Boardwalk Empire: "A Man, a Plan..."

NOTE: Post-Sandy recovery means I finally got internet back this past weekend. Which means I'm catching up with my regular programming as quickly as possible. Which means posts may be shorter, rushed, and infrequent, but I'm trying to get back in the game.

Now to the point. Boardwalk Empire's latest episode, "A Man, A Plan...", basically broke my heart. [SPOILERS TO FOLLOW]

I knew Slater's death was imminent. It was written into every scene of the episode: Slater essentially proposing to Katie, his discussing St. Louis with Margaret, his volunteering to take out Masseria alone, and even in the scene when Luciano warned Masseria about Nucky. Not to mention we all knew plot-wise Margaret and Slater couldn't actually run away together. It didn't look too good for Slater. And I had such anxiety over it the entire hour. Because I knew it was coming. But I refused to except it until I saw it. You see, Slater is one of my favorite characters on the show. He was well written, was the bridge between Nucky and Margaret, and his presence helped define those characters. Plus Charlie Cox as Slater was über swoon-worthy.

We all knew what was in the box well before it was opened. But Margaret's reaction was heartbreaking. (Kelly Macdonald is sure to submit that episode for Emmy consideration. Very well done on her part.) It was also very well played on Buscemi's part that Nucky had clearly deduced Margaret and Owen's relationship just from her reaction. I have my issues with Boardwalk Empire, but it's scenes like this that have me unquestionably tuning in every week for three seasons. Kudos to everyone involved. 

Now, as for the final reveal of the episode: the extended flashback to Margaret and Owen's last conversation. I would normally be turned off of such a withheld plot-line. It seems to exist just for the sake of a gotcha emotional moment. (Even though the possibility that Margaret might be pregnant had already crossed my mind more than once). But I have to say it was the right decision to structure the episode that way. If they kept that whole scene intact at the beginning of the episode, I'm sure we all would have been extra heartbroken at seeing Slater in a box. But holding off and replaying it as Margaret reminisces in grief gave it a little extra emotional punch. It was nice to see Slater one last time in all his kind, gentlemanly glory. And the pregnancy reveal led to a final bittersweet moment between the two lovers. 

That being said, I am definitely looking forward to the end of the season. (Even if it means having to find someone new to swoon over.)

Housekeeping

For anyone following this blog, I just want to take the time to apologize for not updating in a while. Hurricane Superstorm Sandy left my home with no power, water, sewage, heat, or (up until this week) cell service. My car was also destroyed. So my regular TV watching has taken a hit. I'm trying to catch up and post as quickly as I can. So please bear with me.