'BOARDWALK EMPIRE' RECAPS: THE COMPLETE ARCHIVE

Clockwise for top left, Michael Pitt, Stephen Graham, Bobby Cannavale and Steve Buscemi in the historical drama 'Boardwalk Empire.'

THE COMPLETE 'BOARDWALK EMPIRE' RECAP ARCHIVE

I recapped 'Boardwalk Empire' for my newspaper The Star-Ledger (and its web site NJ.com) since the show debuted in 2010. What follows below are links to very single episode.

Series logline: Atlantic County Treasurer Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi) navigates politicos and gangsters in a show set in Atlantic City during the Roarin' 20s and the dawn of Prohibition.

SEASON 1

Episode 1: Pilot

Episode 2: The Ivory Tower

Episode 3: Broadway Limited

Episode 4: Anastasia

Episode 5: Nights in Ballygran

Episode 6: Family Limitation

Episode 7: Home

Episode 8: Hold Me In Paradise

Episode 9: Belle Femme

Episode 10: The Emerald City

Episode 11: Paris Green

Episode 12: 'A Return to Normalcy'

SEASON 2

Episode 1: 21

Episode 2: Ourselves Alone

Episode 3: A Dangerous Maid

Episode 4: What Does The Bee Do?

Episode 5: Gimcrack & Bunkum

Episode 6: The Age of Reason

Episode 7: Peg of Old

Episode 8: Two Boats and a Lifeguard

Episode 9: Battle of the Century

Episode 10: Georgia Peaches

Episode 11: Under God's Power She Flourishes

Episode 12: To the Lost

SEASON 3

Episode 1: Resolution

Episode 2: Spaghetti & Coffee

Episode 3: Bone For Tuna

Episode 4: Blue Bell Boy

Episode 5: You'd Be Surprised

Episode 6: Ging Gang Goolie

Episode 7: Sunday Best

Episode 8: The Pony

Episode 9: The Milkmaid's Lot

Episode 10: A Man, A Plan

Episode 11: Two Imposters

Episode 12: Margate Sands

SEASON 4

Episode 1: New York Sour

Episode 2: Resignation

Episode 3: Acres of Diamonds

Episode 4: All In

Episode 5: Erlkönig

Episode 6: The North Star

Episode 7: William Wilson

Episode 8: The Old Ship of Zion

Episode 9: Marriage and Hunting

Episode 10: White Horse Pike

Episode 11: Havre de Grace

Episode 12: Farewell Daddy Blues

SEASON 5

Episode 1: Golden Days for Boys and Girls

Episode 2: The Good Listener

Episode 3: What Jesus Said

Episode 4: Cuanto

Episode 5: King of Norway

Episode 6: Devil You Know

Episode 7: Friendless Child

Episode 8: Eldorado

EXTRAS

WATCH: Anthony Venutolo on 'Boardwalk Empire'

'Boardwalk Empire' final season: Forever in the shadow of 'The Sopranos'

As 'Boardwalk Empire' ends, watch our favorite moments and tell us yours

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'BOARDWALK EMPIRE' EPISODE RECAPS - SEASON 3

I've been tardy this year with my 'Boardwalk Empire' recaps re-posted here on Monday mornings. While they all live at NJ.com (my day gig) via The Star-Ledger, I've normally posted them here every week since the show debuted in 2010.

Alas, here are the links to all of the episode recaps in season 3. They're chock full of historical information, videos, music from the era and a lively forum.

As always, enjoy...

COMPLETE STAR-LEDGER 'BOARDWALK EMPIRE' COVERAGE

Season 3, Episode 1 'Resolution'

Season 3, Episode 2 'Spaghetti & Coffee'

Season 3, Episode 3 'Bone For Tuna'

Season 3, Episode 4 'Blue Bell Boy'

Season 3, Episode 5 'You'd Be Surprised'

Season 3, Episode 6 'Ging Gang Goolie'

Season 3, Episode 7 'Sunday Best'

Season 3, Episode 8 'The Pony'

Season 3, Episode 9 'The Milkmaid's Lot'

Season 3, Episode 10 'A Man, A Plan'

Season 3, Episode 11 'Two Imposters'

Season 3, Episode 12 'Margate Sands'

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'BOARDWALK EMPIRE RECAP': YOU'RE NOT GETTIN' GLOOMY ARE YA, GUS?

'I got a gun ... HE got a gun ... He got a gun ... EVER'BODY GOT GUNS!

'BOARDWALK EMPIRE' RECAP
SEASON THREE, EPISODE TWO
'SPAGHETTI & COFFEE'

THIS WEEK: Written by Howard Korder and directed by 'Empire' first-timer Alik Sakharov, the tension in this episode progressed nicely with — shockingly — no body count which is a rarity these days on 'Empire.' As always, take heed... Massive spoilers ahead.

Here's what went down:

• Nucky meets a new 'associate' in the form of U.S. investigator Gaston Bullock Means, courtesy of Attorney General Harry Daugherty.

• At St. Theresa’s, Margaret, still trying to get a handle on playing the dutiful benefactor, clashes with both doctor and patient.

• Gyp Rosetti finds an odd solace with Tabor Heights when he realizes how strategic the town is on a map.

• Chalky White and daughter Maybelle (Christina Jackson) disagree on her future with potential husband and current med student beau Samuel.
• Eli, sprung from jail, comes to terms with his absence from home and goes to work for a most unlikely boss.

For my full scene-by-scene annotated recap, historical footnotes, episode videos, tunes from the era and other thoughts, visit NJ.com.

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BOARDWALK EMPIRE RECAP': GANGSTER GYP MORETTI STEPS OUT

Character actor Bobby Cannavale explodes on the screen as gangster Gyp Moretti.

BOARDWALK EMPIRE RECAP
SEASON THREE, EPISODE ONE
'RESOLUTION'

THIS WEEK:  The more things change, the more they stay the same. Around a year has passed and Jimmy Darmody (Michael Pitt) is long gone. Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi) — no longer Atlantic County treasurer — keeps busy by playing benefactor and philanthropist by day while supplying the region with plenty of alcohol by night. Written by showrunner/executive producer Terence Winter and directed by 'Empire' veteran Tim Van Patten, the action in this third season premiere flash-forwards to the dawn of 1923 on New Year's Eve.

Here's what went down:

• We meet this season's newest loose cannon: Gyp Rosetti, a Sicilian hothead who wastes no time in becoming a fly-in-the-ointment.

• At his lavish New Year's Eve bash, Nucky declares that he will be no longer supply liquor to the masses and will be selling to only one customer.

• Margaret gets (a little too involved) at St. Theresa’s Hospital where she and Nucky are benefactors and have built a new wing.

• Gillian Darmody embarks on a new business venture while caring for Tommy, her late son Jimmy's orphaned little boy

• In Chicago, Al Capone locks horns with Irish mobster Dean O' Banion

• Stumblebum Nelson Van Alden, now on the lam in Illinois, peddles irons door-to-door by day. But will it be for long?

For my full scene-by-scene annotated recap, historical footnotes, episode videos, tunes from the era and other thoughts, visit NJ.com.

Ep. 25 Clip: It's a Party

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'BOARDWALK EMPIRE' SEASON 3: FIVE QUESTIONS

Well ... It's back. It's been a long wait.

The third season of HBO's prohibition drama "Boardwalk Empire" kicks off Sunday night at 9 p.m. and we're prepping our best small batch bourbon for the return of Nucky Thompson and company.

We'd be lying, however, if we said we weren't a bit worried. After last season's shocking body count of major players, will HBO's lavish critical darling rebound from not only the loss of a main character but continue its upward momentum while maintaining it's rich period detail?

I have questions.

READ THE REST OF THE PIECE AT NJ.COM WHICH INCLUDES MY 'FIVE BURNING QUESTIONS FOR THE RETURN OF 'BOARDWALK EMPIRE.' CLICK HERE

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'BOARDWALK EMPIRE RECAP': DID JIMMY AND GILLIAN JUST DO THE NASTY?

"BOARDWALK EMPIRE" RECAP
SEASON TWO, EPISODE TEN
"UNDER GOD'S POWER SHE FLOURISHES"

This week: Written by Howard Korder and directed by Allen Coulter, "Under God's Power She Flourishes" wrapped up only a minor bit of business leftover from last week. Still, the last five-minutes made up for it. While the situation with Jimmy and the fallout from Angela being murdered wasn't emotionally explored to the fullest, a few key events at the end of the episode will surely have consequences and/or repercussions.

Some key events:

•With Margaret (Kelly Macdonald) pondering the consequences of sin, Nucky (Steve Buscemi) prepares her for a worst-case scenario as Esther Randolph (Julianne Nicholson) plays out her trump cards -- or at least what she THINKS are trump cards.

• In a stupor, Jimmy (Michael Pitt) revisits his college days when the lines of his wife-to-be Angela (Aleksa Palladino) and Gillian (Gretchen Mol) first became blurred.

• Ever the odd man out, a slightly toughened-up Mickey Doyle (Paul Sparks) chafes at sharing his liquor profits.

•Sheriff Eli Thompson (Shea Whigham) refuses to cop a plea. Or will he?

• Nelson Van Alden's (Michael Shannon) past comes back to haunt him and, lo and behold, tips the scale in Nuckyʼs favor.

For my full scene-by-scene annotated recap, historical footnotes, episode videos, tunes from the era and other thoughts, visit NJ.com.

Ep. 23 - Inside the Episode

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BOARDWALK EMPIRE RECAP: ANGELA DARMODY, WE'LL MISS YOU!

"BOARDWALK EMPIRE" RECAP
SEASON TWO, EPISODE TEN
"GEORGIA PEACHES"

This week: Written by Dave Flebotte and directed by Jeremy Podeswa, "Georgia Peaches" was a doozy. After last week's transitional episode, this one not only moved the situations along but last us with the series' best cliffhanger.
Some key events:

• Dumbstruck by Nucky Thompson's new source for alcohol, Jimmy and his partners look to cultivate a new revenue stream in Atlantic City.

• With the peak tourist season in full flux, the Commodoreʼs crew faces a choice in dealing with the cityʼs striking workers: Negotiate or fight back.

• Fearing that her sins of temptation have led to her daughter's misfortune, Margaret approaches Father Brennan with an “act of devotion.”

• Nucky gets a new lawyer courtesy of Arnold Rothstein.

• Manny Horvitz takes exception to a debt payment and embarks on the ultimate act of revenge.

For my full scene-by-scene annotated recap, historical footnotes, episode videos, tunes from the era and other thoughts, visit NJ.com.

Ep. 22: Inside the Episode

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'BOARDWALK EMPIRE' RECAP: NUCKY GOES TO IRELAND

"BOARDWALK EMPIRE" RECAP
SEASON TWO, EPISODE NINE
"BATTLE OF THE CENTURY"

This week: Written by Steve Kornacki and directed by Brad Anderson, "Battle of the Century" is a slower paced and shorter episode than we've been getting. And it feels like a vacation of sorts. And that's not bad. The action and developments have been so fast and furious, it was good to sit back and let the cadence slow down a bit and watch Anderson's low-key direction. Definitely a transitional episode and a damn good one at that. Some key events:

• Arriving in Belfast, Nucky Thompson and right-hand man Owen Sleater meet with IRA leaders with a barter proposition.

• In Atlantic City, Jimmy Darmody and his partners broker a deal with George Remus for his medicinal alcohol before taking a break to take in the Dempsey-Carpentier fight.

• Margaret Schroeder frets when Emilyʼs sudden illness takes a turn for the worse.

• Former Chalky White cellmate Dunn Purnsley orchestrates a workerʼs strike at the Ritz-Carlton.

• Philly bootlegger Waxey Gordon takes action against Manny Horvitz in Philadelphia but the butcher turns out to be much tougher than expected.

• U.S. Attorney Esther Randolph and Agent Clifford Lathrop grill Deputy Halloran about Nuckyʼs past and Eli's involvement with the Hans Schroeder murder.

For my full scene-by-scene annotated recap, historical footnotes, episode videos, tunes from the era and other thoughts, visit NJ.com.

Ep. 21: Inside the Episode

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'BOARDWALK EMPIRE' RECAP: NUCKY TAKES A STEP BACK; JIMMY RISES

"BOARDWALK EMPIRE" RECAP
SEASON TWO, EPISODE EIGHT
"TWO BOATS AND A LIFEGUARD"

THIS WEEK: Written by series creator Terence Winter and directed by 'Empire' and 'The Sopranos' vet Tim Van Patten, "Two Boats and a Lifeguard" explores the theme of the relationship between and father and son.
Some key moments:

• In the wake of a personal loss, Nucky Thompson seeks advice on his political and municipal trouble from Arnold Rothstein and Johnny Torrio.

• Eli -- being Eli -- remains suspicious of brother Nucky's actions and feels that Jimmy may be ill-equipped to take those reins.

• Nucky finds himself in the unfamiliar position of showing gratitude toward a federal agent.

• After eavesdropping on her husband's treachery, Jimmy's wife Angela meets a new 'friend' on the beach.

• G-Man Nelson Van Alden hires a live-in nanny to take care of his little girl Abigail.

• Nucky approaches his right-hand man Owen Sleater with an overseas proposition.

• Jimmy Darmody flexes his muscles at poor Mickey Doyle's expense.

For my full scene-by-scene annotated recap, historical footnotes, episode videos, tunes from the era and other thoughts, visit NJ.com.



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'BOARDWALK EMPIRE' RECAP: TROUBLE IN BABETTE'S; MARGARET SOUL SEARCHES

BOARDWALK EMPIRE RECAP
SEASON TWO, EPISODE SEVEN
"PEG OF OLD"

THIS WEEK: Directed by Allen Coulter and written by Howard Korder, Steve Kornacki and Bathsheba Doran, "Peg of Old" delved in the concept of family, isolation and secrecy.

Some key moments:

• Nucky enlists heavyweight champ Jack Dempsey to promote the wireless broadcast of his upcoming Jersey City bout.

• Receiving pressure from his mini-syndicate, Jimmy Darmody faces a decision that could shape the future of Atlantic City. But is it the right one?

• Margaret Schroeder travels to Brooklyn for a bittersweet reunion with the family she left behind in Ireland. In the process, she soul searches with the help of someone very unlikely.

• Irked by the arrival of Attorney General Harry Daughertyʼs new federal prosecutor, Esther Randolph, Nelson Van Alden weighs his options as his personal and professional problems converge.

• Badly in need of financial support, Lucy visits old flame Nucky.

• Owen Sleater settles an old score, sets his sights on a new conquest and drops the ball on a major responsibility.

For my full scene-by-scene annotated recap, historical footnotes, episode videos, tunes from the era and other thoughts, visit NJ.com

Ep. 19 - Inside the Episode

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'BOARDWALK EMPIRE' RECAP: 'BOYTSHIK' GIVES ADVICE TO MANNY HORVITZ

BOARDWALK EMPIRE RECAP
SEASON TWO, EPISODE SIX
"THE AGE OF REASON"

THIS WEEK: Written by Bathsheba Doran and directed by Jeremy Podeswa, "The Age of Reason," explores the notion of forgiveness as well as confession. Some key moments:

• After getting ships seized by the Coast Guard a few weeks back, Nucky orchestrates a risky liquor delivery in Philadelphia via bootleggers Waxey Gordon and Arnold Rothstein.

• Attorney General Harry Daugherty faces a political quandary and throws a monkey wrench into Nucky's election fraud case.

• Jimmy Darmody finds a new mentor in the mutton-chopped Leander Whitlock, the Commodore's longtime lawyer.

• Margaret Schroeder digs deep into her soul and confesses her sins - especially one she'd been hiding.

• Lucy Danziger struggles with her solitude while Treasury Agent Nelson Van Alden wrestles with his conscience.

For my full scene-by-scene annotated recap, historical footnotes, episode videos, tunes from the era and other thoughts, visit NJ.COM

Ep. 18 - Preview

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BOARDWALK EMPIRE RECAP: RICHARD HARROW LOST IN THE WOODS

BOARDWALK EMPIRE RECAP
SEASON TWO, EPISODE FIVE
"GIMCRACK & BUNKUM"

THIS WEEK: Written by Howard Korder and directed by series vet Tim Van Patten, 'Gimcrack and Bunkum' elevated the 'Empire' game. While we've been building on character nuances from the get-go, elements are starting to fall into place and the action is amping up -- in a big way. The result? Chatter for the water cooler.

Some key moments:

• With his opposition imploding, Nucky's election-fraud case is about to fall into federal jurisdiction. But is that a good thing after all?

• Richard Harrow embarks on a bit of soul-searching deep in the heart of the woods and meets a couple of down-home moonshining squirrel trappers

• With The Commodore ailing, Jimmy Darmody clashes with Atlantic City's ruling class and is taught a painful lesson.

• Eli lets his anger get the best of him and lands himself in a more-than-desperate situation.

For my full scene-by-scene annotated recap, historical footnotes, episode videos, tunes from the era and other thoughts, visit NJ.COM

Ep. 17 - Preview

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'BOARDWALK EMPIRE' RECAP: NUCKY GETS HIS MOJO BACK

BOARDWALK EMPIRE RECAP
SEASON TWO, EPISODE FOUR
"WHAT DOES THE BEE DO?"

It's getting hot in the kitchen... Written by Steve Kornacki and directed by Ed Bianchi, "What Does the Bee Do?" has Nucky's tide turning. Or so we're led to believe... Some key moments:

• Nucky's attorney has a legal brainstorm that just may have his election-rigging case squashed;

• Facing a local liquor surplus, Jimmy Darmody and Mickey Doyle head to Philadelphia in search of buyers -- meeting up with gangster Manny Hurvitz;

• Nucky calls an old enemy and strikes an unlikely deal to get his booze flowing back into Atlantic City;

• As the The Commodore suffers a horrific ailment, Eli questions his ability to lead;

• Bootlegger Chalky White feels stifled in his work and at his home;

• Irish revolutionary Owen Sleater puts his munitions expertise to work;

• Gillian Darmody recalls her "first time" with the Commodore

For my full scene-by-scene annotated recap, historical footnotes, episode videos, tunes from the era and other thoughts, visit NJ.COM

Ep. 16 - Preview

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'BOARDWALK EMPIRE' RECAP: NUCKY AND JIMMY CLASH AT BABETTE'S

BOARDWALK EMPIRE RECAP
SEASON TWO, EPISODE THREE
"A DANGEROUS MAID"

The third episode of this season, the conflict continues to come fast and furious with a slick script by Itamar Moses and taut direction provided by Susanna White. “A Dangerous Maid” moved the series along nicely. Some key events:

• The Commodore uses his Coast Guard connections to put the squeeze on Atlantic City's liquor shipments.

• Nucky reaches out to Washington's new Attorney General, Harry Daugherty to return a political favor but finds up he may be out of luck.

• In an effort to prove his worth, Owen Sleater intervenes on a delivery intended for struggling casino operator Lolly Steinman .

• Margaret sheds her pretense with maid Katie and the rest of her household staff only to think that it may have been a mistake.

• Lucy Danziger wallows in her pregnant loneliness at the hands on Treasury Agent Nelson Van Alden.

• Nucky clashes with The Commodore, Jimmy and Governor Edwards at Babette’s Supper Club.

For my full scene-by-scene annotated recap, historical footnotes, episode videos, tunes from the era and other thoughts, visit NJ.COM

Ep. 15 - Preview

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'BOARDWALK EMPIRE' RECAP: MEET OWEN SLEATER

BOARDWALK EMPIRE RECAP
SEASON TWO, EPISODE TWO
"OURSELVES ALONE"

• Concerned about losing his grip on Atlantic City, Nucky deliberates a countermove as he attempts to discover who in his inner circle betrayed him.

• As agents scour Nuck's suite at The Ritz for incriminating evidence, Margaret strikes a pose from the past in an attempt to help her man out of trouble.

• In New York, Arnold Rothstein turns Jimmy's offer down but Meyer Lansky and Lucky Luciano loom as possible trading partners.

• In the jailhouse, Chalky is badgered by Dunn Purnsley, a jailmate with an ax to grind.

• Owen Sleater, an advance man for Irish nationalist John McGarrigle, scouts Margaret's residence.

• The Commodore takes Nucky's Ward Bosses underneath his wing and introduces Eli to "the men who made Atlantic City."

For my full scene-by-scene annotated recap, historical footnotes, episode videos, tunes from the era and other thoughts, visit NJ.COM

Ep. 14 - Preview

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'BOARDWALK EMPIRE RECAP': THE WALLS CLOSE IN ON NUCKY

"Boardwalk Empire," HBO's Prohibition drama returned Sunday night after a year of critical acclaim and sweeping several awards. It's now 1921 in Atlantic City and although his fortunes have soared in the wake of the enactment of Prohibition, Nucky Thompson is paying a steep price for wielding ultimate power in The Queen of Resorts -- that's where we are in Season Two.

And while Nucky and his ward bosses may have solidified their hold on the city, enemies are watching. Just how long, though, before Nucky starts to figure it all that out?

Some key events:

♠ Chalky White's (Michael Kenneth Williams) life and livelihood are threatened by a vicious Ku Klux Klan attack on his bootlegging warehouse where there were many casualties. Chalky may be getting more than he bargained for when the Klan member he shoots in self-defense winds up dying.

♣ Margaret (Kelly Macdonald) copes with her son's (Rory and Declan McTigue) disciplinary problems and urges Nucky to talk to him.

♥ The Commodore (Dabney Coleman), Sherrif Eli Thompson (She Wigham) and Jimmy Darmody continue their plans for domination of the city. While Eli is nervous that the vicious KKK attack will be linked to them, no one is calmer than The Commodore who urges Jimmy to start making connections and meet with various politicos.

♦ Jimmy's wife Angela Darmody (Aleksa Palladino) vies with Gillian (Gretchen Mol) for Jimmy's (Michael Pitt) affections at home;

♠ Agent Van Alden (Michael Shannon) shows his wife Rose (Enid Graham) around town as an anniversary present and in the process raids a posh eatery while out with her.

♣ Nucky gets arrested by a deputy for the state's attorney -- not for bootlegging -- but election fraud.

For my full scene-by-scene annotated recap, historical footnotes, episode videos, tunes from the era and other thoughts, click HERE.



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'BOARDWALK EMPIRE' RECAP: JIMMY PLOTS TO GAIN CONTROL OF ATLANTIC CITY

'BOARDWALK EMPIRE' RECAP
EPISODE 12 (SEASON ONE FINALE)
'A RETURN TO NORMALCY'

Written by series creator Terence Winter and directed by veteran Tim Van Patten, "A Return to Normalcy" was anything but. Atlantic County Treasurer Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi) and Atlantic City braced for change on Election Day in 1920. The grease and oil in his political machine was stronger than ever. But at what price?

Note: While this recap will not be my usual blow-by-blow (HBO did not send out screeners), I will try to be as thorough as possible when it comes to key events, places and references. Please read and enjoy because it's chock full of footnotes...

Also: Enjoy my fan-made trailer for the show. As most of you know, I love 'EMPIRE' but HATE the opening credit sequence. I don't think it properly conveys setting, time, place or era. I mean it was the 'Roaring Twenties' in what was considered 'The Showplace of the Nation...' And I also think that the theme music is ALL WRONG. I just had to make my own intro...

If you agree with me, you're gonna love my fan-made alternate opening...





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'BOARDWALK EMPIRE' RECAP: NUCKY REPLACES ELI AS SHERIFF

"Boardwalk Empire" Episode 11 - "Paris Green" was the 11th episode in the series. With only one more to go in the stupendous first season, Nucky Thompson's world is starting to close in on him. Will things be wrapped up by next week?

Some key events:

• Jimmy Darmody (Michael Pitt) navigates some delicate family issues and we finally learn the identity of his father.

• Prohibition Agent Nelson Van Alden (Michael Shannon) is starting to unravel and spends most of the episode addressing Agent Sebso's "temptations." While searching for an illegal still in Mays Landing, their relationship comes to a horrific conclusion.

• Nucky and Margaret address key concerns in their relationship as the pair go toe-to-toe. When Margaret brings up the fact that Nucky may have had her husband killed, Nucky defends his actions and it only gets uglier from there.

• Arnold Rothstein's lawyer advises him to face the World Series Black Sox scandal head-on by showing his face in Chicago and holding his head high.

• Nucky's fear of the consequences of an impending electoral disaster by the Democrats forces him to make changes in his Republican machine by shaking up the pecking order.

In his office, Nucky chastises the Mayoral candidate Edward Bader (Kevin O' Rourke), acting Sheriff Halloran (Adam Mucci) and the rest of the ward bosses for clowning around.

"This is the toughest election in our lifetime and you're telling jokes... Do you think Fletcher is over in the Democratic club doing a vaudeville routine? He's not... He's out there shaking hands."

Nucky announces that he's making a change to meet the future head on. While Ed Bader will be a big part of that, Nucky says the new mayor can't do it alone. "He'll need a strong arm if he's swinging for the fences. A strong arm and clean record. That's why with great regret and much gratitude for years of service, I have accepted the resignation of my brother Elias Thompson for the office of sheriff"

The men are shocked. Nucky offers the star to Halloran if he wants it. Halloran tells Nucky he won't let him down.

For my full annotated recap, historical footnotes, episode videos, tunes from the era and other thoughts, click HERE.

Nucky replaces Eli

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'BOARDWALK EMPIRE' RECAP: NUCKY THOMSPON'S WORLD IS CLOSING IN

Sunday's episode of "Boardwalk Empire" was written by Steve Kornacki and directed by Brad Anderson. Between the looming election and the damage control following an attempt on his brother Eli's life, Atlantic City Treasurer Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi) seems to be spinning many of his plates in the air.

Some key events:

• A matured Jimmy Darmody (Michael Pitt) returns to Atlantic City after spending months in Chicago only to find Agent Nelson Van Alden (Michael Shannon) waiting in the wings ready to arrest him on five counts of murder.
• Margaret (Kelly Macdonald) decides to helps Madame Jeunet (Anna Katarina) when she tells her that Nucky is charging her double rent and may have to close the shop.

• As a result of a weakening political machine, Nucky decides to shake things up as he positions a new Atlantic City Mayor and acting sheriff.

• In New York, Nucky Thompson-rivals the D'Alessio brothers are introduced to Arnold Rothstien (Michael Stuhlberg) and hatch a plan against the Atlantic City Treasurer.

"I understand that you’re interested in the liquor business," Rothstein asks them. He goes on to say that he can only see going into the bootlegging business one way -- with good hooch, not the diluted "rot gut" kind.

"There's a growing demand for good whiskey in the United States," Rothstein tells them. "And I'm not talking about the swill you stirred up in your chamber pot. I'm talking about the best scotch from Britain." He wants to set up a business to import scotch and have ships with crews waiting outside the three mile limit so all they have to do is smuggle it ashore.

Rothstein says that the ports in Atlantic City are ideal for their kind of distribution. The only snag? "The man that runs that city," Rothstein tells them.

"Normally I would make a deal with such a man," he tells them. "But I find Nucky Thompson greedy and unreasonable."

You'll never guess how Rothstein chooses to deal with his problem ...

For my full annotated recap, historical footnotes, episode videos, tunes from the era and other thoughts, click HERE.

Ep. 9 - Preview

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'BOARDWALK EMPIRE' RECAP: MARGARET SLAPS THE SNOT OUTTA LUCY; ELI TAKES A BULLET

EPISODE 8: "HOLD ME IN PARADISE"

Sunday's episode of "Boardwalk Empire" was written by Meg Jackson and directed by Brian Kirk. Most of the episode took place in Chicago and had Nucky Thompson wheeling and dealing prior to the 1920 Republican National Convention.

Some key events:

• While visiting Chicago during the Republican National Convention, Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi) meets Warren Harding's charming campaign manager Harry Daugherty (Christopher McDonald). Nucky's new acquaintance just may have soured him on the once-promising prospect of backing New Jersey Senator Walter Edge.

• Sheriff Eli Thompson (Shea Whigham) is gravely injured and Nucky goes into panic mode as a result. Out of his element and so far away from his base of operations, Nucky turns to the only two people he can trust -- Jimmy Darmody (Michael Pitt) and Margaret Schoeder (Kelly Macdonald).

• As speculation continues to build around him, gambler and "businessman" Arnold Rothstein (Michael Stuhlbarg) prepares for his testimony in the Black Sox Scandal.

• Straight arrow agent Nelson Van Alden (Michael Shannon) bristles at his wife's request for an unorthodox child bearing procedure and urges her to follow "God's will."

• Jimmy's mom Gillian Darmody (Gretchen Mol) urges his common-law wife Angela to get a job when the money begins to run out.

But possibly, the water-cooler moment in the show had to be the confrontation between Nucky's former flame Lucy Danziger (Paz de la Huerta) and his new gal pal Margaret Schroeder. In short, it was the bitch-slap heard 'round Atlantic City. And one that was a long time comin'...

For my full annotated recap, historical footnotes, episode videos, tunes from the era and other thoughts, click HERE.

Ep. 8 Clip: Lucy Confronts Margaret

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