Boardwalk Empire: Every Episode In Season 1, Ranked (According To IMDb)

HBO original series Boardwalk Empire has gone under the radar over its lifetime after debuting in 2010 thanks to the likes of Game Of Thrones, another HBO Original released during that time. Dubbed as the heir to The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire didn’t live up to the expectations as a crime drama, although it left a lasting impact on the fans who watched the show.

Based in the 1920s, the first season of the critically acclaimed series saw the introduction of Enoch (Nucky) Thompson, who basically owns Atlantic City, and nothing happens in the town without him knowing about it. Let’s rank every episode from the first outing of the show, according to IMDb.

12 “The Ivory Tower” (7.9)

In the second episode of season one, Nucky has to do some damage control after Hans Schroder’s murder and a couple of killings in his city. Federal agent Nelson Van Alden thinks Nucky is framing someone for what he did. Elsewhere, on Nucky’s instructions, Elias Thompson goes to visit Margaret Schroder to tell her to remain silent if the Federal Government comes knocking.

11 “Broadway Limited” (8.1)

In the third episode of season one, Nucky offers Margaret a job before striking a deal with Chalky White. Jimmy Darmody is identified as one of the shooters in the recent killings. In New York, Arnold Rothstein orders Charlie Luciano to kill Jimmy for interfering in his deal. Nucky, realizing Jimmy is in danger, sends him to Chicago, and it’s fair to say that, Angela, the mother of his son, Tommy, isn’t quite happy about it all.

10 “Anastasia” (8.2)

In the fourth episode of the first season, Jimmy, now in Chicago, is settling into the new surroundings as he works for Johnny Torrio, Al Capone’s boss. Because he has a particular skill set, Jimmy will come in handy for the Chicago mob boss. Elsewhere, Luciano is looking for Jimmy in Atlantic City, while Nucky celebrates his birthday and grows closer to Margaret.

9 “Hold Me In Paradise” (8.2)

In the eighth episode of season one, Nucky goes to Chicago on some Republican Party business and hands over Atlantic City’s affairs to Eli, but Nuckt’s little brother runs into a trap as he is shot.

In Chicago, Nucky meets with Torrio while catching up with Jimmy and tells him to return home, as Nucky could use someone like Jimmy in the war against Rothstein and his men.

8 “Family Limitation” (8.3)

In the sixth episode of season one, after an attack on one of Nucky’s workers, Atlantic City’s treasurer must find out who is behind it, and he suspects it could be Luciano. In Chicago, Jimmy, Al, and Johnny lead a successful mission, which earns Jimmy some plaudits, much to Al’s frustration. Also, Margaret is given a house to live in by Nucky and is promised to be looked after.

7 “Nights In Ballygran” (8.4)

In the fifth episode of the first season, it’s all about Margaret. She wants something, but she isn’t getting it, so she decides to do something about it. She informs on Nucky’s operation, tipping off Nelson Van Alden as James Neary, one of Nucky’s partners is arrested. Later, Nucky grows closer to Margaret, telling her to stop playing games and asking what it is she wants Nucky to be.

6 “Paris Green” (8.4)

In the penultimate episode of season one, Van Alden takes an extreme step as he drowns Agent Sebso and kills him, giving the viewers a glimpse of what he is capable of. Jimmy’s father, The Commodore, is dying, and Gillian tells her son to visit his father, which Jimmy accepts, reluctantly. Moreover, Nucky has to deal with the elections, as well as the war with the D’Alessio brothers.

5 “Boardwalk Empire” (8.6)

In the first episode of the series, the protagonist of the story, Nucky Thompson, goes to a women’s league meeting, where, as the treasurer of Atlantic City, he extends his support for women to get voting rights and says that he’ll do everything in his power to uphold the Volstead Act, perpetuating the abolition of alcohol.

Of course, his motives are ar less than pure, as he is a criminal who makes most of his money by selling booze acquired from other mob bosses across the country.

4 “Home” (8.6)

In the seventh episode of the series’ first season, stories about Nucky’s childhood come to light. First of all, he absolutely hates his father, which means Nucky must have gone through a rough childhood. In contrast, Elias seems to like his father.

Also, in this episode, another interesting character is introduced, Richard Harrow, a war veteran who meets Jimmy, and he’s recruited for a job.

3 “Bella Femme” (8.6)

In the ninth episode of season one, Jimmy returns to Atlantic City and takes Nucky up on his offer, but only if Richard works for him, as well. Margaret is asked for help from Madam Jeunet, and she doesn’t know if she can do that.

Meanwhile, Eli recovers from the bullet in his gut while identifying the D’Alessio brothers as the perpetrators who want to kill Nucky and try to take their shot.

2 “The Emerald City” (8.6)

In the tenth episode of season one, Van Alden isn’t happy with Agent Sebso, who killed their only shot at Nucky by eliminating Billy Winslow, a witness.

In New York, Rothstein is not happy with the D’Alessio brothers for botching the assassination attempt. Meanwhile, Jimmy returns home and tries to reconnect with Angela, while Richard is living with Margaret and the kids for their protection.

1 “The Return To Normalcy” (8.8)

The seasonone1 finale is frantic and has a twist in store for fans. Rothstein sets up a meeting with Nucky to end their war and earn money together, while Margaret discovers some new things about Nucky and the darkness he keeps with himself. The Commodore seems to be getting better, and, alongside Eli, he plans to bring down Nucky with help from Jimmy.

About The Author