Ep 7. William Wilson

William Wilson is the seventh episode of the fourth season of Boardwalk Empire. The episode revolves around the characters struggling to come to terms with their past and their present situations.

Nucky Thompson, the main character, is still dealing with the aftermath of Gyp Rosetti's attempted coup on the Atlantic City boardwalk. He is also attempting to expand his business interests by partnering with Harlem gangster Valentin Narcisse. However, Nucky is beginning to feel the pressure of his double life, as he tries to reconcile his criminal activities with his role as a respected member of the community.

Meanwhile, Chalky White, a prominent African-American gangster, is facing a personal crisis. He discovers that his daughter has been dating a white man, a situation that is taboo in their society. This leads Chalky to confront his own prejudices and question his place in the world.

Elsewhere, Margaret Schroeder Thompson, Nucky's estranged wife, is struggling to maintain her independence after a failed attempt to start a financial venture with a group of women. She finds herself relying on her relationship with Joe Kennedy, a businessman who is interested in investing in her future.

Throughout the episode, the characters are forced to confront their past actions and the consequences of their choices. They are all struggling to find a way to move forward, yet they are all hindered by their cultural and societal expectations.

The theme of identity is prevalent in William Wilson. Each character is grappling with their own sense of self and their place in the world. The racial tensions, the power struggles, and the moral quandaries all point to a larger issue of finding one's identity in a complicated and complex world.

Overall, William Wilson is a contemplative episode that tackles weighty themes with care and nuance. It sets the groundwork for the rest of the season, as each character's story begins to intersect and collide in unexpected ways. Fans of the show will appreciate the depth and complexity of the storytelling, as well as the expertly crafted performances by the cast.