Richard Harrow (Boardwalk Empire) - The Greatest Character in Television History
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ส.ค. 2024
- Richard Harrow (Jack Huston) from HBO's "Boardwalk Empire" is so awesome, I was simply compelled to make a video about him. I guess this video doesn't serve a real purpose, except for me to fanboy all over Harrow - IMO the greatest character in television history!
All "Boardwalk Empire" images are owned by HBO.
It's a damn crime that there isn't a SINGLE other character analysis on Richard. Great job making this video, it's very well done.
Ikr. I've noticed a general lack of attention for the show as a whole tbh
I have a review on richard. i think you will enjoy
I've seen the series twice. Each time I wish Richard could make it back home.
Yeah it really bugs me
I've seen it 3 times so far and that S4 finale never fails to shrink my heart.
Me too. Honestly the only part of the entire series that makes me bawl.
I think he is a very overrated character why does everyone who watched boardwalk empire say he is the best? What do you find so good about him. I find van Alden and Mickey Doyle to be way better characters.
@@Loooooooooooool1 don’t get me wrong, there are a ton of great characters in this show. But we don’t know them in depth like we do Richard. Mickey is one of my favs. Every time he is on, I wait for his smart assed remarked and his giggle of course! Makes me laugh too!
I agree that Darmody is more broken than Harrow. Case and point when they die. Jimmy goes back to the trench, illustrating he never got passed serving in the war. When Richard does, he goes home and his face is restored (i.e. he’s whole now). One was at peace while the other never found it.
Very good point! All Richard wanted was a normal life, though deep down he knew that could never happen. The show made you genuinely feel sorry for Richard. You also felt bad for Jimmy, but at the same time the audience understood that Jimmy never could get over the war. Richard had the slightest glimmer of hope that Jimmy never did. The audience loved both characters. Richard at least got a fleeting moment of being a family man. Jimmy finally found peace the only way he ever could.
Also, Richard's family was probably as ordinary as you could get (the only dishonest/"bad" thing his father did, for example, was lie about his age, from what we learn of Richard and Emma's conversation about him), and most likely loved him dearly, whereas Jimmy's relatives were all kinds of fucked up.
Harrow's fate is your idea of peace?
@@sweetsciencereport9264 his fate? No. He died as he lived. Violently. But he was freed from his past in his death. Jimmy not so much.
@@sweetsciencereport9264 He also did finally find happiness towards the end of his life. He loved and was loved. I have to admit I cried in the scene where he goes home and his face is whole again and his family is there to greet him.
Richard Harrow isn't just a character, he's an allegory to a forgotten and lost generation of men who drowned there sorrows in the hedonism and ecstasy of the roaring 20's.
shut up you ignorant slut, dont muddy the memory of the men who fought in the great war and gave the sacrifice of life and limb for the fatherland. the mindless hedonism was done by a select culturally represented people like fitzgerald and the likes. after watching atleast 4 seasons of boardwalk how did you reach to the conclusion that richard 'drowned his sorrows' by distracting himself with cooze and booze. step out of the marxist fog that envelops your dull, uncritical mind
I find your profile picture an interesting coincidence. Because from another video I watched last night it occurs to me that the character the most like Richard Harrow in fiction is Josey Wales. They all died in that damned war.
Deep, bro.
Fascinating. Not excusing, see how war shapes men: cannot unlearn, unsee sanctioned murder.
At least he died fulfilled. He wasn't doomed. Nothing is bittersweet. He went out as a complete man. Good for him.
"These woods are for living." Hit my soul in that scene.
I know, that scene made was so touching. The dialogue and delivery was perfect.
Hunting, fishing, for living.
Have to appreciate the acting talent of Jack Huston. He brought so much emotion to the role but also was able to kick ass like no other. I’d happily have watched a whole show about Richard. I’m just gutted the show is over.
Jack is the grandson of John Huston and great grandson of Walter Huston. Great pedigree.
Quiet, observant, thorough, intense, loyal, sweet, terrifying, cold-blooded, unassuming, lethal, best gosh dang supporting character in television history
One of my favorite lines from Richard was during the cremation of Jimmy, when he says "Jimmy deserves better than this" while staring at Jimmys mother. Idk why but that hit me harder than it probably should have
What an incredible Character Mr. Harrow was he was my favorite in
Board walk Empire ! Just amazing character
Thanks! Loved Boardwalk Empire. And Mr. Harrow was the show's best character.
Richard: Will you fight for me?
Jimmy: Of course I would. Right down to the last bullet.
Im a veteran myself and totally identified with Richard and Jimmy. It's a brotherhood you just can't explain
That was a make or break moment for Richard. He needed someone, anyone in his corner. He was going through it that episode. Glad Jimmy picked up on it and reciprocated loyalty.
100%
Wow a venteran of ww1 you must be old ! Cas if you not how do you relate to that level of trench war hell?
@@garethjames1300 the time period doesn't matter as the brotherhood still develops regardless.
@@garethjames1300 it still Americans fighting wars like you put a guy from UK that fought in the war of Afghanistan and put a guy from UK that fought in WW2 they gonna recognize the Pain they got
A very underrated character. He's up there with The Hound and Mike Ehrmantraut.
Don’t forget Del Rio of Ozark and Brother Mouzone of The Wire
Mike and Richard Harrow are pretty similar too
Omar Little too
Lorn Malvo from Fargo or James Delaney from Taboo are my favorites
The Hound and Mike Ehrmantraut were very much rated.
I felt a special empathy for Richard Harrow. After serving 2½ years in Vietnam, I returned to see several former soldiers with hideous injuries.
We all wish Harrow had made it back to is fam that last scene is just heartbreaking
There wasn't a bad character on BE! Richard Harrow was my absolute favorite. Just shows what war does to people and how forever their lives are affected. Not to mention their family, friends and acquaintances! I would have married him in a minute. He had a heart of gold!!!
Richard has a lot in common with another favorite character of mine, Mike Ehrmantraut. Veterans (not outright stated but Mike is implied to have fought in Vietnam), Guilt ridden, traumatized to the point of numbness, and incredibly dangerous and efficient hitmen/enforcers. But also relatable, likable and compelling with a genuine care for loved ones and an inescapable destiny towards tragedy.
Jonathan Banks confirmed this.
Van Alden is an underrated character
Yes he was. I always felt sorry for him for some reason and always rooted for him
I don’t know how such a wonderful show fell apart in season 4. Richard Hardows character is beautifully done. Most scenes with Harrow as a soft, kind and gentle show are usually with the camera on his right side. A lot of his scenes when he’s merciless and brutal focus in on his mask side
I really wish Harrow lived and had a happy ending in a show where everyone dies and has a sad ending. He deserved it.
Jimmy's son (Tommy) would of turned out normal too with Harrow essentially adopting him.
I don't think his murders would have haunted him. Much like Omar in the wire, but less flushed out in BWE, Harrow seemed to have a code. The only people he killed were soldiers and then later people in 'the game' or in other words people that are involved in organized crime and knew what they signed up for. Like he said to Nucky in regards to Jimmy - he was a soldier, he fought, he lost. But at the end Jimmy knew what he signed up for.
Richard was starting crack though. He accidently shot and killed an innocent person when he missed the shot on Narciss, because his hands were shaking
Instead, Tommy becomes as toxic and batshit as his reptile of a grandmother.
What a disgusting final season.
I still can’t figure out why Tommy would want to kill Nucky. He was a baby when his parents died and he was still too young when his grandmother had him. Richard wouldn’t have told him anything and Julia definitely wouldn’t have talked to him about his grandmother, and she never knew his parents. Kinda ruined the ending of the show for me. Didn’t make sense.
@@jerseyjoe6288 yeah pissed me off too.
Jimmy Darmondy was actually more disfigured under the surface than Richard Harrow. Some of us veterans are scared in ways you can't see.
Died in the trenches long ago
He is the embodiment of everyone who fought for what they thought was right and got kicked in the teeth for it. He will be honored loved and missed by them that understands.
Nothing changes, we're right back at it
Boardwalk Empire was a mixed bag, but Richard Harrow was such a bright spot on the show. I'll give the show that, it had a lot of really great characters brought to life by great artists!
I believe Harrow is a "composite character" He was supposed to represent a large sad group of disfigured men who came back from WWI
Hands down, the most complex character in the series. I can't imagine anyone else but Jack Huston portraying him. Jack Huston CREATED Harrow.
Harrow died during the war. Not literally, of course, he came home alive, but he was so fundamentally broken that he no longer cared whether he lived or died, that's what made him the ultimate assassin.
When he goes home to his family in his mind, was the only time he felt human again and no doubt ironically felt alive.
I bawled my fucking eyes out during his last scene.
Only Richard made me cry .
Me too!
Thank you so much for making this wonderful characterization! I love, LOVE Richard despite him being the killer he was. But he has such a sweet soul and under different circumstances he would have been the best husband and father ever. No surprise it was Jack Huston's breakthrough. He is perfect for playing Richard. ♥ Your vid is great and you did justice to Richard!
PS You mentioned Ben Hur (2016). I personally LOVED this version - exactly because of how Jack Huston played Judah Ben Hur. He gave him a vulnerability that Heston's brawny performance might have lacked. I think it's that vulnerability that also made his performance of Richard Harrow so special. Justmy2cents.
Him and Jimmy were the best characters in this show imo. Both had endings just as tragic as the lives they lived
Harrows death is the only scene in the whole show outside of Nuckys death that has a score besides the 1920’s song’s playing in the background.
Richard and Chalky are tied as my favorite characters. I've probably watched the series 5 or 6 times and each time I get a real appreciation for certain characters. I was so upset when he died. Boardwalk Empire is my favorite TV series of all time. It's actually my favorite piece of film ever made. I like it better than any movie.
Boardwalk Empire makes me wish I had lived in the 20s.
Jack Huston also played a good sized roll in that newer movie "House of Gucci".
A totally original character brilliantly conceived and played. Nothing like him on film or TV.
The first and only assassin I wept for
No tears for Leon?
Once Richard lost his face, all he became was a soldier.
Very true, but I'm a BC Rich guy
An he lives up to it. He fought and died like a soldier. Death before dishonor.
Most people look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them, "That's sadder than the ending of Boardwalk Empire."
Johnny Sack was my favorite character in the sopranos, this guy is my favorite in BE.
This was an excellent summary. Thanks
He had the story and the character was played to perfection by Jack
His face expression explained everything without saying anything
Jimmy and Richard were the best characters for me.
I really felt sad when they got off the show :(
Last season was just kinda meh for me and Tommy getting revenge on Nuck felt forced to me, I'm not sure if I liked it
@@dark_cardinal_band I personally disagree. The character is older than Tommy would've actually been by a few years adding his age when they left (6-7) plus the 7 years between sessions when that clearly wasn't a 13/14 y/o kid, his getting close to Nucky required a lot of chance (Nucky telling Mickey to round up some Hobo's, Mickey picking him, etc,) including the time that he kills him where Nucky could've easily said "Not my problem anymore" and left town with him in a cage, he's either had contact with his grandmother or somehow remembers everything she said from the age of 4-5 which seems unlikely and he'd have largely been acting on her fiction/guesses and not real information either way, Nucky never did anything but try and help the kid and keep him from danger which would've supported the "love" side more than the "hate" of what Gillian told him, and he kills Nucky right in front of federal agents who take him down right there and likely cage or kill him, oh, and shoots him in exactly the same place as Nucky shot his father despite him having no way of knowing it just came off as forced "poetry" and corny as hell.
It's a horrible ending in my opinion and came off as incredibly forced. It's not a stretch either cause there's a whole lotta evidence that HBO forced them to end the show sooner than the creators/writers had planned. They'd intended to include the stock market crash, the Atlantic City Conference which was something he spoke of being "excited" to portray, the death of A.R., and a bunch of other significant things that end up glossed over or ignored for a cut down season that jumps forward 7 years instead of the 2-3 seasons that could've made this show one of the true greats like The Sopranos or The Wire but instead suffers from a few bad choices and HBO's pressure to end it. They end up trying so hard to subvert the "happy endings for all" trope for the opposite which itself is a trope where nobody makes it out alive or unscathed. The real Enoch Johnson lived a full life and went "straight" for the most part after Prohibition and that would've also been a fine ending as there's not really a story left to tell when he's no longer an underworld boss but instead they have him and his estranged wife positioned to reunite and him finally learning some lessons before being gunned down by a kid that was too old and had no real motivation to do so aside from some cartoonish vendetta narrative that's just how how people usually handle those things. At first I kinda accepted it z particularly after realizing that Winters and co didn't get to finish the way they wanted but the more I thought about it the more it started to bother me and when I rewatched it more and more holes started to show up that all seemed to result from that forced shutdown like Chalky trading his life potentially for nothing to a man he couldn't trust despite being the ultimate survivor, the fact that Mess turns Narcesse yet we never hear another thing about it, getting the viewer close to a character/humanizing a character right before they are killed off in a way that became very predictable after the second time, etc,. There are a lot of problems with the show, including that story "twist", and it's good despite them but I think a slightly different direction could've been a little easier to sit with. Idk
@@dark_cardinal_band the showed died with Jimmy in my opinion
Remus agrees
@@SoSaReaper I wasn't going to come back after that but I'm a fan of the time period, as one of my great grandfathers was a bootlegger and the other a police officer in Michigan during Prohibition. The one who was a cop was kidnapped by the Purple Gang and later released unharmed. Al Capone mentions the Purple Gang once during the show as the "The Jews from Detroit."
That entire final season was trash. How the fuck do you write out one of the best characters in Rothstein with a lame time jump, and refuse to kill off the most reprehensible character in Gillian?
Well, I never seen boardwalk empire but, I just spent the past six hours binging clips and scenes from the series. After seeing a few about Richard Harrow, I just wanted to see scenes about him. Totally agree he is one of the dopest characters I've seen. Then I find out this channel is about Batman's rogue gallery. That's all I needed to know. Subscribed for life.
Dopest?
I’ve been following Jack Huston ever since Boardwalk. Amazing to see what he’s become since. Still one of the best TV performances ever.
What has he been up to?
@@loucypherdamorningstar Oh, plenty. He did the Ben-Hur remake, American Hustle, Antebellum, Manhunt: Deadly Games, and House of Gucci, to name a few.
He should have been cast as Moon Knight.
@@baxatakbaxatak2014
Dope
I’ll be on the look out
He totally convinced and sold it. I really felt it was the character. Even made me weep, too many times.
Everyone loves him, and here I was thinking I'd be different bc not everyone else would appreciate him as much as i do. Like when 50 cent - in da club came out, i thought I'd be one one liking that stunt do much lololol. Derrr
A truly tragic and fascinating character
I will fight for Richard Harrow.
To the last bullet.
Adimit it rogues you like him because he looks like two face
I like him and I don't know who "twoface" is.
Nothing at all like Two-Face, he was more like John Wick except Jimmy was the Puppy.
I feel like the mask covers up his humanity, to protect what’s left, while his face is what he shows to every one who looks
Agreed on Harrow... The sheer amount of tragedy that surrounds the character is Shakespearean at the very least! He was so in love with Jimmy's wife, and then she was murdered, and then we know what Richard did. That little plot line, on its own, was very telling of Richard's tragic soul. And this series takes place in an era of American history where there were no happy endings unless you went to the movies.
I've watched this series four times Richard is my favorite character. This is a great show all together.
Harrow is the Two-Face of Broadwalk Empire. This was a great video Rogues.
Thanks!
Richard was one of the best characters ever. One of the best scenes of the show is when Albert discovers Richard working in his kitchen and treats him like an old friend. much to the shock of Alberts staff
Jimmy actually loved Harrow and I think Harrow new it. He may have been the only person that ever treat Harrow like a totally normal person right from meeting him. If Jimmy never helped anyone else, he did help Harrow I believe to come to believe that he was more than his injures, if only by a little bit.
Such a great character, Kurt Sutter (SOA) and Stephen King were big fans and gave Jack props when it was airing.
Dude. Five-stars. Well done. I could not agree more. Richard Harrow. Legend. Classic.
I loved this wounded soul so much. A tribute to all the men who suffered in the terrible Great War.
I thought it was funny how Paul talked shit to Richard saying his war experience in the Philippines was worse than his , like seriously WW1 was one of modern history’s most brutal conflicts. It’s like no matter what every generation is gonna think the next generations war experience isnt as bad as the previous one
In all fairness, the Philippine-American War is not well-known but as a military historian I can tell you that it was very brutal in its own right. America swept it under the rug for various reasons.
Watching the season 3 finale the night it aired was such an experience I can’t even put it to words.
Last two episodes of season 3 were such a rollercoaster of cliffhangers....
Hes literally my all time favorite TV character him Nd chalky man ill tell ya rip micheal k williams
Loved Chalky
Harrow was a brilliant character. HBO made a huge faux pas by not creating a show around him. What a waste.
Richard became the star for me. Such a touching character and so broad in depth.
Richard was a superhero and the terminator all at once.
This show is very very underrated, very interesting and deep characters.
Well done. I love Harrow. Thanks for this
Harrow is in my top ten HBO characters.
Dare I ask who the others are?
Al Swearengen?
@@Disciple_Of_Lerxst Easily.
@@diogenes3949 Without putting some serious effort I already know; Tony, Al and the madman Bullock are all in there...deciding on someone from the Wire would require serious thought
I bought the series quite by accident. At least season one. My then wife wanted the series Empire. But when picking ip the first season she didn't see the Boardwalk part of the title. A happy accident. After the first season I of course needed to see the following season. I have lost count of how many times I have actually watched it. I do agree with you that Harrow is the most interesting character in the series. And his storming the mansion is certainly one of the best scenes in the series if not all of television history.
Excellent presentation. BE was a fantastic series and I agree with your estimation of Harrow; just an amazing character. Thanks for posting!
Harrow is getting a tattoo on my body. Farewell daddy blues:( rip richard
One of the main reasons I kept on watching..
I actually binged Boardwalk after watching Jack Huston play Jack Kerouac in the film Kill Your Darlings, so I can say with 100% certainty that he is a PHENOMENAL actor; I appreciate the shout out to his talent.
His character in Fargo was also really good. Him and agent van Alden were def my favorites
Agree with everything you said. Also began binge watching 5 yrs after the fact.
I didn't want the show to end, so TH-cam is helping ease the pain lol.
Thanks for your hard work on this, you did a great job!!!
This tribute is perfection ❤️
I loved Harrow as well, amazing character and a lethal weapon !!
Great video, not many boardwalk empire videos on TH-cam. You should do a Top 10 Favorite TV Villains video.
Thanks!
I've been thinking about doing that for ages.
That be a great video to watch
Well they Governor would clearly be on the list for Me. Rogues but my WD choice would be Merle Dixon. As far as BE, I loved Gyp Rosetti plus the combo of Meyer and Lucky. Number one has to be Walter White I know hes the protagonist and Gus Firing was terrifying but Walt was despicable. Intriguing and brilliant, but wickedly selfish and chaotic by the end
He was my favorite character in the show and intensely relatable as an unattractive, socially awkward person who just wants to connect with others and start a family too.
The ending of the show was stupid. Enoch lived a long, wealthy life. He spent 2 years in prison, but got out and was still a gazillionare. When he was asked if it was all worth it, he responded. "2 years in the can for the life I had, and have? Absolutely."
12:38 I agree with you. That was one of the best moments in tv history. I freaking loved that scene. Rip Harrow 💐
I am really gonna miss Richard even though he Die At least he got a little bit of happiness in the End 👍🏻🙂👏🏻
Ive always thought this. Thanks for bringing it to light for others. The character has made a tremendous lasting impression on me. Very few do.
Thank you for actually recomending to ACTUALLY watch broadwalk empire before watching this video, I will binge it if I have the chance.
The 1st clip I came across was by accident on TH-cam, featuring Harrow. Became an instant fan.
People like Mr Harrow have and do still exist. You'll find some tragic yet gritty combat veterans out there. Especially at the VA, where his character is introduced.
The VA has come a long way and changed, but the effects that war has on people remains.
I love that the show hit on the phenomenon among war veterans that binds us in a brotherhood. It's completely unique and authentic in a world where everything is starting to feel phoney and repetitive. The show takes place 100 years ago, but the bond is just as strong among modern veterans as it was then. Im speaking from the perspective of a Marine anyway.
Boardwalk Empire was the greatest TV Show to me.
Julia's story is very much like my own, up to meeting a Mr. Harrow for myself. Honestly, once you've been through some messed up stuff for long enough, and from early enough in your life, you don't see a happy ending being for you/permanent/in your future. You don't fit in with the happy world. I know everyone's life is tough at times. But severe abuse is what it is. I was in tears when Richard asked Julia to leave with him. I was so happy for them both. But it couldn't truly last, just not in the cards for some people. 💔💕
Rogues I'm just gonna say outright, I'm not watching this video. Not because I'm not interested, but because I plan on watching this show at some point and don't want it spoiled. But you deserve the views and should feel free to make videos on whatever topic you want. Whether or not this needed to be said, I dunno, but still. ^^
Sure, you will probably just be confused by the video anyway if you haven't seen the show - not to mention sensitive stuff getting spoiled.
Hope you've seen it and enjoyed it
Richard Harrow is really up there for me also in terms of all time TV characters. Deeply flawed damaged and cast aside. Meanwhile under the surface completely adequate and an impressive force of righteousness. I absolutely loved his assault on the cat house and hoped that’s where the story was leading. Julia was beautiful, understanding and strong. I was devastated when he didn’t make it back to his new family. When I found out the actor wasn’t disfigured I was shocked.
"... At least I don't think I have"
I died
I think they absolutely bungled him because his scenes are 10% self-insert action scenes 90% unprompted monologues about how much he hates his life with people he's never met before
The series really needed Richard and Chalky to cross paths again towards the end. And also Jillian really getting hers for what she did
Anybody could see that Richard had been a tremendously handsome man before his facial injuries. That was my initial attraction to the character.
Thankfully we get another great and unique performance by Jack Huston in the latest season of Fargo.
one of the best characters for sure. good job ,man
I concur Richard Harrow was my favorite character.
Question: would a marksman still be a marksman after losing an eye?
many people shoot with one eye closed, Im not a gun nor optics expert but I don't see why they wouldn't.
Great video! R.h is one of the most memorable characters in TV!
Yeah he's a great character
Great video! I have some suggestions for future Unnderrated/Forgotten Rouges videos:
KGBeast
Anarky
David Cain
Lockup
Decon Blackfire
By the way, can you review the various villains that appeared in the "Gotham" tv show?
I wouldn't go that far but him and the governor are amazing
Agreed. He's truly outstanding.
He’s Anjelica Houston’s kid. You may know her as Morticia Addams in the 90’s Addams Family movies.
No, her nephew .
he is what you call a true friend till the end. its very rare in life to have that
Richard Harrow is a great character
As for the actor, he was terrific in Fargo