Boardwalk Empire gave us a lot of memorable characters, but few were as compelling and heartbreaking as Richard Harrow. This disfigured war veteran, turned hitman, was a complex figure navigating a world of violence and corruption while yearning for connection and normalcy. Let's dive deep into what made Richard such a standout character.

Who was Richard Harrow?

Richard Harrow, portrayed brilliantly by Jack Huston, is one of Boardwalk Empire's most memorable and tragic characters. Introduced in the first season, Richard is a former marksman who served in the U.S. Army during World War I. He suffered severe facial injuries during combat, leaving him with a disfigured face that he conceals with a tin mask for much of the series. This physical trauma is a constant reminder of the horrors of war and the deep scars it leaves behind, both visible and invisible. Richard's experiences on the battlefield have profoundly impacted his psyche, leaving him emotionally damaged and struggling to reintegrate into civilian life.

Richard's character is defined by his internal conflict. On one hand, he is a highly skilled and efficient killer, a product of his wartime experiences. He possesses a deadly accuracy with firearms and a capacity for violence that makes him a valuable asset to those operating in the criminal underworld of Atlantic City. On the other hand, Richard is a deeply sensitive and introspective individual who longs for love, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. His disfigurement has made him feel like an outcast, and he constantly grapples with feelings of isolation and loneliness. He yearns for a connection with others but struggles to overcome the barriers created by his physical appearance and emotional trauma.

Throughout the series, Richard seeks to find meaning and purpose in his life. He forms tentative relationships with those who see beyond his disfigurement, including Jimmy Darmody, Angela, and Julia Sagorsky. These relationships offer him moments of solace and connection, but they are often fragile and threatened by the violence and instability that surround him. Richard's journey is marked by a constant struggle to reconcile his past as a soldier with his desire for a peaceful and fulfilling future. He is a man caught between two worlds, unable to fully escape the darkness that haunts him, yet desperately seeking a glimmer of light.

The Mask

The mask that Richard wears is more than just a physical covering; it is a symbol of his fractured identity. It represents the divide between the man he once was and the man he has become. The mask conceals his physical scars but also serves as a barrier, preventing him from fully connecting with others. It allows him to navigate the world while hiding his pain and vulnerability. However, as the series progresses, Richard begins to remove the mask, both literally and figuratively, as he seeks to heal and find acceptance.

Richard's Relationships

Richard's interactions with other characters in Boardwalk Empire reveal different facets of his personality and highlight his struggle to connect with others. These relationships are pivotal in understanding his character arc and the internal conflicts he faces. His relationship with Jimmy Darmody, his bond with Angela, and his eventual connection with Julia are crucial to his personal growth and search for redemption.

Jimmy Darmody

Richard's friendship with Jimmy Darmody, played by Michael Pitt, is one of the most significant relationships in his life. Both men are veterans of World War I and share a deep understanding of the trauma and psychological scars of war. They find solace in their shared experiences and form a strong bond of camaraderie. Jimmy sees past Richard's disfigurement and recognizes his inner humanity. He values Richard's loyalty and skills, making him a trusted ally in his criminal endeavors. Their friendship is based on mutual respect and a shared sense of alienation from mainstream society. However, their relationship is also complicated by the violence and moral compromises that come with their involvement in the criminal underworld. Despite their close bond, they both struggle to reconcile their pasts with their present circumstances, leading to internal conflicts and difficult choices.

Angela

Richard's relationship with Angela, Jimmy Darmody's wife, is tender and complex. Angela, an artist, is one of the few people who truly sees Richard for who he is, beyond his physical appearance. She appreciates his sensitivity and artistic inclinations. Their connection is built on mutual understanding and a shared sense of vulnerability. Angela's acceptance allows Richard to feel seen and valued, offering him a respite from his feelings of isolation. They share intimate moments and develop a deep emotional bond. However, their relationship is threatened by the instability of their lives and the dangers that surround them. Angela's tragic death deeply affects Richard, reinforcing his sense of loss and reinforcing the fragility of human connection in the violent world of Boardwalk Empire.

Julia Sagorsky

Richard's relationship with Julia Sagorsky, played by Wrenn Schmidt, is perhaps his most significant and transformative. Julia is a young widow who hires Richard to care for her son, Tommy. Their relationship evolves slowly as they learn to trust and depend on each other. Julia sees past Richard's disfigurement and recognizes his kindness and gentle nature. She appreciates his dedication to Tommy and his willingness to help her navigate the challenges of raising a child alone. Richard, in turn, finds solace and purpose in his role as a caregiver. He forms a strong bond with Tommy, becoming a father figure to the young boy. Their relationship provides him with a sense of belonging and a reason to believe in the possibility of a better future. Julia and Richard eventually fall in love, forming a stable and loving family unit. Their relationship offers Richard a chance at redemption and a path towards healing from his past traumas. It is a testament to the power of human connection and the possibility of finding love and acceptance in the most unlikely of circumstances.

Richard's Skills

Richard Harrow is not just a tragic figure; he's also a highly skilled marksman. His military background honed his abilities with firearms, making him an extremely dangerous and efficient killer. These skills are what make him valuable to the criminal elements in Boardwalk Empire, but they also contribute to his internal conflict. He is a weapon, but he yearns to be more than just that.

Richard's marksmanship is a direct result of his military training and experiences during World War I. The war transformed him into a highly skilled shooter, capable of hitting targets with deadly accuracy from great distances. His proficiency with firearms made him an asset on the battlefield, but it also left him with a deep understanding of violence and its consequences. After returning home, Richard struggled to reintegrate into civilian life, but his skills as a marksman remained. He found himself drawn to the criminal underworld, where his abilities were valued and utilized. Richard's skills as a shooter made him a valuable enforcer and hitman for various criminal organizations in Atlantic City. He was known for his precision and efficiency, often completing his assignments with ruthless precision.

However, Richard's skills also created a deep internal conflict within him. While he was capable of taking lives with ease, he also possessed a strong moral compass. He struggled with the violence he inflicted and the moral compromises he had to make in order to survive. Richard's skills as a marksman were both a blessing and a curse, providing him with a means of survival but also contributing to his feelings of guilt and alienation. Throughout the series, Richard grapples with the consequences of his actions and seeks to find redemption. He longs to escape the cycle of violence and find a peaceful existence, but his past as a soldier and a hitman continues to haunt him.

The Ending

The ending of Richard Harrow's story is one of the most debated and emotional moments in Boardwalk Empire. While I won't spoil it completely for those who haven't seen it, it's safe to say that it's a poignant and fitting conclusion to his character arc. Richard's ultimate fate reflects the themes of the show: the consequences of violence, the search for redemption, and the enduring power of love and connection.

Richard's journey throughout Boardwalk Empire is marked by a constant struggle to overcome the traumas of his past and find a sense of purpose in his life. He grapples with feelings of isolation, guilt, and despair, but also experiences moments of hope and connection. His relationships with Jimmy Darmody, Angela, and Julia Sagorsky offer him glimpses of a better future, but they are often threatened by the violence and instability that surround him. In the end, Richard's actions are driven by a desire to protect those he cares about and to create a better world for them.

The ending of Richard's story is bittersweet, reflecting the complexities of his character and the harsh realities of the world he inhabits. While it may not be the ending that everyone hoped for, it is a powerful and memorable conclusion to one of the most compelling characters in television history. Richard's legacy lives on through the impact he had on those around him and the lessons he taught about the importance of compassion, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Whether you agree with the choices he made or not, there's no denying that Richard Harrow left an indelible mark on Boardwalk Empire and on the hearts of its viewers.

Why Richard Harrow Resonates

So, what is it about Richard Harrow that makes him such a beloved character? It's his vulnerability, his struggle, and his humanity. He's a broken man trying to find his place in a world that doesn't quite know what to do with him. His story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for redemption and connection.

Richard's character resonates with audiences because he embodies the universal human experience of struggling with trauma, seeking connection, and searching for meaning in life. His disfigurement serves as a metaphor for the invisible wounds that many people carry, making him a relatable and sympathetic figure. Richard's vulnerability and emotional depth make him feel like a real person, rather than just a fictional character. His journey is filled with both triumphs and setbacks, mirroring the ups and downs of real life.

Moreover, Richard's struggle to overcome his past and find a place in the world is inspiring. Despite the challenges he faces, he never gives up hope. He continues to fight for his own happiness and for the well-being of those he cares about. His resilience and determination are qualities that viewers admire and aspire to. Richard's story reminds us that even when we feel lost and broken, we are capable of finding strength within ourselves and creating a better future.

In addition to his personal struggles, Richard's character also resonates because he challenges societal norms and expectations. He is an outsider who refuses to conform to the standards of the time. His unconventional appearance and behavior make him stand out, but they also allow him to see the world from a different perspective. Richard's unique perspective allows him to connect with others who are marginalized or misunderstood. He becomes a voice for the voiceless and a champion for those who are often overlooked. His character encourages viewers to embrace their own individuality and to challenge the status quo.

Boardwalk Empire created a rich tapestry of characters, but Richard Harrow stands out as a true testament to the power of compelling storytelling. His journey is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and humanity can prevail.