10 Best HBO Characters Ever
5. Nucky Thompson - Boardwalk Empire
Enoch "Nucky" Thompson is the lead protagonist of the Prohibition-era smash-hit Boardwalk Empire, and is arguably chameleon actor Steve Buscemi's most seminal role to date.
A self-made man and a Robin Hood-esque figure to the poorer inhabitants of Atlantic City, Nucky runs what is secretly a teeming hive of criminal activity. While publicly decrying alcohol and supporting Prohibition, Nucky gleefully profits off the sales of illegally-sold booze. Unfortunately for the charming gangster, this precipitates the evolution of his more ruthless side, as he is dragged further into the brutal, gangster-inhabited world of bootlegging.
Buscemi's portrayal of Nucky only builds in levels of compelling intensity as Boardwalk Empire's enthralling tale of power, betrayal, and greed unfolds over the course of five thoroughly excellent seasons.
Even in the face of the talents of the other compelling players in the cast, the audience's focus is always with Buscemi as he guides them effortlessly through this dark and thought-provoking crime saga, highlighting the dazzling quality of Nucky as a character, as well as Buscemi's otherworldly acting talent.