Erlkönig (Boardwalk Empire)

Erlkönig is the fifth episode of Boardwalk Empire’s fourth season and the 41st episode overall. Howard Korder, an executive producer, wrote it, and fellow executive producer Tim Van Patten directed it. HBO aired it on October 6, 2013.

The show takes place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the 1920s Prohibition era. It follows Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, a political figure who climbs to power and deals with mobsters, politicians, federal agents, and ordinary people who admire him. In this episode, Eddie is pressured to give up information about Nucky, while Van Alden helps the Capones with the Cicero elections.

Nielsen Media Research estimated that 2.09 million households watched the episode, and it earned a 0.8 ratings share among adults aged 18 to 49. Critics mostly praised the ending, the performances, and the character development.

**Plot**

Nucky hears from Willie, who is in jail after his classmate died. Nucky travels to Philadelphia, where Willie admits he took liquor from Mickey’s warehouse. Nucky meets with the district attorney, who explains that the victim’s parents were major donors, so Nucky has to bribe him. Willie gets released and goes back to Temple University, where Doris later tells him another student has been arrested for the killing.

Gillian, slipping back into heroin abuse, becomes more desperate to regain custody of Tommy and is frustrated that she cannot reach Roy. She tries to seduce a judge to improve her case, but it fails. Running low on heroin, she contacts Dunn for more. Even though she cannot pay the full amount, Dunn gives her the drug. Later, Gillian attempts to take Tommy from school, but Julia and his teachers stop her. Despite Gillian’s pleas, Tommy chooses to go with Julia. At home, Roy visits Gillian and discovers her addiction. She confesses her true nature, but Roy says he will stay because he also has a dark past.

As the Cicero municipal elections approach, Capone sends Van Alden to get backup at a Western Electric factory to intimidate Democratic voters. Van Alden tries to keep control, but the situation quickly turns chaotic. During the unrest, Van Alden gets a chance to shoot Capone, but Frank sees him. Before Frank can draw his gun, police detectives kill him, horrifying Capone. At the morgue, a devastated Capone vows revenge on the detectives.