Boardwalk Empire

[boost]

I think there were some flaws in the execution of this season as a whole but what a great series and great episode. So many discordant character threads paid off. I've never seen a single character boiled down to what's important like they did with Nucky this season with the flashbacks. Why did Gillian stick around after she'd well worn out her welcome? This season gives us the reason. What are with these cumbersome flashbacks? Wait a while and you'll see. The flashbacks were so great because they gave such greater depth to shit that I'd long since disregarded or forgotten about. I actually want to watch again from season one with my newly-colored perspective on Nucky's motivations and knowing how doomed the Darmody family was from day zero.

Really well put, pretty much exactly how I feel. Gillian's arc paid off huge. And I'm so glad the writers had the restraint to show their final meeting, but not have her be saved. Sure Nucky tossed her a sympathy package, but despite holding out for so long, she was finally broken by that twisted place. Lesser writers would have given the viewer a soft sappy landing.

[Eric]

Lesser writers would have given the viewer a soft sappy landing.

True, I get tired of writing where the end often seems too good to be true.

[Penneywize]

True, I get tired of writing where the end often seems too good to be true.

Yeah, like the let's-make-everyone-happy ending to Breaking Bad.

This ending was perfectly executed. Yes, there was more story to tell for sure, but we'd probably just end up with more aberrations like season 3, which really just brought us back where we started in terms of the main plot. Don't get me wrong, it was a good season, but it just had that Dexter-esque one-off feel to it.

FWIW I had paid little mind to Tommy throughout this season and was suitably surprised when he revealed his identity. But then again I'm a fucking idiot, so.

[Eric]

Yeah, like the let's-make-everyone-happy ending to Breaking Bad.

People get angry when I say it but the last season of breaking bad had issues. It was never the same without Gus.