The BEST episodes of Boardwalk Empire season 2

Every episode of Boardwalk Empire season 2, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Boardwalk Empire season 2!

An Atlantic City politician plays both sides of the law by conspiring with gangsters during the Prohibition era.

Last Updated: 12/9/2024Network: HBOStatus: Ended
To the Lost
star
8.17
3241 votes

#1 - To the Lost

Season 2 - Episode 12 - Aired 12/11/2011

Esther Randolph's case is weakened by the sudden death of one witness and the sudden marriage of another. Jimmy turns away from the influence of others, including his mother. Nucky, acting the family man to Margaret, faces a difficult, bottom-line business decision.

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Gimcrack & Bunkum
star
8.07
3492 votes

#2 - Gimcrack & Bunkum

Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/23/2011

After a dispute with his enemies, Nucky brings in a surprise guest speaker at a Memorial Day dedication for war veterans. Running out of options, Eli questions his allegiances, but it ends up sending him deeper into the hole. Nucky hires a new lawyer. Jimmy is taught a lesson by one of the Commodore's men that he won't soon forget. Richard decides to go hunting in the forest.

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Ourselves Alone
star
8.01
3648 votes

#3 - Ourselves Alone

Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/2/2011

Despite being publicly embarrassed by legal trouble, Nucky's biggest concern may be holding on to his private army in a battle for control of Atlantic City. Meanwhile, Jimmy pitches a business deal to Arnold Rothstein in New York, but may have more in common with Meyer Lansky and Lucky Luciano. Margaret draws on past experience to retrieve some valuable information, Chalky clashes with a fellow inmate, and an Irish nationalist comes to town looking for support.

Directors: David Petrarca
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Georgia Peaches
star
7.95
3366 votes

#4 - Georgia Peaches

Season 2 - Episode 10 - Aired 11/27/2011

Undercut by Nucky, who has a new source for alcohol, Jimmy and his partners look to cultivate a new revenue stream in Atlantic City. With the peak tourist season approaching, the Commodore’s crew faces a choice in dealing with the city’s striking workers; either negotiate or fight back. Fearing that sin has led to misfortune, Margaret approaches Father Brennan with an “act of devotion.” Nucky gets a new lawyer. Van Alden faces an uncertain future. Manny Horvitz takes exception to a debt payment.

Directors: Jeremy Podeswa
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A Dangerous Maid
star
7.90
3647 votes

#5 - A Dangerous Maid

Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/9/2011

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.

Directors: Susanna White
Writer: Itamar Moses
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Under God's Power She Flourishes
star
7.89
3344 votes

#6 - Under God's Power She Flourishes

Season 2 - Episode 11 - Aired 12/4/2011

With Margaret pondering the consequences of sin, Nucky prepares her for a worst-case scenario as Esther Randolph plays out her trump cards. Jimmy revisits his college days with Angela and Gillian. Mickey Doyle chafes at sharing his liquor profits. Eli refuses to cop a plea. Nelson's past comes back to haunt him, tipping the scale in Nucky's favor.

Directors: Allen Coulter
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Battle of the Century
star
7.83
3465 votes

#7 - Battle of the Century

Season 2 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/20/2011

Arriving in Belfast, Nucky and Owen meet with IRA leaders with a barter proposition. Meanwhile, in Atlantic City, Jimmy and his partners broker a deal with George Remus for his “medicinal” alcohol before taking a break to see/hear the Dempsey fight. Margaret frets when Emily’s illness takes a turn for the worse. Dunn Purnsley orchestrates a worker’s strike at the Ritz. Waxey Gordon takes action against Manny Horvitz in Philadelphia, and Randolph and Clifford Lathrop grill Halloran about Nucky’s past.

Directors: Brad Anderson
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Two Boats and a Lifeguard
star
7.83
3286 votes

#8 - Two Boats and a Lifeguard

Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/13/2011

In the wake of a personal loss, Nucky solicits advice on his political situation from Arnold Rothstein, while Eli remains suspicious of his brother’s actions. Nucky finds himself in the unfamiliar position of showing gratitude toward a federal agent. Angela meets a new friend at the beach, and eavesdrops on her husband’s treachery. Nelson gets a nanny. Nucky approaches Owen with an overseas proposition. Jimmy flexes his muscles, at Mickey Doyle’s expense.

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21
star
7.82
3569 votes

#9 - 21

Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/25/2011

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.

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What Does the Bee Do?
star
7.81
3589 votes

#10 - What Does the Bee Do?

Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/16/2011

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.

Directors: Ed Bianchi
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Peg of Old
star
7.74
3231 votes

#11 - Peg of Old

Season 2 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/6/2011

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.

Directors: Allen Coulter
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The Age of Reason
star
7.73
3337 votes

#12 - The Age of Reason

Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/30/2011

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.

Directors: Jeremy Podeswa
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