October 18th, 2010
12:21 PM ET
'Boardwalk Empire': Lucy is certainly no MargaretWelcome back “Boardwalk Empire” fans. In last week's blog, I found a moment or two (okay, so it was more like five) to wax poetic on the subject of my affinity for the widow Margaret Schroeder. Since the show began, this character (played masterfully by Kelly Macdonald) has been an increasingly intriguing wrinkle in Nucky's freshly-pressed world. Well, as of this week's episode, "Nights in Ballygran," I should probably leave some space on this blog for your hand claps and high-fives because Margaret was absolutely magnificent.
As the show began, I could sense a big twist in the drama surrounding her. The writers have done a pretty good job giving us a steady diet featuring the different flavors of widow Schroeder's personality, and I could tell a big meal was being prepared. It turned out to be a virtual smorgasbord, and I loved every minute of it. She was as graceful and demure as she was cunning, calculating and manipulative. It’s plainly evident Margaret is as intelligent as they come and (I can't believe I'm typing this) I even LOVED the vengeful chess move she made on Atlantic City's most powerful figure after he was a complete jerk brushing her (and her soda bread) aside. Why Nucky, why? Let's go back one episode for the answer: When Nucky danced with Margaret at his birthday bash, I thought it was a poignant, "not-just-an-ordinary-happenstance" kind of moment. As Nucky and Margaret spun around gazing into each other's eyes, all of their thoughts and ideas about one another were put on display for them to see and realize. Didn't it seem like this unlikely pair wasn't so "unlikely" after all? She likes him because he effortlessly saved her from a life she was otherwise doomed to lead (among other reasons), and he likes her because she's exactly the type of woman he finds to be an alluring challenge (among other reasons). The scene was brimming with foreshadowing and symbolism, and be sure to add Margaret's theft of the undergarment from the boutique to the list of foreshadowed tidbits as well. Slowly but surely, Margaret realizes she wants to live the kind of life she has seen via Nucky, and he's had the growing thought that "while Lucy is exciting, beautiful, and will do exactly what I say, she is certainly no Margaret." But during last night's episode, Nucky pulled away and totally dismissed Margaret, because he was sensing his feelings for her. Meanwhile, his brother Eli (who had my "jerk-o-meter" pegging in the 9.8 range the entire episode) could smell "smitten" in the air, and his jealousy went through the roof, culminating with the swing he takes at Nucky after the very "Sopranos"-ish Celtic dinner. That scene was bold and compelling in signature Terence Winter style, but Eli's speech at that dinner was neither bold nor compelling. I'll just say this: Brother, for the love of Peter, Paul and Mary, stick to the police work. Elsewhere, the Jimmy and Pearl situation ended sadly. As she emerged for all to see her horrible scar, I felt my face wrinkle up, and had a feeling things would end the way they did. It was a jolting scene 45 minutes in, and I thought the episode actually needed that gunshot. Prior to that point, the episode dragged a bit and I could feel myself drifting into "New York Times crossword puzzle" territory. I did, however, enjoy the early Rothstein scene, which paid homage to his "alleged" role in the 1919 World Series, also known as the "Black Sox scandal." So far, I've devoted a bit more than 300 characters to my intense like for the widow Schroeder, but how can I leave out Agent Van Alden? His scenes have been some of the best the show has to offer, and last night was no exception. Van Alden (played by Michael Shannon) embodies the gritty, ‘20s era federal agent with great flair. He's thoughtful and precise but he doesn't play around, and he never seems to not be in battle prohibition mode. Finally, can we discuss that ending montage? Set to the traditional Irish tune "Carrickfergus," it was both beautifully edited and well-placed within the setting of the show. As the credits rolled, I was furiously searching Google for the title I thought I heard in the chorus, only to end up using my trusty iPhone app "Shazam" to record the song and get the real info. Now the new dilemma is whose version of the song is better: Charlotte Church, Paddy Reilly or Van Morrison? I'm stumped. All in all, the episode ended well and was a notch higher than decent, with bonus points going to Schroeder and Agent Van Alden. As stated, she needs a "like" button as I watch, but something tells me her whistle-blowing may not just be brushed under the rug, even if Nucky gets to do the sweeping. Now that the two are an item things will really heat up, so stay tuned. Loved, kinda liked, or hated the show? Let us know!
Next entry »'The Hobbit' to begin production in early 2011
« Previous entryAlicia Keys, Swizz Beatz welcome baby boy
 |
  About this blog
Our daily cheat-sheet for breaking celebrity news, Hollywood buzz and your pop-culture obsessions.  |
Great Headphones for a Greater Price ,Highly recommended. Great audio quality for on-ear headphones. Highly portable and convenient to store. More comfortable than most on-ear cans. Works great as a headset for both the iPhone 3GS and iPad.
beats speaker box http://beatsspeaker.blogspot.com
Hello there, I discovered your blog via Google while searching for a similar matter, your website got here up, it appears great. I have added to favourites|added to my bookmarks.
Basically, the output of the sounds within the headphones is a most important i . d . within the characteristic with superior earbuds. You will be let down in the event you merely pay for headsets which has a lower data compresion rate (usually underneath one hundred sixty kb/s, forty-four KHz). An additional way to know the consistency with the earbuds is simply by playing the sound Compact disks; fantastic headphones give superior noise together with soft audio. Constantly your sound recording types to use to check on that headphones can be FLAC's and the mp3 Blu Ray file types. That add-ons with the headsets are also fundamental. To complement any kind of head, the deal that consists of at a minimum several categories of auricular garnitures ought to be prepared. That cable tv need some preview that could be effective in addition to durable and along the twine by itself ought to be at least 3 m. This cover with the earbuds ought to be sturdy, especially if anyone travel a lot. For those who have a plan to buy a earphones, you should realize that this earphones are simply just applied to spot in which you don't have to be charged particular attention. Quality headphones is often more advantageous unless you rely on them in the midst of generating round in the city. The surface looks can be extremely difficult to remain seen, also if you are using your earphones which includes a lower amount.
Cellular above scalp – 'Headphone' – the company name again holds the meaning for the expression. Headsets are a set small to medium sized audio system which are usually stored extremely nearby the eardrums of the fan base. They offer entire transportation for the clients. Earphones can be referred to by completely different labels such as earphones, headsets bud, stereo-phones or headphones. Earbuds undoubtedly are a entire methods for activities as you are able to get pleasure from music, cinema in addition to matches free of worrying others. They are traditional of that time period, usually beats by dre solo
used by today's children's. Should you be a good beats companion and additionally think that following music could repair ones troubles, maintain new music in the area with the assistance of headphones and see that distinction. Headsets precisely link up anyone along with the beats, which has no external hassle. Headsets are generally traditional to get enjoyment. Still, they were primary raised for radio stations. Nonetheless, along with the growth inside solutions, earphones started out being utilized generally within name centers, in internet business sectors are essential in addition to agencies and additionally in the music earth way too. Tips on how to choose the deserving headphones for you?
beats by tour dre
I just book marked your blog marquee.blogs.cnn.com on Digg and Stumble Upon. I enjoy reading your commentaries.
koszulki
The kind of subtle intensity displayed in this episode is the kind of thing I’m always raving about when it comes to Boardwalk Empire. It’s just an amazing show. I was nearing panic when I realized after a last minute trip that I had not only missed a couple of episodes but that I had also forgotten to set my DVR! Luckily though I remembered my employer (DISH Network) has this live streaming website called dishonline, so I checked there and sure enough the episodes I needed to catch back up were there. It’s definitely a great service that I am now thankful for. Once I started browsing around the site I was pretty surprised at just how much content there is, and a lot of it is available to non-subscribers too. Definitely worth checking out.
Well this is the first time I've ever blogged about anything, let alone comment. This series has been a light in the world of television and I mean for every channel possibly viewable. I'm not a cheesey kind of guy but in this time and age regular tv or cable its great to know that there's still writing talent in the world. A freind of mine saw Mark Wahlberg on some late night show and they were complimenting him on the movie "Fighter" and he accepted their,"good jobs" and "way to go's". But he stopped the host and said "that he was more excited for the nomination's for Boardwalk. Last year and for the past 2 yrs before that, Dexter was a no brainer for me in that category but for as much as I love Dexter, I can't get enough of Empire. There's not a character on there that don't belong. I've always digged any part Buscemi ever played. From comedy to drama. He's the one I wait for in Reservoir Dogs and any Sandler movie he's in is always a surprise. But Nucky is the s???. (Like I said first time so I don't know all the rules of blogging). And Margaret, perfect, flawless and beautiful...for a woman who is about to be one of the most powerful characters in the show. From the time she read the ledger I know it was "on". Jimmy, brother, you are so great. No need to say anymore because I will end up using some kind of cuss word to describe his character. Anyways, I can not wait till new season starts and my old lady kills me everytime she reminds me its going to be a long time till then. I read a comment about the style of dress and how much they loved it. And I'm with you on that. I have a couple of Derby's, like the one's they wear, and I have fun when I wear them because its an eye catcher. To bad we don't have a style like that now.
So to end this rambling, "pure greatness" is all I have to say for this series. Oh and thanks to the writers for giving me hope in television because it was getting a little dim out there.
Damnrookieblogger... Charles
Calling all Boardwalk Empire Fans – join us for this unique opportunity hear Kramer Morgenthau, ASC, the Cinematographer and Kate Sanford, Editor discuss the creative process, challenges and how they created the amazing first season. http://createasphere.com/En/webcasts.html?layout=category
The styling is superb,but what really sticks out is the relationship between the Italian mobsters and the Jewish ones, its
like first cousins and still exists today,except with less bloodshed.
and they certainly dressed well, l sure wish more men dressed like that today.
Nothing but great things to say about this series! One thing to point out though – in the 2nd or 3rd episode it showed Al Capone's kitchen and in the background wall are some pictures of various saints. One of them, however, was just a little too early for sainthood! Al must have been bribing Pope Benedict XV (Hey Fadda – I got a couple a cases a Scotch for you if you do me a favor...) to promote St Therese of the little Flower to early sainthood AND get a printed shot of her in 1920!
I love this show. I also believe Margaret reminds Nucky of his late wife. Explain the relationship between Nucky, Jimmy and Jimmy's mother. Is Nucky Jimmy's father?
Hi, it's nice here so I am just saying hi. I've been watching board for a month now and decided to register. Hope that my english will be good enough to communicate with you :). My hobby are internet contests and my hobby page – instantempo it's about them.
Is it my imagination, or did I just swoon over Steve Buscemi? That was a hot, hot closing scene between Nucky and Margaret, and an artful build-up from the writers along the way.
I am so hooked on this show. The Margaret-Nucky dance scene, reminded me of the tango scene in Scent of a Woman between Al Pacino and Gabrielle Anway... intense chemestry!
I love the show and Margaret's character. Her witt and manipulative way to conquer Nucky. She is total opposite of Lucy. This is why Nucky is going crazy for her.
Great episode.
Pretty sure this is the version from the show:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JMRYTtuMaE
I loved loved LOVED the ending for the episode last night. I'm all eyes on the screen when Nucky and Margaret are together. They are unbelivably cute and I knew from the first episode something was going to happen. I'm rooting for them. Way to go Margaret. Get it in!!!! 😀
that indeed, was a great episode i am totally with you on the Margaret and Van Alden thing...both of them have easily become 2 of my favorites of the show, Nucky is also a favorite of mine. Margaret is adorable, and has a quiet intelligence and wit to her that makes me adore her. It's like we get to see a new side to her each week and it makes her character even more fascinating. Van Alden's character is magnificent. First, the scene in an earlier episode where he interrogates the survivor of the forest-shooting/hold-up, shoving his hand in his open wound to make him talk while insighting a line from a bible(a very genius and powerful scene) and now the scene from last night where he crashes the St.Patrick's Day feast to arrest the bootlegger margaret complains about. Van Alden is to-the-point and doesn't play around. "If anybody tries to make a run for it, then shoot them" he orders his fellow officers. Just simply an awesome character, and it's character's like that that make HBO crime related drama's so intense and well-liked, and i am the biggest Soprano's fan as well!
I'm always suprised to watch the lushness of sets, and dead-on styling, while witnessing both violence and beauty. This perticular episode showed the many faces of pain & pleasure~
Answer: none of the above. Bryan Ferry's version (on the 1979 album Bride Stripped Bare) is the best–understated, elegant, and moving.
Truely the best show on Television...
I also though Jimmy and his mom were lovers in the beginning, that first greet was awfully ummm...romantic...i can't wait to see where the storyline of nucky and margaret goes, i was cheering for them =)
The scene w/Jimmy's Mom & Baby's Momma was weird, but I think back an episode or so when he went to see his mother for the first time since he wa home...they way they greeted each other I didnt think Mother & Son...I thought they were lovers @ first....There may be more to that they arent saying or to be revealed later?????????
Nucky definitely sees his late wife in Margaret. Rooting for them to end up together.
Def. go with the Charlotte Church Version!! It was a great episode all around!!
Here's to hoping Nuck's slice of redemption becomes as contemptible as everything else in his life and Margaret learns that some wishes are better left unfulfilled. The finality of the closing sequence was seconded by Margaret's shredding of the undergarment. With all the emotions Margaret embodies within the story – her catharsis will be the best.
Terence Winter explained in an “Inside the Episode” on the Boardwalk Empire site at HBO.com that Margaret’s move to have the Celtic dinner raided was about getting Nucky’s attention. If that was the reason, and not because she felt scorned, then she is more of a badass than I imagined. Go, Margaret! In fiction or reality I would never make such a move.
It was a classic, yet subtle "I will not be ignored" move that every woman would love to do.
I believe that Margaret will play the role as Nucky’s conscience and his equal in ambition and manipulation. A woman scorned is still a powerful force of nature, which brings to mind Lucy and any retaliations she will unleash because of the relationship between Nucky and Margaret. I also wonder about Van Alden’s reaction when he gets wind of the Nucky and Margaret thing. Van Alden may unleash his fury further fueled by his freakish fantasies of Margaret. Do you remember the hair ribbon Van Alden stole from Margaret a few episodes ago? He seemed to inhale her essence through the ribbon. If he wasn’t so creepy that action would have been romantic. Van Alden’s wife must really miss him. He’s so hot…
They need to pick up the pace a little bit – interesting show, but need a little more action.
some body is gonna get laid later. freaky. i got some new stuff. blog up. http://holographichologram.blogspot.com/
As I watched, I thought too that in Margaret's mind, the dance she shared with Lucky during his birthday celebration cemented her in his world. But as the episode continued, and she was continually brushed aside, you can see her starting to plan her revenge. The look on Nucky's face when their dinner was interrupted and he saw Margaret singing along, was priceless. I'm not sure if I believe Nucky was trying really hard to restrain any feelings he was having for her, but he lost out in the end, OR if he figures she would be a better ally due to her intelligence and demeanor;Maybe both, who knows.
Lucy's demise was sad, but you kind of expected it, in my opinion. What I'm trying to wrap my brain around was the storyline with Jimmy's mother and girlfriend...that was a little weird.
LOVED the Margaret and Nucky scene. So much said and unsaid in that scene. I find it impossible to see how these two could be together which makes me root for them even more. I'm glued to the screen every time those two share a scene!
WOW, what a great episode and I am very proud of the widow! Although I agree she did become a bit manipulative, it was definitely well played. I am also over Nucky's brother Eli and I know he's up to no good. This show is clever, colorful and very well written with just enough factual history to keep me intrigued. As always, I'll be waiting eagerly for next week's show.
I love the show can't wait to see the wedding between Margaret and Nucky