Boardwalk Empire: Season 2 [DVD] [2010] [2012]

Sky Atlantic have quietly delivered one of the most exciting and enthralling pieces of historical drama that I've seen for many years. Boardwalk Empire was superb in its first season and any worries I had about Season 2 not delivering were washed away during the first new episode.It's all marvelously written and acted. Nucky Thompson (equal parts politician and gangster, played by Steve Buscemi) is an awkward and yet magnificent figure who has dominated Atlantic City throughout the first season, but starts to lose his grip during the second. The two rival sides that set up during season one square up to each other with terrifying and saddening results. His relationship with his brother Eli goes through complicated twists and they really remain brothers in name only as neither is able to trust the other at all.The complicated relationship between Jimmy Darmody and his ravishing Mother and not-exactly-doting Father is explained. The wonderful Aleksa Palladino plays Jimmy's wife Angela and despite Jimmy's devotion, she barely remains faithful to him.Jack Huston remains terrific as the war-damaged Richard Harrow. His character is one of the most unusual and sympathetic I've seen in recent years and he plays the part to perfection.Agent Nelson Van Alden remains the most awkward and inhibited man ever to have walked the planet and the arrival of his child and the upheaval in his career have elements of drama and comedy perfectly balanced.Esther Randolph turns up to build a case against Thompson, enlisting the hapless Van Alden as a potential star witness. Not her best move ever...You will not expect some of what happens in this season. Epic, dramatic and violent. Shocking. It has it all. I was left stunned at the end of the second season by a number of unexpected events. Season three is broascasting in the USA now and I can't wait for it to be shown here.5 stars is not enough for this DVD.

What can you say about this? I was totally blown away and mesmerized by the sheer quality and brilliance of Series 1 but Series 2 actually outdoes it! It has everything. The quality of the writing is top class. The performances exceptional. The casting inspired. I'd never even heard of Micheal Pitt before this but his performance as Jimmy Domardy reminds me of a certain Al Pacino's scene stealing turn in a certain cinematic Gangster epic! It is incredibly gritty and the violence is never shied away from. When someone gets their throat the camera doesn't pan away! You need a strong stomach and if you don't like the sound of bad language and regular profanity then this isn't going to be for you but if not then you will be missing one of the finest American TV series of all time! It is very hard to pick out any one performance as they are all uniformly superb but a special mention should be made for Michael Shannon who plays Prohibition agent Nelson Van Alden. He is quite simply extraordinary! I cannot wait for series 3!

Boardwalk Empire is very good so much happens and plenty of action. I would recommend this to anyone who likes action a good story but its not for people who don't like blood because it can be gory at times and violent. I liked it from the very first episode and most of the characters are quite complex but it draws you in. This season The first two episodes were a bit slow but after that it goes at a fast pace. Also you aren't supposed to like some of the characters but you can't help rooting for them and hoping the others get their commeuppance.

Boardwalk Empire is in some ways an odd 'floating' television show. It doesn't seem to have acquired the same dedicated group of fans which shows such as 'Mad Men' and 'Breaking Bad' have managed to do. This being said, there is no reason you should not give Boardwalk Empire a try. If you like satisfying plots, superb acting, great dialogue, top-notch production design and camera work, that is. This season tops the first in my opinion. From the very first opening musical montage sequence, prohibition in Atlantic City takes on new heights and once allies, Nucky and Jimmy are now rivals - at least on the surface. Despite the fact Steve Buscemi and Michael Pitt both give lead-worthy performances, there is a large array of excellent carismatic acting to choose from. There's Kelly MacDonald as Nucky's wife, Jack Huston as the war-wounded Richard Harrow as well as Dabney Coleman and Gretchen Mol as Jimmy's parents. What I enjoy so much about Boardwalk is the depth of the characters. We really come to know them and, just like in The Sopranos, even though our main character is corrupt and ultimately a murderer, we can't help but like him. Even if gangsters aren't your thing, there are certain episodes which could be watched on their own and still be immensely enjoyable. For instance, the Becketian 'Gimcrack and Bunkum' devoted to Harrow, further exploring the emotional - as well as physical - impact war has. My personal favourite is episode 2.11, 'Under God's Power She Flourishes', in which we learn Jimmy's past... I will not reveal more due to spoliers, but I can tell you there are genuine on-the-edge-of-your-seat moments - and you won't see it coming! I repeat, if you enjoy rich characters, great plots and a visual treat, Boardwalk Empire is for you. And, with Season three almost at a close, I can tell you now, the standard certainly does not dip.

Yes, it’s violent and very explicit but wow the quality of the writing, production, acting and design is fabulous. Recommended for those who can take its brutality.