“He got a gun. He got a gun. Everybody’s got guns!”

Generalisations are frowned upon yet it has come to my attention that Charioteers are adventurous, erudite and, more than likely, good looking. They are the full package or as B. Keeper would say, the bees knees. Not for them the boring small screen or trivialities, therefore in a fit of Gerard Pique, I will assail them with the small screen and trivialities.

Some of today’s TV programmes from over the pond, Westcentric way, while being historically inaccurate and implausible in parts are very exciting to watch. I did give The Borgias a body swerve at episode one and all down to the choice of music at the pope’s coronation in 1492. As any fule Presbyterian kno Zadok the Priest was written many conclaves later. I didn’t give it much hope after that but it did run for three seasons.

Boardwalk Empire, on the other hand, has kept me riveted. Containing real and imagined persons the acting and scriptwriting is 100 proof. Set in prohibition era America it features the likes of Al Capone and Lucky Luciano. Season 3 introduced a new character that blew everyone away, in some cases literally.

Those of you that have seen The Godfather film (muttering amongst Charioteers, we’re too adventurous and erudite for that kind of nonsense, and we’re good looking to boot) will be familiar with James Caan’s portrayal of Sonny Corleone. Bobby Cannavale as Gyp Rosetti is as hot headed as Sonny and the threat of violence simmers in every scene and most of the time it explodes. Cannavale has been nominated for a best supporting actor Emmy and while I haven’t seen the other contenders he must be in with a shout. It’d be wise not to mess him around. Cannavale was known to me before his outing in Boardwalk as he appeared in the classic big Sammy movie, Snakes on a Plane.

Scriptwriters, I count myself amongst them (smiley thing), will tell you “it’s the script, Stupid”, but sometimes the actors play their part too. There is one funny scene in season 3 involving Cannavale where he is having “a domestic”. TV gold, if you ask me. Ultimately though, he is your archetypal tough gangster and it is compelling viewing. Apologies for the swearing in the clip. Over 18’s only.