What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire (Season Premiere)

Boardwalk Empire: Season 4, Episode 1 “New York Sour” (B+)

It’s good to have this show back, though it’s not quite clear just where things are going yet as everything slides back into place following the chaos of season three. History seems to be repeating itself in many ways, but Nucky is making a concerted effort to ensure that things turn out differently with his business partners. He’s doing exactly the same thing, however, with Eddie Cantor’s latest stage partner, who seems to enjoy the fact that Nucky wants to keep their relationship a secret from Eddie, who rightly blames Nucky for Billie’s death. It’s good to see Chalky on top with his club, but that doesn’t mean that he’s immune from the trouble of having to protect Dunn from a potential lynch mob after falling prey to a vicious game by a manipulative couple. Al is also doing well for himself, and we’re starting to see some more of his rage come out in relation to something as simple as his name being misspelled in a newspaper. Richard’s killing spree continues, but it looks like he’s headed, for an unknown period of time, towards some tranquility. It’s eerie to see the Thompson family, with both brothers at the table, gathered for a casual dinner where the biggest problem is Eli’s son smoking. Gillian seems as determined as ever to get back her grandson and get started with her life again, and it’s good to see that her tryst with Gyp only made this devilishly entertaining character even more resolved to get her way.