‘boardwalk empire’ finale recap_ golden memories - nytimes
DESCRIPTION
NYT review of the final episode of the HBO series, 'Boardwalk Empire'.TRANSCRIPT
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ARTSBEAT
BoardwalkEmpireFinaleRecap:GoldenMemories
SteveBuscemi,left,asNuckyThompsonandTravisTopeasJoeHarper,inBoardwalkEmpire.CHRISTOPHERT.SAUNDERS/HBO
ByHELENESTAPINSKIOCTOBER26,2014
Season5,Episode8:Eldorado
ButhegrewoldThisknightsoboldAndoerhisheartashadowFellashefound Nospotontheground ThatlookedlikeEldorado.EdgarAllanPoe,Eldorado
Sowecometotheend,myfriends,whichtakesusrightbacktothebeginning.ThisseriesfinaleistitledEldorado,andlikethefirstepisodethisseason,itisgilded,tosubliminallydeliverthemoreobviousmessageofthedangersofgreed.
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Webeginwithashotofclothesonabeach,acigarettecase,alighter,apairofshoes,thesurflappinggentlyatthepile.WeseeNuckysbarefeetandnakedbackashewalksintothesurf,liketheboywhodoveintotheseainthatfirstepisodesearchingforgoldcoins.Isitabaptismofsorts?Ishecommittingsuicide?Thisepisodehasbarelyevenbegun.
Nucky(SteveBuscemi)swimsout,pastthebreakers,fartherandfarther.JustliketheGoldenManElHombreDorado,fromwhichthelegendofElDoradoistaken.ItwasthenameusedbytheSpaniardstodescribethenativeColombianchiefwho,coveredingolddust,doveintoalakeaspartofatribalritual.ItwasthepromiseofthegoldinthemythicalempireofElDoradothatpropelledtheconquistadorstowardthecontinent.
WeflashbacktoNucky(MarcPickering)asayoungdeputysheriffwalkingalongtheboardwalk.HestopsattheCornerHotelandmakeshispitchtotheCommodore(JohnEllisonConlee)forbeingthenewsheriff.
TheCommodoreisspoutinghislessonsonceagainandtellsNuckythatitswhatyouleavebehindthatcounts.Thatstheonlythingthatanyonesevergoingtoknowaboutyou,hesays.
Nucky,alwaysobsequiouswhenitcomestotheCommodore,sayshemustbeproudofwhathellberememberedfor.ButtheCommodorecontradictshim.Forwhat?Woodenhotels?Rollingcarts?Thesearethingsthatonebadstormwilleasilywashaway.
TheCommodoreasksifhehaschildren,andNuckysaysoneisexpected.Childrengetintheway,theCommodoresays,dismissively.Intheend,wedowhatwehavethenervefor,orwedisappear.
Nuckysayshesbeenloyal,thathehaskepthismouthshutabouttheyouknowwhat.ThefactthattheCommodoreisapedophile.
Areyouthreateningme?theCommodoreasks.
AteacherwithahalfdozenlittlegirlsingoldencrownsinterruptsandasksiftheycanrecitefortheCommodore.Thepedophileisthrilled.Ick.
Ah!whatpleasantvisionshauntme,theyrecite,fromTheSecretoftheSeabyLongfellow.AsIgazeuponthesea!Alltheoldromanticlegends,allmydreams,comebacktome.
WecuttoJoeKennedy(MattLetscher)meetingwiththeMayflowerGrainCorporationboardandSenatorWendellLloyd(MichaelSiberry).Rememberhim
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fromCuba?SenatorLloydistellingthemthatthewordonthehillisthatrepealofprohibitionisnotgoingtohappen.Theboardmembersareclamoringtoselltheirstockat33and1/8,thehighestitseverbeen.ButKennedyistryingtotalkthemdown,sayingthatHooverisoutandF.D.R.isin.
ItsRoosevelt,boys,Kennedysays.Prohibitionsover.Youcantakethattothebank.Heasksthemtoholdsteadyfor24hourswhilehesortsthingsout.
InCaponesoffice,lightedbyagoldenchandelier,hislawyeristryingtobreakittohimthathesgoingtoprisonfor$2millioninunpaidtaxes.OnCaponesdeskisalineofgoldenelephantswiththeirtrunksupasignofprosperityandgoodluck.ButCaponesluckhasrunout.Hehas24hourstoturnhimselfintoDAngelo,whoserealnamewasMalone(rhymeswithCapone!).AnIrishman,Caponesays.Thatswhathurtsthemost.
Capone(StephenGraham)istellingthelawyertodohisjob,tomakesomecalls,greasesomepalms.Dealwithit,forChristssakes.
BackinLucianosdigsthenewlybuiltArtDecoMajesticapartmenthouseonCentralParkWestand72ndStreettheluckisstillholdingout.Oneofthescantilycladmollswalksaroundinshinygoldhighheels.Theresabouquetofbrightyellowflowersbesidethegoldpaintedfireplace.Lansky(AnatolYusef)runsdownalistofallthemobbosseswhoarebeinginvitedtotheirmeeting.Bugsy(MichaelZegen)jokes,Arethosetypesofcheeses?
WhileanothermollgivesLuciano(VincentPiazza)amanicure,hereminiscesabouttheolddays,havingameetingyearsagoinAtlanticCity.Irememberthinking,Imwiththebigboysnow.Nowlookatus.Lucianosdroopyeyeseemstobegettingdroopierwitheveryepisode.Hesaysthatanyonewhosnotonboardwiththeneworganizationisagoner:WaxeyGordon,DutchSchultz,Dr.Narcisse(JeffreyWright).
Allaboutmovingforward,aintit?Bugsysays.
AtConnorsandGould,Margaretsfirm,anangryKennedybargesintohergoldwallpaperedoffice.Agoldentickersitsonherdesk.Youreshortingmyfirmsstockyouandyourhusband,hesaystoMargaret(KellyMacdonald),whosdressedinaverygroovypurplesuit.WhichofyourclientsistwistingthearmofSenatorLloyd?heasks.
Ihavenoideawhothatis,Margaretsays.
Yourhusbanddoes,andhestryingtoscrewme.Iprefertodothescrewingmyself.Ha!
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KennedythenrealizesitsMargaretwhosshortingtheMayflowerstock.Yourethemastermind,hesays.
AllIknowiswhatIreadinthepapers,shesays.
Hesaystheplanwontwork,thathispartnerswillstaythecourse.Butshetellshimthestockhasfallennearlythreepointsinthelasthour.Hispartnersaresellinginincrements,behindhisback,shesays.Margaretsuggestshesellaswell.
Unloadyourentirepositionandthensellshortalongwithmyclient.Shetellshimtoopenanaccountunderanassumedname.Cashoutinone.Sellshortinanother.
Ineedtocallmybroker,hesays.Margaretpushesthephonetowardhim.
FlashbacktoNuckyreturningtofindMabelsbloodygarmentsonthefloor.Mabel(MayaKazan)issittingtowardthebackofthehouse,herhairwet,ayellowshawlonherlap.Sheshadamiscarriage.Nuckyistryingtounderstandwhatshappenedandwantstocallthedoctor.Amishap,shesays.Itpassedquickly.Noneedforthedoctor.
Isthebabyallright?heasks.
Notababy,shesays.Justamishap.
Nuckyisterriblyworriedaboutherandkneelsbeforeher,apologizingfornotbeingtherewhenithappened.
Iworkforthis,hesays.Everything.Forthis.Iloveyou.IdisappointyouwhateverIdo,dontI?
Shetoucheshisheadlovinglybutdoesntanswer.
Suddenlytheresaknockatthedoor.Itshisbrother,Eli(RyanDinning).Maneedsyou,hesays.
BackinMargaretsoffice,allhellhasbrokenloose.Mayflowerstockisfallingfast.Kennedyiseager,butMargaretinsiststhatithasntfoundthebottomyet.
Fightsbreakout.Peoplearepunchingeachother.Agoldenlightshinesthroughtheofficepartition.
Thisisadangerousgameyoureplaying,Mrs.Thompson,astrungoutKennedysays.Margaretisnervousaswell.Shewatchesthepricedropfurtherandfurther,markedonachalkboardaboveeveryone.
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At3and1/4,shesummonsabrokerandcommands,ClosetheseshortpositionsinMayflower.Whilethebrokermakesthecall,theywaitanxiously.
Threethingsaredifficulttounderstandinthisworld,Kennedysays.Theworkofthebees,themovementsofthetideandthemindofawoman.Butshehasacomeback,asusual.(IloveMargaretandwillmissherdearly.)Thinkaboutthethingsyouwantinlifeandthenpictureyourselfinadress.
Theygetthethumbsupfromthebroker.Youvejustmadesomemoney,MargarettellsKennedy.
Thenletmeshakeyourhand,hesays.Herpalmsaresweaty.
Theresalotwecandotogether,Kennedysays.Wink,wink.
Iwasjustthinkingthesamething,shesays.Comeseemeduringofficehours.Thefirmwouldlovetohaveyourbusiness.Ha.
InCaponeshouse,wherethewallsareallpaintedagoldenyellow,hiswife,Mae(MarcellaLentzPope),isfrettingaboutwhatstocome.AreporterstoppedbyfromTheTribuneandaskedalotofquestions.
Hetellshernottoworry.Thengoesupstairstoseetheirpartiallydeafson.Thekidisabout12yearsoldnowandissittingonhisbedroomfloorreadingaboutLewisandClark.
Imaybegoingawayforawhile,Sonny,Caponesays.Ididsomebadthings,andnowImintrouble.
Thiskidhasthesaddestfaceinthehistoryofsadfaces.Iwillhelpyou,hesays,tearingup.Sosad.
Youcanthelpmewiththis,saysCapone,whosalsotearingup.Youneedtolistentoyourmother.
StephenGrahamismyfavoriteactoronthisshow.Heisastounding.HeismakingmecryoverthethoughtofAlCapone,acoldblooded,maniacalkiller,goingtojail.Beagoodboy.RememberallIdidwasforyou.Toleaveyouwithsomethingbetterandthatcantbefornothing.Nowwereallintears.Capone,thekidwiththesaddesteyesintheworld,andme.
Whenthekidputshisfistsup,echoinganearlierepisodewhenCaponewastryingtoteachhimtofight,Ireallyloseit.Caponecomesandhugshim.Imdownforthecount.(ForallyouCaponefansoutthere,Sonnywasbornwithcongenitalsyphilisand,afterbrainsurgery,wasleftpartiallydeaf.Asanadult,hechangedhisnameto
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Brown,todisassociatehimselfwithhisfather,anddiedin2004at85.)
WecutbacktoMargaret,dressedinaverysnazzyorangefrock.ShesatNuckysemptyapartmentintheEldorado,whichisabout20blocksnorthoftheMajestic.ThisluxurytwotoweredArtDecoCentralParkWestbuildingwasjustfinishedin1931.(ItsbeenthehomeofSinclairLewis,AlecBaldwinandMoby,amongothercelebrities.)ButNuckyissellinghisplace.
MargaretfindsNuckyonthebalcony.Agoldencurtainshimmersbehindher.Shetellshimhesdonewell$2,364,120.Shetellshimthatforher1,000shares,sheearned$29,925.Notbadforadayswork
Whensheaskshimforadviceonwhattodowithallthatmoney,heanswers:Iwasabellboy.Carriedpeoplesbags.FirsttimeIwastippedanickel,Ithoughttheworldisamarvelousplace.Butadimewouldbebetter.Thenaquarter.Well,youknowhowitworks.
Mycircumstanceshavechanged,hetellsher.TherearethingsIwontdoanymore.Youunderstandthat,dontyou?
ThereiswhatIknow,whatIsuspectandwhatIdontthinkIshouldeverhear,shesaysinthatlovelybrogue.Margaretcouldrecitehergrocerylistanditwouldsoundlikepoetry.
AmIsupposedtosayImsorry?heasks,genuinely.
Itsnotinyournature,shesays.Allyoudidwasoffer.Imtheonewhotook.(IfonlyCarmelaSopranocouldhavebeensowise.)
Asongcomesontheradio,andtheydance,cheektocheek,intheemptyapartment.Butbeforetheycankiss,arealestatebrokerbargesintoshowacoupletheapartment.Asthecouplelookaround,NuckyandMargaretexchangeamostlongingoflonginglooks.
BackdowntheroadabitattheMajestic,murderplansarebeingmade.Moregoldcurtainshanginthebackground.
Twoshootersinpublic,Lucianosays,sopeopleknow.
Iwantitallcleanedupbeforethemeeting,LanskyinstructsBugsy.
Whomaretheytalkingabout?Whosgonnagetitnow?Nucky?Narcisse?JohnnyTorrio?
BackinA.C.,Nuckyiswalkingdowntheboardwalkwithabigpaperbag,lookingPage 6 of 14
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aroundhimasifheexpectstogetshotanysecond.Awomaninagoldenharemcostumeapproachesandsays,DoyouknowwhoIam?Heguessesshesagenie.Shesaysshesfromthefutureandhasamessageforhim.
Theonlywaytoknowledgeisthroughexperience,shesays.Sister,weknowallaboutit.
Shetakeshimovertoaboothandpullsopenapurplecrushedvelvetcurtainandtellshimnottobeafraid.Itsdarkinside.Butsomethingislightingup.IsNuckydreaming?Andsuddenly,itsclearwhatsbeforehim.Atelevision.AlittlepostmoderninsidejokefromTerenceWinterandhispals.YouandI,luckyviewers,arefirmlyplantedinthefuture.Thefuturesnameispremiumcable.WillNuckyinvesthisnewfoundfortuneinthetelevisionindustry?
WeflashbacktoNuckyarrivingathisparentshome.Hismom,Eleanor(ErinDilly),hasablackeyefromhisdad,Ethan(IanHart),whosdrunkagain,practicallypassedoutinthebackyardwithashotgun.Nuckystartsyellingathim,andEthanpointsthegun.Afteratenseminuteorso,Ethanbreaksdown.
Youwerentgoingtotellme,hecries.Imgoingtobeagrandfather,andyoudontwantmetoknow.Isthatwhatyouthinkofme?
Hehandsthegunover,andasNuckyistakingtheshellsout,Ethanthrowsapunch.Afistfightensues,whichNuckywins.
Touchourmotheragain,Illgiveyouwhatyoudeserve,hesays.
ButEthanhasthelastword.Anditstings.Whereveryouthinkyourerunning,werealwaysgonnaberighthere.
BackinhiscurrentdayA.C.,Nuckyknocksonthedoorofacrummybuildingontheboardwalkaboveacigarshop.NextdoorisSilversBathhouse(enoughgold!)
Eli(SheaWhigham)answersthedoor.Nuckyisholdingthatgiantpaperbag.Whatcouldbeinside?
ItseemstheressomesandwichesandsomeCokes.Paintsuppliessitbehindtheminthisdingylittleroom.Yellowpaintcans,ofcourse.AndcontainersofsomehouseholdproductcalledGoldDust.Goldenlettersonthewindowbehindtheirheadsadvertisetoolsandhouseholdsupplies.ButrightbehindNucky,ashetalks,wecanseeonlytwogoldletters.AndtheyspelloutTV.
NuckytellsEliabouthisswimintheocean.Firstlighthaventdonethatin45yearsfartherthanIeverdaredasakid.Keepgoing,Ithought.Keepgoinguntil
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youcantturnback.Thatswherethereisntanychoice.Youdontknowwherethatis.Youdontknowuntilyoupassit.Andthenitstoolate.
Youneverwantedtobehere,Elitellshim.Notfromthestart.
Nuckytellshimtheywontbeseeingeachotheragain.AndIthinkthatsbest.Dontyou?heasks.
WhatamIsupposedtodowithmyself?Eliasks.
Arentyoudonewithmetellingyou?Nuckycomplains.
Hetellshimtogohome.ButEliisafraidhiswifewontevenopenthedoorforhim.
Ifyoudonttry,youllalwaysregretit,Nuckysays.
Howcomeyougottobethewiseone?Eliasks.
Becauseyouneededmetobe.
ItsnowthatIrealizetherehasbeensomuchsilenceinthisepisode,morethananyotherbeforeit.Itsgivingustimetoreflect.Tothinkaboutwhatscomebefore.JimmyandGillian,crazyGypRosetti,Caponeandhisdeafkid,VanAldenandthebaptismgoneawry.IfeelasifIvebeenthroughasmuchasNuckyandEli.
Littlebrother,Nuckysaysasheleaves.Andtheyhugitout.
Eligoesovertothepaperbag.Whatsinthere?Isitagun?AstatueoftheEmpireStateBuilding?GwynethPaltrowshead?Ahhhh.Itsmoney,ofcourse.Lotsofit.Fistfulsandfistfuls.
Andunderneath?
Ashavingbrushandrazor.ThetoolsforElisfuture.
WemakeanicecuttoCaponecheckinghisscarredfaceinacompactmirroronhisridetothecourthouse.TheinsideofCaponescarisagoldenhue.Hesticksacigarinhismouthandgetsout,smiling.Therearegoldenpanelsonthecourthousefacade.Thepresscrowdsaround,askingifhellbeatthecharges.
Youheartheyremakingamovieaboutme?helaughsandposesforthecameras.
Whowilltakecareofbusinesswhilehesaway,theyask.Heanswershehas500menworkingforhim,whowillallbestrandedifthisshipgoesdown.AtthetopofthecourthousestepsareDAngelo(LouisCancelmi)andhispartner.Caponestopssmilingforamomentandtipshiswhitehat.
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AttheMajesticmeetingwithLuciano,theceilingisamber.Agoldenmuralandgoldencolumnshineinthebackground.
OurfriendfromChicagocouldntmakeit,saysLucianotothemobstersgatheredaroundhistable.Wewishhimwell.
Payyourtaxes,fellas,oneofthegangsterssays.
Thistable,itsroundforareasoncausenobodysitsatthehead,Lucianoinstructs.Theresnoboss.Therearesevenbosses,acommission,madeupfromthefivefamiliesinNewYork,plusBuffaloandChicago.Nobodygetsmadeunlessweallapprove,Lucianoexplains.Yourwayofdoingthings,itsover.Ifitsgoodforbusiness,itsgoodforus.Jews,Irish.Nopointinlimitingtheiropportunities.Thefutureisours,boys,hesays,andtheytoast,withglassesofgoldenChampagne.
Dr.Narcissewalksoutofachurchaftergivingasermon,hisfansgatheredaroundhimandcomplimentinghim.Onegenerationpassethaway,anothergenerationcomeththesunrisesandthesungoesdown,hesays.Andjustthen,twogunmenLucianosguyspopupandstartshooting.JeffreyWrightdoesaterrificstumblingdeathscene.Butjusttobesure,agunmanreturnsandshootshimonemoretime.Forgoodmeasure.
AtGilliansmentalhospital,Nuckyisbeingledinbythescarymatron(MaryMcCann),whosaysthattheyusuallydonttellpatientstheyregettingavisitor.Itcreatesanexpectationthatcanleadtodifficulties.ButGillian(GretchenMol)isanexception.
Shesamodelgirl,soweletherknowshewouldbehavingavisitor,thematronsays.Shesbeenpreparingallday.
Gillianisseatedonawhitewickerchair,inapinkandwhitecheckeddress,lookingliketheadolescentinthoseflashbacks.Nuckyleapsrightinandwipesawayanyhopesshemighthaveofescape.
Whateveryouwant,whateveryouthinkIlldo,thatwontbepossible,hesays.Youwereveryclever.Youmadeabargain.Yousavedyourownneck.Thatsmorethanotherpeoplecansay.Gillianisnotresponding.Shesplayingwithaladybugcrawlingonherfingers.
Nuckyflailsaroundinaonewayconversation.Imnotsomeoneyoushouldlooktoforhelp.Imleavinghere.Startingsomethingnew.Iwontbeback.Youllhaveyourownroominside,thatsbeenarranged.Ifyougetyourselfout,therellbemoneyinatrustaccount.Dontwriteme.Donttrytofindme.Dontlookfor
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anythingelse.
Gillianwontfightback.Butshestearingup
Youwantmeonmyknees?heasks,desperateforsomefeedback.Iwontdothat.Thepastispast.Nothingcanchangeit.IshetryingtoconvinceGillianorhimself?RememberyourFaulkner:Thepastisneverdead.Itsnotevenpast.
Whatdoyouexpectofme?Nuckypleads.
Gillianisstilllookingatthebug.Theyrecalledladybugs.Buthowcanyoutellwhichonesalady?
Thematroncomesbackover.SheasksifGillianenjoyedhervisit.
Ohyes,shesays,graciously.
Shemovestogetup,thendoublesover.Itsabittender,Gilliansays,holdingherabdomen.Ohno.Theyvealreadydonethehysterectomy!Nuckywastoolate.
Dr.Cottonwillgiveyousomething,thematronsays.
SheputsoutherhandtoNucky,andhelooksalarmed.Butthenhehelpsherup.
Theresstillgraciousnessintheworld,shesays,andwalksaway.
WecuttotheOldRumpus,whereeventheshowgirlsaredressedinglitteringgoldundergarments.Nuckywalksinandsaysheshereforhisthings.Inhisbedroom,withitsbrownandgoldenshimmeringwallpaper,isanemptysuitcase.Helooksthroughadeskdrawerandpullsoutabookstuffedwithdocumentsandinsurancepolicies.(IsMickeysinthere?)Butitsnotthepolicyhesafter.ItsthepostcardfromMabelfromwhentheywerekids.Heturnsitoverandreadsit.Andthephonerings.
ItsthemanagerfromtheRitz.Ihaveasituationthatneedsyourattention.
Inanotherflashback,Nuckyisonthecrowdedboardwalk.KingNeptuneismakinghiswaydowninasmallparade,childrenwearinggoldencrowns.TheCommodoreisontheporch.Gillian(MadeleineRoseYen)isoneofNeptunesattendants.Nuckyspotsher.Sheruns,buthecatchesupwithher.
Sheaskswhatshappenedtohisface.(Hiseyeisblackenedfromthefistfightwithhisdad.)
Yourenottheonlyonewhodoesntlikewhereshescomefrom,Nuckysays.Page 10 of 14
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YouhaveMrs.Thompson,shereplies.Youregoingtohaveafamily.Sheaskshimtojustleaveheralone.Mrs.Thompsonsaidyouwanttobegood,butyoudontknowhow.
JimNearycomesandfetchesNuckyandsaystheCommodorewantshimupontheporch.ThisyoungNuckyasksGillianwithhisbestBuscemiimpersonationtostayforamoment.Please.Hetenderlytouchesherarm.
BacktocurrentdayA.C.ThemanageristellingNuckythattheguytheyvecaughtisapolitekid.Aprettylousythief.HestalkingaboutJoeHarper(TravisTope),whosbeingheldinthehotelbasement.Nuckyspringshim.
Flashbackagain.(Theyrecomingfastandfuriousnow,headedforanawfulcollisionofpastandpresent.)
TheCommodoredemandsNuckysbadge.Theyargue.Idonthavefaithinyou,theCommodoresays.
Iservedyou.Ivewaited.Ivekeptmymouthshut.
Youthinkyoudeservesomethingfortryinghard.Throughmeandfromme,thatsallthereis.
CuttoNuckylecturingJoeHarperontheboardwalk.Heaskswherethe$1,000isthathegavehim.
Illearnitback,Joesays.God,hesoundsjustlikeJimmy.Oh.My.God.HesoundsjustlikeJimmy.Itissuddenlydawningonme.
Joesayshellworkattheclub.
Thewarsover,Nuckysays.Theothersidewon.Icanthelpyou.Gobackhome.
Idonthaveone.
Thengofindone.Makeone.Dowithoutone.Donttakeitoutoneveryoneelse.
Nuckysticksmoneyinthekidstopjacketpocket.
Joetakesthemoneyoutandripsitup.
O.K.,kid.Youshowedme.Goodluck.Youregonnaneedit.
FlashbacktoNucky,devastated,walkingofftheCommodoresporch.Heswalkingaway.Walk,Nucky!Keepwalking!ButLeanderwalksuptohim.ThereisayouththeCommodorewishestoplaceinservice,hesays.
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Whatsthatgottodowithme?Nuckyasks.
Thetaskisentrustedtothesheriff,hesays,showinghimthebadge.
Nuckylooksupattheporch,andtheCommodoreisstaringoverathim,thenturnshisgazetoGillian,whosstillstandingontheboardwalk,waitingforNuckytocomeback.
Youunderstandthisisanactofcharity,Leandersays.
Butthisisthemoment.ThemomentthatNuckytalkedaboutearlierintheepisode,theeventthatthiswholedamnshowhingeson,withoutwhichthefutureforJimmy,forGillian,forNucky,Eliandeveryoneintheirorbitwouldhavebeensoverydifferent.Withoutthismoment,therewouldhavebeennobadNuckyperhaps.AndcertainlynoJimmy.AndnoRichardHarrow.Thisisthepivotalmomentthatwillsealtheirfate.OurfateofsittinghereinTVland,witnessingitall.
Thisisthatpoint,theoneyoudontseecominguntilitsrightinfrontofyouandyouhavetomakethatsnapjudgment,theonethatwillchangeyourlifeforever.Youdontknowwherethatis.Youdontknowuntilyoupassit.Andthenitstoolate,NuckytoldEliaboutswimmingtoofarout.
AndyouknowthatNuckyisabouttoswimpastthatpointofnoreturn.TradingGillianforhisfuturelifeofcrime.Andgold.
Backtothepresent,Nuckyiswalkingalongtheboardwalkandnoticesasignoveroneofthebuildings,featuringKingNeptune.Abunchofdrunkstudents(Princetonboys,withtheorangePontheirsweaters)aremakingtheirwaydowntheboardwalkandrunsmackintoNucky.OneofthemisrecitingaRobertW.Servicepoemaboutyouguessedit!thegoldrush.
Ourlesson,fellowpremiumcablewatchers:
Iwantedthegold,andIsoughtit;Iscrabbledandmuckedlikeaslave.WasitfamineorscurvyIfoughtit;Ihurledmyyouthintoagrave.Iwantedthegold,andIgotitCameoutwithafortunelastfall,YetsomehowlifesnotwhatIthoughtit,Andsomehowthegoldisntall.
FlashbacktoGillian,standingontheboardwalk.Issomethingwrong?sheasksNucky.Dowehavetoleave?CanIgodowntothebeach?
Youwantedtosailaroundtheworld,hesaystohermournfully.
Dontyou? Page 12 of 14
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Flashahead.JoeisstandingbehindNucky.WhenMeematalkedaboutyou,hesays,Icouldnttellifitwasloveorhate.Meema?Grandma,hesays.
Flashback.NuckytellsGillianthattheresamanherewhosveryrich.Hesofferedtohelpusboth.Wouldyouliketomeethim?IpromiseIllalwayslookafteryou.HeputshishandouttoGillian.
Whoareyou?NuckyasksJoeHarper.
TommyDarmody.Gasp!!!
Tommy(notJoeHarper!ItwasaTwainianmadeupname!!!)pullsoutagun.AndheshootsNuckytwice.Nuckyfallsandputsouthishand.
YoungGillianputsoutherhand.
TommyshootsNuckyintheface,thebulletneatlypiercinghischeek.Hesstillalive.Dazedbutalive.DetectivesgrabTommyandshowtheirbadgestoNuckyandsaysomethinginaudibleabouttakinghimtothehospital.
AndnowNuckyisswimmingunderwaterasaboy,fromthatfirstscenefromthefirstepisodethisseason.Heschasingthegoldcoin.Andfinallyhecatchesit.Andwefadetoblack.
Theendofasmall,gildedmasterpiece.
QuestionsandtalkingpointsforthoseofuswhonowhavenothingtodoonSundaynights:
SoisNuckydeadoralive?Ivotealive.Butthenagain,IwassureTonydidntgetrubbedoutinthatlastsceneofTheSopranos.Callmeanoptimist.
Inreallife,Nuckywasnotshot.Hediedin1968at85attheAtlanticCountyConvalescentHome.
Caponewenttoprisonatage33,wherehewasdiagnosedwithsyphilisandsufferingfromcocainewithdrawal.Neurosyphilisateathisbrainuntilhewasreleasedin1939andfoundtohavetheI.Q.ofa12yearold.In1947hehadastroke,thencontractedpneumoniaanddiedofaheartattackjustafterhis48thbirthday.
TheMajestic,Lucianosluxuryapartmentbuilding,hasbeenthehomeofMiltonBerle,ConanOBrien,WalterWinchellandMarcJacobs.Vincent(theChin)Gigante,themobsterwholaterworehisbathrobeandslippersonthestreetsofGreenwichVillage,shotFrankCostellointhelobbybackin1957,butCostellolived.
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Backtotop
Whenhedeliveredtheshot,Gigantesaid,Thisisforyou,Frank,whichcausedCostellototurnhishead,resultinginamerescalpwound.
MaybeweshouldallrentLouisMallesAtlanticCitynextweekandgettogethertochat
HeleneStapinski
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