10 Best Episodes of ‘Boardwalk Empire’
Set against the rise of Prohibition and the power networks that grew around it, ‘Boardwalk Empire’ follows treasurer turned political boss Enoch Nucky Thompson as he navigates crime, business, and city hall. Across five seasons the series weaves Atlantic City with New York and Chicago, pulling in real historical figures and the people caught in their orbit.
These standout episodes move the story forward through decisive choices, shifting alliances, and long reaching consequences. Each one adds important details about the characters and the world they built, from political deals on the boardwalk to turf wars that reshape entire cities.
‘Pilot’
The premiere introduces Nucky Thompson on the eve of Prohibition and lays out the alliances that run Atlantic City. Jimmy Darmody returns from the war seeking a place in Nucky’s operation, Margaret Schroeder asks Nucky for help, and federal agent Nelson Van Alden begins his first inquiries into bootlegging in the city.
The production recreates the boardwalk and political machine that control liquor shipments along the coast. It also sets up the connections to New York and Chicago through Arnold Rothstein, Johnny Torrio, and a young Al Capone, establishing the network that will drive the conflicts ahead.
‘A Return to Normalcy’
Set on election night, the season one finale shows how Nucky uses the results to shore up his position while rivals test his control. Jimmy and Eli confront what their roles in the organization will be, and Rothstein calibrates his response to the season’s heists and reprisals.
By the end of the episode the lines between public office and criminal enterprise are drawn with precision across Atlantic County. The closing moves lock in who owes what to whom and set the stage for the power struggle that opens the next season.
‘Under God’s Power She Flourishes’
This episode intercuts present day turmoil with Jimmy’s Princeton years, showing how his ties to Gillian and the Commodore shaped every choice he made after the war. The flashbacks explain why Jimmy’s loyalties fray and why reconciliation with Nucky becomes so difficult.
In Atlantic City the fallout from the Commodore’s circle accelerates, pulling Gillian deeper into the family’s business. The hour clarifies the personal history that underlies the larger turf conflict and explains the rifts that drive the season to its conclusion.
‘To the Lost’
The season two finale resolves the break between Nucky and Jimmy with a face to face meeting that ends their partnership for good. Margaret makes a legal decision that affects Nucky’s fortune and exposes the risks of mixing family, politics, and crime.
The aftermath reshapes the organization and leaves open questions about succession and stewardship of Nucky’s interests. It also resets the city’s balance with New York and Philadelphia, ensuring new arrangements are needed before shipments can move safely again.
‘Two Impostors’
After a coordinated attack, Nucky escapes the Ritz and turns to Chalky White for protection while his men regroup. Gyp Rosetti tightens his grip on Atlantic City’s approaches and presses Nucky’s allies to switch sides or stand down.
The episode tracks Nucky and Eddie Kessler through safe houses and warehouses as they arrange a counter. It also shows Richard Harrow acting independently to remove Tommy from danger, which alters Gillian’s plans and widens the split inside the Artemis Club.
‘Margate Sands’
With outside help arriving, the season three finale brings the shooting war with Gyp Rosetti to a close along the shore. Nucky coordinates with Chalky and visiting muscle from Chicago to open the roads and retake key properties.
The resolution resets territory and revenue streams while New York figures reassign responsibilities after the conflict. Richard’s actions change the custody path for Tommy, and Nucky revises who he allows near the core of his operation going forward.
‘Erlkönig’
Willie Thompson’s attempt to fit in at college leads to a poisoning that draws Nucky into a different kind of problem, one involving courts and family rather than guns. At the same time dealings with Dr Valentin Narcisse complicate Chalky’s hold on the Onyx Club.
In Chicago Al Capone responds to recent losses with a push that changes the way he conducts business. Richard Harrow works through legal steps concerning Tommy, and the episode’s title points to the danger of ignoring warnings until it is too late.
‘Havre de Grace’
Chalky retreats to the Maryland home of his mentor Oscar Boneau to plan his next move against Narcisse. The pause away from Atlantic City shows how Chalky learned the trade and what resources remain when the city turns hostile.
Back in New Jersey and New York, shifting loyalties narrow Chalky’s options for retaking the club. The visit ends with a confrontation that forces Chalky to choose between safety and returning to settle the matter on his own streets.
‘Devil You Know’
Years later, pressure from federal agents puts new weight on old alliances as Nucky and Chalky attempt to corner Narcisse. Chalky agrees to a deal involving Daughter that does not go as expected and brings his long arc to a close.
At the same time Al Capone faces growing financial scrutiny while an undercover agent tightens the case around him. Gillian writes from the institution where she has been confined, pulling Nucky toward unfinished obligations from earlier seasons.
‘Eldorado’
The series finale follows Nucky as he tries to convert influence into legitimate investments while national syndicates finalize their own structure. Flashbacks reveal how he first gained access to power in Atlantic City and the cost attached to that access.
A final meeting on the boardwalk ties the past to the present and closes the loop on the Darmody family’s connection to Nucky. New York leadership settles into its next phase and the old Atlantic City order gives way to a different map of authority.
Share your favorite episodes and the moments that stood out to you in the comments.