The time has come. The fifth and final season of HBO’s mysteriously thrilling series Boardwalk Empire is just a few weeks away.
Centered around conniving and charismatic Atlantic County Treasurer, Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, who struggles to maintain power and notoriety in the thriving seaside town, the action kicks off during the height of Prohibition and in the middle of America’s darkest time – The Great Depression.
Fighting to end Prohibition seemed to be a task Nucky, his county Sheriff brother Eli Thompson, and their Republican constituents were winning. That is until New York City hot-shot Arnold Rothstein wanted a part of the business opportunities and power a well-oiled, crime-riddled Atlantic City offered.
Two rich men with similar interests, power, and the will to achieve their most sinister desires by any means necessary undoubtedly meet with a few sacrificial lambs, countless pay-offs, and of course, a plethora of dead bodies.
But it’s all for the betterment of Atlantic City, right? Well, if you let Nucky Thompson tell it, then that answer is a simple “yes.”
By the end of season three, it became very evident that Nucky was alone in his fight to run Atlantic City. Of course, Nucky had Chalky White, his brother Eli, and Mickey Doyle on his side, but his list of enemies grew faster than the internet.
Season four kicks off with Nucky basically paying Joe Masseria to forget about everything that happened in season three, and follows along with Chalky as he manages his new Onyx nightclub.
A backstory narrative between white talent manager, Dickey, who works closely with Chalky in the daily running of the Onyx Club and Chalky’s right hand man, Dunn Purnsley, begins. Of course, this drama is centered around a woman: Dickey’s wife.
Long story short, Dunn is seduced by Dickey’s wife and finds himself having sex with her in an Atlantic City hotel room. Out of nowhere, Dickey appears in the room toting a gun.
The next few events get weird and happen quickly, so stay abreast. Dickey demands Dunn and his wife continue to have sex while he watches (sick, we know). Embarrassed and humiliated, Dunn ends up viciously killing Dickey in a rage.
All seems well, right? Not.
As season four comes to an end, things look bleak for Chalky White, who essentially loses everything – his daughter (who was accidentally shot), his woman, his club, his family, and his leadership within the black community.
Nucky’s relationship with his brother is at an all time low, and unfortunately for Boardwalk Empire’s most beloved character, Richard Harrow, his time on the series comes to an end, when he’s unable to perform his duties to assassinate Dr. Narcisse, played by Jeffrey Wright.
With such an unforgettable finale, viewers are still wondering about the fate of Dr. Narcisse, Chalky, Nucky Thompson, Eli Thompson, Van Alden’s situation with Al Capone’s crime family, and of course, Margaret’s blooming relationship with Rothstein.
Whew! That was a lot, but you’re that much closer to gear up for Boardwalk Empire’s final season.
Sadly enough, the fifth season of Boardwalk Empire is only eight episodes, but we assure you, it’s going to be a whirlwind of shocking revelations and betrayal. So tune in to HBO on Sunday, September 7th at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Check out the most important characters of Boardwalk Empire’s first two seasons in the gallery below.
PHOTO CREDIT: HBO
