Friday, December 3, 2010

Thumbs Up for Boardwalk Empire

HBO's much hyped series Boardwalk Empire did not fail to disappoint in its first season.  Directed by Martin Scorsese, I find it to be a very smart drama-filled show that is highly entertaining.  For those who aren't watching, it is about the happenings of Atlantic City around the time of Prohibition.  We learn how politicians are chosen by those with wealth, the FBI is easily influenced and bribed to make prohibition impossible, and how woman struggled to get by in a time when they had slim low paying employment opportunities, newly granted voting rights, and were consistently exploited by the men around them.  Violence is very prevalent of course.

HBO shows seem to share a common theme.  They all seem to be very objective when telling stories.  There are no good guys or bad guys.  Everyone seems to have multiple sides to them and can be sympathized with for the most part. We do know that the people committing crimes are not exactly helping matters, but there is also a sense that the alternatives to this behavior would not fix the underlying issues.  Through trial and error the characters all strive to make the best lives for themselves under their circumstances. I in particular enjoy shows like this that are based on reality.  I am a reality show fan so it is nice to see how writers are working hard now to create fictional shows that are more reality based.  This Sunday's finale is sure to be a great end to a very promising new show. 

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