Boardwalk Empire//Season Four//Episode 3//Acres of Diamonds

Written by Terence Winter
Directed by Allen Coulter
Originally aired September 22, 2013

“Acres of Diamonds” finds Boardwalk Empire trading in on some dubious clichés. I’m not sure if it would be better or worse if these clichés were occurring within the series’ least or most interesting plotlines but as it happens they are amidst the former lending the entire episode an unbalanced and inconsistent tilt. Perhaps worst of all is how “Acres” seems flush yet does little to move much of anything along plot wise or in terms of character development. Acres there are not but a few diamonds amongst the miles of rough are there to be found if you’re willing to look.

Boardwalk Empire//Season Four//Episode 2//Resignation

Written by Dennis Lehane & Howard Korder
Directed by Alik Sakharov
Originally aired September 19, 2013

“Resignation” is a twitchy little thing, jumping eagerly from scene to scene. When you really break it down there are, as per usual, only about five or so subplots happening though it can really feel like a lot more as shades from other worlds occasionally drift in. For instance, the titular resignation does not in fact refer to Harry Daugherty, who gets only passing notice, but to a much less likely character. Still, essential moments (and characters) are given a drink and a chance to catch their breaths. A new player is introduced, one that effectively mirrors Gyp Rosseti and is no less threatening and another will detail the depth of their deception. All while the bodies continue to stack. Just another week in America…

Boardwalk Empire//Season Four//Episode 1//New York Sour

Written by Howard Korder
Directed by Tim Van Patten
Originally aired September 8, 2013

There’s a magical air to the new season of Boardwalk Empire. Beginning with a flurry of fake snow and occasionally bathed in an impossibly beautiful turquoise light, this season is taking things well beyond the immaculately designed but undeniably confined sets of the previous seasons and out into new territory both physical and otherwise. Last season expanded our view of Prohibition-era America to the picturesque Tabor Heights and the darker (if you’ll pardon the awful pun) side of Atlantic City. “New York Sour” dutifully follows the career arc of an increasingly successful dramatic series by expanding its scope though not always to the overall benefit of the series.