Boardwalk Empire-The Show to Watch This Fall

[1stLand]

Chalky white was a famous African American gangster in the 20's? Please let it be true.

[trackercowe]

Originally Posted by Ark2

Enjoyable season so far and overall a very good show. What keeps it from being a great show in my opinion however, is that Nucky is not a character that people really care about. Tony Soprano, Walter White, Al Swearengen, etc., these are all characters that viewers cheer for and become anxious when they fall into harm's way. Last season was the closest that Nucky came to death and I realized that I didn't really care about him. Some of the secondary characters are excellent, the plot is well crafted, the production value is second to none, it just falls short with Steve Buscemi, who is not a leading man.

I sort of see what you're saying, and I agree that the show wouldn't fall apart if they killed off Buscemi, but I still think he is a capable leading man in an ensemble atmosphere. He might not bring the same dynamic to his role as a Gandolfini, Cranston, or Hamm do, but considering the character and the time period he suits what they need.

Now if they plan on having this show run a few more years I for one wouldn't at all be opposed if they did kill him off and decided to go in a different direction. I find that the more true to life characters are more interesting than him, and would love if the focus moved towards Capone/Lansky/Luciano and their crime syndicates rather than his. Then maybe they can work in Elliot Ness as well (even if his portrayal may not be historically accurate).

The one guy who needs to stick is Van Alden, as his transformation over four seasons makes him the most compelling character on the show. Keeping him around makes things unpredictable, and of course Shannon is the best actor on the show. His scenes with Capone's organization have been the most interesting story of this season I'd say.

As for season four, I'd say it's been pretty good overall. There has been nothing spectacular, but not really a poor episode in the bunch either. Maybe that's because Margret's role has been downsized, but there are very few times I could say I wanted to skip a scene (like I often did with her feminist scenes last year). Gillian's storyline isn't all that great either, but at least they brought Ron Livingston in to liven her up a bit. Sort of sick of all these shows pushing drug problems on us, but it has forced her to interact with Chalky's man. Also they're bringing in more people from The Wire (Herc), which is never a bad thing.

[MissAvery16]

love the show and stephen graham as capone. just wish they didn't kill off darmody soo soon. hate margaret

[Komskies]

Originally Posted by MissAvery16

love the show and stephen graham as capone. just wish they didn't kill off darmody soo soon. hate margaret

It's too bad about Al's brother, I was really liking that character. It should help to add fuel to Al's rage though.

I'm interested to see where they take Val Alden/George Mueller now. He's going to have to confront the Irish florist guy (O'banion?)

[Barnes]

Originally Posted by Komskies

It's too bad about Al's brother, I was really liking that character. It should help to add fuel to Al's rage though.

I'm interested to see where they take Val Alden/George Mueller now. He's going to have to confront the Irish florist guy (O'banion?)

The Story of Frank Capone is authentic and was really cool to see how his story intertwined with the fictional characters.

As the election day turmoil progressed, outraged Cicero citizens petitioned Cook County Judge Edmund J. Jareki for help. The Chicago Police Department (CPD) sent 70 plainclothes officers to Cicero to maintain order at the polls and Jareki swore them in as deputy sheriffs. The CPD officers fought battles with the South Side Gang around Cicero all day. Around mid day, approximately 30 officers arrived in nine cars outside a polling station near the Western Electric plant. Already at the station, Frank and Al Capone allegedly thought these officers in civilian clothing were members of the rival North Side Mob attacking them. According to police, Frank pulled out a handgun and fired at the officers. However, some bystanders said that Frank never got the gun out of his back pocket. In either event, the officers opened fire, killing Frank with dozens of shots.[3] Al managed to escape unharmed.[1]
Enraged at Frank's death, Al retaliated by murdering one official and kidnapping others, and by stealing ballot boxes from the polling stations. At the end of the day, the Capone candidate Klenha had won.[4]

There will/should be a lot of confrontations between the Chicago Outfit and the Northside Gang. Hopefully they portray it in the show. So much to cover.

[Hemi-Cuda]

Originally Posted by Barnes

The Story of Frank Capone is authentic and was really cool to see how his story intertwined with the fictional characters.



There will/should be a lot of confrontations between the Chicago Outfit and the Northside Gang. Hopefully they portray it in the show. So much to cover.

I'd love it if once Boardwalk Empire ends, they spin off Capone into his own series. Stephen Graham does such an awesome job as Capone that it would be a shame not to be able to see him rise to a kingpin

[nik-]

I'd rather see the Lansky, Luciano, Siegel, Costello rise as a spin off.

[Violator]

Originally Posted by nik-

I'd rather see the Lansky, Luciano, Siegel, Costello rise as a spin off.

That would be pointless without capone

[nik-]

Originally Posted by Violator

That would be pointless without capone

uhh ... not sure if serious

[Oling_Roachinen]

Originally Posted by Violator

That would be pointless without capone

I'd disagree. If forced to chose I'd rather see Luciano and Lansky, ideally all of them though. With Luciano you get the Commission and Crime Syndicate as well as Murder Inc. and all that good stuff and eventually get to Vegas. With Capone, not that it would be boring at all, he only has a couple years left before you get to the trial really.

Edit: I guess it would depend on when Boardwalk Empire ends, but it seems like a fitting finale would be May 1929, the alleged first meeting of the National Crime Syndicate in Atlantic City, rather than following all of Nucky's story.

[neo45]

This season hasn't really been doing it for me

Gyp Rosseti owned every episode last season and it just feels like this season is missing that. Narcisse is very good, but not quite enough

Also killing off Eddie was just stupid. That didn't need to happen at all

[Hemi-Cuda]

Originally Posted by neo45

This season hasn't really been doing it for me

Gyp Rosseti owned every episode last season and it just feels like this season is missing that. Narcisse is very good, but not quite enough

Also killing off Eddie was just stupid. That didn't need to happen at all

With how sudden it was I wouldn't be surprised if the actor wanted to be written off the show

[neo45]

Originally Posted by Hemi-Cuda

With how sudden it was I wouldn't be surprised if the actor wanted to be written off the show

Maybe actually. He is more of an opera singer than an actor. I think Nucky's character is going to suffer now without Eddie to interact with

[nik-]

Yeah, this season isn't really doing it for me either. The show seems a little rudderless right now. Hopefully it tightens up.

[neo45]

Last episode was the best one of the season. I think they're pulling it together

[Hemi-Cuda]

Originally Posted by neo45

Last episode was the best one of the season. I think they're pulling it together

Ya, Chaulky seems completely out of his league in dealing with Narcisse. I just hope he doesn't end up getting taken out because he's been one of my favorite characters through the series

[nik-]

I like him, but I also feel he's been criminally underused. I hope he doesn't get wiped out because I want more Chalky on the show.

Also .. Margot Bingham

[neo45]

ya the show is definitely back to kicking ass

[Joborule]

Great last episode. Just needed to build things up over the season. Now there's a lot going on.

[Coys1882]

oh god the knife through the cheek....