The Emerald City

"The Emerald City" is the tenth episode of the first season of the HBO television series Boardwalk Empire, which aired on HBO November 21, 2010. The episode was written by co-executive producer Lawrence Konner and directed by Simon Cellan Jones. The title is based on the fictional Emerald City from the Oz Books. The episode deals with Nucky further involving Margaret in the corrupt affairs of his gang, Angela witnessing Jimmy's violent side as he struggles to adapt to a changing home environment, Capone maturing as a gangster, and Van Alden grappling with his emotions. Plot In the aftermath of a failed assassination attempt on Nucky, Richard is assigned to guard his house at all times; his scarred face and tin mask frighten Margaret and her children. Sebso's false account about Winslow's attempted escape is accepted by Van Alden's superiors; Sebso is exonerated of misconduct charges and Van Alden is warned that his career is finished if he embarrasses the Bureau again. Jimmy is released from jail for lack of evidence; he returns home and works at reconnecting with Angela and Tommy. Nucky tries to allay Margaret's apprehensions about living under guard, promising her that he has the situation well in hand. In New York, Rothstein meets with Mickey and the D'Alessio brothers. Rothstein, who values the power of accurate information, reprimands the group for failing to account for Eddie's presence, wounding a civilian, and unintentionally revealing his plans to Nucky. He refuses to do any further business with them until they repay the cost of their mistake. In Chicago, Torrio becomes furious with Capone for interrupting an important business meeting with a juvenile prank. While attending the bar mitzvah of the son of Torrio's beer supplier, Jake Guzik, he learns how the Jewish faith places great importance on men behaving responsibly and being held to account for their actions. Recognizing his own failings, he asks Torrio to give him a chance to prove he can contribute more to the Chicago mob's bottom line. Torrio then assigns him to oversee Guzik's mismanaged brewery.