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A Return to Normalcy

Season 1, Episode 12

The content below is entirely editable.

As the 1920 Election nears, the people of Atlantic City worry and plan for the future.

 

Episode Synopsis


 Harumph. Harumph. Election. Harumph.
 Harumph. Harumph. Election. Harumph.
The 1920 Election looms. Nucky is concerned about Republican chances, Rothstein is concerned about his impending indictment, and Agent Van Alden is trying to leave Atlantic City.
A solution presents itself for both Nucky and Rothstein as they both declare peace in their war -- through an intermediary from Chicago, Johnny Torrio. Nucky gets the locations of the remaining D'Alessio brothers and can appear tough on crime before the election. Rothstein does not get indicted for rigging the 1919 World Series.

Relationships are tested. Jimmy Dormady and his wife Angela have problems involving their secret activities. However, they also form an uneasy alliance.  Margaret Schroeder fears for the financial security of her children, so she goes back to Nucky as his concubine. Van Alden's one-night stand with Lucy Danziger results in her being pregnant.

The Republicans win the election, but not everyone is happy. Eli Thompson, Jimmy, and the Commodore plan to overthrow Nucky as the most powerful man in Atlantic City.
 

Crime Count


 Bad Close  Shave Joke Goes Here.
 Bad Close  Shave Joke Goes Here.

Homicides: 4

Victims: Ignatius and Pius D'Alessio
Perpetrator: Richard Harrow

Victim: Leo D'Alessio
Perpetrator: Al Capone

Victim: Matte D'Alessio
Perpetrator: Jimmy Dormady

 It's Not a Crime If You're Not Caught.
 It's Not a Crime If You're Not Caught.

Other Felonies

Election Fraud, Not Investigated
Perpetrators: The Ward Bosses of Atlantic City
 
 
 
 
 

 

Plot Summary


 Temptation Will Be Tempting.
 Temptation Will Be Tempting.
Agent Nelson Van Alden gives a speech to potential Prohibition Agent candidates for Atlantic City. He quotes Saint Augustine when he visited Carthage and compares Atlantic City to Carthage -- a city of vice and sin. He says that the people of the city will attempt to bribe, coerce, and tempt the Agent in Charge. A candidate makes a joke about dancing girls being an appealing temptation. Van Alden slaps the man across the face. Supervisor Eliot says nothing. Van Alden does not like the joke as it apparently sullies the memory of his partner. He claims that his partner Agent Eric Sebso died of a heart attack in the line of duty (this statement is a lie as Van Alden drowned Sebso during a Baptism Ceremony in front of dozens of witnesses). Agent Van Alden finishes his speech. The candidates turn in their applications and leave. Supervisor Eliot tries once more to convince Van Alden to stay. Agent Van Alden says there is nothing for him in Atlantic City.

 Can We Double Rig the Election?
 Can We Double Rig the Election?
In Enoch "Nucky" Thompson's office at the Ritz Carlton, the Republican Political Bosses laugh. Nucky is not as jovial. He furiously throws  down a newspaper that they were reading. The newspaper reads that the Democratic Mayoral candidate, Fletcher, may win an important election the next Tuesday. Fletcher's key platform is change and stopping corruption in Atlantic City. Nucky wants his party bosses to stop sitting around and laughing. He wants them to get out into the city and pander to the voters with favors and bribes. One of the ward bosses reminds the others that possible voters should be encouraged to vote in as many districts as possible. Ward Boss O'Neil ( William Hill) says that Nucky's decision on replacing the candidate for Sheriff was a mistake. Deputy Halloran has replaced Nucky's brother Elias "Eli" Thompson as the Republican Sheriff candidate because Eli was recently shot in an illicit casino. Nucky says he wants a big turnout on Tuesday -- both men and women. In 1920, Women receive the right to vote with the nineteenth amendment. Ward Boss Fleming ( Victor Verhaeghe) agrees and says that even "spooks" will vote. The representative of the African-American community, Chalky White ( Michael K. Williams), objects to the term. Fleming explains he means dead people. They plan to rig the election with names from obituaries. Mayoral Candidate Edward Bader ( Kevin O'Rourke) makes a joke about absentee ballots. Nucky chides him for taking the matter so lightly.

 Cheers. Also Racism.
 Cheers. Also Racism.
Chalky approaches Nucky about the issue of African-American voters. The rest of the political agents leave the room to give the two privacy. Chalky tells Nucky that the Democrats have approached him with offers of higher position and bribery. Nucky asks if Chalky has fallen to the other side. Chalky says not but he has taken the bribe money anyway. He still supports Nucky, but he needs a little more incentive than usually. He says he can deliver 100% of the African-American vote, both men and women, on election day. Chalky wants $10,000, a new car, and an invitation to the victory party at the night club Babette's. Nucky is hesitant. The people at Babette's may not be too accepting of an African-American in their private club. However, Nucky still agrees.

 Oh, Folksy Irish Tradition. So Quaint.
 Oh, Folksy Irish Tradition. So Quaint.
In her home, Margaret Schroeder and her children prepare to celebrate Halloween in a traditional Irish fashion. She mixes batter for bambrack cake and recites a poem by Robert Burns about Halloween. The children run off to prepare for the holiday. Nan Britton sits in the next room. Margaret explains the differences between the holiday and the religious occasion of Halloween. She also explains the bambrack cake to Nan. The cake has little token baked in it. The eater will find one of the following that represent what will happen the following year: a ring for marriage, a coin for wealth, and a rag for poverty. Nan finds Catholic ceremonies surrounding Halloween and All Hallow's Eve very peculiar. Nan is a former mistress of Warren G. Harding, the Republican Presidential Candidate in 1920. She bounces a daughter on her knee -- Harding's illegitimate daughter. She is delusional and believes that when Warren Harding wins the election, he will divorce his current wife, marry Nan, and bring her to the White House. She cannot wait for the election. Margaret, knowing that Nan is deluded, allows her to continue to think these events are inevitable.

 I Tried to Kill Him because He Went All Gone with the Wind on Me.
 I Tried to Kill Him because He Went All Gone with the Wind on Me.
 

 This Book is a Really Good Read.
 This Book is a Really Good Read.
In Commodore Louis Kaestner's home, a group has gathered to conclude an investigation into the Commodore's poisoning. His doctor explains that someone has been slipping arsenic into the Commodore's food for a long time. While the Commodore ( Dabney Coleman) survives, his dog Jerry is dead. Interim Sheriff Halloran ( Adam Mucci) asks the Commodore's maid Mrs. Pratt. She feigns ignorance but slips and says that the Commodore treated his dog better than her. The Commodore gets upset and his mistress Gillian ( Gretchen Mol) calms him. James "Jimmy" Darmody ( Michael Pitt) throws in that he ate a poison cookie. Mrs. Pratt admits to poisoning her boss as he has abused her for years. The Commodore demands that the Sheriff arrest the attempted murderer. Nucky steps into the situation and pulls Mrs. Pratt into a private discussion. He gives her a sum of money and tells her to leave Atlantic City, change her name, and never come back. The Commodore is upset that Nucky just let his attempted murderer off so lightly. Before leaving, Mrs. Pratt warns Nucky about the Commodore's political machinations. She hands him a book. Nucky reads a bookmarked page and is surprised by the contents.

 Your Concern is Most Gratifying. Most Gratifying Indeed.
 Your Concern is Most Gratifying. Most Gratifying Indeed.
Arnold Rothstein ( Michael Stuhlbarg),  Charles "Lucky" Luciano ( Vincent Piazza), and Meyer Lansky ( Anatol Yusef) discuss legal matters. Rothstein is planning to flee to Scotland as his lawyer warns him that he will be indicted in Chicago for rigging the 1919 World Series. Luciano and Lansky suggest using friends in Chicago to place political pressure on the legal proceedings. Rothstein says that his friend in Chicago, Johnny Torrio, is too new to have much political clout. Luciano suggests using Torrio as a middle man to ask Nucky Thompson for help. Nucky has the political pull to make the charges disappear. However, Rothstein is in a war with Nucky over a stolen shipment of whiskey. Lansky says the war has no profitable outcome. Luciano says that the goons Rothstein has hired at his suggestion, the D'Alessio brothers, are idiots. Lansky suggests using Torrio to mediate the conflict with Nucky. They should end the war. Rothstein states he does not pay them for advice. Luciano says the advice comes free with their actual work -- dirty work. Rothstein gets into a car and thinks about going to Chicago.

 I Tentatively Love You Again.
 I Tentatively Love You Again.
Jimmy Darmody enters his apartment. His son, Tommy, plays while dressed as a pirate, and his wife, Angela ( Aleksa Palladino), cleans dishes. Jimmy's son does not respond to a question. Angela suggests that Tommy get ready for the Halloween party. Angela is worried that Jimmy may try something violent. The couple briefly mention Angela's former plans to run away to Paris with her lesbian lover Mary Dittrich. Those plans have collapsed. Jimmy says he thinks he is taking the news rather well. The conversation shifts to Angela's and Tommy's fear of Jimmy. Apparently, Jimmy has night terrors. He screams in German and shakes Angela in bed. Jimmy admits that he is feeling the lingering effects of World War I. He says he did not write to Angela because he felt he was not coming home. He says that the thought of Angela was the only thing that got him through the war. He says that they can get over whatever bad things they did when they were apart. He asks if Angela loved Mary. Mary says she was lonely. Jimmy takes this as a good sign and says he wants to start over again. They tearfully embrace.

 I Am Shocked.
 I Am Shocked.
At a Catholic ceremony, a priest leads a procession through a grave yard, blessing the dead. In the procession are Margaret, Nan, and their children. They discuss prayers, sins, and introspection. Margaret comes across an important grave stone. The stone is for Nucky's dead son, Enoch Thompson, Jr., and dead wife, Mabel Thompson. Nan tells Margaret that Nucky has a son who died. This mention is the first time that Margaret has heard about Nucky's son.

 Hello Me, Me, and Me.
 Hello Me, Me, and Me.
On a Chicago to Atlantic City phone call, Johnny Torrio ( Greg Antonacci) attempts to talk Nucky into meeting with Rothstein. Nucky is concerned about a trap. Torrio says that he has known Nucky for years. He only has his best interests in mind. He proposes meeting on neutral ground. Torrio says he is already on the midnight train to New Jersey. Nucky hangs up as he is late for a party. He finishes putting on a suit and masquerade mask. He examines  his appearance in the mirror. Eddie Kessler ( Anthony Laciura), his man servant, interrupts and shows Margaret into the room. The tension between Nucky and Margaret is  tight as they previously had a fight over each other's intentions in their relationships -- Nucky admitted that he killed Margaret's husband, and Margaret was just manipulating Nucky into being vulnerable. Now, Margaret has come to ask about Nucky's deceased family. She compliments Nucky's appearance as being a "dapper villain in a Sunday serial." Nucky runs through all the roles Margaret has played in the past weeks. Nucky is initially wary of Margaret as she mentions Nucky has a son who died at six days old and a wife who died a month later. This topic upsets Nucky. He thinks she is trying to manipulate him  again. She assures him that is not going to happen. They sit on a couch. Margaret says she wants to find out who Enoch Thompson really is. Nucky describes how his family died.

 This Story Is Sad.
 This Story Is Sad.
Seven years ago, Nucky's wife had given birth. They named the baby boy Enoch after Nucky. The baby was premature and weak. Nucky had been focusing on county business and politics. He was busy. He came home a week after the baby was born and found his wife rocking the baby in  her arms. Nucky wanted to hold his baby. He took the baby and discovered the baby had been dead for several days. She still cared for the deceased baby. They buried the baby in the church yard. His wife had lost all connection with reality -- meloncholia. The death of their baby destroyed her. The doctor said her depression would heal with time, so Nucky went back to work. A few weeks later, Nucky's wife slashed her wrists with this razor.

 Awkward Silences Are Not Romantic.
 Awkward Silences Are Not Romantic.
Margaret starts crying, and she and Nucky reconcile. Nucky says that the times with her and her children doing simple things were the happiest and most terrifying time of his life. He also says that he has never told anyone else the story. Margaret makes a comment about Nucky thinking she needed saving. Nucky points out that she did need  to be saved. She says not in the way Nucky actually saved her. Nucky asks if Margaret will leave Atlantic City. She says it will be better for both of them. Margaret also says that Nucky is a kind person, but she cannot understand how Nucky can be a political boss with all the violence and destruction. Nucky says that everyone "has to decide how much sin to live with." The two part ways -- for now.

 If God Wants Me to Stay, Send Me a Sign.
 If God Wants Me to Stay, Send Me a Sign.
At the Van Alden home, Agent Nelson Van Alden and his wife have tea, uncomfortably. Van Alden tells his wife that he was offered a promotion. His supervisor is offering a pay raise and more agents under his command. His wife likes the idea. However, Van Alden has turned down the generous offer. He instead wants to work at his Uncle Byron's Animal Feed business as a full partner in Schenectady. His wife says he likes being the wife of a Federal Agent. Van Alden says he is unhappy with the job. He feigns tears. His wife tells him that he is doing God's work as a Prohibition Agent. Van Alden says that if God wants him to stay in Atlantic City, God should give him a clear, unavoidable sign.

 Wish You Were Here - Person Who Screwed You Over.
 Wish You Were Here - Person Who Screwed You Over.
Angela Dormady enters her apartment carrying groceries. She flips through her mail and discovers a postcard from Paris. Her former lover, Mary Dittrich, has sent a postcard asking for forgiveness. Angela starts crying as Mary had used their relationship to steal Angela's money and abscond to Paris with her husband.

 He Then Holds up a Glowing Orb and Proclaims, "PEACE!"
 He Then Holds up a Glowing Orb and Proclaims, "PEACE!"
On a coastal road, the meeting set up by Torrio between Nucky and Rothstein takes place. Nucky, Jimmy, and Eddie Kessler exit their car and walk up to Torrio, Al Capone, Rothstein, and Luciano. Jimmy carries a colt pistol. They exchange pleasantries with the men from Chicago but not from New York. Torrio tells the story of how his former boss, Big Jim Colosimo, was killed for not looking forward -- killed by a hitman hired by Torrio. He says they all need to look to the future. Torrio says it is time for peace. Nucky points out that Rothstein tried killing him and his brother. Jimmy also points out that Rothstein's side is losing the war. Rothstein's hired thugs, the D'Alessio brothers are in hiding in Philadelphia. Rothstein says that the war benefits no one. He wants to declare peace and ask Nucky to stop the Chicago-based indictment for rigging the 1919 World Series. Nucky has the political clout to influence such a legal decision. Nucky is hesitant but says that it can happen in exchange for $1 Million in cash and the location of the remaining D'Alessio brothers. Or, Rothstein could take his chances with the Attorney General of Illinois, Hartley Replogue -- a good friend of Nucky's. Rothstein agrees to Nucky's terms. Rothstein says that any transgressions are nullified. Luciano and Jimmy exchange glances -- Luciano was sleeping with Jimmy's mother, and Jimmy once tried to execute Luciano. Rothstein will arrange for the money and information to be delivered. He hopes they can have a nice working relationship. Luciano whispers something to Al Capone with Jimmy watching. Nucky tells his manservant to call Nucky's brother Eli and schedule a press conference for the afternoon. Everyone leaves the meeting in their respective cars.

 Not Amused. Or Gassy. Either Way.
 Not Amused. Or Gassy. Either Way.
Nucky addresses the press from the county chair building. He talks about the election. He says that the Democrats' major platform has been the corruption of the Republican party. The Democrats claim that Nucky and his political bosses have not kept the streets safe while they extort money. They point to the quintuple murder in the woods that was actually committed by Jimmy and Al Capone. They point to the Sheriff Eli Thompson being shot as well as the attempt on Nucky's life. However, Nucky says that the current political structure works just fine. From the crowd, Eli Thompson looks less than impressed by Nucky's oratory. The thugs responsible for the violence are being hunted down as they speak -- literally.

 Emergency Explosive Brain Surgery.
 Emergency Explosive Brain Surgery.
In Philadelphia, several assassinations take place. Richard Harrow (Jack Huston), a former sniper who is missing half his face and covers it up with a mask, knocks on the door of Ignatius D'Alessio ( Edoardo Ballerini). Ignatius is not impressed with Harrow's appearance and tries to close the door. Harrow kicks the door open and shoots Ignatius with a shotgun. Harrow enters the building and finds Pius D'Alessio (Nicholas Alexander Martino), a young boy, fumbling to load a revolver. Pius holds up the empty revolver to plead for his life. Harrows shoots the boy in the face. Leo D'Alessio (Max Cassella)  walks to his home carrying groceries. As he attempts to unlock his door, Al Capone turns a corner and shoots him in the face. Capone then takes an apple from the bag of groceries and eats it. Matteo D'Alessio ( Al Linea) is getting a shave at a barber shop. Jimmy enters, shoos the barber away from the D'Alessio, and cuts the man's throat with a combat knife. Jimmy wipes the knife off on the dying man and places it back in an ankle holster.

Nucky's speech concludes and he rushes off with the reporters shouting after him.

 Vote Early and Vote Often.
 Vote Early and Vote Often.
The next day is Election Day. The front page headline is that the D'Alessio's have been killed, and Nucky has gained support. Nucky walks the line of people waiting to vote and greets them. He encourages them to vote Republican. He notes there are many women in the line and is glad to see  that women are finally able to express their political views through franchise. He comes across Margaret and Nan in the line. They quietly stare at each other for a second. They say nothing to each other. Nucky continues greeting the crowd. He suggests that everyone vote for Ed Bader for Mayor and all other Republicans. The Boardwalk is covered with American flags and bunting. A band plays "Stars and Stripes Forever."

 Did You Get a Haircut or Something?
 Did You Get a Haircut or Something?
Jimmy returns to his home after the killings. He sees his son Tommy playing on the floor and asks him where his mother is. Tommy disrespectfully says he does not know. He does not even turn to look at his father. Angels comes out of the bedroom. She says that Jimmy father, The Commodore, called and wants to see him. Jimmy notices that Angela has cut her hair short. He is confused but says nothing and leaves.

 Smoke-filled Back Rooms.
 Smoke-filled Back Rooms.
At the Republican Party headquarters at the Ritz Carlton, election results are arriving. The Republicans are winning by a landslide. In the third ward, the Republican candidates are winning by over 20%. The assembled political bosses cheer. Jimmy broods in the corner. In a separate room, Eddie Kessler delivers the news from the wire that Rothstein will not be indicted. Nucky is not surprised. He asks about the mayor's race, and Eddie says the polls will close shortly. Nucky turns to his brother. Eli is upset that Nucky dumped him from the party ticket for Sheriff. He feels betrayed. Nucky points out that Eli has a share of the Rothstein money. Eli is still unhappy. Nucky says that he will make everything better. His brother should trust him. Eli says that Nucky is so used to lying that he does not realize his words affect people. Eli warns Nucky that there are consequences to actions. It sounds like a threat. Nucky again tells Eli to trust him. He says that blood is thicker than water. Eli asks why it had to be his blood.

 I Am Still Not Amused.
 I Am Still Not Amused.
The election results  for mayor are announced by Edgar Caldwell at Election Headquarters. Nucky takes the call. Nucky tells the party bosses and candidates the results of the election. Ed Bader is the new mayor of Atlantic City. Nucky whispers something to the new mayor before he gives his acceptance speech. Bader announces that Sheriff Halloran has resigned and that Eli Thompson will be the new Sheriff. Halloran is confused. Eli is angry. Nucky raises a glass to Eli. Everyone celebrates and drinks.

 I'm Not Drunk. You're Drunk.
 I'm Not Drunk. You're Drunk.
Jimmy is drunk and surly. He runs into Paddy Ryan, the man that Nucky appointed to be a political boss rather than Jimmy. Ryan says that Nucky is taking good care of him. Jimmy makes a comment about Nucky pimping out Ryan's mother as well. The reference is to Nucky pimping out Jimmy's mother as a teenager to the Commodore as a concubine. Jimmy means that Nucky feels a sense of duty to the bastard children he helped create. Nucky steps in and pulls Jimmy aside. Jimmy  says that Nucky is like a machine: efficient and heartless. Jimmy confronts Nucky on introducing the Commodore to his then sixteen-year-old mother. Jimmy also wants to know why Nucky then cared for Jimmy, providing money and opportunity. Eli sees that Jimmy is upset with Nucky. Jimmy asks why Nucky helped raise him. He says that he thought Nucky loved him. Nucky says he is not  Jimmy's father. After Nucky tells Jimmy to go home and get sober, Jimmy tells Nucky to stop acting like he cares. Then Jimmy goes off to the Commodore's house.

 I'm Not Superstition. But Oh, no!
 I'm Not Superstition. But Oh, no!
At Margaret's house, Margaret's children and Nan eat the bambrack cake that forecasts the next year. Nan eats her slice of cake and finds the ring. She fantasizes about being the First Lady of the United States, being married to Harding. Margaret asks what Nan will do if Harding does not send for her. Nan says of course Harding will send for her. Margaret's daughter complains that she did not get an item in her cake. Margaret finds the rag in her cake. The rag means poverty in the coming year. Margaret's daughter asks  what it means. Margaret responds that it means nothing. It is only a superstition. Margaret is obviously flustered by the rag.

 I'm Pregnant.
 I'm Pregnant.
Agent Van Alden packs up his desk at the post office. He is about to leave Atlantic City. A postal worker informs Van Alden that a woman is looking for him. Van Alden pretends like he is not quitting his job as a Federal Agent. Van Alden expects Margaret to enter, as he has a crazed obsession. Instead, Lucy Danziger ( Paz de la Huerta), whom he slept with earlier, arrives to tell him that she is now pregnant. Van Alden is shocked by the news.

 More Medicine.
 More Medicine.
At the Commodore's house, Jimmy, his mother, and the Commodore talk. Gillian tries to get the Commodore to drink some milk. She says it will help rebuild his stomach lining after the arsenic poisoning. The Commodore wants liquor in his drink. She says no. He says he wants steak. She says she will make him eggs. Jimmy grumbles that they are a happy family now. Gillian leaves to make the eggs. The Commodore asks Jimmy to mix some liquor with his milk. Jimmy obliges him. Jimmy and the Commodore move on to complaining about Nucky. The complain about his wavering morality and loyalty. The Commodore complains about Woodrow Wilson. He claims that Wilson made a name for himself as governor of New Jersey by rooting out corruption, specifically the Commodore. He tells the story of Nucky and the Commodore's conviction seven years prior.

 I Can Hold My Breath as Long As I Can Hold a Grudge.
 I Can Hold My Breath as Long As I Can Hold a Grudge.
He and Nucky were caught in an election rigging case. Wilson wanted a headline for being tough on corruption, so he made a deal with the prosecutor in the case. Either the Commodore or Nucky needed to go to prison. Nucky was an up-and-coming political figure, at the time the Sheriff, so Nucky was set free, and the Commodore was put in prison for five years with the promise that Nucky would make things right when he was released. While Nucky made life financially easy for the Commodore, the Commodore wanted the power. He wanted to get back into the ranks of the political system. Nucky did not allow it.

 Would You Like Some Milk with Your Gin?
 Would You Like Some Milk with Your Gin?
Jimmy pours more liquor into the Commodore's milk so that it is more liquor that milk. Jimmy explains that he used to hate coming to the Commodore's house as a kid. He says he was afraid of the animals and the Commodore. Jimmy states the Nucky told him it was his duty to remain strong for his mother. The Commodore calls Nucky a hypocritical son of a bitch. The Commodore berates Jimmy for coming back from Chicago to do Nucky's dirty work. He says that Nucky makes you think you are getting the better part of a deal, but you are not really being the beneficiary. The Commodore says that Jimmy is going to take back Atlantic City for the both of them. He has a plan to topple Nucky's Boardwalk Empire. Eli Thompson arrives to conspire with the other two. He asks if the Commodore has told Jimmy the plan. The Commodore responds that he was just about to get to it.

 Hi.
 Hi.
At Babette's, a crowd has gathered to celebrate the election. Eddie Cantor tells terrible, terrible jokes. They wait for news on the presidential election. The band starts and Cantor starts dancing in a 1920s fashion -- clapping and spinning around on one foot. Nucky stands at the bar, talking to a young woman when Margaret enters wearing an elegant dress. Nucky  takes this appearance as a sign and an apology. He walks over to Margaret. She says that he could offer her a drink. Nucky hands her a glass of champagne. Margaret says that her children miss "their Uncle Nucky." Babette calls for quiet. The radio has news on the Presidential Election. Warren Harding has won with 60% of the popular vote. Warren Harding is the 29th President of the United States. The crowd cheers, confetti falls, everyone drinks. Babette calls for quiet again. The radio announcer reads Harding's acceptance speech:

My countrymen, America's present need is not heroics but healing.
Not revolution but restoration.
Not agitation but adjustment.
Not surgery but serenity.
Not the dramatic but the dispassionate.
The world calls for peace.
We need not nostrums but a Return to Normalcy.



 I'm Singing.
 I'm Singing.
The crowd applauds. Nucky and Margaret kiss. The band starts playing, and Eddie Cantor starts singing a song about how life is different for everyone. The song continues on about how life's ups and downs can be different for different people for different reasons.

Meanwhile, people in Atlantic City are experiencing their own ups and downs.
Agent Nelson Van Alden sits  at home reading a Bible. He thinks about what he is going to do about Lucy.
The Commodore, Jimmy, and Eli sit in the dark and plot the downfall of Nucky Thompson. Gillian sits in the next room and drinks.
Luciano and Lansky pay off a driver of a smuggle liquor shipment. Then they shoot him several times.
Chalky is enjoying his time at Babette's, but several other patrons are disgusted by his presence.
Nan plays with the ring she found in the cake. She is happy.
Rothstein talks on the phone with Torrio.
Eddie Kessler counts the million dollars that Rothstein has sent.
Angela Dormady sits and sighs.
 Pensive Beach Walking.
 Pensive Beach Walking.
Jimmy walks the beach, smoking a cigarette and thinking.

 I Predict Everything Will Be Just Fine.
 I Predict Everything Will Be Just Fine.
The election party wraps up the next day. The revelers stumble out of Babette's and walk home. Nucky takes Margaret over to his thinking spot overlooking the Boardwalk. They look out over the ocean, unsure of each other's motivation or reaction.

Things are peaceful on the Boardwalk for now.
General Information Edit
Name A Return to Normalcy
Season 1
Episode Number 12
Type Regular Episode
Is Pilot False
Air Date Dec. 12, 2010
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