The Old Ship of Zion (Boardwalk Empire)
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Episode 8
- Christine Chambers
- Howard Korder
| "The Old Ship of Zion" | |
|---|---|
| Boardwalk Empire episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 4 Episode 8 |
| Directed by | Tim Van Patten |
| Written by |
|
| Cinematography by | Bill Coleman |
| Editing by | Tim Streeto |
| Original air date | October 27, 2013 |
| Running time | 58 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"The Old Ship of Zion" is the eighth episode of the fourth season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 44th overall episode of the series and was written by Christine Chambers and executive producer Howard Korder, and directed by executive producer Tim Van Patten. It was released on HBO on October 27, 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, Chalky finds a conspiracy in his community, while Tolliver starts investigating Willie in an attempt to take down Nucky.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.91 million household viewers and gained a 0.8 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received extremely positive reviews from critics, praising the character development, performances and pacing.
Willie starts working for Nucky, but wants to avoid any contact with Eli. Nucky receives the first shipment from Florida, and is surprised when Sally visits him. One day, Sally meets Willie and they both talk about their lives. After their conversation, Willie tells Nucky that he is leaving the Albatross and will apologize to Eli for his actions. Afterwards, Willie starts working for Edward L. Bader based on a previous encounter. Nucky, meanwhile, bids farewell to Sally as she returns to Florida.
Dunn continues getting involved in the heroin business, handing packages to a man named Moses. However, Chalky is annoyed that the city's African-American community is favoring Narcisse over him. Chalky then leads a team to raid the community in order to find the local heroin dealer. Desperate, Dunn kills Moses before he can confess anything and protect his name. Nevertheless, Chalky finds a flyer on Moses' body for an opera by Narcisse, which Dunn had previously provided to him. He confronts Narcisse in the street and burns a brick of heroin in front of the pedestrians. On Narcisse's orders, Daughter is instructed to seduce Chalky that night. During that, Dunn appears, claiming to have found the dealer. Realizing his betrayal, Chalky fights him until Daughter stabs Dunn in the back, killing him.
With very limited information, Tolliver investigates Willie, finding out about Henry's death and how Nucky visited the DA. He talks with Clayton in prison, where he gets vital information. He later confronts Eli, forcing him to become an informant or Willie could go to prison. With no option, Eli is forced to accept. He returns home, where he welcomes Willie back into the house, not disclosing his meeting with Tolliver.
Production
Development
In September 2013, HBO confirmed that the eighth episode of the season would be titled "The Old Ship of Zion", and that it would be written by Christine Chambers and executive producer Howard Korder, and directed by executive producer Tim Van Patten. This was Chambers' first writing credit, Korder's 16th writing credit, and Van Patten's 15th directing credit.[1]
