Only one episode left! Unlike other shows (Dexter, Mad Men), I can’t say I find myself wondering “What will I do when Boardwalk Empire isn’t on. I’m looking forward to the finale, but I never became enthralled in this series the way I’d really expected and hoped to.
This penultimate episode, though, gave me exactly what I always want – a strong focus on personal relationships and some surprising twists.
The creepy Agent Van Alden tried to baptize his traitorous, meek partner, Sebso (who was Jewish, making this even more disturbing) and killed him in the attempt. In front of a large crowd. I didn’t see that one coming. Will he get caught? I find it hard to stomach the idea that Van Alden will walk away this season unpunished. Personally, I was hoping he’d shoot himself after killing Sebso, but I guess he’s too much of a religious fanatic for suicide.
Jimmy’s girlfriend, Angie,l tried to leave for Paris with her kid and her lady lover, but was betrayed. Mary had already left for Paris with her husband instead. Jimmy knows she left, but didn’t do anything about it. An argument for next Sunday, perhaps?
The reason Jimmy’s mom looks so young is because she is – she had Jimmy when she was only thirteen, with a 54-year-old man called The Commodore. Nucky worked for the guy (and would bring the girl to him), and helped Gillian and Nucky out to ease his conscience.
The most important development this week was the conflict between Nucky and Margaret. This has been brewing for the latter half of the season, and it was a hell of a fight. I’m not even sure which side I’m on. Does Margaret have a right to be angry? She certainly kept her head in the sand when Nucky provided her with a fancy new home. Margaret is certainly conflicted. She was angry with Nucky, but possibly even more angry with herself – and that’s what makes her a compelling character. Nucky and Margaret have always been the most interesting characters on the show because they’re so layered.
Even though this isn’t my favorite show, I’m interested to see how things wrap up next week in the season finale. Nucky has replaced his brother as Sheriff, so surely that has to be dealt with, as well as his problems with Margaret. Any predictions?
