Boardwalk Empire (2010 - 2014)

Blog Rating: 8.80 out of 10

Today I want to talk about a series that has me completely hooked: Boardwalk Empire.

Since 2010, this HBO series transports us to the time of the 1920s in Atlantic City, where the prohibition of alcohol and the rise of organized crime make this city a place full of vices and pleasures. The story follows district treasurer Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, played by the talented Steve Buscemi, who runs his empire with cunning and violence.

Steve Buscemi as "Nucky" Thompson

But what really makes Boardwalk Empire such a unique series is its impressive production. Every detail is carefully designed to transport us to that time: the gigantic sets, the dramatic lighting, the music of the time and the impeccable costumes. It is as if we were watching a live play.

Kelly Macdonald as Margaret

In addition, the series addresses very interesting topics about politics and corruption in the United States during that time. The figure of Nucky Thompson is fascinating, as he blurs the lines between legal and illegal and uses whatever method is available to maintain his power.

But it's not all politics and crime in Boardwalk Empire. The series also shows us the daily life of ordinary people in Atlantic City, from tourists visiting the famous boardwalk to workers struggling to survive in a city full of dangers.

In summary, Boardwalk Empire is an essential series for any lover of history, crime, drama and good television. Its impeccable production, smart script, and talented cast make each episode a unique experience. So if you haven't seen it yet, don't wait any longer.

Succession (2018- )

Blog Rating: 9.40 out of 10

Logan Roy (Brian Cox) is the owner of Waystar Royco, one of the largest media corporations in the world. Of his four children, Kendall (Jeremy Strong) is the only one who works in the company and seems to have the confidence of his father to take control of the business.

Brian Cox as Logan Roy

   

However, upon turning 80, Logan reveals that he has no intention of relinquishing control of Waystar, completely foiling Kendall's plans and embarrassing him in front of his brothers. In addition, the millionaire wants his children to sign a document that will allow his current wife, Marcia (Hiam Abbass), to have two votes in the assembly that will elect his successor. This fact is logically not welcomed by Kendall, Roman (Kieran Culkin), Connor (Alan Ruck) and Shiv (Sarah Snook), who are extremely concerned about the decisions his father is making.

Jeremy Strong as Kendall Roy

After an afternoon of family sports, Logan suffers a stroke while returning home by helicopter. Now, with Logan in the hospital, the family must act quickly to prevent this tragic event from profoundly affecting the company's stock. It is here where all the intrigues begin to be plotted to pursue the leadership of the companies.

Despite the ongoing machinations to take control by most of the sons, there is always room for scenes that include a certain amount of black humor.

Kieran Culkin as Roman Roy

As the daughter Shiv decides to work for a Senator who is an enemy of her father, politics is also involved in these power struggles.

With each episode we realize how conflicted the relationship of the Roy family is, to the point that Logan even uses one of his media outlets to spread false news about the drug use of one of his sons.

Sarah Snook as Shiv Roy

The lack of friendliness, the dirty language and the lack of empathy say a lot about the Roys: with extremely individualistic points of view, neither supports the success of the other.

Everything in Succession revolves around interests: what we see throughout ten episodes are rich people fighting each other trying to get something that makes them feel good. Loyalty and honesty are definitely not values ​​that stand out in their actions.

Each of the sons of this dysfunctional family battles for their own interests: Kendall with his permanent struggle for power, Roman with his black humor and his obsession with the father's assistant who could be his mother, Shiv in her constant dilemma between loyalty to her father and her husband and Connor in a more relegated role but who also tries to obtain a share of power through politics.

Definitely a plot that manages to balance well the moments of drama and humor, mainly thanks to the great performances of the actors.

Los Soprano (1999 - 2007)

Blog Rating: 9.60 out of 10

Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), one of the key positions in the New Jersey-based Italian-American organized crime group, passes out for no apparent reason at a family picnic. After being examined in a hospital, he took the advice of a friend and made an appointment with therapist Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), who promises to do everything possible to reduce the risk of such panic attacks in the future.

Lorraine Bracco as Jennifer Melfi 

The difficulty lies in the fact that Tony cannot honestly tell psychologist how he makes a living... meanwhile the criminal life around him runs its course.

Carmela (Edie Falco), for her part, must be the faithful wife who accompanies him in difficult moments and stoically supports his adventures to maintain the family structure with her two adolescent children.

Edie Falco as Carmela Soprano

This series, very well set in the late 90s, describes how an Italian-American family develops in the environment of the mafia. At times very domestic stories intertwined with episodes of extortion, bribery and murders that generate very good dividends. With some reminiscences of The Godfather, which turns out to be the favorite movie of many of the members of the band.

It is incredible how despite all the crimes, infidelities and murders that are carried out with a certain frequency, one ends up becoming fond of each of the characters very well developed by the chosen cast.

And all thanks to the talent of the scriptwriters who develop the plot in such a way that the history of the clan keeps you expectant in the face of every twist or unpredictable circumstance.

The performance of the main roles is simply phenomenal, the setting and costumes are very well achieved, in a time without great technological advances.

Despite being filmed 20 years ago, its pace is agile and the plot keeps you very entertaining.

It definitely became one of my favorite series of all time. Totally recommendable

Seasons: 6

Episodes: 86

Genre: Crime, drama

Creator: David Chase

Writers: David Chase, Terence Winter, Mitchell Burgess

Stars: James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco

Awards: 5 Golden Globes and 113 other awards & 303 nominations.