What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire: Season 3, Episode 10 “A Man, A Plan…” (B+)

Whenever characters get too close to happiness, it’s a sure sign that they’re doomed. Owen’s death couldn’t have been any more devastating, but seeing the flashback to Margaret telling him that she was pregnant, news to which he reacted positively, made it infinitely more difficult to take. The doctor’s diaphragm came too late, and it’s not going to matter anymore since Nucky seems to understand that there was something between Margaret and Owen, and his death will likely be punishment enough. It’s much more worrisome that Rothstein has definitively chosen his side, and he’ll be a tougher enemy for Nucky than Gyp, who always needs to make a show of power rather than listen to constructive ideas that might help him. I love that both Nucky and Rothstein are portrayed as intellectuals, explaining palindromes and making pool analogies rather than just using blunt force. Nelson’s life is never easy, and getting sold out right after making his first big whiskey sale was a shame. Fortunately, he’s dealing with Al rather than the probies, and I’m sure they’ll come to some deal relatively beneficial for both parties. It’s been a while since we saw Chucky, and Nucky turning him away so speedily is going to come back to haunt him. It’s good to see Richard continue to experience some happiness, even if he has to contend with quite the monster father. It looked like Gaston was doomed for a moment, but Jess killing himself just means a mess that doesn’t get his hands as dirty.