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 meets with Kennedy for a potential partnership, while Chalky and Milton reach a house, where they hold a mother and daughter hostage.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.11 million household viewers and gained a 0.9 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
One day, he delivers flowers to a client, and discovers a woman killed in his bedroom and Sheriff Lindsay and the Commodore inside.
When Milton forces Fern to try on a new dress in front of him, Marie finally reveals they simply moved the safe to another section of the house.
He calls Sally to tell her that while Senator Lloyd is no longer involved in their business, he will talk with Joe Kennedy about a potential partnership.
In August 2014, HBO confirmed that the third episode of the season would be titled "What Jesus Said", and that it would be written by Christine Chambers and executive producer Howard Korder, and directed by Ed Bianchi.
The site's consensus states: "Boardwalk Empire continues to explore Nucky's past with satisfying results, though an extended hostage subplot feels a bit superfluous this late in the game.
"[5] Alan Sepinwall of HitFix wrote, "With the return of Dr. Narcisse – about to be at war with Luciano's crew – it's tempting to just root for a rematch of season 4's Narcisse/Chalky hostilities.
There's the objectification and victimization of women that the show must, at this point, consider a quota; certainly the episode approaches both the titillation and the violence with a sense of begrudging duty.
"[7] Sarene Leeds of Entertainment Weekly wrote, "It sounds crazy, but we're now more than one-third of the way through Boardwalk Empire's final season.
The question is, will the next five episodes be enough to resolve all of the loose subplots still flailing around from Chicago to New York to Atlantic City to Cuba to wherever the hell Chalky White is?
"[8] Craig D. Lindsey of Vulture gave the episode a 3 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "As satisfactory as most of the ep was, I couldn't help thinking the whole Chalky and Buck subplot was suspenseful but superfluous.
"[9] Rodrigo Perez of IndieWire wrote, "A slower episode than last, Boardwalk Empire is getting back into a familiar groove and rhythm, and I'm again reminded why this show is worthwhile.
Milton did surprise me with how observant he was to notice the lack of any male presence in the home, but far too much screen time was given to a character who would eventually meet his end after being featured in only two episodes.