HBO has released some phenomenal series over the years, and Boardwalk Empire is up there with the best of them. Steve Buscemi was dazzling as mob boss Nucky Thompson, and he was surrounded by a highly talented support cast that included Kelly Macdonald and Stephen Graham. The stunning setting, along with some hugely memorable moments of storytelling, help this series stand out from a long list of classics.
An Incredible Setting for a Series
The title of Boardwalk Empire refers to the Atlantic City boardwalk, and the vibrant city that was beginning to grow around it in the early 20th Century. This visually pleasing location portrays a sense of busyness and excitement, and the series perfectly encapsulates the vibes of a seaside town. It is an excellent choice for a setting that appeals to a global audience, as the New Jersey city is one of the most famous spots in the USA.
Although Boardwalk Empire takes place before Atlantic City became a global gambling hub, a vast number of viewers will associate it with casinos. After Las Vegas, this is one of the most famous locations for staking on slots and table games in the world. Places like this have set the benchmark for gambling, and online casinos now try to replicate the electric atmosphere found in Atlantic City. When players play live blackjack at Genesis Casino, for instance, they will find a vast number of options, including live dealers, just as they would in the New Jersey city.
The End of Jimmy
James “Jimmy” Darmody, started out as Nucky’s protégé, with Buscemi’s mob boss acting as a father figure to the character played by Michael Pitt. In season two, Jimmy decided to strike out on his own, and effectively went against his former mentor by forming connections with rival families. In the end, Nucky realized that he must remove his former ally from the equation, and it is a scene that lives long in the memory. Pitt’s character was one of the main protagonists, and his departure pushed the series in a new direction.
Harrow Takes Out Rosetti’s Crew
One of the most interesting characters in Boardwalk Empire was Jack Huston’s Richard Harrow. The troubled veteran was a mysterious presence throughout the series, but there was no denying his skills. One of his most iconic scenes was at the end of season three, when he managed to take out Gyp Rosetti’s crew in one fell swoop. The sequence was praised for its editing, and the fact that it was completely unexpected.
These are a few of the things that will be remembered most about Boardwalk Empire, but there are so many other amazing scenes that are worth mentioning. If there was ever a series that was deserving of a full rewatch, it’s Boardwalk Empire.
