Peaky Blinders feels like HBO or AMC. This isn’t to disparage the BBC, it’s just its dramas generally have a very ‘TV look’ about them that can’t match the big budget, opulent cinematography being crafted on the other side of the Atlantic.

But with its billowing smokestacks, moody lighting and charred scenery, Peaky Blinders puts every penny it has to good use, and more than stands up when watched back to back with a Game of Thrones or a Mad Men.

This is particularly true of the new season, the first episode of which is a visual orgy, with its fastidious set design, immaculate costume and poised shot composition.

I’m not going to spoil anything for you, but as creator Steven Knight already let on, the episode opens on Tommy’s wedding day following a mini time jump. It pretty much stays there, and, as you’d expect, business matters seep into the reception like a noxious gas.

Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Show all 30 1 /30 Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Cillian Murphy as Peaky Blinders mob boss Tommy Shelby BBC Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Peaky Blinders is acclaimed for its stunning cinematography Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Annabelle Wallis as Tommy's new wife Grace Shelby Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Helen McCrory as the fearsome yet complicated Aunt Polly Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures The Peaky Blinders, always meaning business Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Tommy Shelby dances with his new wife Grace in the series three premiere Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby and his young son Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Cillian Murphy looking dapper as Tommy Shelby at his wedding to Grace Burgess Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Tommy's bride was finally revealed in episode one of series three Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Helen McCrory returns as Aunt Polly Gray Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Alexander Siddig plays Polly's potential new suitor Ruben Oliver Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Oh to own one of these beautiful 1920s cars Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Harry Kirton as Finn Shelby Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby meeting Gaite Jansen as Duchess Tatania Petrovna Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Tommy Shelby has moved into the higher echelons of society but the corruption continues Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Harry Kirton as Finn Shelby Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Gaite Jansen as Duchess Tatania Petrovna Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Paul Anderson as Arthur Shelby with Cillian Murphy as his younger mob boss brother Tommy Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Paul Anderson and Cillian Murphy as Arthur and Tommy Shelby Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Tommy struggles to keep Arthur under control in the first episode of Peaky Blinders series three Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Ian Peck as Curley and Ned Dennehy as Charlie Strong Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Benjamin Zephaniah as Jeremiah Jesus and Jordan Bolger as Isiah Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Paul Anderson as Arthur Shelby at Tommy's wedding Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Helen McCrory battles with self-loathing as Polly Gray Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Richard Brake as intimidating new character Anton Kaledin Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Alexander Siddig as the charming Ruben Oliver Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Tommy Shelby orders the Peaky Blinders to behave themselves on his wedding day Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Tommy Shelby's mind is elsewhere at his wedding breakfast Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Jordan Bolger as Isiah at Tommy's wedding Peaky Blinders series 3 in pictures Sophie Rundle as the strong-willed Ada Shelby

The new season has more than earned that familiar TV term ‘highly anticipated’, and you can sense it in the production, which feels ratcheted up in every respect.

The writing is stronger than ever and so are the performances, with Cillian Murphy now developing that Gandolfini-esque ability to say so much using only his eyes. Michael is becoming a very intriguing character - destined to be of vital importance as the show moves forward - and the stakes are now much higher. The Billy Kimber scuffles of season one seem a distant memory.

Intentionally or not, the first episode feels like a ‘f*ck you’ to Downton Abbey. The Shelbys are now starting to match the Crawleys in terms of wealth and land, but you’ll find no 'hanky panky with the maid' bullsh*t here, with Peaky Blinders depicting 1920s Britain warts and all, as it should.