Cosmos Jarvis' Peaky Blinders Character Explained

"Peaky Blinders" introduced new audiences to several amazing actors, like Cillian Murphy as Thomas 'Tommy' Shelby. However, someone who may have slipped under the radar at the time was Cosmo Jarvis. While many know the actor from his work in "Shōgun" as Jack Blackthorne or Netflix's 2022 adaptation of "Persuasion," he played one of the most heartbreaking characters in "Peaky Blinders:" Barney, a gentleman who appears in Season 5.

Barney and Tommy know each other from World War I, where Tommy was Barney's superior in the marines. At that time, Barney often heard voices in his head, which could impact his emotions, and the stress of war could exacerbate his symptoms. Tommy was able to calm him down, but after the war, Barney was placed in a mental health facility as a result of breaking the law. While in the marines, Barney was known for his shooting skills, never missing a target. It's this talent that Tommy is interested in years later, during the events of "Peaky Blinders."

A fictionalized version of Winston Churchill (Neil Maskell) asks Tommy to take care of Oswald Mosley (Sam Claflin), and when he figures out what to do, Tommy decides he needs Barney's help. If Mosley is allowed to continue to build his political party rooted in fascism, it could pose real problems for the country. However, if he were to be removed from the picture, it would effectively kill the growing revolution. 

Tommy breaks Barney out of the mental health facility he's in, designing an assassination attempt that keeps himself out of scrutiny. If all goes according to plan, Barney uses his shooting skills to kill Mosley while he gives a speech at a rally. Tommy is going to be on stage with him, meaning no one can reasonably pin the murder on him or the Peaky Blinders. Barney is willing to help, but it's clear he is still experiencing the symptoms he did during the war.

However, Barney's story ends tragically when, right as he is going to take the shot, he's killed by a different, unknown individual. This stops the assassination attempt in its tracks, and Tommy takes the failure hard, especially since it's rooted in the death of his old friend. It's a heartbreaking way to end Season 5, but sets up Tommy's story for the final season of "Peaky Blinders."

If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.