor or maybe in the cards at least

[@Salfordchappy]

I couldn't stand Michael as a character,but it was a different dimension I suppose

[@Father_Daniel]

I never cared for Michael either. I was annoyed by how quickly he became confident/arrogant once invited into the family.

[@AquaDragon6629]

Please, for your duture videos, when you're talking about a scene, put footage of that scene behind what you're saying. It's kinda disorienting to be watching a compeltely unrelated scene to what you're talking about.

[@juzedhere1984]

copyright issues

[@bclr6843]

Love the show, thanks for the videos

[@PowerHubShorts]

No worries mate

[@QWERTY-f5p]

true it was tommy ambition destroy relationship family

[@jamesanstey6688]

Great video! You’ve raised some great points. I personally really like Michael as a character I believe that he throughout the series experiences by far the most growth/change. If I was to give you any feedback on the video it would be to work on your script and the flow of the video. I noticed you stumbled over your words a few time. Please don’t take this as hate, just a bit of advice for future growth. I look forward to watching more of your videos!

[@AngelsTravelz]

If you pay attention Michael was always snapping when he didn’t get his way

[@unknown-et2vs]

So does his mother tbh

[@shakirtheoneandonly5095]

All polly’s fault if you ask me as her efforts to not keep micheal in the life lead to him having to choose to either warn Tommy about the set up in season 4 or betray his mother

[@okiwatashi2349]

Sorry, but a village on the outskirts of England??

[@Campbell5339]

can you explain why jack nelson and the IRA wanted Tommy dead? And what were jack plans in season 6?

[@PowerHubShorts]

Good idea!

[@DawnRoache-y9n]

Because the IRA was offered a peace treaty but the Irish started fighting among each other, so Tommy is brought in to do a hit, but he was only going to do the hit for the import export license, but they wanted Tommy dead because he linked the King into the hit for the negotiations for his import export.

[@ajmorningstar6281]

I can’t help but feel bad for him

[@roadkillxer7]

could you make a video on why they killed john so early? also great video, i loved Michael until yk he started his whole rebellion

[@iancarknard9791]

John's actor, Joe Cole, was unhappy with how his character was being written and his direction so they decided to part ways and had John killed

[@roadkillxer7]

@@iancarknard9791 that’s pretty simple and i respect it but john was easily my favorite and then they killed him in episode 1😭

[@PowerHubShorts]

@@roadkillxer7 yeah, ian basically covered it. I might still make a video though, because im sure if you had that question, other people do as well!

[@rustcohle4491]

Michael was a boring character and he was greedy. He pointed that revolver on Arthur's face, there was something suspicious about him than. He think that he was a gangster but he isn't. He was stupid to fall in the tricks of gina. When he has seen how capable and efficient Tommy is.

[@bampeachafro]

pol dies because of her own and Tommy's actions and tommy kills Michael for betraying him, despite his keened ability to manage, Thomas is self indulgent and clearly suffering throughout the series, he carries himself absolutely well, but he is a broken man running a broken scheme to his end as i understand it, with great success but at the detriment of others consistently. he could be and wants to be a hero, but is a villain.

[@DawnRoache-y9n]

It doesn't matter because Michael should have said something about the hit and let them attempt to save both, Michael wants Tommy's spot that's why he didn't tell Tommy!!!! I believe Michael would have gotten Aunt Pol hurt.

[@henryav1676]

Polly always looked for her kids since they got taken away. The scéance is how she discovered one of her kids has passed.

[@DMonsterr]

Michael lost his original family then he finds out about his mom he enters into a street gang family his bloodline he always had that hard headed jealousy type of thing since the beginning he wanted what Tommy had Respect, Power, money, but he knew he wouldn’t be recognized because the Shelby family especially Polly would always choose Tommy it’s kinda like first born second born kinda of thing you naturally trust the first born with things instead of the youngest when Michael seen nobody would ever choose him he got jealous Polly did have something to do with Michael becoming who he was she should’ve just let him stay where he was at he was better off

[@andrealee8561]

I think Tommy predicted that if anyone was a threat it would be Michael

[@crazygiraffe3002]

basically don't send Michael to America

[@privateer0561]

Polly did not "discover" she had two children - they were taken away from her when they were very young.

[@jg1814]

All pol had to to was clue micheal in in the plan with her and Tommy and none of this would have happened

[@nomad8024]

I dunno why Michael wasn’t angry at Finn for leaking private family information to a new recruit (Billy) which led to his Pollys’ death

[@shakirtheoneandonly5095]

Because he was essentially exiled from the family no one told him how polly died just that she died

[@wanderxdtv9623]

You should include the scenes you’re talking about in the video. It’s kind of off putting not being able to see and listen to what you’re talking about simultaneously.

[@christopherhumphreys7052]

A little village on the outskirts of England?! As in a little village in the Irish Sea........Get your geography right Pal!!!!

[@donmest167]

He did not remember

[@mudshrooze]

This video reinforces why i hate Gina so much. Her and Mosley are the most evil characters in the show

[@mudshrooze]

Well wait I'd consider that pedo pastor worse.

[@harleythebrit6386]

A village on the outskirts of England ? .... What the F@cks that meant to mean ?

[@pumpkinpat2044]

Polly and Ada are smarter than Micheal

[@MVegas]

Young Bull and an Old Bull sitting on a hill

[@lazarus8447]

The only thing that was truly protecting Michael was because of Polly. If she hadn't died, I don't think Tommy would have ended up killing him.

[@lordoffaiyum9727]

Always hated his character. Never liked him

[@СимеонХристов-о4х]

Outside of being good with numbers, is there any other indication that Michael was in fact intelligent? I think you give him way too much credit, all his plans were badly miscalculated and the one time he showed initiative, he lost the company half a million. I mean.... what's intelligent about that guy exactly?

[@dartawnasailo4449]

I guess you didn't remember😂

[@kennylignon7908]

Polly "found out'" she had a daughter and a son? Wouldn't she have found out when she gave birth?

[@edmundogonzalez650]

She knew she had a son and daughter obviously, just didn’t know where they were because they were taken by parish police. She had suspicions of her daughter being dead because she’s gypsy or whatever. Thomas confirms for her that her daughter died but Michael was still alive living in a nearby village

[@Slow_mo_brain]

I hate that you give so much information but deliver it badly

[@TheTangoman123]

On the outskirts of England 😂😂😂😂😂 Who the hell taught you English

[@pearl_lisha896]

She discovers she has kids??

[@ronburns6920]

how come tommy gave madame the cursed jewel?

[@h-dawg969]

Is uncle Jack JFKs father or grandfather?

[@MuhammedLaith]

nice G

[@PowerHubShorts]

Thank you!

[@GOML1112]

u gotta stop it with the further more

[@r3d5ive87]

This video makes no sense.

[@Willowcreek19]

Little village outside of England?

[@Jrh-rp7np]

Well there is Wales, which isn’t England and Scotland again not England ,, though they are all part of the United Kingdom and on the same island don’t you watch soccer bro lol

[@Willowcreek19]

Thanks for the geography lesson. So which is it? Scotland or Wales? Nobody says a "village just outside America" when talking about Canada or Mexico.

[@BMill1272]

A little village outside of England?! Wtf lol

[@Jrh-rp7np]

Really dude,, Wales and Scotland all part of the United Kingdom but not England watch some soccer lol