June 10, 2007, the last episode of The Sopranos aired on HBO. This left many diehard fans of the series in a misty haze of disbelief. The show is the most financially successful series on cable TV to date, and many critics call it the greatest TV show of all time. What would replace it? After three long years, the core writing staff from The Sopranos has joined up with Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorcese to create Boardwalk Empire.
HBO is reportedly investing a huge chunk of chase into the series, which is evident from how well the set design and style exemplify the series' setting and time frame. Boardwalk Empire tells the tale of Atlantic City, N.J. during Prohibition, and the production aspects practically place the audience in the 1920s, swimming in sex, booze and jazz.
The viewer sees the story unfold through the eyes of its treasurer Nucky Thompson, played by Steve Buscemi (Fargo, The Big Lebowski). Nucky Thompson is part politician, part gangster and quickly sets himself up as the man to see when it comes to illegal liquor in Atlantic City.
Buscemi is backed up by an ensemble cast, which notably includes Nucky's crony, Jimmy Darmody. Jimmy has just gotten back from serving his country during World War I and sees himself as ready to take on responsibilities that Nucky is simply not ready to give him. Jimmy pleads with Nucky, saying, "All I want is an opportunity," to which Nucky replies, "This is America, kid. Who's stopping you?"
Buscemi does an incredible job of portraying the sleazy corrupt protagonist. A remarkable scene during the first episode is when Nucky delivers a riveting, heartfelt speech to the Temperance League, only to leave the building and whip out a flask before being driven to one of his casinos.
At the same time, he does observe compassion. Margaret Schroeder (Kelly Macdonald), a local member of the Temperance League, falls on difficult times and seeks Nucky for help after being inspired by his rousing fake speech. He then proceeds to help her with her troubles.
Much of the appeal for Boardwalk Empire is similar to that of all gangster movies. Its pilot episode, for example, is equal parts The Sopranos and The Departed. Moreover, everyone loves a villain, especially ones that involve American gangsters. There are quirks that stand out, however. In this version of Atlantic City, they do The Charleston instead of dance on an "exercise" pole.
Either way you feel about it, Boardwalk Empire, at first glance, seems very promising. During its first week, it garnered nearly 5 million viewers. Although it is not proper to judge a book by its cover, Boardwalk Empire has got a hell of a pedigree and has a very promising future.
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