In times past, if the phrase, Atlantic City was mentioned, I would think of two things: the song by Bruce Springsteen, or the geographical location. I can now add the HBO drama, Boardwalk Empire, to those thoughts. I missed the episodes when they originally aired; I had only a passing interest in what I thought would be a "Sopranos-like" series, featuring one actor I admired, Steve Buscemi (never a huge fan of The Sopranos).
Cable is expensive here, and based on those feelings, adding HBO seemed an unnecessary extravagance. Then came the awards season and Empire racked up a slew of wins. I also remembered it was a period piece, and I'm a lover of history. So I "bit the bullet", subscribed to HBO, and began watching the episodes when HBO began their re-airing. I am now hooked.
I compare all series now to The Wire, and the first season of Boardwalk Empire, imo, does not reach those lofty heights. But it's a watcher - although, surprisingly, Buscemi is not the reason I keep coming back. This series might have been better if another actor had been chosen to play Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, because this character is integral to the story, and Buscemi is not a "leading man" - I could see him playing Nucky's brother, the Sheriff of Atlantic City, Eli Thompson. Just off the top of my head, I could see a Jon Hamm or Andrew Lincoln (from The Walking Dead), in the lead role. But, it's the story, and all the other characters in this drama that keep me coming back. Some are historical; Al Capone and Charles "Lucky" Luciano; others have been added for dramatic effect. More on that later.
A bit of history - Nucky Thompson is based upon the real "lord of Atlantic City....", Enoch Johnson. During Prohibition, Johnson was involved in rum-running, numbers rackets, and other illicit enterprises. He was also a bigshot in southern New Jersey Republican politics, and served during this period, as both Sheriff, then Atlantic County treasurer. He is the central character in the book, Boardwalk Empire, on which the series is based.
Now to the other characters mentioned above. They are what keep me interested in this program, and why I'm glad there will be (at least), a second season. I love watching Michael Pitt, as Nucky's protege, Jimmy Darmody. He is quietly charming, menacing, good-looking, and tragic; all at the same time. In another subtle performance, is Kelly MacDonald, as Margaret Schroeder, Nucky's main "squeeze". Both of these characters develop before our eyes, episode after episode. I also enjoyed the performance of Michael K. Williams (from The Wire), as a partner in crime to Nucky, Chalky White. Kudos to HBO for including a strong African-American role in this drama; albeit a criminal one.
I hope others who watch the program, provide their feedback about the show, particularly their favorite characters/performances; or that those who have not seen it, are now intrigued.
At any rate, that's it for now.
