"The Good Listener" is the second episode of the fifth season of the American period crime drama television series Boardwalk Empire.
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.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.81 million household viewers and gained a 0.7 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
Simultaneously, Capone’s brain is deteriorating due to years of cocaine addiction and early signs of syphilis, causing him to become increasingly paranoid and irrational.
Nucky also tries to form a partnership with a company, but the members reject him due to his criminal past, although he catches Joe Kennedy's interest.
In August 2014, HBO confirmed that the second episode of the season would be titled "The Good Listener", and that it would be written by series creator Terence Winter, and directed by producer Allen Coulter.
The site's consensus states: "'The Good Listener' aptly picks up the pace after the gradual setup of 'Golden Days for Boys and Girls,' purposefully advancing what is becoming an exciting arc for the final season.
It covers as much ground as, if not more, than 'Golden Days for Boys and Girls,' but despite ragged subplots, new characters, and unexpected settings, it doesn't have the premiere's burden of establishing the new era.
Instead, it uses characters running out of options in inverse proportion to how hilariously awful it all is, and it works to spin the threads that connect people who wouldn't expect it, hamstring those who are hoping to skate by, and thwart some desperate souls trying to believe whatever it is gets you out of this mess.
"[7] Sarene Leeds of Entertainment Weekly wrote, "Michael Shannon being asked to pet an old biddy's little dog, Daisy, while the other lady's long hat feather keeps getting stuck in Shea Whigham's nostrils?
"[9] Rodrigo Perez of IndieWire wrote, "Written by showrunner Terence Winter himself, this episode moves with much more compelling purpose.
"[10] Chris O'Hara of TV Fanatic gave the episode a perfect 5 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "The road to becoming a career criminal is along and dangerous one, but despite all its peril, walking away can often be the most daunting challenge.
I can't say that it's my favorite episode of Boardwalk Empire, but it helped the show move past an early speedbump, and made me at least a bit excited for what's to come.