Watch Boardwalk Empire

Episode Synopsis: ‘Boardwalk Empire’s’ sophomore season returned with a bang. Nucky Thompson and his Atlantic City crew opened with “21,” and brought back the tense, moody atmosphere that was both widely panned and criticized during it’s first season.

The amoral city by the sea has been called “boring” and “overrated” by critics, but if the first episode of season two is any indicator, I believe the series will be another runaway hit for the HBO network.

What I thought was the highlight of the first season was the uneasy suspense surrounding the relationship of Nucky and his protege, son by proxy Jimmy. The relationship has grown into a tense protagonist now that Jimmy has finally turned against his former ally and confidant, Nucky.

Although Steve Buscemi is arguably the shining star of the show, Michael Pitt upstages him at times and is a acting force to be reckoned with. His brooding intensity glues me to the screen and he continues to grow as an actor and into his character. Jimmy’s time away in Chicago and his false pretense of fence-mending with his biological father, the Commodore, shows his tunnel visioned-focus to get what he wants and feels he is owed.

And that used to be making a name for himself in the corrupt beach town and providing for his long-time girlfriend and son, but now his motives are muddled.

Disheartened by Nucky’s lack of validation, which seemed to be what Jimmy craved above anything else, and the almost departure of his love Angie, Jimmy began spending more and more time with real father and mother because he felt abandoned by Nucky, his surrogate father figure. Now it seems his refocused goal is only to bring down Nucky.

Jimmy may be harboring some significant daddy issues, and the Commodore has stepped in to fill Nucky’s absence. Jimmy wants respect, no matter where the source, and although Nucky is trying to extend an olive branch, Jimmy’s steely resolve is freezing out the former father figure.

The conflict between these two will continue to grow, and once Nucky figures out the party’s involved and behind the rumored KKK shooting, the battle will be epic.

I’m really looking forward to getting the back scoop about Van Alden and Lucy’s story. Although he made a seemingly favorable impression on his significant other during her visit and appears to have at long last gotten his life together, Lucy is nothing and spells trouble for Van Alden. Their back story is sure to contribute to some dramatic moments on Sunday nights.

I’m thrilled that Richard has returned and is still in possession of his poignant sadness that makes it both uncomfortable and enthralling to watch his character’s scenes. The first episode’s surprising conclusion, where Nucky is at long last caught. will keep me tuning in week after week. I think it was a terrific start to the show’s second season, but that’s just my opinion.

I can’t wait for next week. What about you?

Check out episode 1 of Boardwalk Empire below:

For best picture quality, it is best to download instead of streaming:

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