Boardwalk Empire

Seeing as Boardwalk Empire has just finished its fourth season, now seems like a good time to actually discuss it. I don't think I've mentioned it or covered it on here before.

Basically, the HBO show covers the start of Prohibition, and the fallout. It stars Steve Buscemi as the lead character, Nucky Thompson, though others such as Stephen Graham (of This is England fame) also appear, Graham playing the infamous Al Capone.

There are various film stars in the show - not necessarily A list, but it's a start - and this is a recurring theme as Hollywood actors make the transition from the big screen to the silver screen, realising the rising interest in basic and premium cable shows from the US, as well as a select few Primetime UK shows.

What needs to be said of Boardwalk Empire, if you've endured the first couple of slow-burning seasons, is that the character development has now reached a point where the show genuinely has ten or so characters, upon which any number of storylines can be forged. In terms of US TV dramas, its strength in depth (to use a terrible football cliché) is unmatched.

The cinematography is up there with the likes of Breaking Bad - you'd hope so, given the supposed budget - and its all-round narrative, albeit sometimes directionless, constantly creates scenes of genuine intrigue, tension and serious drama.

Without giving too much away, the season four finale had two notable story arcs, both involving characters the audience had grown to love and invest their time in. Those two story arcs ended in opposing fashion, and has had many Internet writers feeling somewhat betrayed by the show's creators for forcing such a heartbreaking ending on its fans.

But sometimes that's what quality drama is about. In order to truly feel a part of a show such as Boardwalk Empire, you have to take the good with the bad. You have to invest yourself, your emotions, and your time. And although the viewing figures don't match up - The Walking Dead attracts roughly eight times as many viewers - it's a show which has been consistently well-written from day one, has created memorable and universally loved characters, and will hopefully be remembered, long after it ends.