Boardwalk Empire (season 2)

Boardwalk Empire (season 2)

Season 2 DVD cover
Country of origin United States
No. of episodes 12
Release
Original network HBO
Original release September 25 (2011-09-25) – December 11, 2011 (2011-12-11)

The second season of the HBO television series Boardwalk Empire premiered on September 25, 2011 and concluded on December 11, 2011, consisting of 12 episodes. The series was created by Terence Winter and based on the book Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times and Corruption of Atlantic City by Nelson Johnson. Set in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Prohibition era, the series stars Steve Buscemi as Enoch "Nucky" Thompson (based on the historical Enoch L. Johnson),[1] a political figure who rose to prominence and controlled Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Prohibition period of the 1920s and 1930s. The second season takes place between February and August 1921. The second season was released on DVD and Blu-ray in region 1 on August 28, 2012.[2]

Cast

Main

Jack Huston and Gretchen Mol were promoted to series regulars for the second season after appearing in several episodes during the first season.

Recurring

Plot

The second season begins in January 1921. Jimmy, Eli, and the Commodore move along with their plot to remove Nucky from power. Nucky has suspected a plot, especially after a Ku Klux Klan attack on Chalky White's warehouse and Jimmy's increasingly distant attitude. The Commodore's faction decides to frame Nucky for election fraud, vengeance for the Commodore's own imprisonment for similar charges.

A heavily pregnant Lucy is forced into living with Van Alden until the baby arrives. She eventually gives birth to a girl, before leaving the child with Van Alden. After discovering his secret, Van Alden's wife, Rose, asks for a divorce. In desperate need of money, and due to having a vendetta against Thompson, Van Alden agrees to supply evidence that could further prove Nucky's guilt.

Jimmy attempts to make allies with powerful criminals, such as Arnold Rothstein and Manny Horvitz. Although Rothstein does not make a business deal with Jimmy, Manny takes a liking to him until the relationship turns sour.

Margaret meets Owen Sleater, who has come from Ireland to assist Nucky. She is attracted to him, but does not act upon these feelings immediately. She eventually has sex with him after visiting her family in New York. When her daughter, Emily, contracts polio, Margaret is plagued with guilt over her past sins, which include living with the man who ordered her husband's death.

Jimmy reluctantly orders a hit on Nucky upon the insistence of Eli. This event, along with his upcoming trial, forces Nucky to resign. Jimmy has a short-lived and unsuccessful reign as boss of Atlantic City, while Nucky uses the time to get out of his predicament. Manny Horvitz, meanwhile, murders Angela, Jimmy's wife in revenge. Rothstein sets Nucky up with his lawyer, while Van Alden flees to Cicero, Illinois after the death of his former partner is brought up, and Jimmy, high on heroin, murders the Commodore.

After having lost his wife, Jimmy tries to fix all that he ruined, and Nucky marries Margaret so she cannot testify against him. After the charges are dropped, Nucky is able to forgive Eli but not Jimmy for the plot against his life. He then murders Jimmy, insisting that he is not seeking forgiveness. When Margaret learns that Nucky most likely did kill Jimmy, she responds by giving a land grant that Nucky was going to use for roads to Atlantic City to the Catholic Church.

Episodes

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
131"21"Tim Van PattenTerence WinterSeptember 25, 2011 (2011-09-25)2.91[3]
January 1921. Nucky's power is put to the test by the alliance of Jimmy, Eli and the Commodore, who manipulate the Ku Klux Klan into attacking Chalky's bootlegging warehouse. Van Alden welcomes his wife to Atlantic City and puts on a show for her, while at the same time providing for Lucy, heavily pregnant with his child. Nucky is arrested for election fraud.
142"Ourselves Alone"David PetrarcaHoward KorderOctober 2, 2011 (2011-10-02)2.59[4]
Nucky is released from jail, and becomes aware of the defection of several key allies to the Commodore. Margaret takes an active role in helping Nucky's business and falls back on her old behaviors to retrieve incriminating pieces of evidence from his office. Jimmy visits New York to discuss new business proposals with Rothstein, Luciano and Lansky, and takes out his frustrations on a pair of well-connected Mafia hoods. Chalky, still in jail, exerts his authority on a mouthy cellmate from out of town.
153"A Dangerous Maid"Susanna WhiteItamar MosesOctober 9, 2011 (2011-10-09)2.86[5]
Nucky reaches out to various sources for help in fighting the legal charges against him, and confronts Jimmy and the Commodore with an open declaration of war. Van Alden deals with an increasingly stir-crazy Lucy, and Margaret attempts to find more information about her estranged family. Capone visits Atlantic City to end Torrio's bootlegging arrangements with Nucky, while Rothstein smooths over a local Mafia don's dispute with Luciano and Lansky.
164"What Does the Bee Do?"Ed BianchiSteve KornackiOctober 16, 2011 (2011-10-16)2.55[6]
Nucky looks to both Rothstein and Owen Sleater (Charlie Cox) as allies to fortify his position against the Commodore, who - unbeknownst to Nucky - has suffered a massive stroke, forcing Jimmy to take control. Chalky is released from jail, but finds himself uncomfortable in both his business and family life. Richard sits for a portrait and finds a sympathetic ear in Angela, while Van Alden's men meet with explosive consequences for investigating their superior.
175"Gimcrack & Bunkum"Tim Van PattenHoward KorderOctober 23, 2011 (2011-10-23)2.69[7]
Nucky uses the Memorial Day celebrations as a chance to court the assistance of U.S. Attorney General Harry Daugherty (Christopher McDonald) in his election fraud case. Richard takes a trip into the woods and comes to a final decision, which is interrupted by a stray dog. Eli fails to switch sides back to his brother, and resorts to brutal means to keep the news of the Commodore's incapacitation quiet. Insulted by one of his wealthy backers, Jimmy takes Gillian's advice and recruits Richard to return the favor.
186"The Age of Reason"Jeremy PodeswaBathsheba DoranOctober 30, 2011 (2011-10-30)2.63[8]
Nucky helps reassure Margaret's son Teddy about his first confession, while Margaret grapples with just how honest to be in her own. Jimmy takes the advice of the Commodore's lawyer and strikes a bargain with Luciano and Lansky, following an attempted hijacking of Nucky's new liquor line. Lucy is forced to give birth herself while Van Alden faces Agent Clarkson in the hospital, and the birth has a surprise visitor. Senator Walter Edge (Geoff Pierson) forces Daugherty to appoint a more zealous prosecutor against Nucky.
197"Peg of Old"Allen CoulterHoward Korder & Steve Kornacki & Bathsheba DoranNovember 6, 2011 (2011-11-06)2.74[9]
Nucky's life is in danger when Jimmy is pushed to a violent decision by Eli, Luciano, Lansky and Capone. Margaret reconnects with her family in Brooklyn, but not everyone is happy to see their long-lost sister. Van Alden finds himself making difficult decisions after the arrival of new prosecutor Esther Randolph (Julianne Nicholson) and Lucy's final decision in the wake of their daughter's birth. Owen finds the opportunity to perform a service, both for the IRA and for Margaret.
208"Two Boats and a Lifeguard"Tim Van PattenTerence WinterNovember 13, 2011 (2011-11-13)2.54[10]
Nucky deals with his father's death in the wake of his own attempted murder, and comes to a surprise decision after consulting with Rothstein and Torrio. Angela rediscovers her free-spirited side thanks to a chance beach meeting, and has an honest conversation with Jimmy about their marriage and his business. Van Alden hires a nanny for his daughter Abigail, and Randolph begins interrogations for her federal case against Nucky.
219"Battle of the Century"Brad AndersonSteve KornackiNovember 20, 2011 (2011-11-20)2.55[11]
Nucky travels to Ireland, looking to make a deal with the IRA leadership: surplus Army weapons for Irish whiskey. Back home, Margaret's daughter Emily is stricken with polio, and Esther Randolph puts the pressure on Deputy Halloran. As the Battle of the Century approaches, Jimmy decides to take a hard line with Philadelphia gangster Manny Horvitz (William Forsythe). Chalky tells a former enemy, now his underling, to launch a strike by the Negro workers in Atlantic City.
2210"Georgia Peaches"Jeremy PodeswaDave FlebotteNovember 27, 2011 (2011-11-27)2.73[12]
Nucky floods Atlantic City with Irish whiskey to cripple his enemies, and hires Rothstein's attorney Bill Fallon to defend him in the election fraud case. Jimmy faces internal dissent from his partners and pressure from his backers to end the workers' strike, but balks at Chalky's demands. Eli's effort to keep Deputy Halloran quiet leads to Esther Randolph pushing a murder charge on him, while Margaret turns to the church for help with Emily. Manny Horvitz's revenge against Jimmy takes a sudden, tragic turn.
2311"Under God's Power She Flourishes"Allen CoulterHoward KorderDecember 4, 2011 (2011-12-04)2.97[13]
Nucky and Fallon begin planning his defense strategy, aided by a discovery that brings an end to Van Alden's career. Blaming herself for Emily's polio, Margaret contemplates purging her sins in court. Jimmy travels to Princeton and, in a heroin-induced haze, recalls his school days there, from the start of his relationship with Angela to the fateful night his mother visited. Upon returning to Atlantic City, he confronts Gillian and settles family business with the Commodore.
2412"To the Lost"Tim Van PattenTerence WinterDecember 11, 2011 (2011-12-11)3.01[14]
Nucky takes steps to undermine Esther Randolph's case, proposing marriage to Margaret and accepting Jimmy's offer to silence a key witness. Chalky's conditions for ending the workers' strike are met, Van Alden flees to the Midwest with his daughter and nanny, and Luciano and Lansky bring their heroin deal to Rothstein. In the shadow of the Atlantic City War Memorial, Nucky and Jimmy's relationship comes to an end when their meeting is set to settle things.

Reception

Critical reception

The second season of Boardwalk Empire received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. On the review aggregator website Metacritic, the second season scored 81/100 based on 14 reviews.[15] Another aggregator website, Rotten Tomatoes, reported 85% of critics gave the second season a "Certified Fresh" rating, based on 13 reviews with an average score of 8/10, with the site consensus stating "Boardwalk Empire delves deeper into both its intriguing supporting players and its rich tapestry of moral ambiguity."[16]

Awards and nominations

The second season received 12 Primetime Emmy Award nominations for the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards and won 4 altogether. The series received its second consecutive nomination for Outstanding Drama Series, while Steve Buscemi was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.[17] The series won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Art Direction for a Single-Camera Series, Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series for "21", and Outstanding Special Visual Effects Television Miniseries, Movie, or Special for "Georgia Peaches" at the 64th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards. Tim Van Patten won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for "To the Lost".

References

  1. ↑ Stanley, Alessandra (September 16, 2010). "Boardwalk Empire". The New York Times. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
  2. ↑ Lambert, David (June 7, 2012). "Boardwalk Empire - 'The Complete 2nd Season' on DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
  3. ↑ Gorman, Bill (September 27, 2011). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'Jeff Dunham' Tops Night, As 'Boardwalk Empire' Premiere Drops; + 'Breaking Bad,' 'Sister Wives,' 'Ice Road Truckers' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved September 28, 2011.
  4. ↑ Seidman, Robert (October 4, 2011). "Sunday Cable Ratings: Cards/Phillies, New Jersey 'Housewives' Top Night + 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Hung,' 'Breaking Bad' & Much More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 5, 2011.
  5. ↑ Gorman, Bill (October 11, 2011). "Sunday Cable Ratings: Nothing Keeps Up With Kardashians; Plus 'Housewives NJ' Finale, 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Breaking Bad,' 'Dexter' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 12, 2011.
  6. ↑ Seidman, Robert (October 18, 2011). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'The Walking Dead' Doubles NLCS + NJ Housewives, 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Talking Dead,' 'Dexter' & Much More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
  7. ↑ Gorman, Bill (October 25, 2011). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'The Walking Dead' Slips, Still Tops; + NJ Housewives, 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Homeland,' 'Dexter' & Much More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 26, 2011.
  8. ↑ Seidman, Robert (November 1, 2011). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'The Walking Dead' Drops, Still Tops; + 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Homeland,' 'Dexter' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 2, 2011.
  9. ↑ Seidman, Robert (November 8, 2011). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'The Walking Dead,' 'Hell On Wheels' Lead AMC + 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Homeland,' 'Dexter' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 9, 2011.
  10. ↑ Gorman, Bill (November 15, 2011). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'The Walking Dead' Stays On Top + 'Housewives Atl,' 'Hell On Wheels,' 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Homeland,' 'Dexter' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 16, 2011.
  11. ↑ Gorman, Bill (November 22, 2011). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'The Walking Dead' Stays On Top + NASCAR Championship, 'Housewives ATL,' 'Hell On Wheels,' 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Homeland,' 'Dexter' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
  12. ↑ Seidman, Robert (November 29, 2011). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'The Walking Dead' Goes Out on Top + Kardashians, 'Housewives' 'Soul Train Awards,' 'Hell On Wheels,' 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Homeland,' 'Dexter' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 30, 2011.
  13. ↑ Gorman, Bill (December 6, 2011). "Sunday Cable Ratings: Kourtney & Kim Top The Night + 'Housewives Atlanta,' 'Hell On Wheels,' 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Homeland,' 'Dexter' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved December 7, 2011.
  14. ↑ Seidman, Robert (December 13, 2011). "Sunday Cable Ratings: Kourtney & Kim Top 'Housewives Atlanta' + ' 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Bag of Bones,' 'Homeland,' 'Dexter' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  15. ↑ "Boardwalk Empire: Season 2". Metacritic. Retrieved September 22, 2013.
  16. ↑ "Boardwalk Empire: Season 2 (2011)". Rotten Tomatoes. Flixster. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  17. ↑ "Boardwalk Empire - Emmys". emmys.com. Retrieved July 20, 2012.

External links

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