Jersey gets a facial

What? Did you all really think that I wasn't going to talk about this show? Don't you know me better than that? It's fall, which means the influx of good television will soon be running rampant amongst those of us lucky enough to subscribe to the likes of HBO, Showtime, NFLRedzone...etc. So let me start by saying this: Thank God for Martin Scorcese and Terence Winter.

Back in say February or so, a trailer was available on HBO's website that exclaimed the dawning of a Scorcese produced show, written by a Sopranos guy, and oozing with 1920s flare all over the place. Pan up on Steve Buscemi, the king of Indie Films, high falootin in a great suit, and Omar from The Wire fading to black. Excitement rang around offices, twitter pages, and text messages for months. And this past Sunday, it finally came to a head.

And boy am I excited.

The show takes place right at the beginnings of Prohibition, which also births the era of "Gangsterdom." Steve Buscemi takes on the role of Nucky Thompson, Atlantic City Treasurer and dirty scoundrel to boot. After reading an article in Vanity Fair that James Gandolfini was considered due to his more accurate stature in comparison to the Real Nucky Johnson, what a blessed day it is to know that they went with Buscemi (no hating on Tony Soprano though, but in reality...he IS Tony Soprano.)

There is this lingering feeling in the show even in it's infant stages. Watching two young drivers talk about "getting into the liquor business" while one introduces himself as Al Capone, is subtle yet furiously exciting. The violence is indicative of Soprano gold, which may be tough for some, but relieving for others. Scorcese certainly delivers with some stylistic directing and shooting, but fails with the show's opening sequence. --And I will defend the right to use contemporary music in period pieces (I.E. Inglorious Basterds) but here it fails.-- Watching the opening sequence for the first time at the height of your anticipation can turn it into anxiety, but the show redeems itself solely through the writing, directing, and sheer excitement (aka just suck it up for the first like minute and then be prepared for an awesome ride).

It certainly looks like many characters will be making their way through Jersey, with the likes of (as previously mentioned) Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, and others. But what makes the show extra special is Buscemi's character Nucky and his desire to play both sides. His job makes him want to be liked by his city, but his gangster ways make him desire money and power with no filter as to how to get it. He is a character that struggles with good and evil, which makes him, well, perfect.

If you paid attention in History class, then the anticipation of watching these stories unfold will elate you. It certainly has elated me, and I damn sure didn't pay attention in history class. But I know who Al Capone is. Thanks Real Deal Deli.

Thanks for reading. I am, the TV Enforcer.