Boardwalk Empire

[HappyGilmore]

HBO just launched a new original series.  Executive produced by Martin Scorcese, who also directed the premiere.

It stars Steve Buscemi in the lead role, as Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, a half gang boss/half corrupt politician in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  It starts off on the eve of the start of Prohibition back in the '20s, and he hatches a plan to start selling the now outlawed alcohol illegally, making himself a healthy profit. 

Decent acting, a good storyline and an ending making me want to watch the next episode marks the premiere episode.  The ratings were so high that HBO renewed it for a second season, and it was only one episode.

Anyone else catch it?

[Flick James]

I liked it quite a bit. It says what I've always said about prohibition in general. The almost immediate corresponding rise in government corruption, gangsterism, and the price of a drink was well represented, as was the rise of the making of nasty and dangerous alcoholic concoctions underground to meet the demand that prohibition disallowed. A great artistic expression of how prohibition creates more problems than it solves.

I'm curious to see how the show progresses through the prohibition era. The prohibition era started in 1920, yet the show seemed to represent cultural and fashion elements that were a bit more advanced into the decade, but I think that's to be expected from a show that is trying to capture the over-the-top culture of the roaring 20's.

I'm looking forward to the next episode.

[HappyGilmore]

Totally agree.  Especially about the fashion elements.  They started it, what, the night before Prohibition took place?  Dunno how long the show is expected to run, although I read they were pleased with how the series looks and the ratings and reviews it's gotten and renewed it for a definite second season.

I'm sure they'll bounce the characters around and age them and all. 

[Flick James]

That could be a challenge. If the show is highly successful, they have 13 years of the prohibition era to cover. If the show is not as big as they hoped or suspected, they may need to advance it along a little faster. Off to a good start, though.

[Jim H]

I enjoyed it, but I must admit I found a couple bits a little hard to follow.  Maybe I wasn't paying close enough attention.  My favorite part of the episode was the reveal of who the driver from Chicago was. 

[HappyGilmore]

That could be a challenge. If the show is highly successful, they have 13 years of the prohibition era to cover. If the show is not as big as they hoped or suspected, they may need to advance it along a little faster. Off to a good start, though.

I don't know if they'd wanna do 13 years of the show though.  But HBO is different than most tv stations though, in that the seasons may not be full 22 episodes or 23 episodes.  They may film 10 episodes and not air any for the next 8 months to year and a half.  Especially since Boardwalk Empire has a few actors (Buscemi and Michael Pitt) who also have movies they film.  Considering that and the ages of some of the stars, you never know.

[10,000 Volt Ghost]

Left me drooling for the 2nd episode. I hope they cast John Waters as Steve Buschemi's brother.

[Flick James]

That could be a challenge. If the show is highly successful, they have 13 years of the prohibition era to cover. If the show is not as big as they hoped or suspected, they may need to advance it along a little faster. Off to a good start, though.

I don't know if they'd wanna do 13 years of the show though.  But HBO is different than most tv stations though, in that the seasons may not be full 22 episodes or 23 episodes.  They may film 10 episodes and not air any for the next 8 months to year and a half.  Especially since Boardwalk Empire has a few actors (Buscemi and Michael Pitt) who also have movies they film.  Considering that and the ages of some of the stars, you never know.

I'm fairly versed in HBO series. They're typically about 12-13 episodes on average. Much shorter than a typical network show, but then the production values and cast are of a much higher scale.

[Flick James]

Left me drooling for the 2nd episode. I hope they cast John Waters as Steve Buschemi's brother.

That was funny. Karma for that. 

[HappyGilmore]

Overall it's looking like it's a decently written show. 

Can't wait to see where it'll go after seeing last night's episode.

[Mr. DS]

Just caught up with the series, I have been enjoying it.  The roles are perfectly cast I find.  Though parts of me really doesn't give a hoot about Jimmy.  I'm sure I'll get more into his character if he is going to join the Chicago crew. 

[HappyGilmore]

Got it on now.  Missed last week's, but it's available On Demand, so I'll have to catch it next after this one airs. 

[10,000 Volt Ghost]

Kind of interested in seeing what goes on between Chicago and Atlantic city now. Kind of hope they kill that curly howard impersonator though.

[HappyGilmore]

Taking an interesting story there.  Like that Al Capone's in it.

[The Burgomaster]

This is one of those shows that, like the SOPRANOS, I probably won't see until the DVD release.