Van Alden stands up to O'Banion. Boardwalk Empire.

[@stoneharper7038]

I love that he felt the need to add that he wasn’t legally married to his wife as if it had been burdening him for years lol

[@mat7083]

Nelson: Holy Shit. We had non-marital sex!

[@davidkless9131]

Always knew what to say when a pistol was in his face.

[@advance9343]

+Jayne Cobb And he had a lot of pistols in his face

[@albanianking6402]

David K of course he does. He was Eminem’s step dad once upon a time ago.

[@Jim.Frantzisson]

Iceman reference?

[@noahhastings6145]

"In" being the operative word

[@hadrakir4098]

Always find it funny how the guy basically thrived on the prospect of death? What a warrior.

[@cjudge90]

Van Alden's character is amazingly written and I can't think of anyone who could play him besides Michael Shannon. He's such an odd character but one that comes off as still human in a really demented, vaguely psychopathic way. This scene sums him up as a character perfectly: he doesn't believe in anything anymore.

[@skipringelli2423]

I always thought Van Alden was so painfully human. Same as Jimmy and Harrow

[@CJM-rg5rt]

@@skipringelli2423 maybe being too human (minus the delusional parts) makes you seem "vaguely psychopathic" to people. I can see the most normal people you can imagine being terrified of seeing one of their own stripped down to sanity. I'm sure there's a fear or hatred there that most people don't even acknowledge. All their contentment could suddenly be gone forever if they faced a little too much reality instead of the little dance we all do.

[@antonlifer4449]

I will watch anything with Shannon in it. Dude is simply one of the best around. He's menacing and legit would scare me if he was like this in real life and he's obviously not. I've seen him in interviews and one was What's in my Bag? It's where musicians and actors go record shopping at Amomeba records and he actually seems like a stoner / hippish type dude. His acting on Boardwalk was superb.

[@mrneutral8423]

I feel so sorry for him sometimes, such a weird guy.

[@JonahsWail]

Michael Shannon is one of the best actors around these days. He’s a legit professional and he’s totally convincing in every role he plays.

[@UncleHappy5]

Van Alden & Harrow, hands down the two best damn characters to happen to the show.

[@Dogghouse531]

PureSplinterRising Gyp Rosetti

[@chrisanza2880]

Van Alden and Harrow leave Rosetti in the dust.

[@billyjackson2219]

Arnold Rothstein

[@williamdavies9634]

And rhothstein

[@tcjester89]

I know I'm in the minority on this one, but I'm not that big a fan of the introverted Harrow. I understand why people like him(badass, honorable, and loyal to his friends), but they never really gave us much on his character's history, even when he went home to his sister. I would've liked more backstory to him, especially his time during the war, like show us how he got his face injury in a flashback. We got plenty of history with the other characters, hell the final season was half a flashback, so why not him? Not to mention the way he died was pretty lackluster and this is coming from a guy who loved how Omar died in The Wire.

[@barnabyjoneification]

Why would you pick a fight with a guy that just bodied three men in your backyard?

[@drunkdave5677]

I don't think he knew about that because when Nelson walks out after O'Bannion gets wasted, the stiffs are still there.

[@MaxxCoyote]

I believe the show clearly...well, show's that O'bannon isn't exactly the brightest bulb in the bunch.

[@hisdud3ness93]

@@MaxxCoyote yeah, they didnt make him very likeable on the show either, however real Deanie was very popular with his crew and all Northsiders. Even to the extent that war continued years after he was dead. Capone after Torio advice tried to smooth things over for business sake, but O'Bannions crew wouldnt back off, so st. Valentines day had to happen.

[@marcosrattenbury6944]

Cos it's there line of work it's what you do it's not out of the ordinary in there career path

[@johncallahan2490]

@mr. Wldasoldmysoul4pussyasateen He must have known. The conversation starts and Van Alden assumes O'Bannion is referencing that, because he starts off by saying, "I was coming to work when I was approached by three men...", and O'Bannion cuts him off immediately because he already knows the story. I assume they just hadn't bothered or weren't able to move the bodies yet.

[@MrISADEO]

"Sweep up the trimmings... And mop up the trail of shit I'm about to leave behind!"

[@Professor__S]

Mop up your own damn blood you cheap potato eating, hop head drinking Irish bug bastard☘😂

[@iambiggus]

O'Banion (Arron Shiver) does a great, subtle job of trying to maintain that bravado while realizing he might have just stepped into some deeper sh*t than he realized. Great acting and writing all around. ❤

[@lothartheterrible]

Both actors are brilliant in this scene; the shift in tone when Van Alden leans in and becomes the aggressor and O'Banion backs up and drops his gun is absolutely brillian. Plus Michael Shannon's delivery of the line, "I used to believe in god; now I don't believe in anything at all..." is one of the most sinisterly chilling bits of dialogue every set to video.

[@Thickolas]

Nothing worse than your boss tellin you to do the task you were about to do before they interrupted you

[@tallguy3708]

".........I used to believe in god, but now I don't believe in anything at all" Awesome line. So glad they gave it to Nelson because the delivery was perfect in this scene.

[@markmerzweiler909]

How would you like to be staring into that face as he said that line?

[@GoGetYourShinebox]

The way his voice deepens and gets more fierce when he delivers the last part of that line

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

He does end up becoming Christian again by the final season since he makes his son say his prayers every night and even launches into a religious tirade when he was about to strangle the life out of Al Capone. God I loved this series (and I just visited AC last weekend)

[@starcrafter13terran]

I was watching the scene and the way he acted, spoke, and delivered that line scared me. O.O

[@CopiousDoinksLLC]

Those are not the words you want to hear when you're threatening a man with death. Best case scenario, it means your threat didn't work. Worst case scenario, it means he intends on doing something very bad to you.

[@drfabulous2804]

When George Mueller gets in trouble Nelson Van Alden bails him out

[@AnnaLVajda]

Well George is Nelsons cover.

[@Maw0]

@@AnnaLVajda I apologize for being 2 years late, but you missed the point of the comment.

[@wytepowar]

@@AnnaLVajda my you're a bright one

[@gregwddriver]

That smirk after he says he was a prohibition agent is killer.

[@Sunburn2007]

This is a great episode that sees Van Alden being used as a character really well. Very Jekyll and Hyde.

[@Sunburn2007]

Also to add, in this scene, O'Banion is clearly spooked by Van Alden's revelations. Van Alden is not the push-over O'Banion thought he was. Though he didn't have much time to ponder that...

[@ThatDamnAndersonMan]

Sunburn2007 Van Alden isn't a jeckyll and Hyde, He doesn't have a dual persona, What you've seen is a transformation of who he is at his core. He is a different man now.

[@henrypit1857]

Billy Crystals i agree, van alden he is one way by himself, motherfucker slaps himself with chords because he sins in his mind, acts proper in public, and plays apossum. thats why capones brother was sweating his nuts in the show. "hey you still got that piece, ok hang on to it." lol love this show no homo

[@josiahcone7506]

@@ThatDamnAndersonMan well said

[@firestriker3580]

@@ThatDamnAndersonMan Are you d u m b? He IS a Jekyll and Hyde. The dude shows it throughout the series and it’s even confirmed. No he isn’t a different man, he’s a duel sided personality

[@nosorab3]

When you can consistently make people back down when they have a gun to your head: that is the definition of badass.

[@Bubbles99718]

Bit unrealistic. Reads false

[@nosorab3]

@@Bubbles99718 oh yeah?

[@LilPW]

​@@Bubbles99718 Improper criticism doesn't advise.

[@mr.christopher79]

id call it a hollywood script

[@nosorab3]

@@mr.christopher79 You're so perceptive and meta. I bet you're popular at parties and with women.

[@isaacschmitt4803]

Pretty sure the hit on Deanie saved his life. That was a look of "we're going to put a pin in this for now, but this conversation isn't over."

[@Filthy_Larry]

I doubt Muller is scared of O’Bannon

[@stillcantbesilencedevennow]

​@@Filthy_Larry a man has a pistol under your chin, he's a scary fella, at least right then.

[@robb4394]

I love how Van Alden is so unassuming but he shines when most other men, including hardened gangsters, lose their nerve.

[@MarcoBoneMan]

Agreed it makes for a fantastic character trait

[@TheAgentofthesystem]

I always wondered what it would be like if the villains where actually able to survive a season and grow as characters, and thanks to this show. now i know.

[@henrypit1857]

they kill jimmy and keep that polish guy with the fruity laugh...son of a fuck!

[@TheAgentofthesystem]

Henry pit lol doyle...

[@henrypit1857]

true but they could have killed jimmy in the final season instead. just saying.

[@BoyanDimitrov]

***** No actually he is not a historical figure. He is extremely loosely based on one.

[@BoyanDimitrov]

***** Yes the same can be said about Nucky and it should be. I assume they're not going to end Nucky's tale in the way Enoch Johnson's ends. Which is why they changed the names of both characters. As for the other historical figures - while they take some actions that have no historical basis they are pretty much where they're supposed to be in the given time period. Nucky and Mickey are not.

[@EnSaneGamer]

" I used to believe in god, but now I don't believe in anything at all" Now that is some chilling scary shit!

[@TheIrishEnigma]

Van Alden was probably thinking, "Better not tell him about the guy in the dentist office, that shit was a little too crazy."

[@connorbehr8498]

Hahaha already scared him enough

[@williamj.dovejr.8613]

The guy who doesn't want trouble is the guy who can give you more trouble than you can deal with...best to leave them alone.

[@stoneharper7038]

It’s insane how unlikable he was through the first 2 seasons and how likeable he became in the last two seasons he was alive! Great character work!

[@agenttexx]

I didn't think he was unlikable, I think he was chewing up the scenery as a hard-ass lawman until he realized just how much corruption there was in prohibition.

[@VinnyCarwash-js8op]

You would know all about character work, being the self-appointed expert you are.

[@TheVleckChannel]

Van Alden was a boss in this episode, in general.

[@Gootothesecond]

It won't matter because he will find him. He will find him...HE WILL FIND HIM!

[@dirtymikentheboys5817]

Gootothesecond beat me 2 it.

[@Gootothesecond]

Adrian Brent I don't know how he hasn't taken off since that role. In my opinion, he smoked Loki from Marvel.

[@dirtymikentheboys5817]

Gootothesecond Sorry, this is late, I just think he played in the wrong franchise. D.C, is very heavy in to symbolism and allegory, and this generation doesn't really catch it. They like claws and shiny iron suits. With no real back story.

[@Gootothesecond]

Adrian Brent I've always been more of a Marvel man but the Cinematic Universe wears thing with me though I did like Days of Future Past despite how much it didn't make sense how they fought the future Sentinels. The Paramount group annoys me because they all come across as douchebags.

[@arserobinson7118]

O'Banion was probably the only mob boss who wouldn't kill him for being a former FBI agent.

[@malachiwarner5699]

I think he only said that cuz he knew o bannon was gonna die.

[@oofowie8882]

@@Yanpac cool fanfiction, but completely untrue lol. The "partner" he kills is his LITERAL partner, Eric Sebso, a corrupt prohibition agent. Did you even watch this show lol? Btw, schizophrenia doesn't give you multiple personalities...

[@godofhate4167]

@@Yanpac Man what are you smoking

[@thcSlipVayne]

@@Yanpac dumbass

[@RW77777777]

it would be better if he said 'his partner' believed in god, than the whole multiple personality disorder theory could be live. and to be fair; constructing an alter ego isn't as rare as MPD

[@memeexclusive]

Van Aldens metamorphosis is one of the most entertaining in TV history. A few more scenes in seasons 3-5 and he could have easily over-shadowed the whole show. Funny thing is that I hated the character when he was a closet masochistic, holy-rollin Fed. But that 2nd wife of his was my favorite character on the show besides Richard Harrow.

[@jacktheripoff1888]

My sentiments exactly. Richard and Sigrid rocked.

[@cemotoful]

memeexclusive I would have loved to see the period of time between seasons 4 and 5, seeing Van Alden and Eli working together for Capone as the new boss in Chicago. Michael Shannon is perfect for dark comedy

[@MacClay8]

Mostly because he was a broken man that almost managed to put himself back together. Also he killed a lot of people that the viewer was set up to want killed.

[@orionsbelt9814]

MacClay8 still doesn't compare to badass and intelligent characters like arnold rothstein and nucky, and crazy ones like lucky luciano and al capone.

[@firestriker3580]

@@jacktheripoff1888 no

[@kaylamarie8309]

Van Alden is more gangster than any of them lol..the more he talked to O'banion the taller he loomed over him! Scary dude! Two guys you don't mess with..Harrow and Van Alden.

[@scarletwitch2000]

Van Alden & Harrow were the best characters. Even though they were supporting roles, they really made the show in my opinion.

[@dergeier117]

Van Alden is a man who doesn't really understand what's happened to him.

[@raiden6156]

Underrated post

[@thomasmessner2021]

I literally expected him to say,'Now Say My Name'. I would've cheered. Van Alden is essentially the Walter White of this series, after all.

[@suncore598]

I never thought of Van Alden that way but now that you've mentioned it, I do some similarities between them.

[@MrDerpTurtle]

that would make no sense and be completely stupid

[@jacktheripoff1888]

"Say my name." "You're Van Alden." "You're goddamn right."

[@MrJeff832000]

CAUSE HIS NAME IS NINNNNOOOOOOOO LOL

[@uppercutgrandma4425]

That's not a bad comparison of trope.

[@elmo2800]

I've only watched the shorts, but every scene with him is so interesting. He's such a great actor

[@MrMajorasOcarina]

That threatening smile after "I was a prohibition agent" is amazing

[@ashleybrooke2087]

Michael Shannon seems like a fairly quiet & humble guy in interviews but the man can project menace as effectively as any sorority open letter.

[@chapmasi]

1:10 Michael Shannon plays such a fantastic Jekyll & Hyde psycho.....

[@caffeinatedbuffalosauce883]

Van Alden is one of the best character development stories in a series of all time.

[@Cutflood]

Michael Shannon is such an amazing actor.

[@konstantinkoverchenko9587]

That delivery of not believing in anything anymore was epic. 🌝

[@dubcwherever]

That was Van Alden’s “I’m OLD Testament” moment.

[@stretch654]

He looks so relieved, to be perfectly honest with someone, even if it was another gangster.

[@murphy13295]

O Banion , " yeah , now it all begins to make sense , carry on " .

[@jimstanga6390]

“Sweep up the trimmings…” “That’s what I was doing before you came in, and decided to have a .38 caliber pistol chat with me…”

[@ricogarcia1593]

A breath of relief when banion goes out was so realistic. He showed his dark side to intimidate just to survive then the moment of relief.... Wow they've portrayed the situation perfectly

[@rashidhatimparker2766]

Well said,showing it is enough,and you better be prepared to use it too

[@VinnyCarwash-js8op]

O'Banion, his name is O'Banion.

[@VinnyCarwash-js8op]

You wouldn't know how to portray a situation, and the ins and out's you are pretending to understanding...

[@RighBread]

I've never seen this show, but after watching all of 3 clips with this guy I can confidently say he is the best character.

[@Consu-juristNl]

I love how O. Banion lowers his gun just to listen.

[@gstqcomics2017]

I love when George decides to let Nelson drive

[@darkseidshrike6165]

1:19 Your what? :0 O'Banion's face gets me every time

[@hadrakir4098]

He was fuckin ferocious. Nelson Van Alden had more balls than most of the characters in Boardwalk Empire. Guy kills five fuckin people and he's like "Ooo politeness is it's own reward"

[@abdomination]

After this show he became one of my most favorite actors. So fucking talented.

[@seanolsen3472]

Michael Shannon is a great actor, probably one of the All time greatest

[@sinecron6684]

When I first saw this scene all I said in the back of my mind was "That was pure "Guts" talking..."

[@moonlight-723]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZbag4ShhKinrsk

[@danb4811]

The writing and his acting are superb. He made it clear he cares about almost nothing.

[@swordangel01]

Right after the belief in God comment, the anger really shows. Love it. Great acting.

[@Landsneckt5]

no one will see this probably but its really cool how the show paid attention to O'Banion having a slight difference in the length of his legs hence the limp as he walks away.

[@awesomo845]

The main thing I love about Van Alden's character is how good he is under pressure. He's always so reserved, obsequious and complacent....Except for when it REALLY matters. Then his inner hulk, the inner BADASS alpha male comes out that he never really even realized was within him the whole time. Fascinating character.

[@Puckosar]

Unironically using the term alpha male is kinda cringe dude

[@globalchaos1984]

@@Puckosar nah u gey

[@AtheismF7W]

@@globalchaos1984 lmao!

[@themanstan12]

@@Puckosar it's not unrionic at all. read a dictionary. fucking idiot

[@Pdmc-vu5gj]

Another Tate fanboy

[@veo16]

Michael Shannon is too menacing to portray a meek character. He always looks ready to jump anyone.

[@jamiegumm4398]

O'Banion realized that this guy isn't playing with a full deck and therefore doesn't scare. Like talking suddenly realizing you are talking to Charles Manson.

[@caffeinatedbuffalosauce883]

When you think ur the scariest guy in the room until you threaten the quite guy

[@whosmikey9941]

Love how Deany looks at Van Alden like the animal when he’s a full on crime boss himself lol

[@soldyabuoy5351]

It's always refreshing when the guy with the gun is talked to like zero fucks given and the slow realization of the true nature unfolds. Man, that was pure and raw.

[@mangumangoo]

This part probably got him the Iceman role playing serial killer Richard Kuklinski.

[@WesMerc]

One of my favorite scenes in the entire series

[@Redcom001]

That moment at 1:28 when O'Banion realizes he's dealing with a serious badass that he lowers the gun

[@nickpasto2059]

And then Dean went to go have a nice chat with a customer who bought some flowers and he had a good night.

[@moonlight-723]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZbag4ShhKinrsk

[@Hilirion]

The one thing bullies like O'Banion, Capone and Luciano can't stand for is the truth!! Once you stand up and mirror to them who they really are (insecure characters) their insecurities come rushing out then they back off.

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

I always look back at this show and think it's crazy that Michael Shannon was a regular on a TV show. And AFTER he started doing loads of movies!

[@FrankSlade1983]

I've always wondered what O'Banion would have done if he hadn't been whacked moments later... I get the vibe he would have kept Van Alden around for being honest (but you never know)

[@jeremydaly8293]

You keep a man like that around because as scary as he may be, you'd rather have him behind you than have him in your way.

[@Bubbles99718]

@@jeremydaly8293 Only in the movies. Real life, these guys are morons, zero education and basically insane

[@ripevanwinkle494]

Damn the acting on this show was phenomenal.

[@user-cl4kr4dj4l]

Van Alden and Rosetti are my favorite characters in this show.

[@shooter7a]

Rosetti was so unpredictable.

[@jayallen2620]

Rosetti Is definitely my favorite

[@xX88B88Xx]

The beauty of this scene is that you can clearly see Dino turtle heading a tiny bit of poo out of fear as he walks away.

[@powerboon2k]

Obanions actor was the most unbelievable cast in the show, after Nucky of course.

[@orngbluds]

He rocked that role!

[@Colayith]

I love the smirk he gives after "I was a prohibition agent"

[@Elephantnegotiationsociety]

I just can’t get over the sigh at the end. 😂hysterical

[@sarohap]

Don't mess with the iceman.

[@aaronclareyloveshr6918]

You can just see how excited Muller was at the begining whilst sweeping up the trimmings... moved like the speed of a corpse .. lol.

[@caffeinatedbuffalosauce883]

Him and Furio are the best henchmen of HBO

[@starguy2718]

Stupida facking game!

[@volklupo5133]

"I don't go through life with fear!!!" "Husband!!!" "Coming dear..."

[@Titanscreaming]

Every character and most scenes were expertly written!

[@damepolk5214]

Never back Van Alden into a corner. You may not like what you get.🎬

[@toddanderson6775]

The look on the guy's eyes when he said he drowned him with his bare hands

[@isaacyoder4137]

"Sweep up the trimmins" *trying to walk away without it being obvious that he's pissed his pants*

[@angelofpain3890]

When someone starts admitting their dark secrets to you that’s a good sign to piss off because that means they’re not worried about you telling anybody and that should worry you

[@Stevo935]

Best character in the whole show.

[@Kokopilau77]

I like how the color fades from O’Bannion’s face

[@kevynbarnhart9993]

My favorite character in this show.

[@daauthor6004]

Van Alden scared the shit out of O'Banion in this scene.

[@turnip5359]

Shat his pants

[@gumballsrelative9197]

Jack Houston and Michael Shannon are promising Hollywood stars and Future oscar nominees. I'm saying it now.

[@e_sidera]

Houston, not so much. I've seen him in other projects. MAYBE if he lands a good role someday. But Shannon has that passionate element, he's so naturally good at this too.

[@jessicamaciocia583]

Well I was a little shocked to discover that Jack Huston was born in 1982. He clearly has a maturity that's beyond his years..Personally I think he's incredibly convincing as Richard Harrow, and as good as an Actor as Michael Shannon.

[@zisel2]

michael shannon was oscar nominated before he took this role

[@gumballsrelative9197]

Homework Explainer You're right, he was nominated for a superb supporting role in Revolutionary Road, I meant to state they are likely to be Oscar winners.

[@undertakrer]

thanks 4 the heads up mayerl strip

[@adriansimone6337]

sweep up de trimmins

[@malakiquest]

I love how when O'Banion hears of how Van Alden killed his partner, he's like o.O um.... yeah never mind back to work.

[@Dana-wq5tp]

No one gets his life threatened more than Van Alden.

[@lymb3914]

I know this is a common refrain, especially among Boardwalk fans, but Michael Shannon is an amazing actor, and can bring color and nuance to roles others might've left more one-dimensional and obvious

[@maxbrazil3712]

My favorite Michael Shannon scene. Thanks.

[@glashoppah]

He was my favorite character on that show.

[@kenkenshiro6779]

such a great actor.

[@40mes]

This Van Alden actor is really good!

[@joakimenriquez5618]

When you try to spook someone but it end up you're the one that got spooked.

[@stoagymahalo5268]

Honestly, this guy is my hero... Whenever I get messed with like that, I try so hard to bite my tongue and carry on but my temper ALWAYS got the best of me. AND it costed me dearly because when he does it, its amongst criminals who's survival is on that instinct... while most mine just have to tell authorities another story while I just want to be left alone to clean, to shuttle, to answer questions for tourists and once more, be left alone to grind out my remaining years enjoying a quiet life.

[@user-mp6od3vd7e]

Favorite character on tv!

[@stoagymahalo5268]

Michael Shannon really blew me away as Zodd and go me watching all his work, to find out this dude is a monster in person blows me away with how timid he, almost ideal, to have so much strength and knowhow... just to temper it with patience and true strength.

[@marcushillen8680]

Idk why but Dean Obanion was always one of my favorite characters, especially the scene where he pranked the guy with the shotgun, "Five Filthy-pinos he says, I'm gonna piss myself" if one of the funniest lines of the whole show

[@rdc501]

Goddammit Michael Shannon is so fucking good.

[@markpolice3585]

O'Banion picked up the cues from Van Alden that those salesmen missed.

[@clearlycaribbeanreb2895]

He sure did lol

[@markmerzweiler909]

Van Alden is my personal hero!