Boardwalk Empire

The series’ second season picks up on Valentine’s Day 1921. As Nucky’s (Steve Buscemi) closest allies conspire against him, the ladies are taking a more active role in gentlemanly affairs. A new female prosecutor, Esther Randolph (Julianne Nicholson) — who’s based on Mabel Walker Willebrandt, the real-life assistant attorney general in 1921 — gets busy hunting down bootleggers. Margaret and her children have moved in with Nucky, whose bad behavior might be rubbing off on her son, Teddy. Yet she’s still warming to her role as Nucky’s partner in crime. Lucy, who announced last season that she’s pregnant, now has blackmail power over Agent Van Alden (Michael Shannon), though in her condition, she may feel too vulnerable to use it. Angela is getting to know Jimmy’s (Michael Pitt) inner circle better, and Jimmy’s mom, Gillian, is pushing her son even harder to overthrow Nucky.That blood loyalty could put these ladies in danger. Margaret’s reasons for leaving Ireland will be revealed, as will the origin of Gillian’s strange relationship with Jimmy and Angela. (Sept. 25) —Melissa Maerz

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