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‘Boardwalk Empire’ Season 5, Episode 2 ‘The Good Listener’

Boardwalk Empire season 5, episode 2 The Good Listener airs on HBO.

Back from Cuba after a dangerous encounter, Nucky pays a visit to the now-retired Johnny Torrio, who agrees to broker a meeting with the new “Boss of Bosses,” Salvatore Maranzano. In Chicago, Eli and Van Alden are tasked by Mike D’Angelo, Al Capone’s new right-hand man, to recoup money lost during a federal raid by Eliot Ness. Fresh out of law school, Willie Thompson has a job interview. Rebuffed by a group of would-be financiers, Nucky dines with Tonino Sandrelli before sending a message to Lansky and Luciano. In 1884, a young Nucky deals with the death of his sister, Susan, while his father has a standoff with the Commodore.

The show chronicles the life and times of Nucky Thompson, the undisputed ruler of Atlantic City, who was equal parts politician and gangster. A bustling little city by the seashore, totally dependent upon money spent by tourists, Atlantic City’s popularity rose in the early 20th century and peaked during Prohibition. The resort’s singular purpose of providing a good time to its visitors — whether lawful or not — demanded a single mentality to rule the town. Success of the local economy was the only ideology, and critics and do-gooders weren’t tolerated. By 1900, a political juggernaut, funded by payoffs from gambling rooms, bars and brothels, was firmly entrenched. For the next 70 years, Atlantic City was dominated by a partnership comprised of local politicians and racketeers. This unique alliance reached full bloom in the person of Enoch “Nucky” Johnson – the second of three bosses to head the Republican machine that dominated city politics and society.

Boardwalk Empire season 5, episode 2 airs Sept. 14 at 9 p.m. EDT on HBO.

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