Nights in Ballygran

"Nights in Ballygran" is the fifth episode of Boardwalk Empire's first season, airing on October 17, 2010. Lawrence Konner, a co-executive producer, wrote it, and Alan Taylor directed it. Critics gave the episode positive reviews.

The episode takes place on Saint Patrick's Day. It advances the relationship between Nucky and Margaret, and shows Jimmy haunted by the consequences of his lifestyle. The title comes from a line in the Irish folk song "Carrickfergus."

Margaret sees men working for ward boss James Neary unloading illegal beer barrels into a garage behind her house. She brings Nucky soda bread, but he acts aloof and refuses it. Nucky privately tells his brother Eli he wants to keep Margaret away from his violent world. Hurt, Margaret tears up a dress she had stolen. After discussing the garage at a Temperance League meeting, she and a colleague meet with Nucky, who feigns interest but does nothing. That night, she sees more deliveries. Brushed off by Neary and ignored by Nucky, she reports Neary to Agent Van Alden. The agents initially dismiss it, but Margaret gets Van Alden's attention by mentioning Neary works for Nucky.

As Nucky and Eli prepare for Saint Patrick's Day, Eli pushes to speak at the Saint Patrick's Eve Dinner. Nucky reluctantly agrees, though skeptical of Eli's public speaking. Local dwarves, who usually run boxing exhibition matches, are hired to dress as leprechauns. They complain about the degrading gig, and their leader Carl promises to get Nucky to double their pay.

In Chicago, Jimmy cares for Pearl after her disfigurement, but she sinks into depression and laudanum addiction. Torrio orders Jimmy to throw her out because her scarred face prevents her from working. Jimmy offers to pay for her keep but realizes he cannot afford it. Pearl later drunkenly flaunts her scarred face in the lounge, kisses Jimmy, and shoots herself with his gun. Jimmy then visits an opium den in Chinatown.

Nucky meets with his ward bosses, who expect big profits from Saint Patrick's Day alcohol sales. He jokes about Eli's upcoming speech, amusing everyone but Eli. Carl sees Nucky, who bribes him into selling the other dwarves on a smaller raise. In New York, Rothstein reads about the Black Sox Scandal and rejects his lawyer's advice to let it blow over. Gillian tries to convince Angela to start over with another man, offering to raise Jimmy's son.