American cable network HBO’s modus operandi seems reliably similar across many of its shows. A large array of characters interacting on an arresting, gigantic backdrop and slowly building up their story arcs with one another before tying them together in a steadily escalating rush to the end. Those seeking immediate, self contained thrills each and every week should look toward FOX and ABC for such shows. This approach extends to HBO’s current hot ticket Boardwalk Empire; an epic, lavish and violent show set in Atlantic City at the beginning of prohibition in the 1920’s and the explosion of organised crime that followed. Central to the action is Enoch ‘Nucky’ Thompson (played by American indie king Steve Buscemi), the county treasurer with an eye for opportunity and loose morals. He straddles the worlds of both law and crime effortlessly ensuring that he, his corrupt sheriff brother Eli (Shea Whigham) and their cronies come out of a situation with their wallets bursting. As the drama unfolds Nucky contends with both infamous historical figures of the time; Arnold Rothstein (Michael Sthulbarg) and Al Capone (Stephen Graham), and with fictional counterparts such as unhinged war veteran/prodigy Jimmy Darmody (Michael Pitt), widow turned mistress Margaret Schroder (Kelly MacDonald) and zealous Federal Agent Nelson Van Alden (Michael Shannon).

Due to the delayed release of season one in the UK, we had the pleasure of both seasons only being separated by a few months. At the outset of season two Nucky and Margaret are living together seemingly contented. Yet this is shattered when Eli and Jimmy, the latter spurned on by his domineering mother Gillian (Gretchen Moll), lead an open rebellion against Nucky’s leadership with the alcohol flowing into the city proving the key factor. Battle lines are drawn, blood ties are broken and bodies drop like flies as both sides struggle to hold onto what both believe are theirs.

The most easily recognizable aspect of Boardwalk Empire’s quality is its look and design. Every scene, every location and arguably every frame are immaculate to a tee and the cinematography and visual effects weigh up just as much. The show is produced by master filmmaker Martin Scorsese (who also directed the pilot episode) and his influence and sway clearly show and not just in the visual department. As a whole the show engages with the love/hate relationship between America and the almost mythic figure of the organised criminal. There is nothing as trivial as good and bad in this world; the viewer has to use their own moral compass to determine who is the least evil. The theme of betrayal and mistrust runs throughout this season as protégé’s turn against mentors and families against their own. This comes to a head particularly in the penultimate episode where we discover the cause of the friction between Jimmy and Gillian as their story takes a turn similar to Oedipus Rex. The tension is practically unbearable as…well let’s just say things get Freudian. Very Freudian…

The performances of Boardwalk Empire are frequently cited as its major draw. Indeed any show with Steve Buscemi at the helm is worthy of all attention. As well as playing to the strengths of confidence and arrogance that have permeated through many of the characters he has played in the past, there is a vulnerability to Nucky that allows Buscemi to tap into emotional depths that perhaps he has not had the chance to truly reach in previous roles. His roles opposite his brother, from both fisticuffs to graveside revelations, are nothing short of heart-breaking. Michael Pitt proves an almost perfect foil, his youthful charm and handsomeness are a sidestep diversion to Jimmy’s brutality and crumbling psyche under the pressure of demon parents and gangster dealings. His eyes are deep and expressive but there is an underlying darkness that is sometimes genuinely terrifying. Pitt has utilised similar skills on the independent circuit and it’s a pleasure to see them demonstrated on a mainstream outlet. There are equally impressive turns amongst the supporting cast, most underrated amongst them being perhaps British actor Jack Huston as disfigured veteran turned hitman Richard Harrow, a role that despite being delivered beneath a prosthetic mask rings with tortured emotion.

Unfortunately it is in the initial portrayal of its female characters that the show falls down. Model turned actress Paz de la Huerta is saddled with an inconsequential role as Nucky’s former mistress Lucy, a role that could have more impact if it were not for de la Huerta’s inert performance; every line reading is as flat as the Ferns’. Her poor performance would be less distracting if the shows maker didn’t insist on her being nude in the majority of her scenes. Aleksa Palladino fares a little better as Jimmy’s unsatisfied artist wife Angela. Her performance is fine yet she is given little material to work with which makes a particular end of game plot revelation lack the gut punch it deserves. Thankfully there are two roles for women in the show that stand tall and proud; Kelly MacDonald and Gretchen Moll. When we meet Margaret Schroder in season one she appears initially as an oppressed victim who slowly but steadily reacts with confidence and assuredness to her changing circumstances. Ranging from deceiving lawman to fending off attackers via shotgun, MacDonald is a tour de force of vulnerability and uncertainty; her later scenes as she grapples with her personal guilt never lapse over into sentimentality. On the flip side of this Gretchen Moll inhabits the role of Gillian with such chilling venom (‘You will not be disrespected!’) with moments of breathtaking clarity into her characters inner torment. An early scene where she confronts the invalid man who violated her as a child is perfectly paced; drawing in with allusion, steady reveal and a final devastating explosion in violence. A sympathetic villain if there ever was one.
All in all Boardwalk Empire has played like crafty card shark. It knows exactly when to show its big hand yet also feels like its holding a lot of tension back. Every jaw dropping set piece or character moments is bookended by copious amounts of exposition and the sense of characters moving into place though on a large chess board. It is these moments of sheer muscular strength that make the show a force to be reckoned with and earn the patience during its quieter moments. It has been renewed for a third season and after its powerful final seasons there is the strong hope that these two first seasons have laid the groundwork for the true fireworks. Even still below par HBO is miles ahead of the competition and with Buscemi and MacDonald at the helm, anything is possible.

Boardwalk Empire Season 2 finale was broadcast on Christmas Eve. Boardwalk Empire – Season 1 (HBO) [DVD]