Boardwalk Empire S4E11
WARNING: This review contains spoilers.
A great penultimate episode, as Chalky finds shelter with his mentor.
About this time every year, a war in brewing in Atlantic City. And its usually resolved by the end of the penultimate episode. But not this year.
The main storyline on most viewers' minds is, "What's going to happen with Chalky?" Chalky (Michael Kenneth Williams) is on the run after the near-fatal encounter with the police officers sent to protect him by Mayor Bader. Chalky had to take care of this threat, and he has found his way to the Maryland home of his mentor, Oscar (Louis Gossett, Jr!). Oscar, a former Atlantic City northside boss, is enjoying retirement at a beautiful waterfront estate, with care from his sons. And he is a crotchety old bastard, delivering advice and insults to Chalky and Daughter.
Oscar gives Chalky a safe haven to get his "affairs" in order, as Chalky considers starting a new life with Daughter after the threats to his life by Dr. Narcisse, Masseria, and possibly Nucky. Because in Chalky's mind, Nucky arranged for the "safe passage" provided by the Mayor and the now-deceased police officers. Chalky makes plans to run off with Daughter, a terrible cook, but his plans are thwarted by Daughter disappearing in the night. And an attack by Dr. Narcisse's men, who kill his mentor before the assassins suffe lead poisoning, courtesy of Oscar's sons. So our battle royale must wait until the season finale.
Meanwhile, Gillian (Gretchen Mol) and her too-good-to-be true beau are celebrating her severing of ties with Tommy (in the care of Richard Harrow and Julia) and enjoying a romantic dinner when Roy shoots a man in the parking garage. Roy is beset with grief, remorse, and guilt, until Gillian confesses her crime of murdering Roger, the Jimmy-lookalike she killed last season. But, here's the twist: Roy is a Pinkerton agent, hired by Commodore lawyer Leander (Dominic Chianese), and her confession is overheard by Roy's associates AND Leander. Roy's "shooting" of the man in the garage was all a ploy and part of his long con. So Gillian is going to jail and her sad story arc comes to an end.
Nucky is being sold out by protective father Eli. But the Nuckster receives a humorous call from Gaston Means (Stephen Root), who tells him there is a "skunk" in his operation. Nucky deduces that Eli is likely the mole, and he just wants to get out of the crime business entirely, as he admits to Sally over the phone. Something tells me Nucky will still be a major player in the crime syndicate next season.
The expected battle scene did not happen this episode, so the season finale should contain one hell of a setpiece, as Chalky and Narcisse have plenty of unfinished business.
I look forward to the resolution of this fine season of a surprisingly exceptional Boardwalk Empire.
Random Thoughts:
- Richard Harrow is happily married and a adoptive father. Why do I think something will change his priorities?
- No Van Alden, no Capone, no Chicago this week.
- Eli is so going to get killed next week. Or will he survive?
- Good to see Omar with a shotgun in his hand again.
What did you think?
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