Ledger Book

Lore & Background

The narrative mentions that the federal government sent agents to investigate possible mob connections and Nucky's expensive lifestyle. The final season jumps ahead seven years to 1931 as Prohibition nears its end, and that agents investigated illegal activities in the area.

Reader's Guide

It states that Nucky was involved with bootlegging liquor throughout Atlantic City and interacted with historical characters like Al Capone and Arnold Rothstein. The federal government sent agents to investigate illegal activities, but it does not describe how records are tracked, kept secure, or used for blackmail. There is no mention of the ledger being a primary objective for enemies seeking to dismantle the empire.

Did You Know?

• The pilot episode was directed by Martin Scorsese at a cost of $18 million.
• Steve Buscemi was cast as Nucky Thompson after Martin Scorsese expressed a desire to work with him.

Origins and Development

Boardwalk Empire was created by Terence Winter, a Primetime Emmy Award-winning screenwriter known for The Sopranos. He adapted Nelson Johnson's 2002 non-fiction book, Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City, focusing on the historical criminal kingpin Enoch L. Johnson. Winter was hired on June 4, 2008, to adapt the section about Prohibition. On September 1, 2009, it was announced that Martin Scorsese would direct the pilot, marking his first television direction since 1986. The production built a 300-foot-long boardwalk in Brooklyn at a cost of $5 million. Despite speculation of a $50 million budget, the pilot's final cost came in at $18 million.

Narrative Scope and Setting

The series is set chiefly in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Prohibition era of the 1920s and 1930s. It stars Steve Buscemi as Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, a political figure who controls Atlantic City. The show features historical characters including mobsters, politicians, and government agents. Nucky interacts with figures like Al Capone, Arnold Rothstein, and Lucky Luciano. The federal government sends agents to investigate bootlegging and Nucky's lavish lifestyle. The final season jumps ahead seven years to 1931 as Prohibition nears its end. The series premiered on September 19, 2010, and concluded on October 26, 2014, after five seasons and 56 episodes.

Ensemble Cast and Characters

Steve Buscemi stars as Nucky Thompson, loosely based on Enoch L. Johnson. Michael Pitt plays Jimmy Darmody, Nucky's protégé who serves in World War I before entering organized crime. Kelly Macdonald portrays Margaret Thompson, a widow who becomes Nucky's mistress and wife. Michael Shannon appears as Nelson Van Alden, a former Prohibition agent turned bootlegger. Shea Whigham plays Elias "Eli" Thompson, Nucky's brother and sheriff. Other cast members include Vincent Piazza as Lucky Luciano, Stephen Graham as Al Capone, and Jeffrey Wright as Dr. Valentin Narcisse. The characters are based on or inspired by historical figures such as Alf Johnson, Louis Kuehnle, and Casper Holstein.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Boardwalk Empire received widespread critical acclaim for its visual style, basis on historical figures, and Buscemi's performance. The series received 57 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including two for Outstanding Drama Series, winning 20 awards. It won the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama in 2011. Additionally, it secured two Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2011 and 2012. The show ran for five seasons, ending on October 26, 2014.