HOLLYWOOD—Tonight’s episode of “Boardwalk Empire” was the end of the first season. Before viewers get too upset, yes, the second season has been ordered and the great Martin Scorsese will be guiding our favorite actors into their deliciously exciting roles once again. On tonight’s episode President Harding won the election, hastening in the era of Prohibition, which we all know ended in disaster. Crooked Atlantic City politician Nucky Thompson however, will become very wealthy thanks to the nation’s desire for alcohol consumption which was made illegal, as in real-life the era did for the late Joseph P. Kennedy, the father of our nation’s 35th President, John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

Nucky didn’t just get good news professionally on Sunday night, but his beloved Margaret returned to his side and told him that she and her kids had missed him. The celebration viewers enjoyed upon their reunion is going to be tested next season even more than before.

Characters on the show had many challenges tonight, but the show ended on a high note, not with an explosion or murder. Nucky’s continued presence in politics and his ability to lie to his constituents was put front and center tonight. His allies seem to be softening their normal hard line support of his agenda. Perhaps they see that he’s the one who is gaining power and wealth while they do his bidding. It was chilling to see the celebration of the crooks in Atlantic City of the newly elected Republican president. Though to his credit, President Harding was far from crooked, or aware of the underbelly politicians who would use his agenda to become even wealthier and more powerful during his term in office.

Tonight’s episode like most of the season was entertaining, and I love the way the show moves. It’s as if the writers and producers are having a conversation about history without the shouting and all the arguments we share in today’s life. Perhaps it’s Scorsese’s typical desire to teach and to offer an authentic period drama. Just look at “The Gangs of New York” or “The Aviator.” Viewers of his feature films and television series feel as if we have been transported to the time and day of his storytelling, and we learn so much from his style of producing and directing.

The acting on this show has been amazing all season. At least we will go into the second season with all of our major characters intact, which is often rare for television shows today. From the overly religious federal agent to the desperate Margaret, who seeks love and approval from the man she loves above all, we’ll get to see these characters again next summer, when the next season debuts. Nucky will be an even greater force next year.

The show was created by Terence Winter, and is executive produced by Terence Winter, Martin Scorsese, Tim Van Patten, Stephen Levinson and Mark Wahlberg; co-executive producers, Gene Kelly and Lawrence Konner; producers, Rudd Simmons and Rick Yorn; supervising producers, Howard Korder and Margaret Nagle.

Photograph Courtesy: Craig Blankenhorn/HBO