TVSquad

I'm crazy for HBO, and one of the shows I'm really looking forward to is Boardwalk Empire, a pilot executive produced by Martin Scorsese (who's also directing), Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, and Terence Winter (who's also penning the pilot).

Based on the Nelson Johnson book Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City, the project chronicles the 1920s origins of Atlantic City, New Jersey. From what I've read, it sounds like a mix of The Departed, The Sopranos and Goodfellas -- all favorites of mine. And the cast they've got lined up couldn't be better.

Steve Buscemi plays Nucky Johnson, a businessman who runs a liquor distribution ring at the beginning of Prohibition. Michael Pitt (pictured) is in negotiations to play Jimmy Darmody, a bright, young, ruthless WWI veteran who serves as a flunky for Nucky, but yearns for more power.

Kelly Macdonald, whom I loved in Gosford Park and Nanny McPhee, has already signed on for the pilot.

Terence Winter was involved with The Sopranos; he wrote, directed, and executive produced the series. Levinson and Wahlberg have both served as executive producers on HBO's In Treatment and Entourage. And Scorsese ... well, do I really need to point out his credits? I think not.

With a team like this, could Boardwalk Empire be anything less than magnificent? If it is, I'll be completely shocked.