Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire - Sundays 9pm ET, HBO



The venue is Atlantic City; the era, prohibition.

Boardwalk Empire revolves around the authoritative treasurer Nucky Thompson, and his use of racketeering, political muscle and clout to control the Republican machine and Atlantic City. Cameos in Chicago enlighten the viewer to the schemes of the legendary, albeit young, Al Capone. Reoccurring scenes with historical mobsters, such as the Jewish kingpin Arnold Rothstein, and commanding law enforcement agent Nelsen Van Alden (Elliot Ness) - make for quality entertainment.

Our main characters are:

• Nucky Thompson - Irishman, treasurer of Atlantic City, and head of the political machine. You can count on Nucky to wear one of those old-school, circa 1920 suits, and to be accompanied by Eddi Kessler, his German butler. Nucky is played by the talented Steve Buscemi. Many of you might remember him as "crazy eyes" from Mr. Deeds. Better yet, most of you remember his character from The Big Lebowski, Theodore Donald "Donny" Kerabatsos, or as inmate Garland 'The Marietta Mangler' Greene from Con Air. Buscemi might seem a strange choice to play the lead role, but he has been doing a good job in his first starring role, surprising many by his unique energy he brings to the cast.
• Jimmy Darmody - Nucky's protege, fellow Irishman, and wwI vet. moved to Chicago to join Al Capone, albeit ditching his wife and child, to work for current Chitown mob boss Johnny Torrio. Played by Michael Pitt (The Village, Silk).
• Eli Thompson - brother of Nucky and sheriff of Atlantic County. Eli is Robin to Nucky's Batman, always in his brothers' shadow. Played by Shea Whigman (Pride and Glory).
• Maragert Schroeder - young widowed mother of two, member of the Women's suffrage movement, and currently in a relationship with Nucky. Played by the beautiful, ever charming, Kelly Macdonald (No Country for Old Men), whose accent itself could carry the show.
• Nelsen Van Alden - Federal agent who plays the good guy of the show, trying his best to stop liquor trafficking in the Northeastern region. The TV screen version of Elliot Ness, Nelson is a devote Christian. Played by Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road).
• Arnold Rothstein - Elegant mobster of New York, currently in trouble for his invovlment with the Black Sox scandal of the 1919 World Series. played by Michael Stuhlbard (A Serious Man).
• Al Capone - A younger version of the Italian, iconic mobster we all love. Played by Stephen Graham (Baby Face Nelson in Public Enemies).

Boardwalk Empire brings an action packed drama to HBO's lineup, the likes of which have been sorely missed since The Sopranos. Bringing HBO it's highest premiere audience since 2004, 'Boardwalk' has already been ordered for a second season.
Can't wait.