A Man, a Plan...
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Episode 10
| "A Man, a Plan..." | |
|---|---|
| Boardwalk Empire episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 10 |
| Directed by | Jeremy Podeswa |
| Written by | David Flebotte |
| Cinematography by | Bill Coleman |
| Editing by | Tim Streeto |
| Original air date | November 18, 2012 |
| Running time | 57 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"A Man, a Plan..." is the tenth episode of the third season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 34th overall episode of the series and was written by David Flebotte, and directed by Jeremy Podeswa. It was released on HBO on November 18, 2012.
The series is set in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Prohibition era of the 1920s. The series follows Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, a political figure who rises to prominence and interacts with mobsters, politicians, government agents, and the common folk who look up to him. In the episode, Nucky asks Means to take care of Jess Smith, who has incriminating evidence. Meanwhile, Richard gets into a fight with Paul, and Margaret and Owen plan to run away.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.18 million household viewers and gained a 0.8 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances and ending, although some felt that the story arcs arrived too late for the season.
Richard, Julia and Tommy spend a day at the beach, where the crowd is delighted to discover liquor bottles in the sea. The bottles are revealed to belong to Gyp, who lost two dozen crates. Franco, the cousin of Gyp's right-hand man Tonino Sandrelli, insists continually that rogue waves are to blame for the lost crates. An irate Gyp brutally kills him on the beach in front of Tonino and many of his other men, shocking them with his cruelty and leaving Tonino devastated after begging Gyp to spare his cousin's life.
Means informs Nucky that Jess Smith will provide incriminating evidence against them to the authorities. He offers to kill Smith for a $40,000 fee, which Nucky accepts. Unbeknownst to Nucky, Means also informs Daugherty that Smith cannot be trusted. He gives him the same offer as Nucky, walking away with $80,000 from both men. That night, he sneaks into Smith's apartment, only to discover Smith already awaiting him. To Means' surprise, Smith decides to shoot himself in the head, after which Means quietly leaves.
In Chicago, Van Alden is taken by men working for Capone. Capone accuses him of selling liquor in his territory. Suspecting him of working for O'Banion, Capone demands information. Back in Atlantic City, Richard gets into a conflict with Paul, who disapproves of his relationship with Julia. Richard and Julia spend the rest of the night at the beach, where they kiss.
Margaret and Owen plan to run away from their lives in Atlantic City, intending to move to St. Louis. As Nucky will suspect them if they flee together, they agree to run away with a period of weeks between their departures to avoid suspicion. Before this, Owen is informed about Joe Masseria's location. He decides to face and kill him, despite Nucky's concern that he will have no backup outside of Agent Sawicki. At the same time, Lansky and Luciano meet with Masseria, as Rothstein has declined to get involved in the heroin business. Masseria declines as well, but changes his mind when they mention that Nucky will try to kill him.
That night, a crate arrives at Nucky's room at the Ritz. After opening it, Nucky and Margaret are horrified to discover Owen's corpse inside. A devastated Margaret cries, making Nucky realize that she was having an affair with Owen. A flashback shows Margaret planning to run away with Owen. During their conversation, Margaret reveals that she is pregnant with his baby. Called by Nucky, Owen leaves the room.
Production
Development
The episode was written by Dave Flebotte, and directed by Jeremy Podeswa. This was Flebotte's second writing credit, and Podeswa's fifth directing credit.[1]
