Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Episode 1
Boardwalk Empire
Season 4

Ep 1. New York Sour

  • TVMA
  • September 8, 2013
  • 63 min
  • 8.1  (2,029)

Set in the prohibition era of 1920s America, Boardwalk Empire is a period drama that follows the complex web of relationships between politicians, gangsters, and civilians in the city of Atlantic City. Season 4 marks a significant turning point for many of the characters as they are forced to confront their pasts and confront new challenges.

The season debut, "New York Sour", kicks off with Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi) visiting Manhattan to broker a new deal with Joe Masseria (Ivo Nandi), a rival gangster based in New York. Meanwhile, back in Atlantic City, Chalky White (Michael K. Williams) is dealing with his own set of troubles as he struggles to keep control of his bootlegging operation in the face of growing opposition from the city's Italian-American mob. As tensions rise and allegiances shift, the characters are pulled into a web of violence and betrayal that threatens to consume them all.

One of the major themes of the episode is the shifting balance of power between Nucky and his rivals. Throughout the series, Nucky has been portrayed as a shrewd and calculating leader, always one step ahead of his enemies. However, in "New York Sour", we see him struggling to maintain his edge as he faces off against Masseria, a formidable opponent who is not easily intimidated. As the negotiations become increasingly tense, Nucky must rely on all his wits and resources to come out on top.

Meanwhile, Chalky's storyline highlights the growing racial tensions of the era. As a black man trying to make his way in a white-dominated world, Chalky faces prejudice and hostility both from his enemies and from those who claim to be on his side. In particular, he must contend with Valentin Narcisse (Jeffrey Wright), a preening intellectual who sees himself as a spokesperson for the black community but whose motivations may not be as pure as they seem.

Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of the deeper personal struggles that are driving the characters. Nucky is haunted by his past, both in his relationship with his estranged wife Margaret (Kelly Macdonald) and in his role in the murder of his old protege, Jimmy Darmody (Michael Pitt). Chalky, meanwhile, is torn between his loyalty to the bootlegging business and his desire to do what is best for his community. And new characters such as the enigmatic Dr. Valentin Narcisse and Nucky's sister-in-law Sally Wheet (Patricia Arquette) hint at further layers of complexity to come.

Another key aspect of the episode is its visual and artistic style. Director Tim Van Patten (who has directed episodes of The Sopranos and Game of Thrones) brings a cinematic quality to the proceedings, using striking camera angles, bold color choices, and intricate set design to create a vivid sense of the time and place. The attention to detail extends to the costuming and makeup as well, with each character sporting a unique look that serves to enhance their personality and backstory.

Overall, "New York Sour" sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting and dramatic season of Boardwalk Empire. With its richly-drawn characters, complex narratives, and stylish visuals, the show continues to be one of HBO's most acclaimed and engaging offerings. Whether you are a fan of period dramas, gangster stories, or just great television in general, this episode is definitely worth checking out.

Description
Watch Boardwalk Empire - New York Sour (s4 e1) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Boardwalk Empire, Season 4 Episode 1, is available to watch and stream on HBO. You can also buy, rent Boardwalk Empire on demand at Max, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Hulu, HBO NOW, Vudu, Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    September 8, 2013
  • Content Rating
    TVMA
  • Runtime
    63 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.1  (2,029)