One of the greatest has been the transformation of Eli – a reinvention, really.
He returns humbled, not just with his in family, including Nucky, but with his peers.
There were a few power struggles this week, with Eli questioning Doyle but also with Doyle second-guessing Nucky.
Nucky may be at the top, but he has a tenuous grip.
His relationship with Rothstein is rotting away as Rosetti continues to block his shipping route.
Nucky is losing control, and feeling desperate.
That all played out, tragically, in the Short and Rueful Life of Roland Smith.
Nucky shooting Roland seemed to have manifold purpose.
It’s true, Nucky had wanted a low profile and used to order hits, not give them.
It’s also possible that Nucky killed Roland because he reminded him too much of Jimmy.
Therein lies the third part – Nucky eliminating any threat to him and his business.
He can’t mow down Rosetti (yet) so he takes it out on Roland.
In a parallel case, we took a short sojourn to Chicago to visit the Capones.
Al’s scenes with his son are some of the most completely heartbreaking of the series.
It’s clear emotional manipulation, but who cares – it just feels good.
After that release, he’s able to return to his son and shower him with love.
… sort of).
– “What do I know about the ocean?
I’m from Yonkers!”
– Rosetti’s lackey.
– “Let the man do his job, Eli.
You’re not the only Sheriff who ever lived.”
an act of ambush with an intent to kill.
