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Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 1

Boardwalk Empire

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Episode Summary

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AIRED: 9/19/10

It's January 1920. On the eve of Prohibition, Nucky Thompson, Atlantic City's Treasurer, condemns alcohol at a Women's Temperance League meeting. This is where he is noticed by Margaret Schroeder, a pretty, pregnant housewife who comes to him for help in getting her abusive husband, Hans, a job. Later that evening, the duplicitous Nucky privately tells his ward bosses about the opportunity to make huge profits selling bootleg liquor. At a countdown-to-midnight blast at Babette's Supper Club, he assures Jimmy Darmody, a recently returned WWI vet, that his appointment as "Man Friday" to the new Chief Clerk of the Fourth Ward, Paddy Ryan, will lead to bigger things. Jimmy, meanwhile, has higher aspirations and ends up making an alliance that may have dire consequences for both him and Nucky.moreless

FAN RECAP

Fan Episode Reviews (5)

Period piece

8.0

By nullnull8, Jan 21, 2012

This series is an interesting period piece, full of wonderful details and insights into past. Production values are also looking really good.

The problem is with the cast (though not with the actors!) These people just are not very likeable, or interesting.
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6.0

By thefanof, Nov 21, 2011

Boardwalk Empire is the latest show for HBO to premiere and to be honest, it just did not do it for me. There were definitely sparks of brilliance at times, but the key word there is sparks. The show was never consistently good, even the action, climatic scenes had points where the viewer was asking themselves, "Why show this?" Boardwalk Empire is an all too familiar show about it, it is like Mad Men, with violence thrown in. The problem though? Steve Buscemi is not Jon Hamm, and writer Terence Winter is not Matt Weiner. I am on the fence about watching this show again. While there were definitely some parts I liked, for a pilot that cost 19 million to make, it did not do a good job of sucking me in.moreless
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Mix: Great cast, stellar production values, former Sopranos writer, Martin Scorsese. Shake and Pour. Result: Underwhelming. Confused? Me too.

6.0

By free_sutekh, Jun 07, 2011

The critics have been falling all over themselves to praise this show, but on the strength of the first episode alone I'm rather confused as to why. The production design is impeccable but lacks personality and allure. All of the characters are archetypes with nothing unique or outstanding to recommend them against similar characters in better productions. Scorsese's direction was much like his other work over the past decade or so: a decent second rate impersonation of Martin Scorsese. The script is expertly built but humorless and uninspiring. The "conflicted" protagonist is only mildly interesting and by the end of the episode I didn't care all that much to see what happens to him next. Even as a history lesson it's only lukewarm. The scene where they explain how the bootlegged whiskey is diluted and altered to maximize profits is interesting, but other than that it's like "The Tudors" of the Prohibition era - gratuitous sleaze and lots of winking affectation every time a famous historical figure pops on screen (like the tendentious way the other driver introduces himself to Jimmy Darmody as "Al Capone" at the end of their conversation, as if it's the punchline the audience was being set up for). The best I can say about this first episode is that it is handsomely produced with decent entertainment value; definitely not the masterpiece that everyone and their mother is inexplicably claiming it to be. If not for the high level of talent involved I wouldn't consider giving the second episode a shot, but I suppose I'll check back in to see if it improves next week.moreless
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Great acting, writing, directing and just a great vibe overall.

9.1

By JaCkKbAuEr2424, Dec 29, 2010

One of the problems with television, at least in my eyes, is the fixation on procedurals, traditional sitcoms and reality shows. Procedurals have lost all appeal to me, whether it's NCIS, Criminal Minds, CSI or any Law and Order spinoff. Traditional sitcom comedies, with laugh tracks, should be dead by now and somehow live on with The Big Bang Theory, Mike and Molly, Two and a Half Men and other half-assed attempts at laughs. And reality shows are self-explanatory.

It's nice when television shows such as "The Sopranos," "Mad Men" or "Breaking Bad" are able to step in and bring a sort of cinematic feel to the small screen. Sure, the ratings may not be superb for some of these shows, but the quality speaks for itself. "Boardwalk Empire" is HBO's new drama that seems likely to follow the same path as "The Sopranos": an complex network of characters with different motives, slow-burning plots that take time to build up and bursts of violence. To some, this is different than the non-stop action found on CBS procedural shows and whatnot, but here, it's the show's acting, writing and directing that pulls you in. The Prohibition era is a topic uncovered (or barely uncovered) in television, which makes the show able to cover storylines that feel fresh and interesting.

The pilot is mainly set-up, introducing characters to us so fast we barely can keep track. The main characters seem to be Nucky Thompson and his former protege, Jimmy Durmody (played by Steve Buscemi and Michael Pitt respectively). Nucky is the treasurer of Atlantic City and presents two faces to the city: the alcohol-hating man who visits temperance meetings and speaks out against liquor and the half-gangster who is attempting to make money off of Prohibition. Steve Buscemi takes a hold of the role, playing the role fervently and with great energy. You can bet next year that there'll be at least a nomination for him. With the help of his brother, Durmody and dozens of other men, he attempts to bring alcohol to one of America's busiest towns.

Many people will not like the show's slower pace. There's action scenes, sure, but not long, drawn-out gun-fights. There's quick bursts of violence followed by slow tension building. Scorsese is a master of cinema, and his eye for cinematic direction is evident here. Bits and pieces of "Gangs of New York" and "Goodfellas" is evident as we're introduced to the Boardwalk and the different stores of Atlantic City, and each character seems to have a background that will likely be fleshed out as the show goes on.

As of right now, we're inclined to side with Nucky and Michael, both men who are (as Durmody mentions near the end) "half-gangsters." Nucky is a treasurer as well as a man profiting off of Prohibition, while Durmody is a WW1 veteran who is looking to get back into business with Nucky. Together, these two lead a cast that ranges from Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road) as a police officer tracking down people who go against Prohibition to Kelly MacDonald as a battered wife named Margeret Schroder who forms a bond with Nucky Thompson.

I've already heard some people saying they cannot get into it, but it makes me wonder how a show as wonderfully filmed and acted as this can be passed over and described as dull when there's shows out there (NCIS, CSI) that are spewing out the same plots with different characters every week. There's a reason why shows sometimes pass up action and violence for slow simmering tension (just look at "Mad Men" or "Breaking Bad") "Boardwalk Empire" is intense, interesting and seems to be headed down a similar path as "The Sopranos." I'm already hooked, and hopefully the ratings reflect the show's quality.moreless
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*** Spoiler-free *** Masterful acting and conflicted protagonist, exquisite dual visuals and immersive production, intriguing and exciting story, irresistible bitter candy jar and mythical universe

9.0

By goa103, Dec 29, 2010

Boardwalk Empire's pilot aired, the first leaf of autumn fell. Scheduling it at the end of summer was a bright idea. The show won't change your life but its potential is undeniable. It has most of the materials required by a top notch entertainment production.

Steve Buscemi is a viewer magnet and when I read he would portray the protagonist, Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, I was instantly hooked. From his unique voice to his strange physical attributes the man is a pool of natural talent to himself. As expected his performance was the enlightenment of the episode. His palette of emotions painted the scenes with so many different colors and shapes that at times it was almost like watching René Magritte's surreal work in motion. Moreover it was almost perfectly integrated to well polished and designed studio sets. A few minor issues but nothing to prevent the immersion. Who's responsible ? Not Tom Jones obviously so I suspect the usual creative freaks, from the confirmed executive producers to the artistic director. But beside these visual considerations Nucky is also a deep, conflicted and intriguing character. Covering the prohibition era is not original but following one of its puppet master can only be exciting. It's the eternal battle between good and evil. If you had his power, what would you do ? Who would you be ? An incorruptible politician or an evil persona motivated by easy money and obsessed with tainted silk ? Buscemi's ambivalent acting blurred the lines between the possible answers to these questions. One minute he touches your heart and soul like a crying man, the next he parades with the devil and succumbs to temptation of the flesh.

Like a twister Buscemi & Nucky dragged with them an impressive amount of superlatives. First the editing was both original and well executed. Forget the over used reverse order concept and enjoy a puzzling sequence of scenes brilliantly blended together. Second the mix between superficial and authentic elements is fascinating. It's even mesmerized by the duality and charisma of the characters. Third the cast is charming, convincing and eclectic. My only regret is that most women are young and beautiful. In my humble opinion it made the story less credible so I hope the minor and unexploited roles will blossom. Fourth beside the drama it was also a lot of fun. The shadowing scene is already cult and was just hilarious. Let's also not forget the funny and sexy ride involving Nucky and his "friend" Angela Darmody, sweatily portrayed by Aleksa Palladino. Fifth you should also be shocked by the violence of some scenes. Faint-hearted audience, pass out.

Last but not least between these questionable and brutal moments one can only be moved by the poetry and creepiness of a few ideas. They actually reminded me of Carnivàle and its mesmerizing mythology. From the delicate babies to the girl corpse it's almost like if they were trying to send us a subliminal message. Are we the pedestrian behind the window ? Knock, knock, Nucky !moreless
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Cast & Crew: STARS

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Steve Buscemi	Nucky Thompson
Michael Pitt	James "Jimmy" Darmody
Kelly Macdonald	Margaret Schroeder
Michael Shannon	Agent Nelson Van Alden
Dabney Coleman	Commodore Louis Kaestner
Shea Whigham	Elias "Eli" Thompson

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Cast & Crew: RECURRING AND GUESTS

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Pearce Bunting	Bill McCoy	Guest Star
Joseph Riccobene	Frankie Yale	Guest Star
John Rue	Mayor Edward Bachrach	Guest Star
Gretchen Mol	Gillian	Recurring Role
Erik Weiner	Agent Sebso	Recurring Role
Greg Antonacci	Johnny Torrio	Recurring Role

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Featured Episode Clip

Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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TRIVIA (2)
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- In the scene in which Jimmy Darmody is speaking to his wife about his future career chances he refers to their son as Skeezix, a character in "Gasoline Alley", a popular comic strip at the time. The script writers have taken obvious liberties with historical continuity here as Skeezix did not show up until St. Valentine's Day 1921- almost 13 months after the events that take place in the storyline.
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- The Welcome to Hammonton, NJ sign during the Robbery in the woods scene, is way before its time. "Blueberry Capital of the World" was a nickname popularized by President Ronald Regan during his 1984 campaign visit to Hammonton, NJ, some 60 years after the period this is set. Also, The Blueberry was not Commercially Cultivated until 1916, only four years prior to this show, meaning the Blueberry wasn't that commercially popular by 1920.
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QUOTES (9)
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- Mrs. McGarry: Coward, monster, vicious brute. Friend to thief and prostitute conscious dulled by demon rum. Liquor, thy name's delirium.
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- Margaret: I'd be honored to name my child after you.
  Nucky: Enoch? You couldn't possibly be so cruel.
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- Jimmy: You can't be half a gangster Nucky, not anymore.
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- Nucky: A rose by any other name...
  Mickey Doyle: What's that supposed to mean?
  Nucky: Read a fucking book.
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- At a midgets boxing fight.
  Jimmy Darmody: (to Al Capone) If I was you I'd bet on the little guy.
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- Jimmy Darmody: Nucky, all I want is an opportunity.
  Nucky Thompson: This is America, ain't it? Who the fuck's stopping you?
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- William McCoy: And he took the loaves and fishes, looked at his disciples and said, 'Fuck it. We're going into the whiskey business'.
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- Nucky Thompson: Rest assured that dry though the country may be, I am in the midst of concluding arrangements that will keep Atlantic City wet as a mermaid's twat.
  Mayor Harry Bacharach: Jeez, Nucky, you're fucking mermaids now?
  Nucky Thompson: Every vote counts, Mr. Mayor.
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- Jimmy Darmody: In the trenches once we ate dog meat. But rats?
  Nucky Thompson: First rule of politics, kiddo. Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.
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NOTES (4)
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- The Pilot won 6 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Art Direction for a Single-Camera Series, Outstanding Makeup for a Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic), Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series, Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series, Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Series and Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series - Martin Scorsese.
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- Original International Air Dates:
  Czech Republic: January 10, 2011 on HBO
  United Kingdom: February 1, 2011 on Sky ATLANTIC/Sky ATLANTIC HD
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- Featured Music:
  "Straight Up and Down" by The Brian Jonestown Massacre
  "So Long Oo Long (How Long you Gonna be Gone?)" by Seabreeze Park Wurlitzer Band Organ
  "Battle Hymn of the Republic/Livery Stable Blues/Taps/Tiger Raps" by Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks
  "Fascination" by Craig Duncan
  "Tenting in the Old Campground" by Seabreeze Park Wurlitzer Band Organ
  "Some of These Days" by Sophie Tucker
  "String Quartet No. 5 in F Minor" by Boardwalk Empire String Quartet
  "By the Waters of Minnetonka" by Zez Confrey
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- The pilot of Boardwalk Empire alone is reported to have cost $18 million to produce.
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ALLUSIONS (5)
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- Agent Sebso: So, the red tie...that's Big Jim?
  Agent Van Alden: Does that man look big to you? It's Arnold Rothstein.
  
  Arnold Rothstein, also nicknamed "The Brain", was the kingpin of the New York Jewish underworld in the 1920s and is considered by some to be the father of American organized crime.
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- Agent Van Alden: I got a bead on Rothstein. He came in with Luciano.
  
  "Lucky" Luciano, US gangster and racketeer, emigrated with his family to the US in 1906. He became one of the most powerful figures in organized crime in the 1930s and was arrested 25 times between 1919 and 1936 but convicted only once.
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- Agent Van Alden: Got 'em. January 16th 08:03 p.m., Johnny Torrio meeting with Nucky Thompson.
  
  Johnny Torrio was the right-hand man of Jim Colosimo, who was an organized crime figure credited with launching the Chicago Mob. He is also believed to have brought Al Capone with him to Chicago to aid Colosimo on his way to the top of organized crime in the early 1920s.
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- Jimmy: Hey, nice talking to you...
  Alphonse: You too.
  Jimmy: Jimmy Darmody.
  Alphonse: Al Capone.
  
  Al Capone, an infamous Chicago gangster, was involved in many illegal activities from the early 1920s to 1931, including the smuggling and bootlegging of liquor.
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- Nucky: Bill McCoy, as I live and breathe.
  
  William McCoy was a rum-runner in the prohibition era known for not watering down his liquor and a lot of people believe that this is where "the Real McCoy" term came from.
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