Devil You Know (Boardwalk Empire)

"Devil You Know" is the sixth episode of the fifth season of the period crime drama *Boardwalk Empire*, and the 54th episode overall. It was written by executive producer Howard Korder, directed by Jeremy Podeswa, and aired on HBO on October 5, 2014. The series takes place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Prohibition era of the 1920s, following political figure Enoch "Nucky" Thompson as he rises to power and deals with mobsters, politicians, government agents, and the people who admire him. In this episode, Chalky makes a crucial decision to save Daughter, while Van Alden and Eli face the consequences of a failed robbery.

According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was watched by an estimated 1.55 million households and earned a 0.7 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, making it the least-watched episode of the series. Despite this, it received critical acclaim, with praise directed at the performances, writing, emotional tone, and the closure given to the storylines of Van Alden and Chalky.

**Plot**

In 1897, Nucky is married to Mabel and expecting their first child. While working as Deputy, a shopkeeper asks him to catch a boy stealing on the boardwalk. Nucky and a young Eli corner the boy under a pier, only to discover it is actually a girl.

In 1931, Chalky finds Daughter in Narcisse's brothel and is told to leave, but Daughter refuses to name the father of her daughter. Chalky stays and meets with Narcisse, who explains he has stopped Daughter's music career but is reconsidering due to Luciano's threat. Narcisse offers Chalky a job in the war against Luciano, and Chalky agrees on the condition that Narcisse releases Daughter and her daughter from the brothel, which Narcisse accepts.

In Atlantic City, a grieving Nucky turns to alcohol after learning of Sally's death. He talks with two girls, Dinah and Irene, but their conversation annoys a bar patron. Nucky fights the man and knocks him unconscious. Later, in an alley, the girls knock Nucky unconscious and rob him. His henchman Joe Harper finds him and helps him. Joe takes Nucky to the Old Rumpus, where Mickey has assembled an army to fight Luciano.

In Chicago, Van Alden and Eli sneak into Capone's office to find ledgers but are caught by Ralph. Panicking, they claim they were trying to rob the safe. Ralph orders D'Angelo to deal with them.