Bone for Tuna

Lore & Background

In the episode, Nucky is haunted by recurring nightmares and attends a ceremony in his honor from the Catholic Church for his donation (though he leaves early). He then meets with Gyp in Tabor Heights to discuss transportation route problems, offering to supply him with liquor and inviting him back to Atlantic City. Meanwhile, Luciano assigns Benjamin Siegel to lead a heroin deal that goes awry due to an assassination attempt ordered by Joe Masseria. Luciano also stops financially helping Gillian's club, and Gyp visits Gillian at her club, where they have a tense interaction. Nucky eventually returns to the church ceremony with Margaret, but continues seeing hallucinations and remembering moments with Jimmy. Margaret brings up the concept of a women's health clinic to the Bishop, catching his interest. In Chicago, Van Alden struggles as a salesman, tolerates co-workers' jokes, and is invited to a speakeasy that is raided; an officer recognizes him and lets him go after taking money. Richard is informed that Mickey claims to have killed Manny Horvitz; upset, Richard sneaks into Mickey's apartment and brings him to Nucky's office to confess, confirming that Richard himself killed Manny to avenge Angela. Nucky misses a meeting with Gyp, leaving a note reading "bone for tuna"—a reference to a previous conversation. Gyp feels insulted and burns the Sheriff of Tabor Heights alive. Nucky visits Billie Kent's apartment and wakes the next morning to find her making bacon.

Reader's Guide

"Bone for Tuna" received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances, particularly Bobby Cannavale's portrayal of Gyp Rosetti. According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.36 million household viewers and gained a 0.9 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, a 10% decrease from the previous episode. Critics highlighted the episode's focus on character development and the escalating tension between Nucky and Gyp. Matt Fowler of IGN gave the episode an 8.2 out of 10, calling it "Bobby Cannavale's season." Noel Murray of The A.V. Club gave a "B+" grade, noting the episode was more on-point than the previous week. The episode's title and central conflict—Gyp's reaction to Nucky's dismissive note—underscore the theme of perceived insult and retaliation that drives the season's narrative.

Did You Know?

• The episode was written by Chris Haddock and Howard Korder, with Haddock credited as co-executive producer.
• The episode was directed by Jeremy Podeswa, his fourth directing credit for Boardwalk Empire.
• The episode's title 'Bone for Tuna' references a note Nucky leaves for Gyp, alluding to a previous conversation about 'buona fortuna.'
• The episode features Benjamin Siegel, a henchman assigned by Luciano to lead a heroin deal that is nearly killed in an assassination attempt.