Reviewed by Mike Dennis
Richard “Half-Face” Harrow has arrived in Atlantic City at Jimmy’s behest. He’s staying at Margaret’s house, guarding her and her children. This guy was a sniper in World War I and you can be sure Nucky will call upon those talents before too long.
I love the Harrow character. The creepy mask, his shy persona, his way with rifles…he’s really a very effective addition to this well-crafted series.
Now that Agent Van Alden’s key witness in the massacre in the woods is dead, killed by one of his fellow agents in a turncoat role. He’s feeling the pressure to rack up some meaningful arrests or else he’ll be “hunting moonshiners in the Everglades”.
He’s beginning to unravel. He visits Margaret, both to get evidence on Nucky and to satisfy his own perverse desire. She shoots him down on both counts and he heads, where else, to the nearest speakeasy for a few drinks and a little NC-17 activity with Lucy.
Jimmy finally gets even with the photographer, who his son says is “Mommy’s kissing friend”. You can only guess what happened after Jimmy heard that.
Margaret is slowly becoming a full-fledged member of Nucky’s team. She delivers a knockout speech for Nucky’s mayoral candidate, cementing her place in his organization.
Yes, she’s come a long way, baby, since she was the put-upon wife of a violent brute. With every episode, she’s been slowly coming around, despite her second thoughts. You can see it in her eyes. She even befriends Richard Harrow.
Meanwhile, Arnold Rothstein grows impatient. He yearns to control the liquor business on the East Coast, and do that he needs Nucky out of the way. He’s got the D’Alessio brothers, Neanderthals from Philadelphia, itching to do it. But are they up to the job? Even Rothstein has his doubts.
Al Capone learns a couple of valuable life lessons, and will soon be poised to take over the Chicago rackets.
The show is really tightening up after a few missteps several weeks back. I’m back on board 100%. The season finale, right around the corner, should be a good one.
