Friendless Child
Episode reveals Nucky's past and escalates his war with Luciano.
"Friendless Child," the 55th episode of *Boardwalk Empire*, aired on October 19, 2014, as the seventh installment of the fifth season. The episode was written by Riccardo DiLoreto, Christine Chambers, and executive producer Howard Korder, with direction from producer Allen Coulter. Set in Atlantic City during Prohibition, the series follows political figure Enoch "Nucky" Thompson as he navigates relationships with mobsters, politicians, and local citizens. In this episode, Nucky’s conflict with Luciano intensifies, and flashbacks reveal his past with Gillian.
The 1897 storyline shows Nucky bringing Gillian to his home instead of arresting her. Mabel cares for Gillian and puts her to work, but despite Gillian’s negative experience at the orphanage, Nucky insists she return. He meets with Sheriff Lindsay and the Commodore, where Lindsay retires, tired of serving the Commodore. The Commodore then orders Nucky to take home a young girl who displeased him, revealing to Nucky that the Commodore is a child molester. Nucky returns home to find Gillian has run away, devastating Mabel. They argue, with Nucky dismissing Gillian as merely a thief.
In 1931, D’Angelo and Frank Wilson convince a judge to issue an arrest warrant for Capone based on tax evasion evidence. The war between Nucky and Luciano spills into Atlantic City, leaving pedestrians dead. Nucky pushes for a stronger offensive, but Maranzano advises patience. Ignoring this, Nucky has Arquimedes kidnap Siegel. Nucky proposes a meeting with Luciano to release Siegel, but Luciano refuses. In New York, Eli visits Willie, who has fled Chicago, seeking reconciliation, but Willie rebuffs him. As Eli leaves, Luciano’s men kidnap Willie. Luciano warns Nucky he will kill Willie if Siegel is harmed, and they arrange an exchange outside Atlantic City. Luciano retrieves Siegel but refuses to release Willie unless Nucky surrenders his assets. Mickey tries to charm Luciano, but Luciano shoots him in the throat, killing him and Arquimedes. Nucky offers all his assets and promises to kill Maranzano, a move both he and Luciano desire. Luciano accepts. The next morning, Eli and two men stab Maranzano to death in his office. Willie is released and arrives at work injured. Luciano appoints himself in charge of Atlantic City. At Old Rumpus, Nucky temporarily dismisses Joe Harper and gives him money.
Quick Facts
- Series
- Boardwalk Empire
- Season
- 5
- Episode
- 7
- Director
- Allen Coulter
- Writer
- Riccardo DiLoreto / Christine Chambers / Howard Korder
- Photographer
- Eric Moynier
- Editor
- Kate Sanford
- Airdate
- 2014-10-19
- Length
- 57 minutes
- Prev
- Devil You Know
- Next
- Eldorado
- Season Article
- Boardwalk Empire (season 5)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The episode is set in two time periods: 1897 and 1931. In 1897, Nucky takes Gillian to his house instead of arresting her. Mabel cares for Gillian and gets her to work in the house. Despite Gillian's bad experience at the orphanage, Nucky decides she should return. He later meets with Sheriff Lindsay and the Commodore, where Lindsay announces his retirement. Nucky is tasked by the Commodore with taking a young girl home, realizing the Commodore is a child molester. He returns home to find Gillian has fled, devastating Mabel, and they argue as Nucky views Gillian only as a thief. In 1931, the war between Nucky and Luciano escalates, ending with many pedestrians dead. Nucky ignores Maranzano's cautious advice and has Arquimedes kidnap Siegel. Luciano rejects a meeting, then kidnaps Willie. They schedule an exchange, but Luciano retrieves Siegel and refuses to release Willie unless Nucky surrenders his assets. After Mickey and Arquimedes are killed, Nucky offers all his assets and promises to kill Maranzano. Luciano accepts, and Eli stabs Maranzano to death. Willie is released. Luciano appoints himself in charge of Atlantic City. At Old Rumpus, Nucky temporarily dismisses Joe Harper and gives him money.
Reader's Guide
"Friendless Child" serves as the penultimate episode of Boardwalk Empire, setting the stage for the series finale. It received critical acclaim, with an 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 11 reviews. Critics praised the flashback sequences, performances, and writing. The episode was seen by an estimated 1.95 million household viewers, a 25% increase from the previous episode. It resolves several plot threads, including the deaths of Mickey and Arquimedes, the elimination of Maranzano, and Nucky's loss of his assets to Luciano. The flashback sequences provide crucial context for Nucky's relationship with Gillian and his moral awakening regarding the Commodore. The episode leaves Nucky with a letter from Gillian, setting up a potential final confrontation or reconciliation in the series finale.
Did You Know?
- The episode was written by Riccardo DiLoreto, Christine Chambers, and Howard Korder, and directed by Allen Coulter.
- It was seen by an estimated 1.95 million household viewers with a 0.8 ratings share among adults 18–49.
- The episode features the deaths of Mickey and Arquimedes, shot by Luciano.
- The flashback sequences reveal Nucky's realization that the Commodore is a child molester.
More in Boardwalk Empire episodes 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced