Nucky asking Meyer to tell him something about himself was an important moment for Boardwalk Empire.
His hesitation regarding Arnold Rothstein had nothing to do with funds, it was about A.R.
’s singular resolve to win.
That vignette told Nucky wanted he needed to know – that Meyer was strong, loyal and determined.
Hit the jump for more.
But here is where “All In” had great success.
Have we ever seen Rothstein so out of control?
Maybe Meyer should have gotten him some milk to calm his ulcers.
“All In” was about boundaries, and what it means to cross them and change sides.
Nucky saw a new side to Rothstein, and it became fatal to their business deal.
The expansion of the Capone family has been another great move for the show.
It’s also another example of racial positioning that the show has always focused on.
Narcisse’s desire to do the same for “Libyans” is not so different.
The show has always been about groups – mob groups, family groups, racial groups.
But changing alliances have always meant violence and unrest, and there’s little doubt of that changing here.
In the end, like Nucky, it’s what we really want to know.
Episode Rating: B+
Musings and Miscellanea:
– Willie, oh Willie.
A prototype to Walter White, perhaps, trying to solve his problems through chemistry.
– “There’s a time for levity.
I do have a sense of humor.”
Yeah, sure you do.
By the way, I’m persisting in calling him Van Alden because it helps keep me sane.
– “Happy??
You’re there to get an education!”
It was a very helpful reminder!
Nice story, though.
– Eddie and Nucky’s relationship was further explored in such a great way.
Unfortunately, such enhanced duties also mean, in Nucky’s world, enhanced risk.
Too bad his son is a murderer now.
– Purnsley killing the “vampire” for Narcisse … some things never change.
– Chalky is keeping his boundaries, too (for now).
– “Nobody likes to lose.
But sooner or later we all have to learn how.”
