Boardwalk Empire: The Complete Fourth Season

The penultimate fourth season of this HBO original series, which is set in the world of organized crime during the Prohibition era of the 1920s, introduces new characters to the story of Atlantic City bootlegger Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi) and his struggle to maintain control as Arnold Rothstein (Michael Stuhlbarg) in New York and Al Capone (Stephen Graham) in Chicago extend their reach. Jeffrey Wright plays Harlem power broker Valentin Narcisse, who runs his criminal activities beneath a façade of social works and tries to muscle in on Nucky's territory, while Nucky teams up with Florida speakeasy owner Sally Wheet (Patricia Arquette) to set up a liquor pipeline from the Caribbean, even as he tries to lie low when the FBI increases its investigations. The show features family drama as well, with Nucky's estranged wife, Margaret (Kelly Macdonald), turning her back on his life and money, and his brother, Eli (Shea Whigham), torn in his loyalties when Nucky recruits Eli's son into the bootlegging business. Also on hand is Jack Huston as Richard Harrow, the disfigured war veteran whose torments have made him a fan favorite. A handsome show with high production values, top-notch actors, complex characters, and a vivid period feel, Boardwalk Empire has earned critical acclaim and a strong following. Compiling all 12 episodes from 2013, extras include episode commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and a season three recap. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are a PaleyFest cast and crew Q&A panel, and interactive features. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)