What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire (Series Finale)

Boardwalk Empire: Season 4, Episode 8 “Eldorado”

I’m not sure what I expected from this finale. I always remember this show’s third season as being its standout, and while I stand by that, its first two years were pretty terrific too, and its fourth year wasn’t all that bad either. Jumping ahead so many years to the 1930s was a bold and perhaps unnecessary move that I don’t feel helped the show all that much, and cramming everything into eight episodes while multitasking with flashbacks to Nucky’s past was hardly the fitting opportunity to say goodbye that show like this deserved. Sadly, that seems to be the trend these days, with many shows returning for abbreviated final seasons with double-decker episodes to wrap everything up as quickly and dramatically as possible. I’ll admit that I couldn’t remember what happened to Mabel prior to the start of the show, and therefore I was disappointed not to get much resolution to that (a visit to the show’s wiki reveals that she committed suicide after the death and burial of their child). Instead, it was all about the Darmodys, who didn’t feel relevant throughout this entire season but made a major return in the form of Gillian getting Nucky to come visit her and, of course, Tommy being the one to kill Nucky. It’s not the way we thought he would go – the two assassins sent by Lucky and Meyer were for Narcisse, not Nucky – and rather unceremonious as far as deaths go. For closure, we got Eli with plenty of money, Margaret also with plenty of money and a good business partner in Joe Kennedy, and the mob institution firmly and smartly established as Al went to jail for tax fraud. It’s hardly my idea of a complete and fulfilling finale, but I suppose this show was at its height when its characters were at their most prominent and successful, which didn’t always mean they were doing well but that someone else thought they were a threat.

Series finale: B-
Season grade: B
Season MVP: Steve Buscemi as Nucky
Series grade: B+
Series MVP: Michael Shannon as Nelson Van Alden/George Mueller
Best Season: Season 3
Best Episode: “Two Imposters”

What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire (Penultimate Episode)

Boardwalk Empire: Season 5, Episode 7 “Friendless Child” (B)

It’s hard to believe this show only has one episode left, though it certainly feels like it’s ready to sign off. Its style has become much more theatrical and dramatic, and it’s clear that loose ends are being tied up in a way that doesn’t necessarily feel linear. The opening radio broadcast-narrated montage emphasized the grand nature of the mob, and the big hostage exchange scene only further embellished that idea. It didn’t take much for Nucky to hand over the keys to his empire, but that’s what always made him this show’s protagonist. He’s not a bad guy, and he really is loyal to those he cares about. It’s good to at least see him standing side-by-side with Eli at the end of it, with his second closest ally, Mickey, outliving expectations by surviving almost the entire series before being shot. With no sign of Al, this episode featured another famous up-and-coming mobster – Bugsy Siegel – who’s still playing second fiddle but is surely on his way up, just as soon as he evades his captors and gets back to his wife to celebrate Lag Ba’omer. The only question now is whether Nucky can successfully withdraw himself from his business or if he won’t be able to get out clean. The flashbacks also brought up another outstanding storyline, which is Gillian’s fate, as she was humanized after seasons of murderous incestuous misery as yet another lost soul that Nucky saw fit to pluck from obscurity and help turn into something respectable. Let’s hope for a memorable and fitting finale next week.

What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire: Season 5, Episode 6 “Devil You Know” (B)

It’s always difficult to draw the line between unfortunate but dramatically worthwhile things happening to characters and regrettable plot choices that could easily have been avoided. I’m having a tough time seeing these characters go out on these terms, mainly because I feel like the show was much more inviting and enthralling back in the 1920s. That said, I can understand that this isn’t meant to be glamorous, as previewed by a shot of Nucky with a bloody cheek and the tagline “No one goes quietly” on the poster for this season. This episode had two major deaths, both of which were somewhat fitting but not necessarily at the hands I might have expected. After George and Eli got caught red-handed by Al’s guys only moments into their attempted betrayal, Nelson Van Alden had one last opportunity for a fiery speech, which got interrupted towards its likely conclusion by a deadly gunshot to the eye. I suppose it makes sense that his death would be quick and unceremonious, giving the man whose career ended in disgrace a decade earlier and whose wife hates him a moment of solitary glory before he’s gone and forgotten for good. Eli seems to have been spared that fate, and I’m curious to see if he aligns himself with his brother’s army once again. Chalky got the chance to see his family again and to meet face-to-face with Narcisse, confident that he was sparing them and allowing himself a dignified death by firing squad to close out the episode. After reciting tongue twister after tongue twister and debasing himself in a bar, Nucky seems to be back on track and ready to face his foes thanks to none other than the shocking rallying force that is Mickey Doyle.

What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire: Season 5, Episode 5 “King of Norway” (B+)

I could have sworn that the young deputy looked and sounded a whole lot like Nucky Thompson, and then there you had it, it was him! Marc Pickering really is a find and quite the dead ringer for Steve Buscemi, a perfect middle between the curious boy we’ve seen over the past few episodes and the seasoned businessman we see in the present. I wasn’t sure about this device originally, but now I think that filling in the gaps of Nucky’s past while chronicling his future is a terrific idea. The past is certainly coming back to haunt some of our favorite characters who are in very different places than when we first met them. As if Sigrid’s behavior at the dinner table and her revelation about her affair with Eli weren’t brutal enough, it turns out that the FBI is onto Van Alden, well aware of his identity and ready to put him and Eli in jail – or worse – if they don’t help take Capone down on tax fraud charges, something that historically did end up taking down the overconfident mobster, who’s having a bit of bathroom trouble these days. Gillian’s misadventures in psychiatric prison do seem to be more interesting than I initially thought, though it’s still unclear whether she’ll actually get out and be released back into the world before the show concludes its run. Chalky coming to see Nucky was a smart idea, and Nucky is going to be counting his friends now that his old pal Torio has betrayed him and his dearly departed Sally is gone with no one left to be held to account.

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.

What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire: Season 5, Episode 3 “What Jesus Said” (B+)

This show is back on track, delivering its first truly involving episode of the season and reminding viewers why it was great in the first place. I didn’t make mention of the show’s newest character in episode two, a very familiar and historical name, Joe Kennedy, portrayed by Matt Letscher, who used to be on “Scandal,” among other shows. Kennedy is a dynamic and very intriguing new player, and his desire not to drink to avoid perpetuating an Irish Catholic stereotype is pretty terrific. Watching Nucky around him is particularly interesting, and I’m now starting to see the point of all these flashbacks. There was something magnetic and haunting about Nucky delivering flowers to the man and his female friend every day, and it leading into Margaret coming back was very effective. Margaret’s reaction to her aggressive encounter with Rothstein’s widow was great, and I’m glad that her path has led her back to Nucky, even though it’s not for a good reason. Who would have thought that Mickey could survive this long without getting himself killed? Another character I didn’t expect to see was Narcisse, who I thought was doomed to eternal imprisonment after the season four finale. His inability to compromise didn’t serve him well, and now we have yet another bloodbath on our hands. Chalky’s home invasion was intense but made for very captivating drama thanks to the players involved, and it’s interesting to see that Chalky’s intellect actually managed to get him into trouble rather than help him since it both revealed his humanity to his captors and caused panic in his coconspirator.

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

Boardwalk Empire: Season 5, Episodes 1 and 2 “Golden Days for Boys and Girls” and “The Good Listener” (B)

This show is back for its fifth and final outing, a shortened order of eight episodes to conclude its Prohibition-era story. In order to ensure that things are still relevant and interesting, a time jump has been made, scattering the various personalities on the show but putting them pretty much in the places you’d expect them to be. There always seem to be a specific interest in Nucky’s past, as we frequently see flashbacks to his childhood as he began to work for the Commodore while his sister was dying. I’m not sure of the relevance just yet, but I can say that going back even further in time doesn’t do the show any favors. This has always been a dense series that, at its best, was furiously interesting despite its pacing and thick ensemble. Now, however, it’s not nearly as accessible. The overarching theme of this season, that Nucky is preparing to turn what was for so many years an illegitimate business into a legitimate one, is undeniably intriguing. He can’t escape his past, with frequent attempts on his life, but he is having important meetings where he is using his bootlegger status to his advantage as a standout point on his resume. At the same time, his nephew is preparing to become a district attorney, ready to take down the likes of his uncle who try to corrupt those charged with executing justice. Certain players like Eli, Al, and Nelson/George are around again, which makes sense, but I don’t know why we’re still following Gillian’s adventures while she’s incarcerated. These first two episodes didn’t really do it for me, but I’m hoping that the remaining six will help return this show to its former glory and let it go out with a memorable bang.

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

Boardwalk Empire: Season 4, Episode 12 “Farewell Daddy Blues” (B+)

I’m always compelled to compare the state of things right now to how they were at this point last season. Narcisse was never the same villain that Gyp was, yet his fate is considerably worse. Instead of being stabbed by his own people while blubbering like a madman on the beach, he got apprehended by Hoover after Nucky hired Harrow to take him out and was forced back into a position of servitude completely against the position he advocated for the whole of this season. Despite the tragic loss of his daughter while he was protecting another Daughter, Chalky did survive, and knowing that Nucky was always on his side means something. Nucky’s confrontation with Eli was inevitable, and it was as harsh as might have been expected, though Willie’s presence made things go differently. Eli killing Knox was brutal but unsurprising given the disregard for Eli’s wellbeing or personal stake in things that he had exhibited, and Eli meeting up with Nelson was an intriguing resolution that should make things next season plenty interesting. Torrio getting shot but not killed was a fateful event, since he now officially appointed Al his successor. I’m not sure what happens now that Gillian is in jail and if he story continues, but her fate is far more important for another person who was connected to her: the ever-loyal Richard Harrow. Seeing him arrive in Wisconsin to find his family waiting for him was wonderful, but as soon as his uninjured face appeared, it was clear that it was but a dream, and he was this season’s ultimate casualty. He’ll be missed. Though this season couldn’t possibly have topped season three, it was still good, and I look forward to season five next year.

Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Michael Shannon as Nelson Van Alden/George Mueller

What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire: Season 4, Episode 11 “Havre De Grace” (B+)

This episode moved at a relatively slow pace, but there was plenty happening, which sets the stage for an eventful season finale. Chalky sure knows how to talk, and simple conversation is one of the show’s best assets. His host was particularly compelling, though his behavior towards Daughter was especially deplorable. Chalky definitely thought that he was crazy at the end of the episode, and the presentation of a very real threat clearly shook Chalky, who might survive past the finale but likely at a high personal cost. Means calling Nucky and offering him information for a wild price was a worrisome moment, and it’s another sign that the walls are closing in on Nucky, who caught on quickly to the fact that Eli was trying to cover up his off-the-books meeting with Knox. Getting out is a smart idea, but I think he’s not going to be able to do it fast enough. Nothing could be quite as devastating, however, as Gillian’s fate. Going to see Tommy only to have Harrow tell her to leave him alone seemed to provide her some closure, and her evening out with Roy was nothing short of serene. Happiness like that rarely goes unpunished, and Roy shooting someone and not being able to forgive himself for it would have been nothing compared to what he actually had in store for her. “You can make yourself live with anything” was a great line with horrible consequences, and Gillian’s arrest is sure to be the final thing to unravel her and something from which she surely won’t be able to recover.

What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire: Season 4, Episode 10 “White Horse Pike” (B+)

It’s interesting to see where this season is currently at, considering it was at a similar junction at this point last year, but those events involved Nucky in a much more direct fashion. Now, he’s caught in between Chalky and Narcisse, and because the latter, who is much better at being a team player than Gyp was, threatened to cut him out of the business entirely, he’s content to throw his business partner Chalky under the bus. Fortunately, Chalky is more with it than he seems, realizing that he was headed for certain death and fighting back to save his life. I like the rapport he has with Harrow, and it’s good to see two people who don’t get along with most working together well. I’m more than a little concerned about Narcisse chatting up Maybelle, and I don’t want to be know what nefarious plan he’s soon going to hatch to get revenge on the man who gunned down most of his entourage. Another big shooting nearly claimed the life of Al, who always seems to survive while his friends die around him. Nelson saving his life is sure to earn him some much-needed points. Knox shooting one of Lansky’s men in the head was brutal, and it’s a sign of just how little patience he has for the behavior of those he is secretly hunting. Margaret is proving herself to be quite creative, making the best of an unwanted alliance with a man who seems very intrigued by her. The final scene was immensely powerful thanks to Willie’s quote and Eli’s reaction: “Isn’t this what we do?”

What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire: Season 4, Episode 9 “Marriage and Hunting” (A-)

For me, this episode was an affirmation of this show’s enduring quality, an unfortunately late reminder of how good it could be so late into its fourth season. This year has been fine, though it’s nothing compared to the show’s excellent third season, and things are finally starting to come together and get interesting in a similar way again. This episode was firing on all cylinders without even addressing one of the season’s most important plotlines, Knox’s investigation, and spotlighting some of its less-featured storylines. The most satisfying of the bunch was Nelson’s, since he finally got the chance to reassert his authority and tell more than a few people what he thought. Offering to off O’Bannon himself was bold, and while that didn’t ultimately pan out, he did muster up the impulse to kill his former coworkers who seemed intent on roughing him up without realizing the potential consequences, and he also clarified his role at home. Telling O’Bannon his real name and that he used to believe in God and now doesn’t believe in anything at all was spectacular, and it was superbly delivered by the incomparable Michael Shannon. Without his family to worry about, Nucky was productive in his business dealings, trying to keep things civil between Chucky and Narcisse, and making a worthwhile purchase from the broke Rothstein for the rather hilarious expensive life insurance policy of one Mickey Doyle. Narcisse showing up to talk to Nucky at a whites-only show deriding his people was brave, though he lost points considerably for the brutality he exhibited towards Daughter. Gillian sharing everything about Jimmy, at least the public story minus the incest and the faked death, with her new beau was a sign of her feeling powerful again, and it looks like she’s still in the running to claim Tommy as her own. Richard returning and agreeing to marry Julia was noble, though let’s hope he doesn’t get himself into the same kind of violent situation he did in last year’s season finale next week as he finds himself in Nucky’s employ once again.

What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire: Season 4, Episode 8 “The Old Ship of Zion” (B+)

This season has featured many interesting plotlines but no coherent centric storyline, and this episode worked to bring things together a bit more. Willie staying with Nucky lets him get a glimpse at just what kind of business his family is in, but it looks like that’s already come to an end after a short stint and just in time for him to be used as a pawn in manipulating Eli to do Knox’s bidding. He’s really stepping up his investigation, and the scene where he confronted Eli was an important intensification. Sally coming up from Tampa was surprising, and it definitely threw Nucky for a loop. Mickey flirting so blatantly with her earned him the first real consequence for his obnoxiousness that we’ve seen, in the form a blow to the head from an annoyed Nucky. I don’t find Sally to be nearly as compelling as Nucky’s last muse, Billie, but that’s also because she’s a character in her own right separate from him who doesn’t want to be tethered to him or to his legacy. As the walls are starting to close in on Nucky without him knowing, things are also going poorly for Chalky. Narcisse is a formidable opponent, and sweating Chalky in church was his first big move, followed by Chalky’s performance in the street outside the play. It’s a good thing he realized that his number two had it in for him, and their physical confrontation was aggressive and violent. Chalky’s going to need some help getting back on his feet if he makes it, and let’s hope he gets the upper hand soon to put him back on a level playing field with Narcisse.

What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire: Season 4, Episode 7 “William Wilson” (B+)

Nucky is still a background player in his own story, but I’m glad to see all of his tangential plotlines coming to fruition. The most satisfying part is the chance to see Margaret again, since I had thought that her appearance at the start of last week’s episode was the one opportunity that we’d have to revisit her departed character. Recognizing Arnold Rothstein as one of her clients was pretty jarring for both of them, and, though it’s far from what she wants to be involved it, it’s good that he’s chosen to see her as an asset rather than as an enemy. Eli’s reaction to the news of Willie dropping out of school was not good, and his relationship with Nucky really has changed to the point that he can yell at him for interfering in his father-son affairs. Torrio wasn’t happy with what Al had been doing without a leash, and getting arrested during an alcohol raid was a bad next step. Roy telling Gillian that he began divorce proceedings the day after he met her is quite the compliment, and that’s a good thing since Gillian could use a pick-me-up right about now. I was pleased to see Esther Randolph again, even though that means the case being built against Nucky is a big one, and the chance to see Remus knocked down a peg for his third-person talk was amusing. Hoover taking credit for Knox’s nationwide conspiracy theory after dismissing it was unwise, and he’s sending Knox right to a man he doesn’t want to be spilling his innermost thoughts to: the incomparable Gaston Means.

What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire: Season 4, Episode 6 “The North Star” (B)

This wasn’t a bad episode by any measure, but it’s one of those that gets caught up in its period setting without managing to be fully engaging the whole time. It was wonderful, however, to see Margaret, if only for a moment, perfectly content in her current life and far from eager to let Nucky think that she was anywhere near as overjoyed to see him as he was to see her. Nucky’s visit to Tampa was decently productive, and the best scene was the unexpected moment with Sally where she responded to his venting by punching him in the face until they started having sex. It seems that such foreplay is common, as in the similar case of Chalky being rude to Daughter and obsessively glaring at her before finally making his move. The aftermath of Eddie’s death was strangely remiss of any tributes to his steadfast nature, and it was interesting to see his absence affecting Eli most when he gave Knox the German suicide note which likely didn’t say what he said it did. It was good to see Richard back home, first encountering Julia’s alcoholic father after he received some life-altering news at the hospital and then walking around with Julia and Tommy. Richard is probably this show’s most dependable character, rarely one for excessive conversation, but always putting his own needs after those around him. Let’s hope his return to Atlantic City, however permanent or impermanent, doesn’t have adverse consequences for those he cares about.

What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire

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

It’s always a bad sign when a previously supporting character gets a big spotlight. Eddie had the time of his life last episode, finally letting his hair down and enjoying being someone’s equal rather than someone’s servant, and he had it all taken away by episode’s end when Knox came to arrest him. It was immensely devastating and disturbing to see Eddie so abused so horrifically by Knox, both physically and emotionally. Returning home to have Nucky demean him by showing him his shoes and socks was miserable, and I only hope that Nucky is somehow made aware of Eddie’s despair after finding his body and reading his suicide note. Without much for him to do lately, it was fascinating to see Nucky step in to coldly help his nephew out of a tight spot, and to train him on how to withstand questioning so emotionlessly. Nelson is getting in deep with Al, and though he had the chance to kill him and almost took it, he’s now most likely going to be his number one confidante after Frank’s brutal death. Gillian was in especially bad form in this hour, and trying to take her grandson from his school was a humiliating moment. Roy seems to be a good guy, and it looks like he’ll be taking care of her even if she doesn’t quite deserve it. In an episode without any Richard Harrow, Arnold Rothstein, Chalky White, Valentin Narcisse, and a whole slew of other characters, there’s plenty to look forward to as this season gradually kicks into gear.

What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire: Season 4, Episode 4 “All In” (B+)

It’s disconcerting to see Knox actively building a case against Nucky and those associated with him, especially because he’s not likely to be stopped in his tracks the way that Esther was and distracted with a shinier deal. Taking Eddie into custody at the end of his great wild night was an unfortunate capper to a rare moment of work-free happiness for the ever-servile German, and it signals bad things to come for our beloved crew. Seeing Eddie so relaxed was a rare treat, and it was clear that Nucky missed him, for once not welcomed by him the moment he walked into his home. Nucky and Arnold have been partners in business for so long that it’s been a while since they’ve actually interacted in person. Arnold did truly overplay his hand during the game, and Meyer having to be the one to cut him off was rather humiliating. Nucky nixing the deal because of his competitive nature was cutthroat, but not as much so as Meyer’s power play, which suggests that he’s going to become a more major player after being on the sidelines up until now. Willie’s revenge play was clever in many ways, but after a horrifically embarrassing incident at the party, his prank turned fatal, which is sure to have negative implications on the bootlegging business, and Eli won’t react well at all. Nelson definitely doesn’t want to get too close with Al, but it seems that Al likes him a lot, and maybe he’s headed in a good direction if he doesn’t keep getting recognized.

What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire: Season 4, Episode 3 “Acres of Diamonds” (B+)

I was glad to see Nucky featured so centrally in this episode because I feel like he’s barely had a part in this season when he used to be the show’s protagonist. Having him lay low has made him much less of a lead, but it’s good to see him back and better than ever. Sparking up a conversation with Skeeter Walsh after hearing his sales pitch was the first sign of Nucky starting up again, though his lack of enthusiasm for his friend’s business deal indicated that he, smartly, was thinking about what partnerships actually made sense and that going into business with unreliable loose cannons probably wasn’t the wisest option. Unfortunately, Nucky came around to the idea a little too late for Bill, and now he’s unintentionally earned himself a different loose cannon for a partner. Nucky’s bar conversation with Patricia Arquette’s Sally was pretty great, and it’s good to see him connecting with someone in Margaret’s absence. Another notable female on the show, Gillian, is doing very well with her new man, and it’s a shame that her past just keeps catching up to her. Richard, on the other hand, is leaving his past behind and heading back to civilization after his sister saved his life following his crisis of conscience. Narcisse continues to be an enigmatic and intriguing character who is going to cause trouble for everyone around him, and working with Arnold Rothstein will only make him more powerful and dangerous. The focus on Eli’s son Willie is interesting, and it was nothing if not a great opportunity to see Mickey again, and I’m sure we’ll see plenty more of Willie in the near future.

What I’m Watching: Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire: Season 4, Episode 2 “Resignation” (B+)

We’re still getting a sense of where this season is headed, but there are two enormous developments in this hour that definitely preview a rocky course ahead for the newly more subtle behind-the-scenes-operator Nucky. The first is Jeffrey Wright’s Dr. Narcisse, whose name even sounds nefarious. Unlike Gyp from last season, Narcisse isn’t handicapped by blind rage. Instead, his anger is controlled and directed at sinners and those who fail to uphold his moral standards. He has a worrisome point of view about his own people – the Libyans, as he calls them – and addressing only Nucky and ignoring Chucky is extremely problematic. Most importantly, he merely used Ducky’s murder to his advantage before brutally disposing of his widow once his purposes had been served. Agent Knox is doing a great job of making his awkward naivety work for him, playing both sides as an undercover agent of the FBI, a job that will almost certainly get him killed. It’s a wonder that no one recognizes Van Alden in his new role as a member of Al Capone’s crew, where hopefully he won’t get himself into too much trouble despite the many violence-filled things he’ll now be commissioned to do. I like that Eddie, despite not functioning well in some basic tasks, still warns to serve Nucky but demands he be taken seriously or he leave. Letting Eddie do more was a sweet gesture on his part, and Chalky aside, Nucky really doesn’t have any other true friends. Harrow is starting to show compassion around his sister, and let’s hope that letting his guard down doesn’t get him or someone he loves killed.

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.

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

Boardwalk Empire: Season 3, Episode 12 “Margate Sands” (B+)

Last week’s episode was so terrific that this installment, which still quite good, was bound to be less entirely exciting. Opening with all the lawlessness around town was a brutal way to indicate just how bad things had gotten, and, as always, conversation and compromise was what put it all to an end. Mickey is such a fantastically obnoxious character, and calling Rothstein to make sure that he was relevant was actually a brilliant plan. I doubt that Nucky had fully concocted his revenge plan against Rothstein when he agreed to give him 99% of the distillery, but that was equally magnificent. It was tough enough for Nucky to keep Chalky and Al from killing each other, and I enjoyed their moment of bonding after they took out all of Masseria’s men. Richard wins the award for most efficient executioner, shooting his way through all of Rosetti’s men to go get Tommy. Leaving her with Julia is probably the best plan, though I suspect that he might stick around too now that Nucky is back in power. I didn’t expect that Gillian’s newest relationship would be more disturbing than what she had with Jimmy, but that foreplay scene with Gyp was quite off-putting. It would have been too easy to have Gillian be the one to kill Gyp, and it was more satisfying to see him stabbed while relieving himself after babbling like a madman on the beach. Nucky going to see Margaret and then trying not to be recognized on the boardwalk was a powerful ending, and I have no idea where this show is going next. This was the show’s best season yet, and I’m eager to see season four next year.

Season grade: A-
Season MVP: Bobby Cannavale as Gyp Rosetti