Banana Scoop

If you’re interested in policitcal scandals and the 1920s, this is definitely the show for you.  The entire series is a political game of cat and mouse, mostly between the two main characters Nucky and Jimmy.  The extents that each go through slowly begins to affect their health, relationships, and families.  The changes in characters are highly compelling and very interesting.  There is a ton of 1920s nostalgia for you to take in and it’s almost too much for you to handle.  There are references everywhere from music to sports to other wars that only the biggest historic buffs will be able to pick up on, but the average joe may be left in the dust if they’re not paying attention.  The references are awarding to those who pick up on them and gives an essence of authenticity that is very refreshing.

The gore, violence, and nudity is very graphic and I don’t recommend it those that are squeamish.  More than often, I’ve had my hand held over my face in shock and awe.  From scalping to shotgun blasts to the face to beating someone’s head in with a bat to Richard Harrow’s unmasked face, there are moments that are probably more unforgiving than they should be.  I like to think all the violence is supposed to give us an idea of how dark this time was and how cold-blooded people could become when they wanted something done.  Given the time, where even murder in the street is fairly easy to get away clean from, it’s no surprise that something this gorey happens in almost every episode.

The Tin Man

On a stylish level, each episode is fairly straightforward when it comes to direction and shots.  There isn’t much noticeable style here, but the complex scenes where multiple things are happening are always well done and send chills up my spine.  The series does a great job to the point where I noticed not much of a difference between the first episode, directed by Martin Scorsese, to any other episode, directed by some other person.  Now I’m no cinematographer, but I think the straightforward style suits this series well.  I guess if we’re on a technical level, I’d like to mention how much I love the opening credits scene.  It always gets my head banging and sends shivers up my spine.  It’s just got excellent timing and really awesome shots of waves and water.

All in all, my descriptions here could not begin to emphasize how awesome this series is.  There’s just so much complexity to each character, the stories they tell, and the dilemmas they put themselves into.  None of the characters are getting stale, and the story seems to be just unfolding as season 2 ended.  I happily look forward to season 3 starting in Fall of 2012.  And I hope you guys join me as we watch Nucky Thompson take on the entire world.

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