Boardwalk Empire took an unexpected turn this week, though I believe there is a lot more going on than meets the eye. On the surface, it looks like Nucky has chosen to end his war against Jimmy and the commodore and retire to a quiet life with Margaret and her children (who are now calling him “dad”). A brush with death and the passing of his father seem to have had quite an effect on Nucky, making him re-evaluate his priorities.
However, there was his little meeting with Owen, and Eli’s dire warning to Jimmy. Let us not forget that Nucky is, indeed, smarter than Jimmy. As for Eli’s assertion that he is also more dangerous … I’m not so sure. I did enjoy his little parting gift to the new regime. They should have their hands full with a strike led by Chalky. I’m thinking it will keep them busy enough to not notice the absence of Nucky as he takes his mysterious trip overseas to meet with the IRA.
There were certainly some huge plot turns in this episode, and it certainly has me rethinking how the season is going to end, but there were also a lot of great small moments. I particularly enjoyed Nucky’s meeting with Rothstein and Torrio. It was a meeting of the old guard that highlighted the differences between these gangsters and their upstart proteges. Rothstein’s speech about gambling was a great one, and I believe Nucky took it to heart. His trip to Ireland is surely an example of him marshaling his resources waiting for the right time to make his move.
I am concerned, however, that there is going to be a big wrench in his plans. Things don’t look like they are going to end well for little Emily. With her growing increasingly sick over the course of the episode, I am not optimistic about her future. I’m not sure what effect losing the little girl would have on Margaret, and Nucky is sure to be crushed as well, having already lost his first family. Could this situation completely derail Nucky’s trip to Ireland? Will he leave even as she lays dying, putting a wedge in his relationship with Margaret? I don’t think any good can come of this almost surely tragic situation.
Nucky isn’t the only one with roadblocks, though. Things are definitely not going to be easy for Jimmy, and I see a confrontation with Manny coming up soon. There was a lot of tension between the two in this episode, with Manny showing up at Jimmy’s celebration. The butcher did not look pleased when Jimmy sent Doyle down to him off the balcony (though it was nice to see something bad happen to that annoying character).
I’m more curious than ever to see where this season is headed.
Clacked by Bob Degon
on Nov 14, 2011 @ 10:18 EST5EDT
I’m betting Margaret is pregnant too. . .