Boardwalk Empire 108

Episode 8 - Hold Me in Paradise


In this week's episode, Nucky visits Chicago for the Republican National Convention, leaving his affairs in Atlantic City in the hands of his trusted sheriff and brother, Eli.
In Chicago, we are introduced to a "longshot" candidate - Warren G. Harding, and get another glimpse at Nucky's politics in action:

• Nucky is upset that New Jersey Senator Edge hasn't awarded him the money he needs to fix up the public roads of Atlantic City. So he makes a deal with Harding's campaign manager. If Senator Edge is kept off the list for possible vice presidential candidates, then he'll push the New Jersey delegation for Harding. Moreover, he'll harbor Harding's mistress and illegitimate baby in Atlantic City until the end of elections.
• Needless to say, Harding secures the nomination.

While in Chicago, the D'Alessio gang strut their muscle, robbing Nucky's casino in Atlantic City. Eli, trying to show his ability to be the alpha dog in Nucky's absence, visits the casino on a collection run, and gets severely wounded.

This leads Nucky to phone Margaret to look after his office until his return. For Margaret, this seems like the ultimate gain of trust she so desperately desires for their relationship. Unfortunately, the grapes go sour when she discovers Nucky's personal ledger book in his desk drawer, and all the evidence of his involvement with the illegal liquor trafficking that she so loathes.

Nucky pushes Jimmy to return to Atlantic City, realizing he needs help fighting the brewing turf war. He tries to show Jimmy his isolation in Chicago - hows he's an Irishman amongst Italians. And Jimmy, having climbed the ladder of power in Chicago ("This Suit cost $70"), ponders his next move.


"Hold Me in Paradise" also gives us a glimpse into the personal life of Nelson Van Alden. We learn that Nelson's wife is unable to conceive. Nelson is unsympathetic - he refuses to pay for corrective surgery ("It's in God's hands, not ours"). Moreover, we learn that Nelson has been stealing Jimmy's letters (along with cash) to his wife, Angela. He finally sends the cash back... to Angela, ignoring his wife's pleas.

Arnold Rothstein prepares for the possibility of having to testify for his involvement in throwing the 1919 World Series. Sharp-witted and always quick on his feet, Rothstein shouldn't have a problem.




Food for thought:

1. I think the situation with Eli is kind of ironic. Here he was, thinking he could do as good of a job filling-in his big brothers' shoes, if not better. Then all hell breaks loose. Under his watch. And it nearly killed him in the process. I think this ordeal might help Eli keep his personality in check. Everyone gets jealous of those around them . Until now, he's tolerated it. Now he'll have to recognize that he'll never be Nucky. He must accept himself for who he is.
2. Nucky shows his personality. I mean, yeah, we knew that all he cared about was money and personal gain. But to see the degree of it is something else. He is just informed that his brother is shot - so he excuses himself from the table to make a phone call. A phone call to Margaret to look after his important ledger and belongings. Come on! You can't make an inquiry, first, as to how your brother is holding up? I understand he wants to protect his assets even in the darkest hour, but the timing is just wrong.
   
3. I'm curious as to how Margaret is going to continue and maintain this relationship. She must have realized by now that Nucky is in some sketchy business - the last minute cancellations, random phone calls at all hours of the day, friends of his being seen with liquor caches, etc. Now that she definitively knows of his direct involvement, will she continue to be his mistress? She has to think of her enhanced living state - nicer house, fancier clothes, toys for the children, being a stay-at-home mom once again, etc. Will she be willing to give it all up for her ideals and moral principles?
   
4. Nelson is weird. I mean, really weird. First, he gives himself lashes for thinking inappropriately of Margaret (episode 6). Now he's stealing personal letters? And who doesn't want to father a child? I think the painting we are being shown of Nelson is certainly being defined in recent episodes. I hate to wonder what we might find out next...
5. Prediction - Jimmy takes Nucky up on his offer, and moves back to Atlantic City. He'll return to his wife and son, and rebuild his reputation. He will be feared there as he was in Chicago.
6. Al Capone should be given a scene in every single episode. The lack of his presence is inexcusable. ;)
   

Guest Star:
Christopher McDonald - playing Harry Daugherty, Harding's campaign manager. He's come a long way since Shooter McGavin ...


Episode Rating:
7 (Lower end high quality TV)

Episode's Best Line:
"I prefer to make my living honestly." - Arnold Rothstein (After being told that it's not too late for him to go to law school)