Ourselves Alone

Betrayal reshapes Atlantic City while new alliances form across the ocean and on the streets of New York.

"Ourselves Alone" is the second episode of the second season of the HBO television series Boardwalk Empire, which originally aired October 2, 2011. Written by Howard Korder and directed by executive producer David Petrarca, this installment dives deep into the immediate aftermath of Nucky Thompson's arrest. The story captures a pivotal moment where Nucky realizes almost all his ward bosses and aldermen have defected to an alliance between Eli, Jimmy, and the Commodore. Amidst this political collapse, the narrative introduces Owen Sleater, an IRA assassin turned bodyguard, and follows Jimmy Darmody as he expands his operations into New York, culminating in a violent confrontation with Joe Masseria's men.

Quick Facts

Series: Boardwalk Empire
Director: David Petrarca
Writer: Howard Korder
Air date: 2 October 2011
Length: 58 minutes

Lore & Background

The episode details the rapid disintegration of Nucky Thompson's political machine following his release from jail. He discovers that only Mayor Edward L. Bader, ward boss Damien Fleming, Margaret, and Eddie remain loyal to him, while the rest have joined Eli's alliance with Jimmy and the Commodore. This power vacuum forces Nucky into a new arrangement involving Irish nationalism; he meets IRA leader John McGarrigle to discuss an arms deal intended to aid the Irish War of Independence. In exchange for funding and retaining Owen Sleater as his bodyguard, Nucky gains access to the guns. Simultaneously, the underworld shifts as Jimmy Darmody seeks partnerships in New York. After being politely declined by Rothstein, Jimmy joins a card game with Luciano and Lansky, where they agree to do business together despite initial hostility.

Reader's Guide

This episode serves as a turning point where Nucky must rely on unlikely allies like Owen Sleater and Mayor Bader after losing his political base. Viewers should pay attention to the introduction of new characters such as Eunice (Nucky's secretary), Lillian, Pauline, Isaac Ginsburg, and John McGarrigle, all of whom play specific roles in the unfolding drama. The death toll rises significantly with Jimmy Darmody killing Incrocci and Scarpelli, two nephews and enforcers for Joe Masseria. For those tracking character dynamics, note how Chalky asserts dominance over Dunn Purnsley through violence, while Jimmy solidifies his new partnership with Luciano and Lansky. The episode concludes with Eli gloating to Nucky that he will no longer live in his brother's shadow, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Did You Know?

Owen Sleater reveals his expertise as a bomb maker when discussing his qualifications as Nucky's new bodyguard.
Jimmy Darmody uses a specific skull crusher knife from his coat to kill two of Joe Masseria's henchmen during an ambush in the Lower East Side.
Chalky has six friendly acquaintances brutally beat and injure Dunn Purnsley after Purnsley mocks him for being illiterate.
The episode received a B+ rating from The A.V. Club, which praised specific moments like Jimmy at the poker game and Chalky in the cell.