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The Best Episodes of Boardwalk Empire

Every episode of Boardwalk Empire ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Boardwalk Empire!

Binge this in 2d 5h•Peaking at 8.6/10

Atlantic City at the dawn of Prohibition is a place where the rules don't apply. And the man who runs things -- legally and otherwise -- is the town's treasurer, Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, who is

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  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 12 - To the Lost
    8.6/10(3781 votes)

    #1 - To the Lost

    S2:E12

    Nucky faces a difficult, bottom-line business decision.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Terence Winter

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  2. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 2 - Ourselves Alone
    8.3/10(2539 votes)

    #2 - Ourselves Alone

    S2:E2

    Despite being publicly embarrassed by legal trouble, Nucky's biggest concern may be holding on to his private army in a battle for control of Atlantic City. Meanwhile, Jimmy pitches a business deal to Arnold Rothstein in New York, but may have more in common with Meyer Lansky and Lucky Luciano. Margaret draws on past experience to retrieve some valuable information, Chalky clashes with a fellow inmate, and an Irish nationalist comes to town looking for support.

    Director:David Petrarca
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Episode 12 - Farewell Daddy Blues
    8.3/10(3424 votes)

    #3 - Farewell Daddy Blues

    S4:E12

    Eli braces for the worst as Agent Knox launches his plan to bring Nucky down. Capone and Torrio reach an agreement in Cicero. Chalky looks to settle scores. Richard steps forward to save Tommy, at Gillian’s expense

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writers:Howard Korder, Terence Winter

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  4. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 11 - Under God's Power She Flourishes
    8.1/10(2837 votes)

    #4 - Under God's Power She Flourishes

    S2:E11

    With Margaret pondering the consequences of sin, Nucky prepares her for a worst-case scenario as Esther Randolph plays out her trump cards. Jimmy revisits his college days with Angela and Gillian. Mickey Doyle chafes at sharing his liquor profits. Eli refuses to cop a plea. Nelson's past comes back to haunt him, tipping the scale in Nucky's favor.

    Director:Allen Coulter
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Episode 5 - Erlkönig
    8.1/10(2430 votes)

    #5 - Erlkönig

    S4:E5

    Nucky heads to Philadelphia; Agent Knox detains Eddie Kessler to obtain information about Nucky's organization; Gillian tries to score a fix; Van Alden is recruited by the Capones.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Howard Korder

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  6. Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 11 - Paris Green
    7.9/10(2619 votes)

    #6 - Paris Green

    S1:E11

    Nucky has emotionally charged conversations with both Margaret and Eli over his business and the killing of Margaret's husband. Jimmy meets with his dying father for the first time in years. Van Alden and Agent Sebso's working relationship is pushed to the limit by Van Alden's suspicions. Angela prepares to flee from Jimmy to Paris.

    Director:Allen Coulter
    Writer:Howard Korder

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Boardwalk Empire

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  7. Boardwalk Empire Season 5 Episode 8 - Eldorado
    7.9/10(3833 votes)

    #7 - Eldorado

    S5:E8

    Nucky plans to relocate to Manhattan; Margaret impresses Nucky and a grain company stockholder.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writers:Howard Korder, Terence Winter

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  8. Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 1 - Boardwalk Empire
    7.8/10(5700 votes)

    #8 - Boardwalk Empire

    S1:E1

    January 1920. On the eve of Prohibition, Atlantic City's Treasurer, Nucky Thompson, condemns alcohol at a Women's Temperance League meeting, where he is noticed by Margaret Schroeder, a pretty, pregnant housewife who comes to him for help in getting her abusive husband Hans a job. Later that evening, the duplicitous Nucky privately tells his ward bosses about the opportunity to make huge profits selling bootleg liquor. At a countdown-to-midnight blast at Babette's Supper Club, he assures Jimmy Darmody, a recently returned WWI vet, that his appointment as "Man Friday" to the new Chief Clerk of the Fourth Ward, Paddy Ryan, will lead to bigger things. Jimmy, meanwhile, has higher aspirations and ends up making an alliance that could have dire consequences for both him and Nucky.

    Director:Martin Scorsese
    Writer:Terence Winter

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  9. Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Episode 3 - Acres of Diamonds
    7.8/10(2089 votes)

    #9 - Acres of Diamonds

    S4:E3

    Nucky has reservations about investing in a Tampa land deal engineered by transplanted bootlegger Bill McCoy. While there, he meets speakeasy owner Sally Wheet. Valentin Narcisse books a sexy jazz singer, Daughter Maitland, to perform at the Onyx, and gauges Dunn Purnsley’s allegiance to Chalky. Willie, Eli’s son, turns to Mickey Doyle and his bootleg warehouse to elevate his social standing at college. Gillian agrees to pose as Roy Phillips’ wife to impress a possible partner. Harrow tries to bury his past, though not before taking care of some unfinished business with Emma.

    Director:Allen Coulter
    Writer:Terence Winter

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  10. Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Episode 2 - Resignation
    7.7/10(2159 votes)

    #10 - Resignation

    S4:E2

    Now working as a “delivery man” for Dean O’Banion, Van Alden is ordered to keep tabs on Al Capone, joining the ascendant mobster to help keep Cicero voters “informed” at a political rally. Dr. Valentin Narcisse arrives in Atlantic City, clashing with Chalky and Nucky over the loss of an employee. In Washington, Agent Knox aligns himself with J. Edgar Hoover, acting director of the Bureau of Investigation. Harrow fails to finish a job in Milwaukee, while Eddie demands a promotion after 11 years of service. With a business opportunity on the horizon, Nucky departs for Florida.

    Director:Alik Sakharov
    Writers:Howard Korder, Dennis Lehane

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  11. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 8 - Two Boats and a Lifeguard
    7.6/10(2397 votes)

    #11 - Two Boats and a Lifeguard

    S2:E8

    In the wake of a personal loss, Nucky solicits advice on his political situation from Arnold Rothstein, while Eli remains suspicious of his brother’s actions. Nucky finds himself in the unfamiliar position of showing gratitude toward a federal agent. Angela meets a new friend at the beach, and eavesdrops on her husband’s treachery. Nelson gets a nanny. Nucky approaches Owen with an overseas proposition. Jimmy flexes his muscles, at Mickey Doyle’s expense.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Terence Winter

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  12. Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 10 - The Emerald City
    7.5/10(2713 votes)

    #12 - The Emerald City

    S1:E10

    Nucky asks for Margaret's assistance in backing his mayoral candidate with the passage of women's right to vote, leaving her conflicted about her role. Doyle switches sides back from Rothstein, which leads Nucky to conspire with Chalky against Lansky and the D'Alessios. Angela witnesses Jimmy's violent side against her photographer friend, and considers leaving Atlantic City for good in the aftermath. Van Alden grapples with his emotions, and has encounters with both Margaret and Lucy.

    Director:Simon Cellan Jones
    Writer:Lawrence Konner

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  13. Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Episode 4 - All In
    7.5/10(2142 votes)

    #13 - All In

    S4:E4

    Nucky gets to know Arnold Rothstein over a card game, and sizes up an unexpected partner for his Tampa land deal. A newly promoted Eddie Kessler gets detoured after making a train-station delivery. When one of their collectors is incapacitated, Al and Frank Capone decide to finish his route, enlisting a reluctant Van Alden to tag along. Agent Knox fills Hoover in on the Thompson operation, vowing to exploit Nucky's weakest link. Chalky is intrigued by Daughter Maitland’s presence. Dunn Purnsley goes to Harlem, and is courted by Valentin Narcisse. Willie and his college roommate, Clayton, carry a practical joke too far.

    Director:Ed Bianchi
    Writer:David Matthews

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  14. Boardwalk Empire Season 5 Episode 1 - Golden Days for Boys and Girls
    7.5/10(2353 votes)

    #14 - Golden Days for Boys and Girls

    S5:E1

    Nucky reminisces about catching the Commodore's eye; Nucky joins Sally Wheet in Cuba; Margaret finds herself in the hot seat; Chalky tries to extricate himself from a difficult situation; Lucky Luciano sets a bold plan in motion.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Howard Korder

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  15. Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 2 - The Ivory Tower
    7.4/10(3515 votes)

    #15 - The Ivory Tower

    S1:E2

    Nucky deals with the fallout from Jimmy's rogue heist, sending Eli to sow the seeds of doubt in the mind of Margaret, who seeks help in the wake of her husband's demise.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Terence Winter

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  16. Boardwalk Empire Season 3 Episode 10 - A Man, A Plan...
    7.4/10(2655 votes)

    #16 - A Man, A Plan...

    S3:E10

    Nucky tries to keep Jess Smith quiet and neutralize Gyp's alliance with Joe Masseria; Margaret considers an alternate future; Van Alden's side business backfires; Gyp's shipment is short; Chalky sees an opportunity.

    Director:Jeremy Podeswa
    Writer:David Flebotte

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  17. Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Episode 10 - White Horse Pike
    7.4/10(2224 votes)

    #17 - White Horse Pike

    S4:E10

    Nucky enlists Eli and Agent Knox to check the cargo in the Florida shipments; Margaret considers making a deal with Rothstein; Capone grows suspicious of Torrio; Nucky faces a dilemma.

    Director:Jake Paltrow
    Writer:David Flebotte

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  18. Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 3 - Broadway Limited
    7.3/10(3294 votes)

    #18 - Broadway Limited

    S1:E3

    An unlikely witness to the woods massacre threatens to expose the perpetrators, sending both Eli and Van Alden rushing to the hospital. Margaret starts a new job at an upscale French dress shop at the Ritz, while Chalky's team pays a heavy price for taking over Mickey Doyle's bootleg operation.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Margaret Nagle

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  19. Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 6 - Family Limitation
    7.3/10(2911 votes)

    #19 - Family Limitation

    S1:E6

    After the brazen robbery of one of his ward bosses, Nucky turns up the heat on Lucky Luciano. An emboldened Margaret stands up to Lucy at the dress shop and accepts an offer from Nucky to change her circumstances. In Chicago, Al's frustration over family issues spills over into his relationship with Jimmy, who scores points with Johnny Torrio for a bold power play involving Sheridan and the neighborhood of Greektown.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Howard Korder

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  20. Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 7 - Home
    7.3/10(2935 votes)

    #20 - Home

    S1:E7

    After his father Ethan is injured in a fall, Nucky uses the opportunity to refurbish his childhood home. On a double-date with new friend Annabelle and her beaux, Margaret tries to get Nucky to open up about some painful childhood memories. During a visit to an army hospital, Jimmy befriends disfigured vet Richard Harrow, whose sharp eye proves invaluable. Van Alden gets a lead on the woods massacre.

    Director:Allen Coulter
    Writer:Paul Simms

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  21. Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 12 - A Return to Normalcy
    7.3/10(2890 votes)

    #21 - A Return to Normalcy

    S1:E12

    Nucky faces Election Day in Atlantic City and pulls out all the stops to keep power in Republican hands. Torrio brokers a discussion between Nucky and Rothstein to resolve their growing gang war, as well as Rothstein's looming federal indictment over the World Series. Both Jimmy and Eli voice their growing resentment towards Nucky, and find they have an ally in the Commodore. Van Alden seeks a sign on whether or not to leave Atlantic City, but receives unexpected news from Lucy. Margaret weighs new information about Nucky's first marriage and her uncertain future to make a final decision on her role in his life.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Terence Winter

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  22. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 5 - Gimcrack & Bunkum
    7.3/10(2623 votes)

    #22 - Gimcrack & Bunkum

    S2:E5

    After a dispute with his enemies, Nucky brings in a surprise guest speaker at a Memorial Day dedication for war veterans. Running out of options, Eli questions his allegiances, but it ends up sending him deeper into the hole. Nucky hires a new lawyer. Jimmy is taught a lesson by one of the Commodore's men that he won't soon forget. Richard decides to go hunting in the forest.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 9 - Battle of the Century
    7.3/10(2303 votes)

    #23 - Battle of the Century

    S2:E9

    Arriving in Belfast, Nucky and Owen meet with IRA leaders with a barter proposition. Meanwhile, in Atlantic City, Jimmy and his partners broker a deal with George Remus for his “medicinal” alcohol before taking a break to see/hear the Dempsey fight. Margaret frets when Emily’s illness takes a turn for the worse. Dunn Purnsley orchestrates a worker’s strike at the Ritz. Waxey Gordon takes action against Manny Horvitz in Philadelphia, and Randolph and Clifford Lathrop grill Halloran about Nucky’s past.

    Director:Brad Anderson
    Writer:Steve Kornacki

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  24. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 10 - Georgia Peaches
    7.3/10(2457 votes)

    #24 - Georgia Peaches

    S2:E10

    Undercut by Nucky, who has a new source for alcohol, Jimmy and his partners look to cultivate a new revenue stream in Atlantic City. With the peak tourist season approaching, the Commodore’s crew faces a choice in dealing with the city’s striking workers; either negotiate or fight back. Fearing that sin has led to misfortune, Margaret approaches Father Brennan with an “act of devotion.” Nucky gets a new lawyer. Van Alden faces an uncertain future. Manny Horvitz takes exception to a debt payment.

    Director:Jeremy Podeswa
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Boardwalk Empire Season 3 Episode 1 - Resolution
    7.3/10(2604 votes)

    #25 - Resolution

    S3:E1

    Nucky makes a resolution; Margaret considers a hospital expansion; Gillian builds a new business; Van Alden stumbles onto a confrontation.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Terence Winter

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Best Episodes Summary

"To the Lost" is the best rated episode of "Boardwalk Empire". It scored 8.6/10 based on 3781 votes. Directed by Tim Van Patten and written by Terence Winter, it aired on 12/11/2011. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "Ourselves Alone".