White Horse Pike (Boardwalk Empire)

Last updated
"White Horse Pike"
Boardwalk Empire episode
Episode no.Season 4
Episode 10
Directed by Jake Paltrow
Written byDave Flebotte
Cinematography byBill Coleman
Editing byTim Streeto
Original air dateNovember 10, 2013 (2013-11-10)
Running time53 minutes
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
 Previous
"Marriage and Hunting"
Next 
"Havre de Grace"
Boardwalk Empire (season 4)
List of episodes

"White Horse Pike" is the tenth episode of the fourth season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire . It is the 46th overall episode of the series and was written by Dave Flebotte, and directed by Jake Paltrow. It was released on HBO on November 10, 2013.

Contents

The series is set in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Prohibition era of the 1920s. The series follows Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, a political figure who rises to prominence and interacts with mobsters, politicians, government agents, and the common folk who look up to him. In the episode, Chalky performs a hit on Narcisse, while Nucky faces problems when heroin is smuggled in his Florida shipment.

According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.08 million household viewers and gained a 0.8 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, with critics praising the writing, directing, performances and pacing.

Plot

In Tampa, Florida, Sally receives a liquor shipment. However, she notices that Petrucelli, Luciano and Lansky have smuggled heroin inside the shipment. She informs Nucky about the discovery. An angry Nucky interrogates Lansky for his actions and forces him to bring Masseria to Atlantic City.

Eli is pressured by Tolliver for information, so he gives up a name in Torrio's crew. However, Tolliver visits him at home, angry that he supplied them with a useless fact as the man was dead for years. Eli is then assigned by Nucky to stop a shipment in White Horse Pike, with Tolliver tagging along. Tolliver kills one of the men and finds the heroin. He delivers his discoveries to Hoover, who is more focused on investigating Marcus Garvey.

Chalky enlists Richard's help in performing a hit on Narcisse. That night, Chalky and his crew shoot at Narcisse's office, killing many of his men. However, Narcisse survives and shoots Chalky in the shoulder, forcing him to flee. Chalky hides in an American Legion building with Richard's help, and Nucky hides this from Narcisse. Nucky then meets with Masseria, who reveals that he is associated with Narcisse in the heroin business. Once again denying to know Chalky's location, he strikes a deal to get in the business with Masseria.

In New York City, Margaret faces eviction as her salary does not cover the expenses. Rothstein offers to grant her a better apartment for a cheaper price in exchange for some tips in his investment, which could cost her job. This prompts Margaret to demand better arrangements, which Rothstein accepts.

In Chicago, Torrio finds that Capone has placed Van Alden in his inner circle for "killing" Dean O'Banion, and reiterates that he will not leave business yet despite Capone's insistence. During a party, shortly after Torrio leaves, Capone is called by a person who wants to say goodbye. Suddenly, mobsters in a building across the street pull out machine guns and start shooting at the place, but Capone is saved by Van Alden when he pushes him to the floor.

Nucky gets Bader to sneak Chalky out of Atlantic City with Daughter. However, he discovers from Willie that Bader is working with Narcisse. The officers transporting Chalky try to kill him but he manages to kill them instead. At the Onyx Club, Maybelle meets Narcisse, who hides his identity and comforts her after she mentions that her wedding has been called off. Nucky and Eli meet at the Albatross, explaining Bader's role. Eli is dismayed to find that Willie is getting involved in the conflict, but Willie states that he is taking part in the family business, which Eli accepts.

Production

Development

In October 2013, HBO confirmed that the tenth episode of the season would be titled "White Horse Pike", and that it would be written by Dave Flebotte, and directed by Jake Paltrow. This was Flebotte's third writing credit, and Paltrow's first directing credit. [1]

Reception

Viewers

In its original American broadcast, "White Horse Pike" was seen by an estimated 2.08 million household viewers with a 0.8 in the 18-49 demographics. This means that 0.8 percent of all households with televisions watched the episode. [2] This was a 9% increase in viewership from the previous episode, which was watched by 1.90 million household viewers with a 0.8 in the 18-49 demographics. [3]

Critical reviews

"White Horse Pike" received critical acclaim. Matt Fowler of IGN gave the episode an "amazing" 9 out of 10 and wrote in his verdict, "Things got insanely tense during 'White Horse Pike' after Chalky brought the battle to Narcisse, taking a bullet in the process. With only two episodes left in the season, this was the gateway to the endgame." [4]

Genevieve Valentine of The A.V. Club gave the episode an "A–" grade and wrote, "This episode builds on the un-fired guns of last week with a sense of an unsettling 'almost' that haunts the many turns in this episode; everywhere you look people almost die, almost help each other, and almost connect." [5]

Alan Sepinwall of HitFix wrote, "what drives the series, and makes episodes like this one so satisfying, are those moments before the guns come out, when deals are being cut, alliances are being formed, and very smart men have to decide whether the offer on the table is better than the arrangement they already have – and, just as importantly, whether the offer is real at all." [6] Seth Colter Walls of Vulture gave the episode a 4 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "You didn't really think Boardwalk Empire was going to kill off Chalky White, did you? So soon after they did away with Dunn Purnsley? The fans would have gone mad. But give everyone involved some credit: This antepenultimate episode of the season felt full of danger and risk, even for Chalky. And the show managed to build up a head of steam." [7]

Rodrigo Perez of IndieWire wrote, "one of the best episodes in the show’s history thus far, and with three two more episodes to go, it's only going to get gnarlier, nastier, and more engrossing." [8] Chris O'Hara of TV Fanatic gave the episode a 4 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "Van Alden will play into whatever transpires with Al it seems, while the same could be said for Richard with Chalky after we saw the respect Chalky paid him in the alley and how Richard tended to his gunshot wound." [9]

Michael Noble of Den of Geek wrote, "Seeing these characters before they attained the notoriety that still attends them has been one of the biggest appeals of Boardwalk Empire since the beginning. It is, however, more than simply an unofficial prequel to The Untouchables . Their respective ascents of the criminal ladder, interesting though they are, are given additional depth and context by the sense of generational change." [10] Paste gave the episode a 6.8 out of 10 rating and wrote, "'White Horse Pike' felt more concerned about moving its pieces around than with character choices, so despite the non-stop action, it didn't have nearly as much excitement." [11]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nucky Thompson</span> Fictional character in the period crime political drama TV series Boardwalk Empire

Enoch Malachi "Nucky" Thompson is a fictional character and the protagonist of the HBO TV series Boardwalk Empire, portrayed by Steve Buscemi. Nucky is loosely based on former Atlantic City, New Jersey political figure Enoch Lewis "Nucky" Johnson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Return to Normalcy</span> 12th episode of the 1st season of Boardwalk Empire

"A Return to Normalcy" is the 12th episode of the first season of HBO television series Boardwalk Empire and the season finale, which premiered on HBO December 5, 2010. The episode was written by series creator Terence Winter and directed by Tim Van Patten, both executive producers.

<i>Boardwalk Empire</i> season 2 Season of television series

The second season of the HBO television series Boardwalk Empire premiered on September 25, 2011, and concluded on December 11, 2011, consisting of 12 episodes. The series was created by Terence Winter and based on the book Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times and Corruption of Atlantic City by Nelson Johnson. Set in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Prohibition era, the series stars Steve Buscemi as Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, a political figure who rose to prominence and controlled Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Prohibition period of the 1920s and 1930s. The second season takes place between February and August 1921. The second season was released on DVD and Blu-ray in region 1 on August 28, 2012.

<i>Boardwalk Empire</i> season 3 Season of television series

The third season of the HBO television series Boardwalk Empire premiered on September 16, 2012 and concluded on December 2, 2012, consisting of 12 episodes. The series was created by Terence Winter and based on the book Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times and Corruption of Atlantic City by Nelson Johnson. Set in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Prohibition era, the series stars Steve Buscemi as Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, a political figure who rose to prominence and controlled Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Prohibition period of the 1920s and early 1930s. Taking place 16 months after season two, the third season begins on New Year's Eve 1922 and concludes in June 1923. The third season was released on DVD and Blu-ray in region 1 on August 20, 2013.

<i>Boardwalk Empire</i> season 4 Season of television series

The fourth season of the HBO television series Boardwalk Empire premiered on September 8, 2013, and concluded on November 24, 2013, consisting of 12 episodes. The series was created by Terence Winter and based on the book Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times and Corruption of Atlantic City by Nelson Johnson. Set in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Prohibition era, the series stars Steve Buscemi as Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, a political figure who rose to prominence and controlled Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Prohibition period of the 1920s and early 1930s. The fourth season takes place between February and August, 1924. The fourth season was released on DVD and Blu-ray in region 1 on August 19, 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gyp Rosetti</span> Boardwalk Empire

Giuseppe Colombano "Gyp" Rosetti is a character in the HBO TV series Boardwalk Empire, portrayed by Bobby Cannavale. Rosetti is a New York City gangster who works for Joe Masseria. Hot-headed, easily offended and prone to bouts of extreme violence, he is the primary antagonist of the series’ third season.

"Margate Sands" is the twelfth episode and season finale of the third season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 36th overall episode of the series and was written by series creator Terence Winter and executive producer Howard Korder, and directed by executive producer Tim Van Patten. It was released on HBO on December 2, 2012.

"Two Boats and a Lifeguard" is the eighth episode of the second season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 20th overall episode of the series and was written by series creator Terence Winter, and directed by executive producer Tim Van Patten. It was released on HBO on November 13, 2011.

"The Milkmaid's Lot" is the ninth episode of the third season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 33rd overall episode of the series and was written by co-executive producer Rolin Jones, and directed by Ed Bianchi. It was released on HBO on November 11, 2012.

"A Man, a Plan..." is the tenth episode of the third season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 34th overall episode of the series and was written by Dave Flebotte, and directed by Jeremy Podeswa. It was released on HBO on November 18, 2012.

"New York Sour" is the first episode of the fourth season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 37th overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer Howard Korder and directed by executive producer Tim Van Patten. It was released on HBO on September 8, 2013.

"Resignation" is the second episode of the fourth season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 38th overall episode of the series and was written by consulting producer Dennis Lehane and executive producer Howard Korder, and directed by Alik Sakharov. It was released on HBO on September 15, 2013.

"William Wilson" is the seventh episode of the fourth season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 43rd overall episode of the series and was written by David Matthews and series creator Terence Winter, and directed by Jeremy Podeswa. It was released on HBO on October 20, 2013.

"The Old Ship of Zion" is the eighth episode of the fourth season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 44th overall episode of the series and was written by Christine Chambers and executive producer Howard Korder, and directed by executive producer Tim Van Patten. It was released on HBO on October 27, 2013.

"Marriage and Hunting" is the ninth episode of the fourth season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 45th overall episode of the series and was written by David Matthews, Jennifer Ames, and Steve Turner, and directed by Ed Bianchi. It was released on HBO on November 3, 2013.

"Havre de Grace" is the eleventh episode of the fourth season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 47th overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer Howard Korder, and directed by Allen Coulter. It was released on HBO on November 17, 2013.

"Farewell Daddy Blues" is the twelfth episode and season finale of the fourth season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 48th overall episode of the series and was written by series creator Terence Winter and executive producer Howard Korder, and directed by executive producer Tim Van Patten. It was released on HBO on November 24, 2013.

"King of Norway" is the fifth episode of the fifth season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 53rd overall episode of the series and was written by Steve Kornacki, and directed by Ed Bianchi. It was released on HBO on October 5, 2014.

"Devil You Know" is the sixth episode of the fifth season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 54th overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer Howard Korder, and directed by Jeremy Podeswa. It was released on HBO on October 12, 2014.

Elias "Eli" Thompson is a fictional character in the HBO TV show Boardwalk Empire where he was portrayed by Shea Whigham and Ryan Dinning and Oakes Fegley in flashbacks in Season 5.

References

  1. "(#46/410) "White Horse Pike"". The Futon Critic. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  2. Bibel, Sara (November 12, 2013). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'The Walking Dead' Wins Night, 'Talking Dead', 'Boardwalk Empire', 'Homeland', 'Killing Kennedy' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 12, 2013. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  3. Kondolojy, Amanda (November 5, 2013). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'The Walking Dead' Rules Again + 'Talking Dead', 'Real Housewives of Atlanta', 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  4. Fowler, Matt (November 10, 2013). "Boardwalk Empire: "White Horse Pike" Review". IGN . Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  5. Valentine, Genevieve (November 10, 2013). "Boardwalk Empire: "White Horse Pike"". The A.V. Club . Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  6. Sepinwall, Alan (November 10, 2013). "Review: 'Boardwalk Empire' – 'White Horse Pike': You've got a friend in me". HitFix . Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  7. Walls, Seth Colter (November 11, 2013). "Boardwalk Empire Recap: Let's Get It Sorted Out". Vulture . Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  8. Perez, Rodrigo (November 10, 2013). "Recap: 'Boardwalk Empire,' Season 4, Episode 10, 'White Horse Pike'". IndieWire . Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  9. O'Hara, Chris (November 10, 2013). "Boardwalk Empire Review: Who Do You Think You Are?". TV Fanatic. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  10. Noble, Michael (November 12, 2013). "Boardwalk Empire season 4 episode 10 review: White Horse Pike". Den of Geek . Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  11. "Boardwalk Empire: "White Horse Pike" (Episode 4.10)". Paste . November 11, 2013. Retrieved July 31, 2023.