Ging Gang Goolie (Boardwalk Empire)

Lore & Background

In the episode, Nucky Thompson travels to New York City to pay Gaston Means on behalf of Harry M. Daugherty, but Means fails to appear. Nucky then goes to Washington, D.C., where he finds Daugherty meeting with George Remus. Daugherty threatens to indict Nucky to protect Jess Smith, leading to Nucky's arrest for possessing alcohol. He is brought before a judge, prosecuted by Esther Randolph, and fined $5 for violating the Volstead Act. Nucky later suggests to Randolph that they build a case against Daugherty, despite the challenge of Warren G. Harding's protection of him.

Meanwhile, Margaret is awakened by her son Teddy, who warns of a fire in the greenhouse. After the fire is extinguished, a neighbor reports seeing Teddy playing with matches, leading Margaret to suspect he started it. It is later revealed that a vagrant caused the fire while trying to keep warm. That night, Margaret discovers Owen keeping guard in the greenhouse; after she expresses guilt for suspecting Teddy, they kiss passionately.

Other storylines include Richard Harrow helping a veteran named Paul Sagorsky, who was attacked at an American Legion meeting. Richard returns Paul's coat and medal to his daughter Julia, learning the medal belonged to her deceased brother. Gillian removes all photographs of Jimmy from the Artemis Club and later meets a young man named Roger McAllister, who resembles Jimmy. They have sex, and Gillian offers him a job, calling him "James." Mickey and Eli discover that Gyp has left Tabor Heights after the assassination attempt.

Reader's Guide

The episode received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the directing and performances, though some expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in Gyp Rosetti's storyline. According to Nielsen Media Research, it was seen by an estimated 2.34 million household viewers and gained a 0.8 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, a 6% increase from the previous episode. Critics such as Matt Fowler of IGN gave it a 7.6 out of 10, noting it was "semi-plodding" but not a bad episode. Noel Murray of The A.V. Club gave it a "B+" grade, highlighting themes of scapegoating and substitutes. The episode is significant for its exploration of character guilt, legal maneuvering, and the introduction of new relationships, while maintaining the series' focus on Prohibition-era Atlantic City.

Did You Know?

• The episode was written by co-producer Steve Kornacki and directed by executive producer Ed Bianchi.
• The title "Ging Gang Goolie" is not explained in the source article.
• The episode features a scene where Nucky is fined $5 for violating the Volstead Act.