A Thousand Blows season 2 ending explained: What happens between Mary and Hezekiah?

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*Warning: This article contains full spoilers for A Thousand Blows season 2.*

A Thousand Blows is back for a second season, and it’s raised the stakes even further. This season, the challenges feel more personal and emotionally impactful for the show’s three main characters.

At the end of season one, things fell apart for Sugar, Hezekiah, and Mary. Hezekiah was devastated by the loss of his friend Alec, and Mary knew who was responsible. This created an unfixable rift between them, abruptly ending their new relationship.

In the new season, Sugar physically attacked his brother, Treacle (James Nelson-Joyce), and has since withdrawn into isolation and turned to alcohol as a result. The season also introduced a shared enemy for Sugar, Treacle, and another character – but were they able to defeat them?

Read on for a full breakdown of the finale of A Thousand Blows season 2.

A Thousand Blows season 2 ending explained: What happens between Hezekiah and Mary?

Hezekiah and Mary didn’t start off on good terms, but they gradually began to reconcile throughout the season. In the second-to-last episode, Sugar organizes a meeting where everyone discusses their shared problem with Murtagh (Tim Steed), who has been causing trouble for them all.

Sophie Lyons (Catherine McCormack) comes to see Mary just as the Forty Elephants are getting ready for their most ambitious operation yet, aided by a mysterious American. Mary takes the chance to point out to Sophie that she couldn’t accomplish this mission without the help of her gang.

Mary went to the bar that day to wish Hezekiah well and say goodbye, feeling like their lives were heading in separate directions. She told him she was planning to leave London once their current job was finished. Hezekiah was surprised by her news, and it was obvious they still cared for each other as they prepared for the night ahead.

That night, Hezekiah’s boxing match with Nathaniel Washington begins, and just when he’s about to give up, he’s encouraged by Alec’s voice. Throughout the venue, members of the Forty Elephants gang are visible, some dressed formally like Mary and Alice, and others as maids. Later, Sophie delivers a speech that captures everyone’s focus as the Forty Elephants begin removing the expensive paintings from the luxurious building.

Things take a turn when Mary intervenes after a man begins harassing a young maid. She punches him, and her shout draws attention to the situation. The other members of the Forty Elephants are seen with a Caravaggio painting, but Mary strides into the hall, weapon drawn, and orders everyone to freeze.

Things suddenly got intense when Sophie, like Mary, pulled out a gun – it really surprised everyone, but it did allow the paintings to be moved without a hitch. Meanwhile, it looked like Hezekiah had won his fight! Everyone was cheering, and his opponent even shook his hand. I overheard Hezekiah and Nathaniel talking, and Nathaniel was sharing how tough it is to be a Black man, especially comparing the US and the UK. He said it’s harder feeling like an outsider in the UK, and that in America, there are more people who understand what you’ve been through. He actually asked Hezekiah to join him and fight alongside his group back in America.

Things are really strained back at our hideout. Sophie is furious with Mary after what happened at the party. She doesn’t seem to care that someone got hurt, and she’s saying Mary should have just walked away instead of risking everything we’ve been working on with the Forty Elephants. It’s a tough situation, and honestly, I’m worried about how this is going to play out.

Mary avoids a fight and simply asks for the money they’re owed, but Sophie suggests she might refuse to pay. Mary responds by saying she won’t give Sophie the painting. However, the situation escalates when Alice unexpectedly pulls a gun on Mary, seemingly siding with Sophie. Alice then orders Esme to steal the painting and give it to Sophie, threatening her with the gun to ensure she complies.

Alice and Sophie travel together by carriage. Alice explains she needs to take care of something before heading to the station, but actually, she’s cleverly outsmarted everyone to ensure the Forty Elephants get their rightful share of the money. After delivering the funds, Sophie praises Alice’s bravery and asks her to find her when she arrives in New York. They then say goodbye.

What happens to Sugar?

The next morning, Treacle’s son, Thomas, informs Hezekiah that Sugar needs his help. However, Sugar quickly pulls Mary aside, leading her into an alley where Murtagh and his crew are lying in wait. Hezekiah slips inside to rescue Mary, who’s been tied up, just as Sugar confronts Murtagh, holding a gun to his head. A fight breaks out between Sugar and Murtagh while, outside, Hezekiah and Mr. Lao battle Murtagh’s men, who are holding Treacle captive.

Sugar attacks Murtagh and then triggers an explosion, destroying the building. Treacle is horrified, believing Sugar is dead, but Sugar emerges from the smoke, wounded in the arm.

Things at The Blue Coat Boy are starting to feel normal again after the explosion. Sugar and Treacle are having lunch and keeping an eye on Thomas, who’s doing a good job managing the bar. Although the Elephant Boys are still a concern, things are looking up now that Thomas has proven he can handle the stress.

Does Hezekiah go to New York?

After a while, Hezekiah visits Mary at her home. She tells him she’s considering her future now that Murtagh has left, trying to figure out what’s best for herself and her daughters. Hezekiah doesn’t want to interfere, but suggests they could start a new life together in New York.

He’s been offered a chance to compete abroad. He’s also generously given Alec’s family land in Jamaica and plans to move to New York, hoping Mary will join him.

Hezekiah, dressed nicely, gets ready to travel to New York alone, bidding farewell to Mr. Lao and assuring him he’ll be in touch with a letter.

Sophie has returned to the US, preparing to reveal the recovered painting, but a surprise awaits. It turns out Alice was the one who originally stole the real artwork, replacing it with a portrait of Mary. She sold the valuable Caravaggio painting and shared her newfound wealth with the Forty Elephants gang, even reading a letter from Mary during the reveal.

Okay, so it all makes sense now! Mary totally announced Alice would be in charge while she’s gone, which is awesome. Apparently, she and Hezekiah are heading to the US to strengthen ties between the Forty Elephants and some groups in New York. It’s a smart move, and I’m excited to see what comes of it!

Mary tells us they’re planning a partnership across the Atlantic, and we then see her meet up with Hezekiah in New York City, near the Manhattan Bridge. This confirms they’ve arrived safely in America, and Hezekiah is already promoting his next boxing match against the Eastern Parkway Boxing Club.

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You can now watch seasons 1 and 2 of A Thousand Blows on Disney+. Disney+ subscriptions start at £5.99 per month.

Authors

Morgan CormackDrama Writer

Hey, I’m Morgan Cormack, and I basically live and breathe TV drama! I write about everything happening in the world of drama for TopMob – all the shows on TV and streaming. Before this, I was an Entertainment Writer at Stylist, and I’ve also done a bunch of freelance work and content marketing. I studied English Literature in college, so I’ve always been a bit of a story person, honestly. I’m always on the lookout for the next great show!

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2026-01-09 18:07