[nns]

What you missed and what it meant:

This season, the series entered more depressing and psychological territory, and it's likely that Thompson will continue to develop into a more introspective and guarded character, rather than the showy and complacent honcho he once was.

In the end, we see a different Nucky on the same old boardwalk. He has "won," eliminated a volatile enemy and check-mated his most powerful rival. He's back in control of Atlantic City, but he yearns for a certain anonymity. He ditches his signature boutonniere, and declines the doormen at the Ritz.

As he puts it, "I don't want anyone knowing who I am. I don't want anyone looking into my business. I don't want anyone coming near us who we don't already trust."

‘Boardwalk Empire’ season finale: Same boardwalk, different Nucky - Zap2it