What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire: Season 3, Episode 8 “The Pony” (B+)

There’s nothing like finding out that someone you killed has been reported, unbeknownst to you, to have died in an altogether different manner. Nucky seemed somewhat surprised but even more annoyed to learn of the news of Jimmy’s supposed demise, and he was bold to go pay a visit to his grieving mother. He deserved the glass of water in the face, and his follow-up retort, “You exist in this town because I allow you to,” wasn’t very nice. Gillian does seem to be doing well for herself now, finally kicking out her hated partner and providing Gyp with some information that she may learn was more damaging than she had intended. Nucky’s business in New York turned out to be quite successful, and I do love the odd trio of Nucky, Esther, and Means. Nucky’s relationship with Billie, on the other hand, is far rockier, though they seemed to get to a better, intoxicating place when the explosion happened and she was presumably killed. It’s about time Nelson stood up for himself in his new job, and his role playing partner deserved that iron to the face. Lucky for Nelson, he found just the right woman, who has mastered both production and distribution in a matter of days and may just be their saving ticket. It’s interesting to see Nelson’s world collide with Al’s, and wonderful to see Torio in such a serene state of mind, one which suggests that Al will be taking over the business. Margaret is making great strides in her life, helping out another woman and being smart enough to take precautions herself, lest Nucky find out about her continued relationship with Owen.