What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire: Season 5, Episode 4 “Cuanto” (B+)

This episode really revealed just how much time has passed since this show first started. The time jump hasn’t truly been felt until now, but it’s full force and unsubtle in this hour. Juxtaposed with the continued tales of young Nucky growing up while taking care of his younger brother Eli, the events of the present are especially compelling. Seeing Margaret let her guard down and express humor was surprising, and it shows how she has managed to loosen up over the years. Nucky didn’t seem too thrilled to see her when it was clear why she was there, but it was evident later that they might actually make a better couple now than they ever did when they were first married and lived together. Margaret not bringing pictures on purpose was an especially cunning move. Al has become a true dictator, and it’s a wonder that George managed to talk his way out of being executed. Someone knows who Nelson Van Alden is now though, and let’s hope George Mueller is watching his back. As Nucky’s stateside supporter decided to get out of the business, he suffered a much more dramatic and shocking loss that he doesn’t even know about yet. Patricia Arquette’s Sally was an impressive partner for Nucky, especially in this last episode, as she switched easily between Spanish and English and proved that she wasn’t afraid of anything. Unfortunately, a growingly dangerous and volatile Cuba is not going to be the place of Nucky’s salvation now that his local contact has been unceremoniously killed.