Ep 11. Paris Green

During "Paris Green," the 11th episode of Season 1 of "Boardwalk Empire," we see the tension between Nucky Thompson and Jimmy Darmody continue to simmer as they both try to expand their influence in Atlantic City. Meanwhile, Van Alden gets a bit closer to uncovering who attempted to assassinate him and has a strange encounter with Margaret Schroeder.

After some inner turmoil, Nucky decides to take Margaret on a romantic weekend getaway to an isolated and picturesque part of New Jersey. While the two seemed to have some doubts about the trip at first, once they arrive, they both start to relax and enjoy each other's company. The setting is seemingly idyllic, with plenty of good food, drink, and scenery to appreciate. However, their escape from the stresses of the city are short-lived when Margaret is unexpectedly confronted by a blast from her past.

While the details surrounding what happens next are best left untold, it's clear that this excursion was not the escape either character was hoping for. Throughout it all, though, we see some significant developments in their relationship that lay the foundation for future episodes.

Meanwhile, back in Atlantic City, Chalky White continues to be an influential and valuable ally for Nucky, but he becomes embroiled in conflicts with some of Jimmy's associates. As the tension between the two factions grows, other powerful figures in the city are forced to pick sides and make strategic moves in order to keep their own interests protected.

One key character that remains on the sidelines (but always seems to be lurking just out of view) during the episode is Al Capone. Though he doesn't have a ton of screen time, we get a sense of his ambitions and his willingness to push boundaries when needed. His presence adds to the overall sense of tension that is mounting between the various factions and further emphasizes the stakes that are at play.

All in all, "Paris Green" is a tense and engaging episode that deftly balances multiple plotlines and characters. It's a great example of what "Boardwalk Empire" does best: showing the complicated and often chaotic nature of power struggles in a time of great change. As the first season begins to wind down, the stakes are getting higher, and the drama is only getting more intense.