"The North Star" is the sixth episode of the fourth 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 1.90 million household viewers and gained a 0.7 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
At the Onyx Club, Chalky continues spending time with Daughter, although he is not happy when she wants to change her musical numbers, as he wants her to maintain consistency.
In September 2013, HBO confirmed that the sixth episode of the season would be titled "The North Star", and that it would be written by Eric Overmyer and executive producer Howard Korder, and directed by Allen Coulter.
Matt Fowler of IGN gave the episode a "good" 7.7 out of 10 and wrote, "'The North Star' was definitely a seasonal lull - a pause in the action.
In fact, a part of me feels like the biggest moments of this season will come right at the end, possibly with even some sort of cliffhanger like Nucky getting arrested.
"[5] Alan Sepinwall of HitFix wrote, "'The North Star' not only put Nucky back at the forefront, but did so while exercising the series' trademark patience and artistry.
What's so impressive about this episode, and the best hours of the show, is how they let scenes and moments linger, whether it's Chalky watching Daughter Maitland sing, or the dying Sagorsky telling Richard his terrible war story from the Philippines, or Lansky and Luciano having their falling-out because of Lucky's paranoia about doing a deal with Joe Masseria's cousin.
"[7] Rodrigo Perez of IndieWire wrote, "Thematically, we're following a 'North Star' considering guiding lights reunite several estranged members of the Boardwalk Empire cast, even if it's a bit of a mid-season episode lull.
"[8] Chris O'Hara of TV Fanatic gave the episode a perfect 5 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "It was good to see Margaret, but she was smart not to divulge too much information, especially if Joe Masseria in New York looks to hurt Nucky at some point.
"[9] Michael Noble of Den of Geek wrote, "As I have mentioned before, Boardwalk Empire is a rich enough canvas that it can handle character absences, even protracted ones, without losing pace or touch.