Banana Scoop

I’ve heavily spent that last 2 weeks or so catching up on both seasons of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire.  And I will tell you now, that I’m very hooked.  This series is compelling, graphic, unforgiving, and just oh-so good.  It’s an absolute gold mine for US history buffs and those who love the gangster drama.  Martin Scorsese produces and even directed the very first episode and the amount of detail in representing the best and the worst of the 1920s.  I highly recommend if you aren’t watching, that you find yourself some copies and sit through the literal 24 hour [2 seasons, 12 episodes each, one hour long] roller coaster ride that Nucky Thompson and friends take you on.

Enoch ‘Nucky’ Thompson (Steve Buscemi)is a crooked county treasure in the beautiful town of Atlantic City, New Jersey.  Just as the Volstead Act [Prohibition] is passed, he and his council including mayors, governors, sheriffs, and other political figures raise a glass of the finest whiskies.  Just like the tagline said: “When alcohol was outlawed, outlaws became kings”.  Thompson technically owns Atlantic City as he controls the influx of Alcohol and hands out money like candy.  In the eyes of the public, he’s a dedicated man of service, and in the criminal underworld, he’s one of the most feared men on the Eastern coast.  When he gets tangled with the law, rival factions, lovers and betrayers, Thompson must use his wit and resources to keep control of the town he owns.  By any means necessary.

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Fox’s Alcatraz aired last week and I’m still trying to feel it out.  Three episodes have passed since it’s premier and I’ll admit I’m fairly hooked.  Is this another cheesy ambitious detective paired with an unlikely partner cliche?  It sure is.  Is there an overbearing agency that is withholding information from our likable heroes?  You’re damn right.  But what Alcatraz has that transcends other cliche shows lies in its very interesting premise.  In addition to that is that it’s fairly graphic and unforgiving.  Usually shows won’t cross taboos of showing people, particularly young women, getting shot, and even include a surprising amount of gore to accompany it.  A shocking addition on account we’re on a big named publically accessible network like Fox.  Maybe it was to master producer and creater JJ Abrams idea to do this.  Maybe this was a stint that we’ll only see in the first few episodes, but regardless Fox has done its job where it has hooked me in to follow it for a couple more weeks.  But like Terra Nova, if this series fizzles, I’ll soon drop it like a hot tamale in favor for greener pastors.  Read on below for my thoughts on the first couple of episodes.

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