"Erlkönig" is the fifth episode of the fourth season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire. It is the 41st overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer Howard Korder, and directed by executive producer Tim Van Patten. It was released on HBO on October 6, 2013.
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, Eddie is pressured into revealing information about Nucky, while Van Alden assists the Capones in the Cicero elections.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.09 million household viewers and gained a 0.8 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received mostly positive reviews from critics, who praised the ending, performances and character development.
Plot
Nucky is called by Willie, who has been held in jail following the death of his classmate, Henry. He goes to Philadelphia, where Willie confesses that he took liquor from Mickey's warehouse. Nucky talks with the Philadelphia DA, who states that Henry's parents were huge benefactors, so Nucky decides to bribe him. Willie is released, and is told by Nucky that he will be watching him and he must keep an alibi. He returns to Temple University, ignoring his roommate Clayton's questions. Later, Willie is visited by Doris, explaining that Clayton was arrested for Henry's death.
Relapsing to heroin, Gillian is now more desperate in getting Tommy back and is annoyed that she cannot contact Roy. She tries to seduce a judge to help her case, to no vail. With her heroin running out, she contacts Dunn to get more. Despite not having the full price, Dunn decides to provide heroin to her. Later, Gillian visits Tommy at school and tries to take him, but is caught by Julia and the teachers. Despite Gillian's pleas, Tommy chooses to go with Julia and she is taken away. At home, she is visited by Roy, who has discovered her heroin addiction. She admits her nature, but Roy says he will stay with her, as he also has a dark past.
With the Cicero municipal elections starting, Capone assigns Van Alden to get back-up to a Western Electric factory in order to intimidate Democratic voters. Despite Van Alden's attempts to maintain control, the encounter soon descends into chaos. During the violent unrest, Van Alden attempts to shoot Capone when given the chance, but is seen by Frank. However, before Frank pulls out his gun, he is killed by police detectives, horrifying Capone. At the morgue, a devastated Capone swears revenge on the detectives who killed Frank.
Eddie has been taken by Knox and his partner, with the agents brutally attacking him to reveal any information on Nucky's status, but Eddie does not reveal anything. They return later with Eddie's file, which reveals that he committed crimes in Germany, which caused him to flee and cause his sons to change their last names. When faced with possible deportation, Eddie finally admits that he met with Ralph on Nucky's orders. They release him, telling him they will continue meeting him. He returns to the Albatross, where Nucky is waiting for him, worried that he was absent. Eddie goes to his room, writes a letter and then kills himself by jumping out of a window.
Production
Development
In September 2013, HBO confirmed that the fifth episode of the season would be titled "Erlkönig", and that it would be written by executive producer Howard Korder, and directed by executive producer Tim Van Patten. This was Korder's 13th writing credit, and Van Patten's 14th directing credit.
Reception
Viewers
In its original American broadcast, "Erlkönig" was seen by an estimated 2.09 million household viewers with a 0.8 in the 18-49 demographics. This means that 0.8 percent of all households with televisions watched the episode. This was a 5% increase in viewership from the previous episode, which was watched by 1.99 million household viewers with a 0.8 in the 18-49 demographics.
Critical reviews
"Erlkönig" received mostly positive reviews from critics. Matt Fowler of IGN gave the episode a "great" 8.5 out of 10 and wrote, "your overall appreciation for this week's installment, 'Erlkönig,' will depend on who, if anyone, you have chosen to invest your emotions in. No Chalky, Narcisse or Harrow (still) to speak of, yet many characters scraped the bottom this week. And none worse than Eddie, I'm afraid."