No. 6 Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Part 2 Eps. 7-12 (2010) 38 of 100

 

The second half of season one really ratchets up the violence and our investment in the characters, not least Shannon’s Agent Van Arlen.

The twelve episodes form a neat arc that could exist as a stand alone mini series if nothing else was to follow. All of the plots reach a resolution of sorts, and although some futures are left uncertain, everyone got some redemption or development at least. In the first episode a booze shipment is hijacked and that action resonates throughout the series, as revenge is meted out and consequences felt.

I don’t know if a second series was commissioned as the first ended, as the stories aren’t left hanging, but we are intrigued to see where the characters end up next. The main focus of the show is the relationships between Nucky and Margaret who have an on and off and then on again romance. We also get his henchman Jimmy who has mummy and daddy issues as well as PTSD from his time in the trenches.

The characters are all placed in a wider world where we see various villains from New York, Chicago and Nucky’s New Jersey all jockeying for position in the underworld as well as in the more respectable, but no less grubby, world of politics. There are some excellent surprises such as Nucky’s brother Eli getting shot and plenty of tasty rub outs and double crosses. The highlight for me was the introduction of Richard Harrow in episode 7. This disfigured war veteran elicits sympathy and fear in equal measure as he coldly dispatches everyone he’s told to. At one point it’s being discussed how some fugitives can be brought out into the open and Harrow casually volunteers to kill the mother, the children and their dentist brother to get their attention.

Shannon’s Agent Van Arlen is used sparingly but his scenes are always amongst the best in each episode, as he struggles to battle the bootleggers and his own corrupt colleagues. He’s also having trouble at home with his wife keen for expensive surgery so that she can conceive a child. There is a great scene where Shannon shows the mental machinations of Van Arlen as he contemplates using some seized money to pay the doctor. We initially think he’s betrayed his principals when he pockets the cash but we are wrong-footed when we see Jimmy’s wife receiving the money whilst Van Arlen’s wife gets a letter from him telling her to trust in the Lord.

His troubles aren’t over however when his corrupt partner kills a witness but is let off by his gullible bosses. Nelson sorts matters out in his own way however, with a spot of extreme baptising. It’s clear he has gone off the rails and this is compounded when he starts drinking the illegal whisky he’s employed to stop and hooks up with Nucky’s ex-girlfriend. We get quite a graphic sex scene, complete with Shannon’s bare ass, before the lady later shows up at his office to announce she’s pregnant. The facial gymnastics employed by Shannon to demonstrate his character's surprise and horror are a joy to behold.

The series ends on a montage visiting each character, and Van Arlen is seen reading his bible and pondering an uncertain future. His journey from by the book prohibition agent to adulterer, drunk and murderer is a quick one and I think I’d have preferred him smashing stills for a bit longer. It is however entertaining and his character is funny and shocking in equal measure.

He and Harrow are the stand out characters and I hope they cross paths in the upcoming seasons. Overall it was a strong first season for Shannon and I think his limited character was expanded upon, due to his excellent and scene stealing performances. I remember he has a lot more to do in the years ahead and I look forward to revisiting his decent in to the Atlantic City underworld.

When is Shannon-On? - 19.35 (Episode 7)

Outcome? Reading his bible and contemplating his uncertain future

Programme 5/5

Shannon Stars 4.5/5