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The Worst Episodes of Boardwalk Empire

Every episode of Boardwalk Empire ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Boardwalk Empire!

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Atlantic City at the dawn of Prohibition is a place where the rules don't apply. And the man who runs things -- legally and otherwise -- is the town's treasurer, Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, who is

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  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    Boardwalk Empire Season 3 Episode 6 - Ging Gang Goolie
    7.5/10(2141 votes)

    #1 - Ging Gang Goolie

    S3:E6

    Nucky is detained in Washington; Margaret copes with Teddy's demons; Owen investigates a suspicious fire; Richard makes a connection with a veteran and his daughter.

    Director:Ed Bianchi
    Writer:Steve Kornacki

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  2. Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Episode 6 - The North Star
    7.6/10(2009 votes)

    #2 - The North Star

    S4:E6

    Nucky heads to Tampa to work out details of his land deal with Bill McCoy; Richard Harrow returns to Atlantic City; Agent Knox tries to gain Eli's trust; Chalky takes out his frustrations on Daughter Maitland.

    Director:Allen Coulter
    Writers:Howard Korder, Eric Overmyer

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  3. Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 2 - The Ivory Tower
    7.8/10(3448 votes)

    #3 - The Ivory Tower

    S1:E2

    Nucky deals with the fallout from Jimmy's rogue heist, sending Eli to sow the seeds of doubt in the mind of Margaret, who seeks help in the wake of her husband's demise.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Terence Winter

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  4. Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Episode 3 - Acres of Diamonds
    7.8/10(2061 votes)

    #4 - Acres of Diamonds

    S4:E3

    Nucky has reservations about investing in a Tampa land deal engineered by transplanted bootlegger Bill McCoy. While there, he meets speakeasy owner Sally Wheet. Valentin Narcisse books a sexy jazz singer, Daughter Maitland, to perform at the Onyx, and gauges Dunn Purnsley’s allegiance to Chalky. Willie, Eli’s son, turns to Mickey Doyle and his bootleg warehouse to elevate his social standing at college. Gillian agrees to pose as Roy Phillips’ wife to impress a possible partner. Harrow tries to bury his past, though not before taking care of some unfinished business with Emma.

    Director:Allen Coulter
    Writer:Terence Winter

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  5. Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Episode 7 - William Wilson
    7.8/10(1976 votes)

    #5 - William Wilson

    S4:E7

    Eli confronts Nucky after Willie makes an unpopular decision. Margaret has a surprise encounter at her job on Wall Street. Joe Masseria orders Lucky Luciano to return to Tampa and deal with Vincenzo Petrucelli. Gillian goes cold turkey, with Roy Phillips’ help. Still seething over his brother’s death, Al Capone tries to get Johnny Torrio to turn on rival gangster Dean O’Banion. As Chalky White and Daughter Maitland’s relationship deepens, Valentin Narcisse exerts his control over Dunn Purnsley and the Northside.

    Director:Jeremy Podeswa
    Writers:Terence Winter, David Matthews

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  6. Boardwalk Empire Season 5 Episode 3 - What Jesus Said
    7.8/10(1975 votes)

    #6 - What Jesus Said

    S5:E3

    Chalky heads in a new direction; Margaret finds herself in a quandary; Nucky hosts a prospective partner from Boston; Luciano and Siegel meet with Narcisse in Harlem; in 1884, young Nucky flirts with a girl.

    Director:Ed Bianchi
    Writers:Howard Korder, Cristine Chambers

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  7. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 6 - The Age of Reason
    7.9/10(2325 votes)

    #7 - The Age of Reason

    S2:E6

    Nucky tries to set up a risky liquor delivery to Philadelphia. Later, Attorney General Daugherty sees a problem that might complicate Nucky's case. Jimmy finds a new mentor in Leander Whitlock who is the Commodore's lawyer. Margaret finally goes to confessional. Lucy continues to struggle with loneliness while Van Alden tries to settle his conscience.

    Director:Jeremy Podeswa
    Writer:Bathsheba Doran

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  8. Boardwalk Empire Season 3 Episode 2 - Spaghetti & Coffee
    7.9/10(2254 votes)

    #8 - Spaghetti & Coffee

    S3:E2

    Mixing business with pleasure in New York, Nucky bristles at the collection tactics of Gaston Means, a “special investigator” with ties to Attorney General Harry Daugherty. At St. Theresa’s, Margaret is troubled when her altruism is met with resistance by both a patient and an idealistic doctor. Gyp extends his stopover in Tabor Heights, a town halfway between Atlantic City and New York, with an eye towards establishing a strategic foothold. Chalky and his daughter Maybelle (Christina Jackson) fail to agree on her future with Samuel (Ty Michael Robinson); Eli gets a new boss and faces new realities at home; a major liquor shipment takes an unexpected detour.

    Director:Alik Sakharov
    Writer:Howard Korder

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  9. Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 3 - Broadway Limited
    8.0/10(3241 votes)

    #9 - Broadway Limited

    S1:E3

    An unlikely witness to the woods massacre threatens to expose the perpetrators, sending both Eli and Van Alden rushing to the hospital. Margaret starts a new job at an upscale French dress shop at the Ritz, while Chalky's team pays a heavy price for taking over Mickey Doyle's bootleg operation.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Margaret Nagle

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  10. Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 8 - Hold Me in Paradise
    8.0/10(2665 votes)

    #10 - Hold Me in Paradise

    S1:E8

    Nucky visits Chicago for the Republican National Convention, where he finds himself intrigued by the candidacy of Warren G. Harding over more established candidates. The D'Alessio gang moves in on Nucky's territory at the expense of Eli, who has been watching over his brother's affairs. Margaret finds herself entangled in Nucky's business affairs, while Van Alden struggles with his wife's desire for a child. Rothstein prepares for legal trouble over his role in fixing the 1919 World Series. Nucky asks Jimmy to return to Atlantic City to reinforce his position.

    Director:Brian Kirk
    Writer:Meg Jackson

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  11. Boardwalk Empire Season 3 Episode 3 - Bone for Tuna
    8.0/10(2231 votes)

    #11 - Bone for Tuna

    S3:E3

    Disturbed by a recent nightmare and Billie’s absence, Nucky reluctantly joins Margaret to receive a high honor from the Church. Meanwhile, Gyp makes a deal with Nucky for a onetime liquor shipment, though the mobster’s longtime intentions remain very much up in the air. Van Alden regrets trying to socialize with his co-workers; Margaret takes her women’s-clinic pitch to a higher authority; Lucky and Meyer (Anatol Yusef) protect their investments; Richard sets the record straight with Mickey, and with Nucky.

    Director:Jeremy Podeswa
    Writer:Chris Haddock

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  12. Boardwalk Empire Season 3 Episode 7 - Sunday Best
    8.0/10(2164 votes)

    #12 - Sunday Best

    S3:E7

    Eli hopes to get back in Nucky's good graces; Gillian tries to improve her future; Gyp asks for a blessing in New York.

    Director:Allen Coulter
    Writer:Howard Korder

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  13. Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Episode 2 - Resignation
    8.0/10(2134 votes)

    #13 - Resignation

    S4:E2

    Now working as a “delivery man” for Dean O’Banion, Van Alden is ordered to keep tabs on Al Capone, joining the ascendant mobster to help keep Cicero voters “informed” at a political rally. Dr. Valentin Narcisse arrives in Atlantic City, clashing with Chalky and Nucky over the loss of an employee. In Washington, Agent Knox aligns himself with J. Edgar Hoover, acting director of the Bureau of Investigation. Harrow fails to finish a job in Milwaukee, while Eddie demands a promotion after 11 years of service. With a business opportunity on the horizon, Nucky departs for Florida.

    Director:Alik Sakharov
    Writers:Howard Korder, Dennis Lehane

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  14. Boardwalk Empire Season 5 Episode 2 - The Good Listener
    8.0/10(2027 votes)

    #14 - The Good Listener

    S5:E2

    Nucky pays a visit to Johnny Torrio; Eli and Van Alden must recoup money lost during a federal raid by Eliot Ness; Willie has a job interview; in 1884, young Nucky deals with the death of his sister.

    Director:Allen Coulter
    Writer:Terence Winter

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  15. Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 4 - Anastasia
    8.1/10(3083 votes)

    #15 - Anastasia

    S1:E4

    In Chicago, Jimmy bonds with one of Johnny Torrio's prostitutes, Pearl, and finds himself increasingly at odds with the hot-headed Al Capone. Back in Atlantic City, Nucky looks to leverage his political relationships with ambitious U.S. Senator Walter Edge and Jersey City Mayor Frank Hague, while Eli and Chalky go to extremes to interrogate a local KKK leader.

    Director:Jeremy Podeswa
    Writers:Lawrence Konner, Margaret Nagle

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  16. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 4 - What Does the Bee Do?
    8.1/10(2405 votes)

    #16 - What Does the Bee Do?

    S2:E4

    During Mayor Bader's birthday party, Nucky's attorney comes up with a solution that might help Nucky in his election-rigging case. With a liquor surplus likely, Jimmy and Mickey travel to Philadelphia to search for buyers while Nucky makes a surprising deal to try and get alcohol into Atlantic City. Eli is concerned over the Commodore's ability to lead. Margaret decides to give her staff bonuses. Chalky is cornered while at work and home. Owen takes his munitions expertise and uses it. Van Alden's agents set their eyes on Mickey's warehouse. Richard lets his guard down in the name of art. And Gillian thinks of the first time she was ever with the Commodore.

    Director:Ed Bianchi
    Writer:Steve Kornacki

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  17. Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Episode 1 - New York Sour
    8.1/10(2382 votes)

    #17 - New York Sour

    S4:E1

    Following his battle with Gyp Rosetti, Nucky makes a peace offering to Joe Masseria while working the odds with Arnold Rothstein. While Chalky is busy running the Onyx Club on the Boardwalk, the impulsive Dunn Purnsley clashes with a booking agent. Fresh-faced Federal Agent Warren Knox arrives in Atlantic City to learn the ropes from Agent Sawicki. Gillian seeks custody of her grandson, Tommy, while trying to find a “good” man to keep the Artemis Club afloat. Eli’s college-age son, Willie, turns to Nucky for career advice. Al Capone enlists his brothers, Frank and Ralph, to help him expand his business in the Chicago suburb of Cicero. Richard Harrow returns to his violent ways.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Howard Korder

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  18. Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 6 - Family Limitation
    8.2/10(2873 votes)

    #18 - Family Limitation

    S1:E6

    After the brazen robbery of one of his ward bosses, Nucky turns up the heat on Lucky Luciano. An emboldened Margaret stands up to Lucy at the dress shop and accepts an offer from Nucky to change her circumstances. In Chicago, Al's frustration over family issues spills over into his relationship with Jimmy, who scores points with Johnny Torrio for a bold power play involving Sheridan and the neighborhood of Greektown.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Howard Korder

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  19. Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 11 - Paris Green
    8.2/10(2594 votes)

    #19 - Paris Green

    S1:E11

    Nucky has emotionally charged conversations with both Margaret and Eli over his business and the killing of Margaret's husband. Jimmy meets with his dying father for the first time in years. Van Alden and Agent Sebso's working relationship is pushed to the limit by Van Alden's suspicions. Angela prepares to flee from Jimmy to Paris.

    Director:Allen Coulter
    Writer:Howard Korder

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  20. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 1 - 21
    8.2/10(2700 votes)

    #20 - 21

    S2:E1

    Nucky is shocked by an insurrection among his inner circle. An attack threatens Chalky's life and livelihood. Margaret deals with her son's problems. Angela vies for Jimmy's affection. Van Alden shows his wife around town.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Terence Winter

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  21. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 3 - A Dangerous Maid
    8.2/10(2452 votes)

    #21 - A Dangerous Maid

    S2:E3

    The Commodore throws his weight around with the Coast Guard to disrupt the delivery of alcohol, which creates an opportunity for Owen to demonstrate his value to Nucky and a struggling casino. Meanwhile, a letter dredges up painful memories for Margaret, Nucky calls in a favor with the U.S. attorney general, Meyer and Lucky learn the price of power, and Lucy searches for ways to cure her loneliness.

    Director:Susanna White
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 7 - Peg of Old
    8.2/10(2362 votes)

    #22 - Peg of Old

    S2:E7

    Margaret has a family reunion. Owen gets even with a rival. Van Alden recognizes the hierarchy of the law. Jimmy wonders how a decision will affect the future.

    Director:Allen Coulter
    Writer:Steve Kornacki

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  23. Boardwalk Empire Season 3 Episode 5 - You'd Be Surprised
    8.2/10(2206 votes)

    #23 - You'd Be Surprised

    S3:E5

    Rothstein vents to Nucky and delivers a message to Gyp. Gaston Means sees an opportunity. Billie gets a new co-start. Van Alden and Sigrid receive an unexpected visitor. Gillian worries about her business.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writers:Diane Frolov, Andrew Schneider

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  24. Boardwalk Empire Season 5 Episode 1 - Golden Days for Boys and Girls
    8.2/10(2307 votes)

    #24 - Golden Days for Boys and Girls

    S5:E1

    Nucky reminisces about catching the Commodore's eye; Nucky joins Sally Wheet in Cuba; Margaret finds herself in the hot seat; Chalky tries to extricate himself from a difficult situation; Lucky Luciano sets a bold plan in motion.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Howard Korder

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  25. Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 5 - Nights in Ballygran
    8.3/10(3014 votes)

    #25 - Nights in Ballygran

    S1:E5

    On the day of the annual St. Patrick's Eve dinner, Nucky deals with Eli's oratory ambitions, as well as a group of disenchanted "Leprechauns". Feeling ignored by Nucky, a frustrated Margaret feeds Van Alden information. In Chicago, Jimmy copes with the aftermath of a vicious attack orchestrated by Torrio rival Charlie Sheridan.

    Director:Alan Taylor
    Writer:Lawrence Konner

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Worst Episodes Summary

"Ging Gang Goolie" is the worst rated episode of "Boardwalk Empire". It scored 7.5/10 based on 2141 votes. Directed by Ed Bianchi and written by Steve Kornacki, it aired on 10/21/2012. This episode scored 0.1 points lower than the second lowest rated, "The North Star".