Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014): Season 4, Episode 8 - The Old Ship of Zion - full transcript

- Where is your friend?
- Charlie's out.

It's me, Meyer and Petrucelli.

This week, you'll watch over
my part of the town here.

I heard you came back
with a black eye.

This Sally, she's
a pistol is all.

I banged a door.

After you banged her.

Do you know what this is?

Heroin.

Control over men that
are lesser than you.

Chalky White is
one of those men.



I dropped out today.

I'm gonna talk to your dean and
you're gonna re-enroll on Monday.

I'm sorry, but I'm not.

Eli.

You leave school,

- you leave this house!
- I'm leaving this house anyway!

Willie.

Stay here tonight.

Mr. White's true purpose has been
clouded by misguided ambition.

I have come to breathe new
life into this community.

He doesn't seem pleased to have
to answer to Mr. Thompson.

Is he pleased with you?

I believe he is.

Within the past month, we've had two
separate incidents of heroin overdoses.



Found out who's been running
that poison around here.

I know full well, Mr. Purnsley. And I'm
on my way to see Mr. White right now.

Deacon, please.

A guilty man will say
anything to save his skin.

♪ Hallelujah

♪ Hallelujah

♪ Hallelujah

♪ Hallelujah...

How we keeping, Miss Monroe?

My joints are acting up a bit.

Weather's changing.

Might be, I expect.

Mr. Purnsley.

I'm visiting
relations this week.

Make sure you situated.

Thank you kindly.

Bring 'em all something nice.

Tsk.

You know she like it tidy.

Running low.

Told you cut it twice.

I done it. Cornstarch, talc...

Cut four times.

What you got for me?

Ain't no place to keep it.

Mean dog right here.

Cut four. Hear me, Mose?

This is from the doctor.

He expecting everyone.

Nag's name is Buddy Boy.

Rothstein bets 100,000 to place.

- Dollars?
- Yeah, this is one bet, mind you.

Horse comes in fifth.

By the last race,
Rothstein's down 500 grand.

- Whew...!
- What'd he do then?

He went to Lindy's,
ordered a cheesecake.

Sat there eating like
nothing happened.

He can be entertaining, you
have to give him that.

Is that how you see it, Ben?

When you spend your
whole day watching...

What do you think your job is?

I'm just curious

because it doesn't seem to
involve actual police work.

Suddenly no one has
anything to say?

We didn't come here to get
lectured by you, Jim.

What are you here for, Mitch?

I ask you to make connections.

All you bring me are anecdotes.

This operation is
costing time and money.

New York, Chicago, Boston,

Atlantic City,
Philadelphia, Florida,

I need to bring them
together to make this case.

Where's the law for this?

We'll get the crooks,
then we'll find the law.

Anybody who doesn't
agree to that,

you're welcome to go back to
investigating land fraud.

Here's something.

Of course it's just an anecdote.

Yes?

Nucky Thompson has a nephew
at Temple University.

This nephew's roommate is
currently facing trial

for killing another student
with spiked liquor.

The first person the police
went to was the nephew.

He was in custody
for eight hours.

Then he was released with
all charges dismissed.

- Why?
- I couldn't say.

All I know is that Nucky Thompson
drove up from Atlantic City,

sat in the DA's office
for 35 minutes,

and another boy went to jail.

I hope that amused you, Jim.

I'll get on those land
fraud cases right away.

♪ Bang, bang, bang,
bang, bang, bang ♪

♪ When Old Bill Bailey
plays the ukulele ♪

♪ Down in Honolula they
do the hula hula ♪

♪ Every evening there they are ♪

♪ Swaying while he's playing
his Hawaiian guitar ♪

♪ The ragtime motion
even has the ocean ♪

♪ Bobbing up and down...

Will.

You found the coffee.

You want some?

I'll have Sid make it.

You're low on everything.

Wasn't there a delivery?

No one's come around.

There's one more egg down there.

I'll get something
along the way.

Where you headed?

Just some business.

I could come along.

You could.

- Your father will be there, so you two...
- No, thanks.

We're on the same side here.
You know that?

Yes, sir.

Going back to Philadelphia,
that's not practical.

It would have been better if you'd come
to me about it first instead of...

- I couldn't just sit there while...
- It's done.

It's not worth going over again.

The question is moving forward.

Because we all have to
move forward, Will.

You want me to leave.

I want you to give some thought

about how to turn this
into an opportunity.

I have to tell you right now?

You have to start
thinking about it.

It's the only way
to get on in life.

And go take a walk on
the beach or something.

You're too young to be
cooped up inside all day.

♪ I was lost

♪ In sin and sorrow

♪ On an isle

♪ In life's dark sea

♪ My child

♪ I've come to save you

♪ Step on board

♪ And follow me

- ♪ 'Tis the old -
♪ Old ship of Zion

- ♪ Ship of Zion -
♪ Old ship of Zion

- ♪ 'Tis the old -
♪ Old ship of Zion

- ♪ Ship of Zion -
♪ Old ship of Zion

- ♪ 'Tis the old -
♪ Old ship of Zion

- ♪ Ship of Zion - ♪
Old ship of Zion...

Daddy. Are you all right?

I'm fine.

People are looking at you.

♪ Early one morning

♪ I got on board.

Yes! Hallelujah!

Rest with Jesus, Deacon.

Thank you, sister,

for the soothing truths

- in that old hymn.
- Amen.

Safe with Jesus, the captain.

You know he is.

Sailing out on the
old ship of Zion.

That's right.

That is the journey

that Deacon Lemuel Cuffy
embarks upon now.

Amen.

We wished him bide
a while longer.

But that was not
to be vouchsafed.

Well might we ask

why his leave

need be so swift

and so violent.

This good and peaceable man.

Was it worse than
the crown of thorns

and the nails?

For, one who came
before us suffered.

One who came before
us knew the torment.

One who came before us

died so that we might have

eternal life.

Tell it. Come on, tell it.

At this point I've
just about had it.

Seriously. Dinner, the
show at the Adelphi...

A lot to sit through as
far as I was concerned.

Then over to Rendezvous Park.

Ices, pretzels, candy apples.

I can't believe what she's
cramming down there.

The Whip, Shimmy Auto,

the coaster, my head's
turning in circles.

Finally, we're off
in a dark corner

and I go, "How about a
little something for me?"

Smack! Right across the kisser.

"Some nerve for a
fella I just met."

What are you talking about?

We've been at this for a month.

Turns out this was her sister.

Twin sister?

No, that's the peculiar aspect.

Why are you telling us this?

I'm just keeping my end up.

It's not like you two
are chatterboxes.

Go check outside.

They ain't here yet.

Go check anyway.

Isn't that Eddie's?

He said I could have it.

I understand you're upset.

- I'm not upset, I'm furious.
- That's not going to help.

When did you become
the expert on my son?

I don't pretend to be. But
right now he's in my house.

It's not a house.

Hotel. Are we gonna argue
about what to call it?

He's there. It's not
ideal for anyone.

- You think I like it?
- What difference does it make...

Do you think I like it?

- No.
- I don't like it.

But at least...

At least it stays inside the family.
Isn't that better?

Just leave him be.
He'll get bored.

It'll sort itself out.

Let's see what the
oranges look like.

Here.

What for?

The first bottle.
It's good luck.

I stole it from a dead guy.

So there's the Shimmy Auto.

And there's a roller coaster.

Well, who's this? The
butter and egg man?

Jeez, ain't you the firecracker?

- Sally.
- You know each other?

Miss Wheet and I
met down in Tampa.

He came, he saw...

And he conked her?

You are a wicked little boy.

You think I need a spanking?

I didn't know you
were riding up.

I hopped in at the last minute.

Was that wise?

I never stopped to
think about it.

That's the way it should be, huh?
Take life as it comes.

Some people can't manage that.

They don't know what
they're missing.

- Mickey.
- Yeah?

They're unloading now.

Oh.

Duty calls.

Someone's in a mood.

- Is there a problem?
- Where?

With the operation.

Oh, the operation.

No, the operation is hunky-dory.

I just wasn't expecting you.

Hello.

Hello, yes.

Of course, hello.

Welcome to Atlantic City.

All the bootleg
come through here?

Mostly.

Mostly as in "mind
your own business"?

As in it's always good to leave
something to talk about for later.

We're talking later?

I can't promise exactly.

So we're not talking later.

- I just need some time to...
- What's his problem?

- That's my brother.
- No wonder he looks so miserable.

He, uh... his son...

It's a long story.

- Where are you staying?
- Beats me.

I'll get you in a hotel.

Well, you're welcome to try.

No, I'll put you up in...

It's an invitation
to be my guest.

I'll treat you to dinner.

Who asked you to do that?

No one asked. I'm offering.

I brought plenty of cash.

- What?
- I said no, thanks.

What did you come up here for?

I told you. I didn't
stop to think about it.

Here.

Mix yourself a rum swizzle.

Make sure it's swept outside.

Don't need anyone jawing.

Want you keep tabs on Mose.

Think he skimming?

Gonna peek down that
ankle, tell you that.

Meantime, get yourself
over to You-Knee-Ah.

Boss man. What's shaking?

Ain't seen you at
service this morning.

I ain't no church man.
You know that.

People jawing about that deacon.

Eyeing me all hincty.

Nobody know nothing.

Somebody do.

We gonna find that somebody.

Take some time.

Humph.

Well, you come along now.

How's that?

Business to do.

What business?

Tell you on the way.

Let's go, buck.

Chair ain't running off nowhere.

How'd you get started, Mr.
Bader?

In politics?

Well, I had the
construction firm.

Get to know people,
they get to know you.

Nucky persuaded me it was time

to give something
back to the city.

A little different
back then, of course.

What do you mean?

Your uncle, he's involved
in other enterprises now.

I'm not implying any...

- Ed.
- Nuck.

Having a little chin-wag
with William here.

He's explaining how
you get to be mayor.

Heck, this one's got it
figured out already.

What happened with the
grocery delivery, Will?

Sid said that he was...

We don't want the cupboards bare.
Go and make sure.

Yes, sir.

Smart kid. A real Thompson.

What brings you here, Ed?

Election year again.

I have a calendar.

Where do we stand?

If there are problems,
I need to hear them.

I'd say we're keeping each
other happy, aren't we?

I get a dead body on
the building site...

Make the sheriff do his job.

And now this business
with the deacon.

In his own church.

I'm nowhere without
the colored vote.

You know better than anyone.

That's between you and Chalky.

I don't have that
connection with him.

Then you need to make one.

If he can't keep his
own house in order,

that's not good
for either of us.

If you could just...

What is it, Will?

Some mix-up at the market.

So they never got the order.

What you think, buck?

Ain't nothing going on there.

Know what I see?

House full of trouble.

Let's go remind them who
run this side of town.

Ow!

Hey, inky-dink. You
bring me a Baby Ruth?

Ugh!

Who running things around here?

Moses.

Where he at?

In the bulrushes.

What the fuck is...

I wanted to talk to that man.

Wasn't in no conversing mood.

You mighty quick to end things.

He be quick to end me.

Ain't that what we come for?

Clayton, is it?

I hear you like Chesterfields.

When I can get them.

Tell me all about
William Thompson.

♪ Have in your town

♪ Miss Hannah Brown

♪ Called upon a good man
when her blues came down ♪

♪ And when she felt blue in
spite of all her charms ♪

♪ She felt much better
in her daddy's arms ♪

♪ She called her man

♪ To her side

♪ And then she softly cried ♪

♪ Eagle Rock me, papa

♪ And Sally Long me too

♪ Rock me, pretty papa

♪ While I tell you what to do ♪

♪ Sometimes I wish that
I had never seen you ♪

♪ But use me, papa, for
your own convenience... ♪

Busy.

I'm interrupting.

Come and go as you please.

She's working out well.

Wouldn't you say?

Doing all right, I reckon.

It's not my style of music,

but you can't say it
doesn't have an effect.

That's the blues.

- They picked the right color.
- Hmm.

Anything you need to tell me?

About what?

It's your side of town
and I don't interfere,

but I hear things
and I have to ask.

Then ask.

Deacon Cuffy.

He was where he
shouldn't have been.

He was in the church.

What you want me to say?

I need to know your
house is in order.

We looking into it.

Anything else?

There is, I'll let you know.

You should make a donation.

We done with the lecture?

I'm just talking to a friend.

Chalky.

Don't let your life
get out of hand.

What can I get you, Mr.
Thompson?

You know what I like, Carter.

I got that 20-year-old
where no one touch it.

Spend your whole
life in Florida?

Pretty much.

What do you all do down
there in the summertime?

Stay in the shade mostly.

Keep away from sharp objects.

Not all of them, I hope.

Depends on my mood.

How's your mood now?
'Cause mine's pretty good.

For a busy man, you've got
lots of time to kill.

You've found something to do.

If you're bored, you're boring.

I was raised to keep
myself entertained.

She can shoot a bow and arrow.

- Didn't know that.
- Well, we haven't talked that much.

And she's half Indian.

One-eighth.

I'm not good with numbers.

What do you think of the club?

Guess you were slumming
down in Tampa.

It's just people expect
something different here.

Looks like they do.

What was the name of that
place you said again?

Uh, Rendezvous Park.

Yeah, let's have
us a rendezvous.

Okay.

Am I missing something?

Not yet.

What, that? It was
only for safekeeping.

I'll take care of it now.

Sure thing, Nuck.

Ugh! Ow!

I enjoyed our conversation.

You have a fine evening.

Okay.

So, right.

He gets on my nerves.

He wasn't getting on mine.

Let me buy you another drink.

I'll buy one for you.

That wouldn't make sense.

Because you own the joint?

All you had to do was
tell me you were coming.

Now why would I have to do that?

I might need to get
my strength up.

Did I hurt your
feelings last time?

You hurt my jaw.

I didn't hear you complaining.

Or maybe you were
just being nice

to the simple girl
from the backwoods.

Where are you staying tonight?

You shall not wrest the babe
from my arms, Africanus.

She is not yours
to claim, wanton.

I bore her in my womb and
nursed her at my breast.

With the tainted milk
of foreign kine.

Pass her to me

and redeem yourself.

Redeem yourself and be freed.

Oh, precious one.

Think mercifully of your mother,

she who gave you life,

but could not hold
onto life herself.

Daughter,

I name you Ominira.

And freedom is indeed
what you shall bring.

Live and lead us forward.

Lead your people home.

And so conclude

these scenes of pity and terror.

As a writer for the stage,

I make no claims.

As a believer in our people

and the heights we might scale,

I dare to reach for all that...

- What's that?
- It's coming from outside.

Dare to reach for all
that a man may dream.

What's all that racket
going on out there?

For in the stirring words
of Brother Garvey,

"Up, up, you mighty race.

Accomplish what you..."

Come on, come on. Excuse me.

- What does he want?
- Pardon me, madam.

Mr. White. Are you
here for the play?

It's just concluded.

No, Doctor.

I come to show you something.

What are you talking about?

A book?

Almost like a package
or something.

Pay no more nevermind to that
house on Baltic, Mrs. Tremaine.

What's he talking about?

What you got there, Mr. White?

Doctor can tell you.

It is your performance, sir.

Well...

this one called...

"Harlem By Torchlight."

Whoa!

Whoops.

Shit.

I'm sorry.

- Ow!
- Back off.

Let me look at that.

Come on. Over here.

Now who might you be?

I'm... I'm Uncle Nucky.

I'm Uncle Nucky's nephew.

Will... iam.

I'm Sal... ly.

Hey.

Why are they called
"hush puppies"?

My pa said he'd feed 'em to
the dogs to keep 'em quiet.

But then he said a lot of things
turned out not to be true.

Like what?

Well, that we'd have
a house with floors

one day, for starters.

That he'd take me to the
top of the Eiffel Tower.

Oh, and that he'd
stay hitched to Ma.

Ah, Will.

You've met Miss Wheet.

- She...
- We covered that part.

Will and I have been talking.

About what?

What he should be
doing with himself.

Go on.

I, uh...

I don't think I should
stay here any longer.

If that's how you feel.

Let him finish.

I want to learn how
things work in the city.

How do you expect
that to happen?

I'm not asking for any favors.

I'll start at the bottom

and hope I can make good.

And if I don't,

it means I didn't deserve it.

Your mother and father?

I owe them an apology.

And our agreement?

I just want you to
give me a chance.

To show you that

I can be the person
you want me to be.

That you want to be.

Sorry?

The person you want to be.

Yeah.

Well, let's see what we can do.

Somebody's got to finish these.

It's too early.

To give in to melancholy.

We have talked about
this weakness.

How you must fight it, hmm?

I try.

You must try harder.

Because it upsets me.

I begin to think I
have failed you.

I cannot bear that.

I'm sorry.

I know. I know.

Did they like your play?

Its symbolism was...
beyond them.

And there was a disturbance.

What happened?

Mr. White will come
to you this evening?

Yes.

Will you keep him here?

There will be another visitor.

That's the last of it, Mick.

They're ready if you're ready.

- Well?
- Well what?

Little crazy to get
straight back on the road.

You said I was supposed to
look after your interests.

And Petrucelli's waiting
for his whiskey.

Mr. Pierce can
wait a day longer.

And then?

You're the one who doesn't
like to plan things.

And how would that work?

We'd have to see.

You let me know if you're
heading down again.

In the meantime...

Look...

it's not that I don't want to.

It's just there's not
much privacy around here.

What are you talking about?

What are you talking about?

I'm talking about I didn't babysit
your first shipment north

just 'cause I have a good heart.

I kept those boys in line
and we didn't spill a drop.

So...

1,000?

1,500.

You're kinda cute in your way.

What are you doing?

I have some new information
about Edward Kessler.

It's big.

Very big.

It turns out he was part of a
violent criminal organization

that runs Atlantic City.

I don't get your sense of humor.

Not a joke.

- My associate.
- You mind sliding over?

- Go fuck yourself.
- We'd like you to slide over.

- Stop that.
- Why should I?

'Cause we're agents of the
Bureau of Investigation.

And you want to be very careful about
how you conduct yourself right now.

How's your boy, by the way?

The one who used
to be in college.

You were pretty
concerned about him.

The fucking which
of Investigation?

His roommate is sitting in a cell
awaiting trial on a murder charge.

And you know about
people in jail.

They all say they're innocent.

But he told me a story anyway.

Two boys drive to Atlantic City.

Steal liquor from a warehouse
controlled by the first boy's father.

They poison this liquor, give
it to another boy at school

that first boy doesn't like.

- Henry Gaines.
- They called him "Bucket."

Now he's dead. Clayton
Davies is facing life.

The first boy... well, it's all
about who you know, isn't it?

His Uncle Enoch got
him out of it.

Old news to you. I mean,
you and your brother,

you worked it out together.

- None of that happened.
- You know it did.

I don't know anything.

I'm sorry you have
to hear it from us.

"Always worried about your boy."

Isn't that what you said?

You were right to be.

You need to calm down.
People can see you.

They'll remember we sat
here and had a chat.

Is that something you'd
like Nucky to know?

Eddie Kessler had
nothing to lose.

That's not you. Make
the smart call.

Bring us your brother along with
the criminals he conspires with.

And your son stays a free man.

All you have to do is nod

and you get to hold
on to what matters.

One little nod.

What if they don't
let me back in?

That won't happen.

Just say what
you're going to say

and sound like you mean it.

Ed Bader's up for reelection.

You know this?

You know how he got to be mayor?

You wanted him to be.

You're going to
work at his office.

Start at the bottom
just like you asked.

All I require is that you
keep your eyes and ears open.

Are you comfortable with that?

My father used to be sheriff.

You were the county treasurer.

Jack Dempsey came to your hotel.

You remember that?

I remember everything.

What do you want, Will?

I want the family to be
back where it belongs.

One step at a time.

Right?

Why don't you pack this, too?

My mother gave that to me.

Now I'm giving it to you.

There's a lot you
can learn from it.

You're in a hurry.

Wasn't hurrying when
it count, was I?

Maybe you're getting
tired of me.

You wear me out,

but that ain't getting tired.

Then stay.

- I got business now.
- Your clothes all mussed.

I change at the club.

Won't your wife notice?

Ain't no claim on me.

Everything she
got, I pay for it.

She don't never ask
where it come from.

What about your son?

Daughters?

Different thing.

De-Ernie says Lester can play.

Well, he ain't gonna run
no roadhouse life no how.

'Cause he'll meet
people like me?

Stay.

When you sing...

that sound...

like...

like you tying up a secret.

I don't know any secrets.

I just know how I feel.

And how that?

Spend your life walking
over the world

and never find your place

'cause there isn't one.

Thought the doctor
look after you.

That's not what he does.

"Ship of Zion."

They sang that at
my daddy's grave.

Mama, brothers.

I knew when I heard it,
I was gonna leave.

Never come back.

I ain't seen a one
of them since.

Then you off walking, too.

Sing it.

What?

Sing it again now.

For me.

With the old words.

♪ I was drifting away

♪ On life's pitiless sea

♪ And the angry
waves threatened ♪

♪ My ruin to be

♪ When away at my side

♪ There I dimly descried

♪ A stately old vessel

♪ And loudly I cried

♪ It's the old ship of Zion ♪

♪ Hosanna

♪ King Jesus is the captain ♪

♪ Hosanna

♪ She's a-sailin'
away toward Jordan ♪

♪ Hosanna

♪ She's makin' for

♪ She's makin' for...

Don't stop.

It's wrong.

No.

It's beautiful.

I...

Who you expecting?

Boss man, it's me.

How you know where I be?

That piano player fessed up.

Anyway, wasn't hard to figure.

What you come to say?

Best hear it on the hoof.

Tell me now, it's so important.

Go on, fix us a plate.

There's some cold chicken.

You was right.

Doctor pushing powder.
Run that old house.

Slipped that knife
through the deacon, too.

Where you get all that?

Made them dope fiends sing.

Told you when he first
showed his face,

he looking to grab.

And he boiling from
this afternoon.

What about her?

Brought her around, didn't he?

Stick her in front of you.

Keep you right busy.

Boss man, I'm just
speaking gospel.

Where he at now?

Back room, You-Knee-Ah.

I got the car downstairs.

Tiny and Chaz waiting.

You and me head over,

send that hamfat
straight to Libya.

Hmm.

All worked out.

No sense lollygagging.

One thing you ain't
mentioned, buck.

What?

How much he paying
you to fuck me?

Kick my face in, I
say, "Yes, sir"?

What the hell

kind of mischief you...

Gabriel said,

"Keep your servant also
from willful sins."

Breathe. Breathe.

Breathe.

"May they not rule over me.

Then... then will
I be blameless."

Breathe.

"Innocent of great
transgression."

♪ The bridegroom
has got the ring ♪

♪ And it's such a pretty thing ♪

♪ He slips it on her finger ♪

♪ And the choir begins to sing ♪

♪ Does the spearmint
lose its flavor ♪

♪ On the bedpost overnight? ♪

♪ If you pull it
out like rubber ♪

♪ Will it snap right
back and bite? ♪

♪ If you paste it
on the left side ♪

♪ Will you find it on the right? ♪

♪ Does the spearmint
lose its flavor ♪

♪ On the bedpost overnight? ♪

♪ Does the spearmint
lose its flavor... ♪

Pop, I...

I disobeyed you.

I didn't show respect.

That was wrong.

I'm sorry.

I hope you can forgive me.

I'd like to come back home.

Please?

Don't stop the fun
on my account.

"If you pull it out
like rubber..."

"Does it snap right
back and bite?"

♪ Does the spearmint
lose its flavor ♪

♪ On the bedpost overnight? ♪

♪ Does the spearmint
lose its flavor... ♪

Didn't I say it would
work itself out?

♪ If you pull it out
like rubber... ♪

You did.

♪ If you paste it on
the left side... ♪

Thank you, brother.

♪ Does the spearmint
lose its flavor ♪

♪ On the bedpost overnight? ♪

♪ Does the spearmint
lose its flavor ♪

♪ On the bedpost overnight? ♪

♪ If you pull it
out like rubber ♪

♪ Will it snap right
back and bite? ♪

♪ If you paste it
on the left side ♪

♪ Will you find it on the right? ♪

♪ If you paste it
on the left side ♪

♪ Will you find it on the right? ♪

♪ Does the spearmint
lose its flavor ♪

♪ On the bedpost overnight? ♪

Dad's here. Just finish playing.