"Battle of the Century" is the ninth episode of the second season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 21st overall episode of the series and was written by co-producer Steve Kornacki, and directed by Brad Anderson. It was released on HBO on November 20, 2011.
The series is set in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Prohibition era of the 1920s. The series follows Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, a political figure who rises to prominence and interacts with mobsters, politicians, government agents, and the common folk who look up to him. In the episode, Nucky and Owen travel to Belfast to negotiate with IRA, while Margaret finds that Emily has polio.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.55 million household viewers and gained a 0.9 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, with critics praising the writing, cinematography and performances.
Plot
Nucky and Owen arrive at Belfast to meet with John McGarrigle, IRA's leader. Nucky negotiates Irish whiskey for weapons, which he brought in his father's coffin. McGarrigle is not interested in a partnership, as he plans to work with their associates in London. As Nucky leaves, McGarrigle is shot dead, and fellow associate Bill Neilan states he will provide 1,000 machine guns in exchange for 10,000 cases of whiskey. Nucky accepts, but is disappointed that Owen couldn't prevent McGarrigle's death.
Margaret discovers that Emily is sick and takes her to the hospital, where she is diagnosed with polio. Emily is placed on quarantine, forcing Margaret to leave her at the hospital. Despite being aware of a possible infection, Margaret sneaks into her room to console her. After getting the notice from Nucky, Chalky tells Dunn Purnsley, who now works as a hotel cook, to start action. Dunn convinces his co-workers to fight back against their treatment, and refuse to perform their duties at the hotel. Randolph continues her case against Nucky, asking for Deputy Halloran's testimony about Hans Schroeder's death.
Jimmy makes a deal with George Remus regarding their transportation routes. He also informs Waxey Gordon that Manny Horvitz killed many of his men, so Waxey decides to hire a hitman. The hitman shoots him in the shoulder, but Many gains the upper hand and kills the hitman, discovering a matchbook belonging to a chop house in Atlantic City. That night, Jimmy and Harrow listen to the Jack Dempsey vs. Georges Carpentier fight at a saloon, where they manage to go out with two girls.
Production
Development
The episode was written by co-producer Steve Kornacki, and directed by Brad Anderson. This was Kornacki's fourth writing credit, and Anderson's second directing credit.
Reception
Viewers
In its original American broadcast, "Battle of the Century" was seen by an estimated 2.55 million household viewers with a 0.9 in the 18-49 demographics. This means that 0.9 percent of all households with televisions watched the episode. This was a slight increase in viewership from the previous episode, which was watched by 2.54 million household viewers with a 1.0 in the 18-49 demographics.
Critical reviews
"Battle of the Century" received critical acclaim. Matt Fowler of IGN gave the episode an "amazing" 9 out of 10 and wrote, "'Battle of the Century' was a wrenching, often difficult to watch, episode that saw the Thompson/Schroeder household come down with a nasty case of polio."
Noel Murray of The A.V. Club gave the episode a "B+" grade and wrote, "Like last week's Boardwalk Empire, 'Battle Of The Century' struck me as a little scattered: more intended to set up future action than action-packed in and of itself. That was the case thematically as well."
Alan Sepinwall of HitFix wrote, "This war isn't likely to end with Nucky dead, but there are going to be more unnecessary casualties, be they other men killed, or relationships damaged through absence or overconfidence." Seth Colter Walls of Vulture wrote, "Several of these arcs are tied together via anticipation, and then broadcast, of the Dempsey fight that we’ve been building to for weeks. The obvious symbolism of a contest beginning in earnest isn't as grating as you might fear."