Ep 6. Family Limitation

In "Family Limitation," the sixth episode of the first season of Boardwalk Empire, Nucky Thompson continues his efforts to expand his empire and secure his political power in Atlantic City, but faces increasing resistance from political rivals and potential criminal competitors. Meanwhile, his protégée Jimmy Darmody struggles with his own demons and tries to balance his personal and professional life.

The episode begins with Nucky attending a fundraiser for the Women's Health League, a group advocating for access to birth control and family planning services. Nucky sees this as an opportunity to gain the support of women voters and show his progressive stance on social issues, but his appearance is disrupted by Margaret Schroeder, a young woman he met in the previous episode who is now working for the League. Margaret confronts Nucky about his involvement in her husband's death and threatens to expose him unless he helps her secure funding for the League. Nucky reluctantly agrees, but warns Margaret about the dangerous game she's playing.

Meanwhile, Jimmy is struggling with his own role in Nucky's organization and his complicated relationship with Angela, his estranged wife who has returned to town with their young son. Jimmy wants to leave the criminal life behind and start anew with Angela and their family, but feels obligated to Nucky and is pulled back into the business when his friend Al Capone comes to town with a lucrative opportunity in Chicago. Jimmy rises to the occasion and impresses a potential ally, but his loyalty to Nucky and his own family obligations put him in a difficult position.

As Nucky tries to navigate the changing political landscape and maintain his control over Atlantic City, he also faces personal challenges with his brother Eli, who is resentful of Nucky's power and authority. Nucky tries to smooth things over with Eli by inviting him to a grand party at his lavish home, but tensions boil over and the two brothers have a violent confrontation. Nucky's position is further threatened by the arrival of a new player in town, Arnold Rothstein, a wealthy and influential New York gangster who sees an opportunity to expand his own criminal enterprise and take over Nucky's operation.

The episode ends with Nucky's political and criminal worlds colliding as he tries to balance his own interests with those of his allies and enemies. "Family Limitation" sets the stage for the high-stakes drama and complex character relationships that define Boardwalk Empire, offering a glimpse into the power struggles and personal sacrifices that define the world of organized crime in the Prohibition era.