99 Words About … The secret weapon of ‘Boardwalk Empire’

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Given the extravagant sets, Steve Buscemi’s jangly volatility and Michael Shannon’s general creepiness, it takes a lot to get noticed on “Boardwalk Empire” (9 p.m. Sunday, HBO).

But there’s a lot to Richard Harrow.

He’s the disfigured war veteran brilliantly portrayed by Jack Huston (John’s grandson, Anjelica’s nephew).

Damaged physically and mentally – roughly half his face is a Mr. Potato Head-style prosthetic – he speaks in hushed, croaky tones, is fiercely loyal and shy around people, not guns.

He’s like a fascinating blend of “Sling Blade’s” Karl Childers and the Phantom of the Opera cooked up in Johnny Depp’s basement.

– CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE