By Joe R
In the aftermath of the explosion at Babette's (where, it should be noted, there is still no definitive word on the fate of Babette herself), Nucky head is in seriously bad shape concussion-wise. His vision's blurry, there's a persistent ringing in his ears and he keeps forgetting who people are and whether or not he wants a birthday party for Emily. It's all very unfortunate, because he needs to figure out what to do about Rosetti, who has re-established his presence in Tabor Heights. With a vengeance, too -- beating down that fickle new sheriff and essentially holding the town hostage.
Meanwhile, Margaret is standing by her husband, hunkering down at the Ritz with the kids. Nucky's fuzzy condition has him keeping Margaret close and thus privy to more conversations about the business than she's used to. She's really freaked out by the violence of it all -- and the promised violence to come. She pulls Sleater aside to seek some comfort and he tells her that if she wants it, they could leave together. She has no answer to that at first, but after she helps pull Nucky together for the meeting, she tells Owen: they'll leave as soon as they're able.
As for the meeting, Nucky calls on seemingly every bootlegger in the northeast -- including Waxey Gordon and Arnold Rothstein -- and pulls his wits together enough to make the pitch: they back him up in taking out Masseria and Rosetti and they can share in the spoils. Rothstein, however, doesn't think going to war at Nucky's side is a great business plan and he has already convinced the other guys to wish Nucky well and leave him alone. Desperately alone.
Elsewhere, Richard Harrow goes to a dance at the American Legion post with Julia Sagorsky as his date. With all eyes on them, they dance the night away, and she kisses him. Back at the Maison Derriere, Tommy has taken a shine to one of the showgirls, to Gillian's annoyance. With Richard away, Tommy follows his new ladyfriend down to the brothel wing of the house and he ends up getting an eyeful of her and her John. We're all going to remember this when Tommy grows up to be Ed Gein.
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