The series follows Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, a political figure who rises to prominence and interacts with mobsters, politicians, government agents, and the common folk who look up to him.
In the episode, Nucky seeks to stop the conflict between Chalky and Narcisse, while Eli faces pressure from Tolliver in delivering more information.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.18 million household viewers and gained a 0.7 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
At the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards, Tim Van Patten received a nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.
Richard then bids farewell to Julia, Paul and Tommy, sending them to live with Emma, promising to meet them there in a few days.
The two men get into a violent fight in the living room, which culminates in Eli beating Tolliver to death as June and the rest of his children scream from upstairs in terror.
To his surprise, he offers a deal; Narcisse will reveal details surrounding Marcus Garvey and be released, or face prison time for Tolliver's murder.
Chalky flees back to Oscar's house in Havre de Grace, Maryland, having lost the Onyx Club, his family, and his standing in the community, while also devastated over Maybelle's death.
"[2] Commenting on Eli's new role in Chicago, Winter said, "in terms of the story, we are always trying to be surprising and do something different than what the audience expects as long as it falls within the framework of the reality of the show.
[5] In its original American broadcast, "Farewell Daddy Blues" was seen by an estimated 2.18 million household viewers with a 0.7 in the 18-49 demographics.
Matt Fowler of IGN gave the episode an "amazing" 9 out of 10 and wrote in his verdict, "'Farewell Daddy Blues' wasn't perfect, but it did dole out the appropriate amount of surprise and pain that we've come to expect from our Boardwalk finales.
"[9] Alan Sepinwall of HitFix wrote, "Thanks in large part to the Chalky/Narcisse war, this was an incredibly satisfying season of Boardwalk Empire.
"[10] Seth Colter Walls of Vulture gave the episode a perfect 5 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "even if this sucks a bit of 'oh wow,' resolution-style drama from the fourth season's finale, I think the choice is a good one for this show — which has often, in a headlong rush to slam-bang climaxes, pushed beloved characters onto obvious dead-end paths.
"[12] Chris O'Hara of TV Fanatic gave the episode a 4 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "As the tide went out on another season of Boardwalk Empire, fans watched the light in Richard's eye fade as well.
"[13] Michael Noble of Den of Geek wrote, "Boardwalk Empire is serious enough it in its intent and effective enough in its execution that it deserves to be questioned on its core assumptions.
"[15] For the episode, Tim Van Patten was nominated for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards.