The North Star (Boardwalk Empire)
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| "The North Star" | |
|---|---|
| Boardwalk Empire episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 4 Episode 6 |
| Directed by | Allen Coulter |
| Written by | |
| Cinematography by | Bill Coleman |
| Editing by | Tim Streeto |
| Original air date | October 13, 2013 |
| Running time | 58 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"The North Star" is the sixth episode of the fourth season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 42nd overall episode of the series and was written by Eric Overmyer and executive producer Howard Korder, and directed by Allen Coulter. It was released on HBO on October 13, 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, Nucky leaves for Florida to finish the land deal, while Richard decides to return with Julia.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.90 million household viewers and gained a 0.7 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances and directing, but criticizing the pacing.
Before leaving for Florida, Nucky goes to Penn Station, where he meets with Margaret. Distraught over Eddie's death, he gives her a birthday gift for Teddy. Nevertheless, Margaret tells him that she is doing fine and he should not get her involved in his business.
Knox is chastised by J. Edgar Hoover for his operation, as it resulted in Eddie's death. Hoover is also worried that Eddie revealed Knox's involvement and wants to end the investigation, but Knox convinces him that it must continue. Eli and Mickey investigate Eddie's death, discovering his key for the safety-deposit box at the bank. Eli decides to go to the bank and pretend to be Eddie, but is recognized by the manager. When Knox visits and asks about Eddie's death, Eli has him empty Eddie's safety-deposit box. He then has Knox read Eddie's letter, written in German, revealing that he was happy at becoming a grandfather.
Paul visits a doctor, where he is diagnosed with cirrhosis and given just one year to live. He then talks with Richard about his condition. Richard feels uneasy about Paul's view of him, as he killed many people, but Paul opens up about his actions in the Philippine–American War, confessing that he killed a Filipino girl. Later, Richard returns to Julia's house, to Tommy's delight. Even though Julia admits she isn't sure if she can trust him, she wants him to stay.
In Florida, Nucky, Luciano and Lansky meet with McCoy, unaware that he killed Tucker. Due to Tucker's "disappearance", they still need another person involved in the project. McCoy introduces them to Vincenzo Petrucelli, Tucker's replacement. However, Petrucelli informs Luciano that he is Masseria's cousin and suggests they could contact him about getting involved. In private, Luciano tells Lansky that they should kill Petrucelli, but Lansky rebuffs it. As Lansky won't back down from his share, Luciano decides to quit and leaves. Nucky reconnects with Sally at the speakeasy and they both get drunk while discussing their problems. Their encounter soon turns into a fight, after which they have sex. Motivated, Nucky puts her in charge of his share in Florida as he accepts Petrucelli's terms and Lansky's involvement.
At the Onyx Club, Chalky continues spending time with Daughter, although he is not happy when she wants to change her musical numbers, as he wants her to maintain consistency. During a performance, Daughter performs a different song, which actually surprises Chalky. Daughter visits Chalky at his office, who claims he is upset about her deviated performance. When she mentions she is aware of his interest on her, they kiss and have sex.
Production
Development
In September 2013, HBO confirmed that the sixth episode of the season would be titled "The North Star", and that it would be written by Eric Overmyer and executive producer Howard Korder, and directed by Allen Coulter. This was Overmyer's first writing credit, Korder's 15th writing credit, and Coulter's eighth directing credit.[1]
