When Boardwalk Empire was announced, TV fans immediately christened it the next big HBO show based solely on its cast, creator, and Martin Scorsese (who executive produced the show, as well as directed the pilot). So when Boardwalk Empire finally premiered, viewers assumed that the promising, yet sluggish pilot was just an introduction to a grander story. They assumed that these great artists knew where the show was going, so they forgave the show’s strange pace and style. Yet after ten episodes, and with only two episodes left in the season, it seems like this season is all build up and suspense with no release. Like the season itself, episode ten is interesting, yet leaves the viewer frustrated.
With so many stories happening at once, it is hard to keep track of all of Boardwalk Empire’s plots. In this episode, Nucky finds and punishes the men who almost shot him, while also finding out how Rothstein figures into the equation. Margaret connects with Richard Harrow, which makes her re-evaluate her own situation. Angela tries to work things out with Jimmy, but after Jimmy beats up her lover’s husband out of jealously, she soon plans to leave with her lover and son. Also, after being scolded by the higher officers, Nelson becomes frustrated and decides to embrace his more sinful impulses.
As you can see, there are a lot of little interesting moments in this episode. However, like in all the other episodes in this season, these moments do not connect well enough to create a noteworthy episode. Instead, these episodes seem more like episodes that build up the suspense and drama for later episodes. While this build-up structure worked for some shows (remember how long The Wire took to get interesting every season?), Boardwalk Empire uses it in a way that makes the audience feel like they have to get through these episodes to get to the good stuff. This asks an important question. Isn’t it important for a show to be consistently good, even if it is working in a larger narrative arc? Countless of other shows have perfected this build up formula (Dexter, The Sopranos, and Nip/Tuck come to mind), so why can’t Boardwalk Empire do the same?
That being said, Boardwalk Empire is still a pretty good show. The writing, at least sometimes, is unique and engaging. The art design and production values are exceptional, and are easily the best on television. Yet what really saves this show time and time again are the actors. From Michael Shannon’s creepy narc to Kelly MacDonald’s naïve mother to Steve Buscemi’s stoic crime boss, all the actors make the show watchable. These positive aspects make the show worth watching, but with caution.
Sadly, Boardwalk Empire, at least in its first season, will not be the next big HBO show everyone wanted it to be. It will never be the Scorsese show either. Even if the last two episodes somehow make this season worthwhile, episode 10 shows us that Boardwalk Empire is less focused on individual episodes and more focused on the grander narrative arc, making the series generally weak. It is time people accepted Boardwalk Empire for what it is, a flawed yet promising show.
You didn't really describe what the show was about in a general sense, this would have been helpful for those who have never seen or heard of this show.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you discussed the hype leading up to the pilot episode. This opened the review up for your observations about the lack-luster plot and pacing. Good one!
ReplyDeleteI like how you referenced another show similiar to Boardwalk Empire. I have never seen the show so it would have been nice to give a brief summary of what the show is about.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you discussed the narrative arc and how the show is all suspense instead of just summarizing the plot.
ReplyDeleteNice tone throughout. It was intelligent, while still being conversational and somewhat informal. I thought you did a good job of balancing plot and opinion. It was informational without giving too much away.
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