TV Series: Boardwalk Empire S02

This series just keeps getting better. The character development was great (despite the assassination of a critical one in E12) and the story lines were interesting and tended to keep me waiting for the next one. I especially liked the Philly Butcher, Manny Horowicz character – so dark and evil and yet pathetic too. Richard continued to be intriguing and astoundingly well-acted – the scene where he contemplates suicide in the woods was unforgettable and just plain extraordinary television. Nucky, of course, brushes against death and prison (in that order) and gets off scot free – not so for others such as Tom and Jimmy. The death of Jimmy’s wife and lover was a bit predictable, it is true, but it was well shot. The flashback episode featuring the incest between Jimmy and his mother was well-written and certainly explained a lot about their relationship, Jimmy’s past, and his character. But, overall, it was that last episode that really packed a mega-punch. I won’t spoil it for you, but there is definitely a surprise ending. Clearly, this is one of the great current TV series that for a dramatic theme, I’d rank alongside Treme – both having run two seasons and improved with age.