Boardwalk Empire

[groundss]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this show, almost as much as other HBO flagships (Sopranos, The Wire, et al). Season 1 of BE was superb…excellent casting, great character development in a first season, strong acting and suspenseful writing.

That said, I just completed Season 2 and I’m a little disappointed. The storylines were a little lackluster this year...I'm inclined to think that the slow story development was/is an effort to lay a foundation for the future. I’m curious to the get the opinion of others who follow the show.



********SEASON 2 FINALE SPOILERS BELOW**********















I understand the shock value of killing off Jimmy Darmody in the finale, but I’m concerned that the show may have reached the peak of its arc too soon. The argument can be made that Darmody’s character had run its course and Nucky had no choice but to eliminate him, but I still have a hard time seeing this show improve without Michael Pitt’s performances. He was easily the most captivating character in my opinion and he was the primary liaison to Richard Harrow, who I found to be the show’s second most captivating character. I’ll certainly give Season 3 a chance before I bail on BE, but the seed of doubt has definitely been laid…

 

[Perham1]

Great post.

I like BE better than the Sopranos, not as much as The Wire.

I didn't care for the flashback to Jimmy's Princeton days. As far as Nucky knocking off Jimmy, it seems that Nucky believed Eli's story that he (Eli) had nothing to do with Nucky's failed assassination, so blood is thicker than water, so Nucky whacked Jimmy.

I think the priest will be receiving a call from Nucky very soon....

I thought it was a great season-ender and look forward to the next season.

 

[El Torito]

I too love the show and I'm worried about how Darmody's killing will affect it going forward. In my opinion, his character and storyline were the most compelling features of the series. I'm in the minority, but while I feel Buscemi is solid, I can't help but think he doesn't have the chops to carry the show as a strong lead. Every other actor plays a distinct supporting role. The show will run a high risk of running out of steam.

 

[groundss]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[El Torito]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[Perham1]

Speaking of BE, I love, absolutely love the intro song.

 

[Third Coast]

A very well made show with superb acting, but it just doesn't drive my interest like The Sopranos did. I'm not certain why, but perhaps it has something to do with the lack of a dominating character.

 

[Mesohorny]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[Perham1]

Wildcard.

Who is the muscle and who is the brains?

 

[JuniorHorn11]

Well Margaret is obviously the useless chick.