This episode certainly packed more of a punch that previous episodes in the season. A little bit of each character was developed in this episode, which leaves the trend of leaving some of the characters out of recent episodes. Nucky seems to relax a bit this episode, with his mind focused on the mayors birthday festivities rather than the budding revolution being conspired under his nose. Margaret is certainly up to something, as she shows a small amount of malice towards the maids when she lowers their wages without Nucky's consent, and is also given money for the "children clothes", a 100 dollars. Chalky appears to be losing his grip on the black community as he is bombarded with accusations at a community meeting. His situation almost reflects that of Nucky's, who's position is also under attack. A dinner table scene featuring Chalky and his Daughter's boyfriend is absolutely intense, and one of the defining scenes of the whole show. Very little from Van Alden this episode, although suspicion from his fellow agents leads to an impressive set piece. Gillian lets out some pent up rage this episode, with a surprising scene featuring the bed stricken commodore. Background on Richards character is revealed, as he describes to Jimmy's wife his upbringing. Jimmy has not got a huge presence, with his few scenes mainly driving the expansion of the liquor business inter-state. Overall, a great episode, despite the conspiracy storyline being driven much at all, this is a very entertaining episode. 8 Stars
3 Reviews
William Forsythe makes an appearance
silverton-3795915 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
William Forsythe is one of my favorite character actors and it was a great choice to cast him as Manny Horwitz. He does a fine presentation of the accent required by the role. Having him play an immigrant jewish gangster of the period really complements the overall fine cast in this episode.
A problem with the writing is worth pointing out here: Darmody and his crew have a huge glut of product and are trying to move it, so it makes absolutely no sense for him to stiff Manny on $5k worth of liquor. This is lazy writing if the goal is to establish a reason for enmity between Manny and Jimmy. There are plenty of better ideas for putting these two characters at odds.
Even with the plot hole created by the writers, Manny Horwitz is a great character who makes the whole story richer.
A problem with the writing is worth pointing out here: Darmody and his crew have a huge glut of product and are trying to move it, so it makes absolutely no sense for him to stiff Manny on $5k worth of liquor. This is lazy writing if the goal is to establish a reason for enmity between Manny and Jimmy. There are plenty of better ideas for putting these two characters at odds.
Even with the plot hole created by the writers, Manny Horwitz is a great character who makes the whole story richer.
The Least Enjoyable Episode of season 2..so far
FargoFan120 October 2011
This episode was rather slow paced in my opinion,Although Many characters were given some small camera time to let their character breathe a little eg (richard the soldier and Owen the Irishman )Im getting quite disappointed that Jimmy D. (my fav.character)is getting less camera time then say...nucky' house maids.. What has interested me about this episode though is observing the inner destruction of Agent van Alden' character (no spoilers).. ALL in all a quite Forgettable episode, and in terms of "action packed" its nothing like season 2 episode 2" Ourselves Alone".. I do hope the upcoming episode gives the fans something more say for example (Owen the Irishman going into action or Al Capone (Stephen Graham) getting more dialogue)
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