Erlkönig (Boardwalk Empire)
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Episode 5
| "Erlkönig" | |
|---|---|
| Boardwalk Empire episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 4 Episode 5 |
| Directed by | Tim Van Patten |
| Written by | Howard Korder |
| Cinematography by | David Franco |
| Editing by |
|
| Original air date | October 6, 2013 |
| Running time | 59 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Erlkönig" is the fifth episode of the fourth season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 41st overall episode of the series. It was written by executive producer Howard Korder and directed by executive producer Tim Van Patten. It was released on HBO on October 6, 2013.
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, Eddie is pressured to reveal information about Nucky, while Van Alden assists the Capones in the Cicero elections.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.09 million household viewers and gained a 0.8 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. In the episode, critics mostly praised the ending, performances, and character development.
Nucky is contacted by Willie, who is being held in jail following the death of his classmate. He goes to Philadelphia, where Willie confesses that he took liquor from Mickey's warehouse. Nucky talks with the district attorney, who states that the victim's parents were huge benefactors, forcing Nucky to bribe him. Willie is released and returns to Temple University, where Doris later tells him that another student was arrested in the killing.
Relapsing into heroin abuse, Gillian grows more desperate in regaining custody of Tommy and is annoyed that she cannot contact Roy. She tries to seduce a judge to help her case, to no avail. With her supply running out, she contacts Dunn to get more. Despite not having the full price, Dunn decides to provide her with heroin. Later, Gillian tries to take Tommy from school, but is caught by Julia and his teachers. Despite Gillian's pleas, Tommy chooses to go with Julia. At home, Gillian is visited by Roy, who discovers her heroin addiction. She admits her nature, but Roy says he will stay with her, as he also has a dark past.
With the Cicero municipal elections underway, Capone assigns Van Alden to get back-up to a Western Electric factory to intimidate Democratic voters. Despite his attempts to maintain control, the confrontation soon descends into chaos. During the unrest, Van Alden attempts to shoot Capone when given the chance, but is seen by Frank. However, before Frank pulls out his gun, he is killed by police detectives, horrifying Capone. At the morgue, a devastated Capone swears revenge on the detectives who killed Frank.
Eddie has been taken by Knox and his partner, with the agents brutally torturing him to reveal any information on Nucky; Eddie does not reveal anything. They return later with Eddie's file, which reveals that he committed crimes in Germany, which caused him to flee and caused his sons to change their last names. When faced with possible deportation, Eddie finally admits that he met with Ralph on Nucky's orders. They release him, telling him they will continue meeting him. Eddie returns to the Albatross, where Nucky waits for him, worried about his absence. Eddie goes to his room, writes a letter and then kills himself by jumping out of a window.
Production
Development
In September 2013, HBO confirmed that the fifth episode of the season would be titled "Erlkönig", and that it would be written by executive producer Howard Korder and directed by executive producer Tim Van Patten. This was Korder's 13th writing credit, and Van Patten's 14th directing credit.[1]
