Boardwalk Empire's second fifth season episode is a bit more back to business than the premiere episode. Luciano's, Lansky's, and Seigel's recant actions begin to surface and whose plans are revealed in this episode. Nucky too is back from Havana trying to get to the bottom of the hit on his life and find some investors for his own future plans. Other characters that were missing from the premiere also show themselves, as viewers get back in touch with Chicago, a mental institution, and dinner with Uncle Nucky after a job interview, while Chalky's story takes a back seat. As the episode title suggests, Boardwalk also plays with one of it's greatest concepts, listening verses comprehension in some rather ironic ways.
We also continue to look back at young Nucky during 1884, who's story this week focuses on the loss of his and Eli's sister Susan and the reactions of both Ethan Thompson and The Commodore.
The episode is a bit slow moving, but seems to be an important set up episode full of interesting moments, great dialogue, interesting tie backs, and some turn arounds. The episode uniquely feels like both old Empire and yet the dawn of a new era.
Again without giving too much away, I will leave you with some teasers:
One main character still does not appear in this episode
One character will exchange clothes for paper and writing utensils
Another character will send a message to Luciano
One character, who seemed friendly and eager last season, may turn out be a legally deadly foe
Another character will leave (not permanently) his family at the most crucial time ever
And one reoccurring character will be retired, but informative and a peace keeper
A famous historical figure behind a famous historical family is introduced
A reoccurring character from a previous season will not survive the episode
And two main characters will give another the run around with his own money
And a few new characters are introduced.
