Ourselves Alone (Boardwalk Empire)

"Ourselves Alone" is the eighth episode of the fourth season of the HBO television series Boardwalk Empire. The episode title refers to the slogan "Sinn Féin Amháin," an Irish-language phrase that translates to "Ourselves Alone" or "Ourselves Only" in English. The phrase is associated with Irish republicanism and emphasizes self-reliance and independence from British rule.

In the context of the episode, the title alludes to several themes and character arcs:

• Nucky Thompson's reliance on himself: Nucky finds himself increasingly isolated and distrustful of those around him. He makes decisions independent of his usual allies and deals with threats on his own terms, reflecting a sense of going it alone.

• Margaret Thompson's struggle for independence: Margaret continues to navigate her new life and career, increasingly independent from Nucky's influence, mirroring the concept of self-reliance.

• Eddie Kessler's loyalty and internal conflict: Eddie faces a moral dilemma that forces him to act independently, ultimately leading to a tragic outcome. He is trapped between his loyalty to Nucky and his own conscience, highlighting a form of isolation.

• Gillian Darmody's increasing desperation and isolation: Gillian's descent into addiction and her increasingly unstable behavior further isolate her from any support system, embodying a dark interpretation of "Ourselves Alone."

The episode's title serves as a thematic umbrella, connecting the various characters' struggles with independence, self-reliance, and the consequences of isolation. The Irish phrase adds a layer of historical and political context, suggesting a fight for autonomy and the potential dangers of pursuing that autonomy without support.