After three brilliant seasons, the HBO Original Boardwalk Empire came back with the next edition of the thrilling crime drama with season four in 2012. Starring Steve Buscemi as the protagonist, Enoch Thompson, the show is not only liked by the critics; it has also developed a cult fan following over the years.
The third season was, arguably, the series' best yet, although one can say that the second season was better in terms of storytelling. Nevertheless, after a beautiful third season finale, the fans couldn't wait to see what Nucky had up his sleeve this time. Here's every episode from the fourth outing of Boardwalk Empire, ranked according to IMDb.
"The North Star" (7.9)
In the sixth episode of season four, Nucky meets Margaret to give her some bad news before heading to Florida, again, for his business dealings. There, his chemistry with Sally is quite visible. Meanwhile, Richard Harrow thinks about returning to Julia and Tommy, while Chalky and Daughter have a fierce confrontation. This episode dips in pace severely.
"William Wilson" (8.0)
In the seventh episode of season four, Valentine is moving forward with his plans, as he dominates Purnsley, while Chalky is too busy getting romantic with Daughter. In New York, Margaret has a chance encounter with Rothstein, which ends up in an awkward conversation. Also, Eli has some parental problems after Willie decides to do something no one wants him to.
"Acres Of Diamonds" (8.1)
In the third episode of season four, Nucky goes to Florida, pursuing a business opportunity but he is disappointed to see it. Eventually, though, he changes his mind, while bonding with a girl called Sally. Back at the Onyx Club, Valentine brings in a singer, Daughter Maitland, who catches Chalky's eye. Also, Purnsley turns on Chalky for Valentine.
"New York Sour" (8.3)
The first episode of season four features the consequences of last season's finale's actions. Joe Masseria makes his way to Atlantic City to have showdown talks with Nucky, in presence of Arnold Rothstein. It's a nice opener for the season, which sees Chalky White land in some trouble. He has opened the Onyx Club where Babette's used to be and Purnsley makes a mistake.
"Resignation" (8.3)
In the second episode of season four, it is made clear who's going to be the antagonist of the season. A man named Valentine Narcisse comes to investigate what happened with his employee, and he uses the leverage to land himself a partnership at the Onyx Club, much to Chalky's frustration. Elsewhere, Eddie wants to resign because he feels Nucky doesn't value him enough.
"Havre De Grace" (8.4)
The penultimate episode of season four disappoints, as it refuses to live up to the billing. Chalky is on the run, and he is now staying with his old mentor, Oscar, but Daughter isn't loving any of it.
At the behest of the Feds, Eli tries to convince Nucky to arrange a meeting between the top mobsters in the country, while Valentine deploys men to look for Chalky and Daughter.
"All In" (8.6)
In the fourth episode of season four, a fight between Rothstein and Nucky takes place, only, this time, it's on a poker table. Nucky isn't impressed with Rothstein's obsession, so he decides to Meyer his partner in the Florida business deal. Meanwhile, Al and Frank Capone take Van Alden with them, even though he is working for Dean O'Banion and he knows this could get him killed.
"Marriage And Hunting" (8.6)
In the ninth episode of season four, Chalky has a lot of things to deal with. His war with Valentine is going over the top, and Daughter has come in the middle of it all. She is suffering in between two men who want to assert their dominance on her. On the business front, Rothstein has some talks with Nucky, while Van Alden prepares to move up the ladder by having Dean O'Banion murdered for Al Capone.
"The Old Ship Of Zion" (8.8)
In the eighth episode of season four, tensions flare among various characters. The first shipment from Florida brings Sally to Atlantic City, and Nucky is quite surprised to see her.
He also has Willie to deal with, who wants to do what Uncle Nucky does. In other news, Chalky lays down the ground rules for Valentine, as he wants the latter to not outgrow himself. Eli is backed into a corner by the Feds.
"White Horse Pike" (8.9)
In the tenth episode of season four, Chalky wants Valentine's life, but he fails with his attempt, so he has to drive out of the city with Daughter, leaving his family behind. Van Alden continues to shine in the eyes of the Capone's, while Nucky is forced to choose a side. Definitely, he will look after his safety first and then come up with a plan for his friend Chalky. Day by day, it feels like Atlantic City is slipping out of Nucky's hands.
"Erlkönig" (9.0)
In the fifth episode of season four, the show finally picks up in pace, with Van Alden joining the Capone brothers for another outing, but everything then threatens to go south. Nucky has to deal with some family problems, as Willie Thompson, Eli's son, lands in some trouble, which could see him going to jail. Also, Eddie is taken hostage by a Federal Agent called Knox.
"Farewell Daddy Blues" (9.4)
In the season four finale, one of the best characters of the show, Richard, dies after a turn of events no one saw coming. Desperate for Julia to retain the custody of Tommy, Richard makes a devil's deal with Nucky after the latter is forced into action by none other than Chalky. When the killer night approaches, nothing goes according to plan. Chalky sees something which he can never wipe out of his memory.