Wednesday, November 23, 2011

What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire


Boardwalk Empire: Season 2, Episode 9 “Battle of the Century” (B+)

After last week’s monumental events, not all that much feels different, as Nucky moves to focus in on his illegitimate businesses and Esther’s case against him proceeds. The two burials of the patriarch Thompson were notable in their own ways, with Nucky actually smuggling guns in the coffin in exchange for Irish whiskey from John McGarrigle, and a distraught Eli putting him in the ground back home. Nucky showing off the gun performance was a formidable display, and it seems that things worked out when McGarrigle was taken out upon Nucky’s departure and the deal was approved. Back home, Emily’s polio diagnosis is truly sad, especially considering Margaret’s state of mind, which Nucky only becomes aware of as he’s about to board the boat back from Belfast. The fact that Esther is sleeping with her subordinate Clifford doesn’t necessarily mean much, but her investigation sure does seem to be proceeding as dim-witted deputy Halloran slips up and reveals that he does know the name Hans Schroeder. After some third-person business with Remus, Jimmy’s latest partnership means that Manny is a dead man. Unfortunately for Mr. Darmity, Manny managed to pull off an assassination defense even more impressive than Tony Soprano, leaving him with nothing but an Atlantic City matchbox and one hell of a need for vengeance. Jimmy’s newfound popularity with the ladies won’t help him much if Manny comes looking for him, and he better hope he finds a way to make things right that doesn’t involve one of his loyal soldiers like Richard paying the price.

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