A Dangerous Maid (Boardwalk Empire)
Nucky declares war; new alliances and tensions emerge.
"A Dangerous Maid" is the third installment of Boardwalk Empire's second season and the fifteenth episode of the series overall. It aired on October 9, 2011, with a script by Itamar Moses and direction from Susanna White.
In the episode, Nucky Thompson seeks help from former allies to fight the legal charges against him, only to find that many of those he previously assisted are now ignoring his situation. Al Capone comes to Atlantic City to end Johnny Torrio's liquor deals with Nucky. Irishman Owen Sleater offers his services to Nucky. Meanwhile, Richard Harrow is working for Jimmy Darmody, selling alcohol to one of Nucky's clients. Sleater informs the client that Harrow does not represent Nucky, leading to a confrontation between Sleater and Harrow's men that ends in a standoff.
Nucky dines at Babette's with Margaret, Mayor Edward L. Bader, and his wife. When he tries to order lobster, he is told the restaurant is out of it—just as he spots the Commodore about to eat one. Nucky walks to the Commodore's and Jimmy's table, deliberately spills the lobster on the floor, and publicly declares war on them while they dine with New Jersey Governor Edward I. Edwards. Later, at home with Angela, Jimmy appears shaken by the encounter.
Arnold Rothstein meets with Mafia don Joe Masseria over a dispute involving Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky, stemming from the deaths of two of Masseria's nephews—the men Jimmy killed during his visit to Rothstein. Rothstein orders his men to pay compensation to Masseria.
A bored, depressed, and pregnant Lucy considers throwing herself down the stairs after Van Alden forbids her from auditioning for a musical. Later, Van Alden sends her a record player, which lifts her spirits.
Margaret learns that her estranged Irish family now lives in America and tries unsuccessfully to contact one of them. She grows friendly with her maid, but when the maid claims to know Margaret is really "Peggy Rohan," Margaret coldly ends the conversation.
The episode's title comes from a musical by George and Ira Gershwin; the script is given to Lucy by her friend Eddie Cantor. This episode marks the first appearance of Joe Masseria, an Italian-American Mafia boss and mentor to Luciano, and the final appearance of Lolly Steinman, an Atlantic City casino owner and acquaintance of Nucky.
Quick Facts
- Series
- Boardwalk Empire
- Season
- 2
- Episode
- 3
- Director
- Susanna White
- Writer
- Itamar Moses
- Airdate
- 2011-10-09
- Length
- 55 minutes
- Prev
- Ourselves Alone
- Next
- What Does the Bee Do?
- Episode List
- List of Boardwalk Empire episodes
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In this episode, Nucky Thompson seeks help from former allies to fight legal charges, but many turn away. He publicly confronts Jimmy and the Commodore at Babette's restaurant, spilling a lobster on the floor and declaring war. Meanwhile, Capone visits Atlantic City to end Torrio's bootlegging deals with Nucky. Irishman Owen Sleater offers his services to Nucky and later fights with Richard Harrow's men. Rothstein negotiates with Joe Masseria over the deaths of Masseria's nephews, killed by Jimmy. Lucy, pregnant and bored, contemplates throwing herself down the stairs after Van Alden forbids her from auditioning for a musical; he later sends her a record player, lifting her spirits. Margaret learns her estranged family is in America but fails to contact them; she coldly ends a conversation when her maid calls her 'Peggy Rohan'.
Reader's Guide
A Dangerous Maid serves as a pivotal episode in Boardwalk Empire's second season, escalating the central conflict between Nucky and his enemies. The episode's title references a George and Ira Gershwin musical, which appears as a script given to Lucy by Eddie Cantor. The episode introduces Joe Masseria, an Italian-American Mafia boss, and marks the final appearance of Lolly Steinman. Critical reception was mixed: IGN gave it 7.5/10, noting a slow narrative focused on female characters, while The A.V. Club rated it B+. The episode was watched by 2.856 million viewers, with a slight increase in the 18–49 demographic. Its significance lies in advancing Nucky's war declaration and introducing key figures like Masseria and Sleater.
Did You Know?
- The episode was written by Itamar Moses and directed by Susanna White.
- It first aired on October 9, 2011.
- The title refers to a musical by George and Ira Gershwin.
- Joe Masseria makes his first appearance in this episode.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'A Dangerous Maid' in Boardwalk Empire?
It is the third episode of Season 2 and the fifteenth episode of the series overall, first broadcast on October 9, 2011. Itamar Moses wrote the script and Susanna White directed the episode.
What is the main conflict in 'A Dangerous Maid'?
Nucky Thompson reaches out to former allies for help with his mounting legal charges, only to realize that many people he once aided have quietly abandoned him. Faced with this betrayal, he essentially declares war on the forces tightening around him.
Why does Al Capone appear in 'A Dangerous Maid'?
Capone travels to Atlantic City specifically to dismantle Johnny Torrio's liquor distribution deals that run through Nucky's network. His arrival sharply escalates the rivalry between the Chicago and Atlantic City criminal operations.
What is Richard Harrow doing in 'A Dangerous Maid'?
Harrow is operating under Jimmy Darmody's direction rather than reporting directly to Nucky, which adds another layer of tension to the inner-circle power struggles. His placement under Darmody signals a shift in who holds real influence in Nucky's organization.
Who is Owen Sleater and why does he matter in this episode?
Owen Sleater is an Irishman who steps forward to offer his services to Nucky Thompson. His introduction marks one of the new alliances and shifting loyalties that define the episode's narrative.
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