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The Sopranos: The Complete Series gift includes over 3 ½ hours of never-before-seen bonus material including: Supper with The Sopranos, two sit-down dinners with cast and crew full of insider trivia like what was the one condition Stevie Van Zandt made in order to play Silvio and what did Edie Falco as Carmella forget to wear during the final diner scene; as well as a separate, exclusive two-part interview of creator David Chase by actor Alec Baldwin; Paley Center for Media Seminar discussion with David Chase and Terence Winter, featuring characters who were "whacked" including Vincent Pastore, Steve Buscemi, Drea de Matteo, David Proval and Annabella Sciorra; Extra Gravy - spoofs and parodies of The Sopranos; lost scenes from all six seasons; original audio commentaries from cast and crew; 2 CD soundtracks on three discs featuring a genre-bending collection of music including the show's theme "Woke Up This Morning (Chosen One Mix)" by A3; 16-page detailed episode guide.
Full Product DetailsIn the pilot episode of this HBO television series from executive producer David Chase, a New Jersey mob boss named Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) suffers a series of anxiety attacks. Convinced by his physician that he needs to seek therapy, Tony consults psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), who begins exploring her patient's attachment to a family of ducks that have been living in his pool, but have recently departed. As signs of weakness and disclosures made to a "shrink" could have violent repercussions in Tony's secretive world of organized crime, he keeps his visits with Melfi a secret. Those in the dark at first include his wife Carmela (Edie Falco), his manipulative mother Livia (Nancy Marchand), and his scheming uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese), a member of the same crime family. In the meantime, Carmela's relationship with her and Tony's high-school age daughter Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) is becoming strained, and their son Anthony Jr. (Robert Iler) is clueless about his dad's real profession. Tony's stress increases when he learns that the restaurant of his best friend, Artie Bucco (John Ventimiglia), is to be the site of a mob murder on the orders of Junior, and that his cousin Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli), one of Tony's soldiers, is making waves with his heavy-handed tactics. Tony orders Artie's restaurant blown up to trump Junior's plans, assuming that insurance will build his friend a new establishment. A hit with audiences and television critics alike, The Sopranos was the creation of executive producer Chase, whose resumé includes stints on such lauded television programs as The Rockford Files (1974-1980), I'll Fly Away (1991-1993), and Northern Exposure (1990-1995). The Sopranos' pilot episode aired on January 10, 1999. Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
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April 07, 2009: My husband loves the Sopranos, so when I saw that the complete series would be available on 11/11 I knew that it would be his Christmas gift. The complete series has been a big disappointment to us both. Not because of the actually episodes, but because of the visual and defectiveness of the dvd's. There were some disc that entire an entire episode was skipped. Or episodes that had lines through the shows. This made it hard to watch. After getting to Season 3 and realizing that we didn't even see much of the season because of the quality of the dvd's made it horrible to watch. We finally decided to take the Series back and get a new set. The new set was just as bad with even more disc that was as bad as the first set.
This had taken away enjoying one of the greatest show that ever existed.Reader Rating:
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February 09, 2009:
The series, as it takes you from the beginning to the end, is a fascinating story of the mob from a family angle. There's something warm about Tony even though he is the mob 'boss' and quite ordinary in his human failings as evidenced by his visits to Dr. Melfy. The dynamics of being the 'boss' of a 'family' are extremely interesting and one can almost sympathize with some of the harsh decisions that have to be made.
Very good plot lines, interesting and suspensful to the end!
In the pilot episode of this HBO television series from executive producer David Chase, a New Jersey mob boss named Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) suffers a series of anxiety attacks. Convinced by his physician that he needs to seek therapy, Tony consults psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), who begins exploring her patient's attachment to a family of ducks that have been living in his pool, but have recently departed. As signs of weakness and disclosures made to a "shrink" could have violent repercussions in Tony's secretive world of organized crime, he keeps his visits with Melfi a secret. Those in the dark at first include his wife Carmela (Edie Falco), his manipulative mother Livia (Nancy Marchand), and his scheming uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese), a member of the same crime family. In the meantime, Carmela's relationship with her and Tony's high-school age daughter Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) is becoming strained, and their son Anthony Jr. (Robert Iler) is clueless about his dad's real profession. Tony's stress increases when he learns that the restaurant of his best friend, Artie Bucco (John Ventimiglia), is to be the site of a mob murder on the orders of Junior, and that his cousin Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli), one of Tony's soldiers, is making waves with his heavy-handed tactics. Tony orders Artie's restaurant blown up to trump Junior's plans, assuming that insurance will build his friend a new establishment. A hit with audiences and television critics alike, The Sopranos was the creation of executive producer Chase, whose resumé includes stints on such lauded television programs as The Rockford Files (1974-1980), I'll Fly Away (1991-1993), and Northern Exposure (1990-1995). The Sopranos' pilot episode aired on January 10, 1999. Karl Williams
In the series' third episode, a crime family confronts the possibility of a future power struggle. Meadow Soprano (Jamie-Lynn Sigler), the daughter of New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), takes crystal methamphetamines with a friend in order to help them study for the SATs. Tony visits his dying Mafia superior, Jackie Aprile (Michael Rispoli), in the hospital and presents him with a gift: a hooker dressed as a nurse. Mikey Palmice (Al Sapienza), the top lieutenant of Tony's rival and uncle, Junior (Dominic Chianese), is convinced that Tony will make a grab for top boss after Jackie's death, and he begins to convince Junior that his nephew should be whacked. Tony, his henchman Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico), and another Soprano lieutenant, Silvio Dante (Steven Van Zandt), deal with a Hasidic family of motel owners who refuse to pay protection money. After hiring family friends Artie Bucco (John Ventimiglia) and his wife Charmaine (Kathrine Narducci) to cater a party, Tony's wife, Carmela (Edie Falco), learns that her husband slept with Charmaine in high school. Soprano associate Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) tries to make a botched truck hijacking right by returning stolen goods to Junior, but the mob capo still orders Christopher's pal, Brendan Filone (Anthony de Sando), murdered and Christopher to be threatened. Airing on January 24, 1999, "Denial, Anger, Acceptance" was directed by independent feature filmmaker Nick Gomez (New Jersey Drive, Illtown). Karl Williams
Revelations mark this fourth episode of the series, involving a schoolyard fight brewing between Anthony Soprano Jr. (Robert Iler) and a bully who unexpectedly backs down. Anthony Jr. fails to understand the boy's fear, so his sister Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) explains that their father, Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), is not really a "waste management consultant" but a New Jersey mob kingpin. After he begins having erotic dreams about his psychiatrist, Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), Tony hires a crooked cop, Vin Makazian (John Heard) to investigate Melfi's background, and the detective accidentally ruins her romance with a lawyer. Frantic after the mock execution he suffered, Soprano soldier Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) believes that his cousin and boss, Tony, ordered the incident because he gave Tony's daughter, Meadow, some crystal methamphetamines; however, after Christopher and his girlfriend, Adriana (Drea de Matteo), discover the corpse of his murdered friend, Brendan Filone (Anthony de Sando), he realizes that his uncle, Junior (Dominic Chianese), ordered the slaying in retaliation for a botched truck hijacking. Exacerbated by Junior's bloodthirsty soldier, Mikey (Al Sapienza), tensions rise between Tony and Junior when their boss and head of the family, Jackie Aprile (Michael Rispoli), passes away from cancer. Tony is left to decide whether he will make a play for the top job in the family or concede control to his uncle. "Meadowlands" first aired on January 31, 1999. Karl Williams
Painful truths are revealed in the popular HBO series' standout fifth episode. New Jersey crime boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) escorts his daughter, Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler), on visits to several colleges in New England. As Tony and Meadow travel, he discusses his occupation with her openly for the first time. Although he's reluctant to do so, it has become obvious that Meadow and her younger brother, Anthony Jr. (Robert Iler), are aware of their father's criminal career. Stopping in a small Maine town, Tony spots a one-time snitch against the family named Fabian Petrulio, who long ago disappeared into the federal witness protection program. Between Meadow's appointments at various schools, Tony resolves to murder Fabian. Although Tony has confessed, to the delight of his wife Carmela (Edie Falco), that he is in therapy, she is unaware that his doctor is an attractive Italian-American woman, Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), to whom Tony has become drawn sexually. Home with the flu, Carmela becomes furious when she receives a call from Melfi about a scheduling conflict. Confiding her marital frustrations to her movie-loving friend Father Phil, Carmela's relationship with the priest threatens to become romantic when Phil decides to spend the night on the couch. Back in Maine, Tony learns that Petrulio now goes by the name "Fred Peters." Convinced he's got the right man, Tony plots his revenge on Petrulio. "College" first aired on February 7, 1999. Karl Williams
The sixth episode of the HBO mob series finds New Jersey crime boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) deciding to do the noble thing and cede control of the family to his rival and uncle, Junior (Dominic Chianese), much to everyone's surprise and dismay. In reality, Tony is maintaining control of the family. With the agreement of the other families in the tri-state area, Junior is being set up as a frontman without his knowledge. Immediately, however, Junior causes trouble by ordering tribute to be paid by Tony's top lieutenants, including a long-time family advisor, Hesh Rabkin (Jerry Adler). Tony shocks his psychiatrist, Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), by declaring that he's falling in love with her during a session, and then kisses her. Junior learns that his tailor's grandson committed suicide because of a crippling drug addiction and orders two of his men to throw the drug dealer off a bridge in retaliation. Tony's medication is causing his sex drive to become nonexistent, much to the chagrin of both his wife Carmela (Edie Falco) and his mistress. At a dinner celebration, the FBI conducts surveillance on the Sopranos, aware that Tony is still the real power behind the criminal organization. "Pax Soprana" first aired on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1999. Karl Williams
In this domestic episode of the hit HBO series, Anthony Soprano Jr. (Robert Iler), the son of a powerful New Jersey crime boss, gets suspended from school for stealing sacramental wine from the chapel. The school psychologist summons the boy's parents, mob capo Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) and his wife, Carmela (Edie Falco), for a meeting at which Anthony Jr. is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. Tony is troubled by his son's actions and reflects on his own childhood with his cruelly controlling mother, Livia (Nancy Marchand), and his mobster father. Although Tony expresses concern to his psychiatrist, Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), that his son may end up living the same life of crime he does, he and Carmela refuse to accept the judgment of their son's school that the boy might need special education. Forced to visit Livia in her retirement home everyday, Anthony Jr. tells his grandmother about the incident and, also, accidentally reveals that his father is consulting a psychiatrist, spilling a very dangerous family secret to the shrewd and manipulative Livia. Down Neck aired on February 21, 1999. Karl Williams
Legal troubles come to a boil in the eighth episode of the hit HBO series. Mob soldier Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) is enraged that he's not receiving the same publicity that other Mafia soldiers are enjoying due to the current round of federal indictments that are being handed down and covered extensively in the press. On edge and ready to explode, Christopher gets into an altercation with a bakery employee and shoots the man's toe off. In the meantime, psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) confesses to her son and ex-husband that she is counseling a stressed-out mobster, New Jersey crime kingpin Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), and they become concerned about her safety. At a wedding, the Soprano family members learn that they are about to be indicted by the FBI, which has become interested in their activities again since the death of the organization's one-time godfather. Tony and his wife, Carmela (Edie Falco), hurry home to conceal evidence not a moment too soon, as federal agents soon arrive with warrants and begin searching the premises. When the story hits the news, Christopher is pleased and relieved to be mentioned as an important family associate. Episode 8 aired on February 28, 1999. Karl Williams
An intimate sexual act triggers further tension between two crime bosses in this episode of the HBO series. New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) ridicules his uncle and fellow mobster Junior (Dominic Chianese) on the golf course. Tony has heard about Junior's oral sex skills with his girlfriend, Bobbi, who has been gabbing to her friends about Junior's prowess while the two were on a vacation in Boca Raton, FL. In retaliation, Junior smashes a lemon meringue pie in Bobbi's face, breaking their 16-year relationship. He also tells his vicious top soldier, Mikey (Al Sapienza), a secret he's been keeping that he recently learned from his sister-in-law, Livia (Nancy Marchand): her son, Tony, is compromising family security by seeing a psychiatrist. Meanwhile, Tony and his friends make plans to convince their daughters' talented soccer coach not to accept a lucrative college job, until they learn that the coach has been sleeping with one of his underage players, a friend of Tony's daughter, Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler). They take steps to teach the coach a lesson he'll never forget. "Boca" was first shown on March 7, 1999. Karl Williams
A mob boss finds he can't escape his true identity, while his cousin learns that the music industry is as crooked as organized crime in the tenth episode of the HBO series. New Jersey Mafia chieftain Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) is delighted to receive an invitation to play golf with his well-to-do neighbor, Cusamano, at his exclusive country club. Happy to socialize with non-mobsters for once, Tony quickly realizes that Cusamano has extended the invitation simply to impress his buddies with his powerful crime boss pal. Tony's cousin and soldier Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) and his girlfriend Adriana (Drea de Matteo) meet Massive Genius, a rap star with a financial grudge against Soprano family advisor Hesh (Jerry Adler). Genius is immediately attracted to Adriana and makes a deal with Christopher: in exchange for Christopher setting up a meeting between Genius and Hesh, the musician agrees to consider signing a band that Adriana wants to represent, but it becomes clear that Genius is only interested in Adriana sexually. Meanwhile, Tony gets even with Cusamano by asking him to "hold on" to a package wrapped in plain brown paper, sending his neighbor into a panic over the possibly illegal narcotic contents. Episode 10 first aired March 14, 1999. Karl Williams
Looming betrayals within a mob family cloud the horizon in this episode of the popular HBO crime series. Crooked police officer Vin Mazakian (John Heard) tells New Jersey crime boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) that his best friend and trusted lieutenant Big Pussy Bompenseiro (Vincent Pastore), who was arrested by the feds, may have turned and could be working as an informant. Although he's incredulous, Tony orders another of his men, Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico) to find the truth. Tony cautions Paulie not to kill their old friend until he's absolutely certain that he's a snitch, as it's possible Mazakian is framing Pussy to get out of his gambling debts. Before Tony can learn more, Mazakian is arrested in a sting operation and, his career in tatters, commits suicide as Paulie's plan to get Pussy to disrobe at a steam bath to see if he's wearing a wire fails. At the same time, Tony's uncle and rival within the family, Junior (Dominic Chianese) orders a hit on Tony, giving the bloody assignment to his top soldier Mikey (Al Sapienza), who tells his wife he's moving up in the family. After the incident at the steam bath, Pussy disappears. This episode first aired March 21, 1999. Karl Williams
A fantasy woman leads to a therapeutic breakthrough for a mob chieftain, as his family crumbles around him in the penultimate episode of the HBO series' freshman season. Briefly confined to his bed by depression, New Jersey Mafia boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) begins having hallucinogenic dreams about a beautiful neighbor named Isabella, who he believes to be a foreign exchange student living at his neighbor Cusamano's house. After Tony's cousin and soldier Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) unwittingly prevents a first hit attempt on Tony, a pair of assassins nearly manage to kill the crime boss, but Tony gets away with only minor wounds. While he's recovering at the hospital, Tony is visited by the FBI, who tries in vain to recruit him as a federal witness. Tony also receives visits from his lieutenants, who vow revenge, and his uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese), whom he correctly suspects ordered the botched slaying. Tony discovers that there is no Isabella and that the gorgeous girl he envisioned suckling a baby was a figment of his imagination. While consulting with his psychiatrist, Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), to see if she's the one who leaked information about him, Tony comes to the conclusion that his dreams about Isabella are significantly related to his lack of childhood nurturing and mothering. Isabella aired March 29, 1999. Karl Williams
The final episode of the HBO crime series' first season contains several startling plot twists. After she suffers a disorienting episode, Livia Soprano (Nancy Marchand), the manipulative mother of a powerful New Jersey crime boss, is moved to the nursing wing of her retirement home. Her son Tony (James Gandolfini) doesn't want to face the possibility, raised by his therapist Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), that his own mother may have been in on an assassination attempt that nearly took his life. Later, however, the FBI plays tapes of Livia's conversations with Tony's uncle and family rival, Junior (Dominic Chianese), which proves she knew about the attempt and that Junior ordered it. Visiting with Livia, Tony's friend Artie Bucco (John Ventimiglia) discovers Tony's role in the destruction of his restaurant and confronts Tony with a shotgun, but Tony is able to convince his friend that Livia is losing her mind. Tony's cousin and muscle man Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) and Soprano family lieutenant Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico) murder Junior's top soldier, Mikey (Al Sapienza), while he's out jogging. Before Tony can also rub out his uncle, Junior and his men are arrested by the Feds on racketeering charges. Tony informs Dr. Melfi that a gang war could be brewing, putting her life in danger, and that she should leave town for a while. Livia has a stroke, and an incensed Tony confronts her about her role in the attempt on his life as she is wheeled away. "I Dream of Jeannie Cusamano" first aired on April 4, 1999. Karl Williams
In the sophomore episode of the HBO series, mob boss Jackie Aprile (Michael Rispoli) is dying of cancer, which can only lead to a power struggle between his two top capos, Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) and Tony's own uncle, Junior (Dominic Chianese). Tony persuades his mother, Livia (Nancy Marchand) to move into a retirement community against her wishes. When a car is stolen from a teacher at the school of Tony's son, Anthony Jr. (Robert Iler), Tony sends his two top lieutenants, "Big Pussy" Bompensiero (Vincent Pastore) and Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico) to get the vehicle back. The incident leads to Anthony Jr.'s first suspicions about his dad's true occupation. Junior is having his own problems with the headstrong Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli), his nephew, and a lieutenant of Tony's who has hijacked some merchandise from one of his trucks. Peace is made when Christopher agrees to pay Junior tribute, but his dimwitted associate Brendan Filone (Anthony de Sando) again holds up one of Junior's trucks, this time accidentally killing the driver. Tony learns that his friend Artie Bucco (John Ventimiglia) did not have his restaurant insured, and that an explosion Tony secretly arranged has destroyed his friend financially. "46 Long" originally aired January 17, 1999. Karl Williams
This episode of the original cable TV series was shot on-location in Italy. New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) travels with his top lieutenants, Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico) and Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli), to Naples, where he intends to negotiate a lucrative new deal for the car-jacking operation he's taken over from his Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese). While Paulie attempts to ingratiate himself with the locals with little success, Christopher holes up in his hotel room with Tanno (Giuseppe Zeno), a new acquaintance, on a drug-addled bender that lasts the entire trip. Tony discovers that his distant relative Don Zi Vittorio (Vittorio Duse) has become senile, and that Zi's voluptuous, intelligent daughter, Annalisa (Sofia Milos), is the true boss. Tony is powerfully attracted to Annalisa, who reminds him of Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), but he has a difficult time negotiating business with a woman. They agree on a price for the stolen cars and Tony recruits one of Annalisa's most valuable men, Furio Giunta (Federico Castelluccio), to be his new enforcer. Back at home in the U.S., Angie Bompensiero (Toni Kalem) confesses to Carmela Soprano (Edie Falco) that she's unhappy in her marriage to Pussy (Vincent Pastore) and wants out, but Carmela, already questioning her marriage to Tony, urges Angie to stick with her husband. Spotted by an old acquaintance while meeting with his FBI contact, Pussy is later forced to murder his friend with a hammer. "Commendatori" aired Feburary 6, 2000. Karl Williams
In the second-season premiere of this original HBO series, Mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) adjusts to some changes in both his families in the wake of his mother's betrayal and a legal crackdown by federal law enforcement. Tony's also dealing with the sudden reappearance of his sister Janice (Aida Turturro), a free spirit going by the Hindu name "Parvati," who's really a greedy schemer in the finest Soprano tradition. Claiming she's there to care for their hospitalized mother Livia (Nancy Marchand), Janice is angling to get her mother's house (or the proceeds from its sales) when Livia dies. Tony refuses to see Livia, who's "dead" as far as he's concerned and not invited to a family barbecue. Tony's Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese) is in jail and Tony orders a hit on Philly, one of Junior's men, because Philly's blabbing about Tony's therapy. But Tony's psychotherapist Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), who's been reduced to hiding out and seeing patients in a motel room, refuses to treat her star patient despite his renewed panic attacks, telling him off at a diner. Nephew Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) expands into a new business venture involving a scam stock brokerage called Webistics. Meanwhile Big Pussy (Vincent Pastore) reappears, claiming to have undergone rehab in Puerto Rico. "Guy Walks Into a Psychiatrist's Office" premiered January 16, 2000. Karl Williams
A lethal new character joins the Soprano family in this episode of the original cable series, directed by Lee Tamhori. Mob boss Anthony Soprano (James Gandolfini) receives a call from the police, but it's not his illegal activities they're concerned with; his daughter Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) has thrown a party at the unoccupied house of Tony's mother, Livia (Nancy Marchand), and one of her teenage friends has overdosed on drugs. Tony and his wife, Carmela (Edie Falco), feel powerless to control their daughter, and give her only a token punishment, but Carmela is infuriated when Tony's sister, Janice (Aida Turturro), attempts to intervene with some unwanted child-rearing advice. Richie Aprile (David Proval), the hair-trigger-tempered brother of deceased boss Jackie Aprile, is released from prison after ten years, embittered over his loss of power. He pushes for the position and money he feels rightfully belong to him, but Tony urges Richie to be patient. Although he's indebted to Richie, pizza shop owner Beansie (Paul Herman) refuses to knuckle under and pay tribute, so Richie viciously runs over him in a parking lot, then backs up over Beansie again, crippling his one-time friend. Richie struggles with his inner demons at yoga class, where he runs into Janice, a former flame. Richie seeks to stoke the fires of romance with Janice again by visiting her and her mother, Livia (Nancy Marchand), at the hospital. Tony's cold to Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) when they bump into each other at a restaurant, and Melfi is haunted by her cheery "Toodle-oo" to the powerful mob boss. "Toodle-Fucking-oo" originally aired January 30, 2000. Karl Williams
In this episode of the popular cable TV series, mob chief Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) returns to therapy, a new lieutenant makes a powerful impression, and a legendary director tries his hand at acting in a multi-episode story arc. Tony reorganizes his crew, promoting Silvio Dante (Steve Van Zandt) and Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico) to share an underboss role, while leaving Big Pussy (Vincent Pastore) at the same level as Christopher (Michael Imperioli) and Furio (Federico Castelluccio). This infuriates Pussy, who becomes less reluctant to share information with the FBI, while Furio, now working for Artie Bucco (John Ventimiglia) as a mozzarella maker, is ordered to lean on the owner of a whorehouse, whose delinquent payments are Christopher's responsibility. Christopher, however, is wrapped up in an acting class given to him as a gift by his girlfriend, Adriana (Drea de Matteo). Tony, while he should be happy that he's not under indictment and business is booming, is having fits and tantrums. It's partly the stress of discovering that the renewed romance between his sister, Janice (Aida Turturro), and Richie Aprile (David Proval) is becoming serious, so Tony tries to talk with his counsel, Hesh Rabkin (Jerry Adler), who's of little help. Hesh does reveal, however, that Tony's father also suffered from blackouts. Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) has been seeing a therapist of her own, Dr. Elliott Kupferberg (Peter Bogdanovich), to whom she reveals her guilt over refusing to treat Tony. Although Kupferberg advises against it, Melfi calls Tony to offer her services, which Tony at first gruffly refuses. Tony relents and appears for his appointment, re-starting his sessions in an effort to gain "total control." "Big Girls Don't Cry" first aired February 13, 2000. Karl Williams
Frank Sinatra Jr. provides an amusing cameo as himself in this episode of the hit television series. Mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) tells his therapist, Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), of his anger at all the "happy wanderers" in the world, those without the cares and concerns he suffers. One responsibility that Tony's looking forward to, however, is control of the "executive game," a poker game for high rollers that he's now inherited from Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese). At a funeral, Tony is forced to deal with the presence of his estranged mother, Livia (Nancy Marchand), who's escorted by Janice (Aida Turturro) and her lover, Richie Aprile (David Proval). Janice is pressuring Richie to stand up to her brother and claim what's rightfully his -- namely, control of the mob family. Against his better judgement, Tony allows his old friend and local sporting goods store owner Davey Scatino (Robert Patrick) into the executive game, despite the fact that Davey's gambling problems have been causing trouble with Richie to the tune of eight grand. Davey loses another 45,000 dollars and tries to convince Soprano friend and restaurant owner Artie Bucco (John Ventimiglia) to loan him the cash to pay Tony and Richie, but Artie can't help. Junior reveals a family secret to Tony about a feeble-minded uncle he never knew he had, and Tony's daughter, Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler), encounters a problem with her classmate Eric when his sport utility vehicle ends up in Soprano hands. "The Happy Wanderer" first aired on February 20, 2000. Karl Williams
Movie stars Jon Favreau, Sandra Bernhard, and Janeane Garofalo make cameo appearances as themselves in this episode of the hit HBO series that finds a Mafia wiseguy flirting with Hollywood. Mob lieutenant Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli), who abandoned the screenplay he was secretly writing, finds himself bitten by the show business bug once again when he meets the beautiful Amy (Alicia Witt), a development executive working on a new film with actor Jon Favreau. Christopher and Favreau meet, and the actor appropriates some of Christopher's real-life crime anecdotes for a script. Despite the fact that Amy is his cousin's girlfriend, Christopher sleeps with her. In the Soprano household, Anthony Jr. (Robert Iler) is causing his parents grief with his new apathy. After flunking most of his classes, he gets into a car accident and explains to his parents, Tony (James Gandolfini) and Carmela (Edie Falco), that he's discovered Existentialsim, and that life is absurd and meaningless. A visit with his grandmother, Livia (Nancy Marchand), is no help, as her world view is even darker and more depressing. At his confirmation party, Anthony is caught smoking pot, so his sponsor Big Pussy (Vincent Pastore), explains to Anthony that his father is a "stand-up guy," despite the fact that Big P is betraying Tony and is reluctantly wearing a wire so the Feds can record his conversations. Pussy ends up weeping in the bathroom while his FBI contact Skip (Louis Lombardi) listens in. Informed by a jealous Adriana (Drea de Matteo) that her boyfriend Christopher is dreaming of Hollywood again, Tony delivers an ultimatum to his lieutenant at the party, forcing him to choose between the movies the mob. "D-Girl" originally aired February 27, 2000. Karl Williams
A violent turn of events threatens the good fortunes of the Soprano family in this episode of the cable television series. Concerned that her daughter, Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler), could end up attending a college thousands of miles away, Carmela Soprano (Edie Falco) asks her neighbor, Jean Cusamano (Saundra Santiago), for a favor. It seems that Jean's twin sister, Joan (also played by Santiago), a successful lawyer, is a graduate of Georgetown University and serves in an influential alum position. Carmela asks if Joan would write a recommendation for Meadow, but Joan's answer is no. Determined and more than a little peeved, Carmela bakes a ricotta pie and shows up at Joan's office, making it clear that the recommendation is an offer Joan can't refuse. Carmela's husband, mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), is dealing with his own headache, his lieutenant Richie Aprile (David Proval), who is bucking his order to build a wheelchair access ramp at the home of pizzeria owner Beansie (Paul Herman), whom Richie is responsible for injuring. Richie caves in after a talk with Tony's Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese) and even offers Tony his lucky leather jacket, a relic from the 1970s that Tony promptly gives to his maid's immigrant husband, enraging Richie. Deciding to quit taking drugs and give up his dreams of a life in the movie business, Soprano family lieutenant Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) asks his girlfriend, Adriana (Drea de Matteo), to marry him. The couple's joy is short-lived, as Christopher's two partners in crime, Matt Bevilaqua (Lillo Brancato Jr.) and Sean Gismonte (Chris Tardio), decide to move up the mob ladder by murdering Christopher, gunning him down in a diner parking lot. Sean is killed in the attack, and Matt goes on the run after Richie refuses to help him. "Full Leather Jacket" originally aired March 5, 2000. Karl Williams
Series co-star Michael Imperioli, who also wrote the feature film Summer of Sam (1999), penned the script for this episode of the popular pay-television drama. Shot several times in the previous episode, Soprano family lieutenant Christopher Moltisanti (Imperioli) clings to life in a hospital and has an out-of-body experience that brings him into contact with his ghosts of his late father and a slain former associate, Mikey Palmice, in the afterlife. Shaken up by Christopher's account of his supernatural journey, Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico) visits a psychic, a priest, and even Palmice's widow, convinced he'll go to Hell when he dies. Mafia boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) receives a tip regarding the whereabouts of Matt Bevilaqua (Lillo Brancato Jr.), one of the gunmen who shot Christopher, and pays Matt a lethal visit with Big Pussy (Vincent Pastore), who's forced to commit murder despite being a federal informant. Hearing about the illegitimate child borne by another mobster's mistress, Carmela (Edie Falco) urges her husband Tony to get a vasectomy, as she's aware of his affair with a Russian girl, Irina (Oksana Babiy). Tony insists the affair is over, but Carmela is highly skeptical. Janice (Aida Turturro) continues to pressure her boyfriend, Richie Aprile (David Proval), to move against her brother Tony. Tony blows up at his son, Anthony Jr. (Robert Iler), and then tries to rectify the situation by spending time with him. Tony also attempts to be a good husband; he tells Carmela he'll get a vasectomy, but she tells Tony she's changed her mind and may want another child. Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) confesses during a visit with her psychiatrist Dr. Kupferberg (Peter Bogdanovich) that she has made an unholy alliance with her notorious client and that she's becoming increasingly dependent upon alcohol and pills. "From Where to Eternity" first aired on March 12, 2000. Karl Williams
A witness could bring an organized crime family crashing down in this episode of the HBO television series created by David Chase. Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) is distressed to learn that a witness has identified him as being in the area where a traitorous mob lieutenant was murdered. He visits his lawyer, Neil Mink (David Margulies), to discuss a strategy of stalling the feds, and delivers a bag of cash, Tony's rainy day fund for his wife and kids should he be arrested. Tony's also upset when his son, Anthony Jr. (Robert Iler), prefers to hang out with his friends at the mall rather than spend time with his dad, but Tony then promptly forgets his son's swim meet. After a meeting with Tony, Soprano family muscle Richie Aprile (David Proval) complains to Tony's Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese) about the shoddy treatment they're both getting. Junior warns Richie about the treacherous Janice (Aida Turturro), who's letting Richie hold a gun to her head during sex. As payment for the massive gambling debt of his old pal, Davey Scatino (Robert Patrick), Tony and his crew take over Davey's outdoor store, running up the limit on all of Davey's lines of credit, intending to sell the merchandise on the street and bankrupt the business. A depressed Davey sleeps in a tent in his store, never returning home and contemplating suicide. Meanwhile, Pussy (Vincent Pastore) gives the FBI a list of investors in the Webistics scam and Tony's wife, Carmela (Edie Falco), has a crush on virile, widowed wallpaper hanger Vic Musto (Joe Penny), Davey's brother-in-law. Their flirtation threatens to become something more, but then Vic meets Davey for lunch and learns that Carmela's husband is a mob kingpin who has ruined Davey's family. Vic offers to pay for the college tuition of his nephew and breaks off his friendship with Carmela, sending an assistant to finish the wallpaper job. Tony learns that the witness against him learned of his identity and is now refusing to testify. The mob boss is so elated, he walks out of a therapy session with Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco). His daughter, Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler), learns that she's been accepted at some top colleges, giving the family cause for celebration. "Bust-Out, which was called "Deus Ex Machina" until a last-minute title change, originally aired March 19, 2000. Karl Williams
A mob boss tries to reform for appearances' sake in this episode of the TV cable series that begins heating up several story lines in anticipation of the second season finale. Having narrowly avoided prosecution in a murder case, New Jersey Mafia don Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) is advised by his lawyer to begin keeping regular office hours at his legitimate business, a waste management company called Barone Brothers Sanitation. A 9-5 desk job drives Tony to distraction, however, and even sexual escapades with a secretary don't seem to alleviate his increased stress, which causes a rash on his arm and another blackout at an annual golf outing for waste haulers. Wary of increased attention from the FBI, Tony orders his brother-in-law to tell Richie Aprile (David Proval) to stop selling cocaine on his garbage routes, causing even more bad blood between them. Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese), who's partnered with Richie in the narcotics scheme and chafing under house arrest, begins to enjoy the company of Catherine Romano (Mary Louise Wilson), a police captain's widow he knew in his youth. Still drinking vodka before her sessions with Tony, Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) feels duty-bound to treat the mobster, even though her patient wants to quit therapy. After an altercation with a smoker at a restaurant embarrasses her son, Melfi receives a prescription for Luvox, an obsessive-compulsive disorder medication, from her psychiatrist, Dr. Kupferberg (Peter Bogdanovich). "House Arrest" first aired March 26, 2000. Karl Williams
A mob boss's biggest personnel problem is resolved in an unexpected fashion in this penultimate episode of the cable television series' second season. Mob chieftain Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) has been trying to break off his long-running affair with Irina (Oksana Babiy), but the possessive Russian mistress tries to commit suicide with an overdose of pills. Tony is finally forced to send his captain, Silvio Dante (Steve Van Zandt) to visit Irina with a dose of wise advice and an envelope containing 75 thousand dollars. Tony's problems with his enforcer, Richie Aprile (David Proval), are coming to a head because Richie is refusing to follow Tony's order to stop selling drugs on his trash-hauling routes. Now Richie's trying to muscle into other capos' territories and scheming to kill Tony. Trying to persuade Tony's uncle, Junior (Dominic Chianese), to join him, the erratic and hot-tempered Richie finds Junior reluctant. Tony and his wife, Carmela (Edie Falco), host an engagement party for Richie and Tony's sister, Janice (Aida Turturro). Electing to remain loyal to Tony, Junior tips his nephew off about Richie's homicidal plans and receives an increase in his percentage from a grateful Tony. Tony orders Silvio to whack Richie, but before Silvio can carry out the hit, Richie and Janice get into a violent domestic quarrel, and Janice shoots Richie twice at point-blank range. Soprano lieutenants Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) and Furio Giunta (Federico Castelluccio) get rid of Richie's corpse at the butcher shop, while Tony puts Janice on a bus back to Seattle, concluding, "All in all, it's been a good visit." Soprano family solider Big Pussy (Vincent Pastore) seems to be having a mental meltdown due to the stress of being a government informant. Acting as if he thinks he's a junior G-man, Pussy stakes out and tails Christopher on an illegal mission to highjack a truckload of "Pokemon" cards but runs down an innocent bicyclist instead. "The Knight in White Satin Armor" first aired April 2, 2000. Karl Williams
A pair of graduations and a goodbye to an old friend wrap up the second season of the popular HBO series. New Jersey Mafia boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) is flush with a run of financial success thanks to several recent schemes, including big payoffs from a calling-card scam. He buys his wife, Carmela (Edie Falco), a new sable coat, and gives plane tickets to Arizona to his mother, Livia (Nancy Marchand), and her sister. Later, a bad dish at an Indian restaurant gives Tony serious food poisoning, leading to a series of disturbing dreams. In one of them, his friend, Pussy (Vincent Pastore), appears in the form of a frozen fish to announce that he's a FBI informant and that Tony has known all along. Tony begins to recover, determined to learn the truth about Pussy, whom he's long suspected of colluding with the feds. Visiting Pussy's home, Tony feigns continued illness and discovers hidden sound recording equipment and audiotapes. Tony, along with his top captains Silvio Dante (Steve Van Zandt) and Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico) pretends to take Pussy on a test drive of a new powerboat, and force a confession from their old friend once they're out to sea. Pussy admits his guilt, but adds that most of the information he fed the government was false. Tony, Paulie, and Silvio murder Pussy and dump his body into the ocean. Returning home to continue preparations for the high school graduation party of his daughter ,Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler), Tony receives a call from his mother. It seems the Arizona plane tickets were stolen during an earlier bankruptcy bust-out, and Livia has been detained. It's not long before law enforcement officers show up at the Soprano resident to arrest Tony. He's quickly bailed out by his lawyer, and Tony attends a therapy session with Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), who finally admits to Tony that she's frightened of him. At his daughter's graduation celebration, Tony tells his lieutenant, Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli), that he's about to graduate as well, to being a "made man" in the Mob. "Funhouse" first aired April 9, 2000. Karl Williams
New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) proves himself a cagey leader in this episode of the cable TV series. When Tony's Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese) is released from jail under house arrest due to a heart condition, Tony meets with him at the office of Junior's doctor, which cannot be wire-tapped by the government due to doctor-patient confidentiality laws. Tony allows Junior to earn a token five percent of his income and retain the title of "boss." Tony's still the one in charge, however, as he proves when he negotiates an end to a labor strike in a surprising way profitable both for him and a black community activist. Although Junior is nursing a serious grudge against his nephew, it's Tony he turns to when he injures himself in a bathtub fall. Janice (Aida Turturro) continues to worm her way back into the Soprano family by befriending her niece, Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler), who gets her driver's license, and buttering up her mother, Livia (Nancy Marchand). Livia and Janice's new closeness is short-lived, however, because Tony's son, Anthony Jr. (Robert Iler), innocently spills the beans about his father and Janice discussing a "DNR" order. During a trip to the doctor's office for a steroid injection to alleviate back pain, Soprano family soldier Big Pussy (Vincent Pastore) is revealed to be working with FBI agent Skip Lipari (Louis Lombardi), but not everything Big P tells the federal agent is true, so who's playing who? "Do Not Resuscitate" first aired January 23, 2000. Karl Williams
The third season of the popular HBO crime series opens with the FBI trying to devise a method of bugging the home of New Jersey mob boss Anthony Soprano (James Gandolfini). In the meantime, Tony's daughter Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) adjusts to life as a freshman at Columbia University, his wife Carmela (Edie Falco) takes tennis lessons, and his son Anthony Jr. (Robert Iler) is more concerned about his skateboard and cigarettes than schoolwork. Tony is also worried about Patsy Parisi (Dan Grimaldi), twin brother of the slain Philly, who was murdered on Tony's orders. His erratic behavior and heavy drinking seem an indication that Patsy knows who's responsible for his brother's death, causing Tony and his lieutenants to keep a close watch on the embittered soldier. "Mr. Ruggerio's Neighborhood" was written by series creator David Chase. Karl Williams
Some computer-generated imagery summons the ghost of a departed cast member for one final appearance in this turning point episode of the hit crime drama. After learning that his daughter Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) is dating a half Jewish, half African-American student at Columbia, New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) has a stress-related anxiety attack and blackout. His problems are compounded when, after a contentious visit with his mother Livia (Nancy Marchand), he receives word that the manipulative matriarch has died of a stroke. Tony's flower-child sister, Janice (Aida Tuturro), insists on a memorial service but gets more than she bargained for when assembled family members share their true feelings about the less-than-dearly departed. At a session with his therapist, Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), Tony about sums it up by confiding that he's glad his mother is gone. A key witness against him in a case involving stolen airline tickets, Livia is now silenced forever, and her emotional passive-aggression is no longer a part of his life. Karl Williams
New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) makes a breakthrough in his therapy with Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) in this episode of the hit drama series. Remembering that his first "spell" occurred when he was 11 years old, Tony suddenly realizes that all of his blackouts have occurred when he was preparing meat. This revelation forces him to confront a painful memory about his father and recently deceased mother. Meanwhile, Tony's nephew, Christopher (Michael Imperioli), bungles his new responsibilities of a "made man" and is forced to hold up a Rutgers University box office to pay his weekly payment to Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico). A feud between Tony's sister, Janice (Aida Turturro), and their late mother's housekeeper, Svetlana, heats up, resulting in a stolen artificial leg, while Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) gives her dad Tony the silent treatment, and Anthony Jr. (Robert Iler) excels on the football field. When he's promoted for his gridiron performance, however, A.J. blacks out under the pressure, just like his dad. Karl Williams
A violent sexual assault followed by justice aborted due to a legal technicality leaves Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) flirting with the idea of using her mob connection to get revenge in this powerful episode of the cable crime drama. When she's raped in the stairwell of her office building, Dr. Melfi expects the attacker to be prosecuted, but an improper police procedure results in the rapist getting off. After she recognizes her rapist at a fast food restaurant where he works, she considers telling her mob boss client Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) about the incident, knowing he'll exact retribution, but the therapist remains silent. In the meantime, Tony deals with his uppity subordinate, Ralph Cifaretto (Joe Pantoliano), by promoting one of Ralph's garbage business associates in his stead, and Tony's sister, Janice (Aida Turturro), has a violent run-in with Russian gangsters over a stolen prosthetic leg. Some good news comes Tony's way when he learns of a new 25-million-dollar waterfront project coming into his territory, but the appearance of new neighbor Johnny Sack (Vincent Curatola), a powerful New York crime boss, is a cause for concern. Karl Williams
New Jersey mob kingpin Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) is finally joined by his wife, Carmela (Edie Falco), for a contentious session with his therapist, Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), in this episode of the hit HBO drama series. When his frustrations lead to a traffic ticket from officious trooper Wilmore (Charles S. Dutton) on the way home, an angry Tony tells his corrupt state assemblyman, Zellman (Peter Riegert), to "fix it." Compounding Tony's frustrations and concerns is the fact that his Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese) has cancer, a family associate has been put in a coma by an unprovoked attack, and a dying former gangster (Burt Young) has been assigned a retaliatory hit. Then there's Tony's daughter, Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler), still not speaking to her father because of his racist attitudes, and his restaurant-owner friend Artie Bucco (John Ventimiglia) has a crush on his nephew's girlfriend, Adriana (Drea de Matteo). When Tony goes to Fountains of Wayne to pick up a backyard ornament, he discovers that Officer Wilmore has been reduced to a part-time job because his run-in with Tony has had political repercussions. Karl Williams
The violence toward women characteristic of this hit cable drama's third season continues with shocking brutality in this heartbreaking episode. New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) resists the efforts of one of his needy young go-go dancers, Tracee (Ariel Kiley), to become "friends." He's got enough problems at home with his own daughter, Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler), who has been giving him the silent treatment over her father's prejudice toward her mixed-race boyfriend. When the boyfriend casually dumps Meadow, however, she's furious, hurling invective at her family and slamming doors. Meanwhile, Tracee has become pregnant with the child of Tony's garbage business underling, Ralph Cifaretto (Joe Pantoliano), who reacts with a typically uncaring attitude. When Tracee insults Ralph in front of his friends and business partners, he meets her outside Tony's strip club and brutally beats her to death. Tony reacts violently, attacking Ralph and violating the code of la cosa nostra. Karl Williams
Dealing with health care professionals of various stripes proves to be an arduous task for two members of a crime family in this episode of the hit cable TV series. When his Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese) undergoes a not-entirely successful cancer treatment at the hands of less-than-compassionate Dr. John Kennedy (Sam McMurray), New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) is furious. So he schedules a threatening heart-to-heart with the surgeon on the golf course that leaves Junior in the doctor's suddenly far more caring hands. In the meantime, Tony's wife Carmela (Edie Falco) is referred to a blunt psychotherapist (Mike Nichols), who tells her that she's complicit in her husband's crimes and will never be happy unless she leaves him. In the meantime, Tony's lieutenants Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico) and Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) continue to clash over their new business arrangements, and Tony deals with the financial concerns of the widowed Angie Bompensiero (Toni Kalem) by smashing the window of her new Cadillac. Karl Williams
Accomplished character actress Annabella Sciorra joins the cast of this popular crime series. As Thanksgiving approaches, New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) deals with the fallout of his beating his garbage business subordinate Ralph Cifaretto (Joe Pantoliano). A violation of the Mafia code, Tony's now obliged to either kill Ralph or apologize, but finds himself loathe to do either -- and instead embarks on a torrid affair with a beautiful but troubled Mercedes Benz dealership sales rep, Gloria Trillo (Sciorra). In the meantime, Tony's daughter Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) has begun dating shiftless Jackie Aprile Jr. (Jason Cerbone), the wannabe gangster son of Tony's one-time boss. While Jackie Jr.'s mother (Sharon Angela) is thrilled at the union, Tony and his wife Carmela (Edie Falco) are less enthused about the young man's questionable prospects. The holidays bring resolution to at least one of Tony's problems: when a Soprano family crew boss dies unexpectedly, Tony's able to heal the rift with Ralph by promoting him to captain, a position of authority Cifaretto has long craved. Karl Williams
A Mafia chieftain becomes uncharacteristically reflective as Christmas approaches in this episode of the cable TV drama. New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) is experiencing a sense of loss over the death of his friend Pussy Bompensiero, who traditionally played Santa Claus at Tony's annual charity bash. Tony's feelings of woe are compounded by his discovery of his daughter's boyfriend, wiseguy wannabe Jackie Aprile Jr. (Jason Cerbone), receiving a lap dance from a stripper at a go-go club; Tony gives the college dropout a solid beating. In the meantime, a Russian money launderer friend of Tony's gives him a little holiday gift: the identity of the ruffian who viciously assaulted his sister Janice (Aida Turturro). Tony and his lieutenant Furio give the man a beating as a holiday gift to Janice, and on Christmas morning, a chastened Jackie shows up with a gift for Tony's daughter Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) and an attitude adjustment for her father. Karl Williams
Elements of the darkly humorous Fargo (1996) are recalled in this Emmy-nominated episode directed by one of that classic film's stars, Steve Buscemi. A simple collection from a Russian goes awry when he and Soprano family mobster Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico) exchange words, then blows. Determining that the desolate Pine Barrens of Southern New Jersey are the perfect dumping grounds for the Russian's body, Paulie drags soldier Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) with him, promising a night in Atlantic City once the corpse has been disposed of. Things don't unfold as planned, however; their victim isn't dead and turns out to be a former Army commando who assaults them, then escapes. Disoriented, Paulie and Christopher can't find their way back to the car and end up spending a frozen night in the woods. Meantime, the Mafia organization's boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) learns that his new lover Gloria Trillo (Annabella Sciorra) has an unstable, violent streak, and his daughter Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) sees another side of her boyfriend Jackie Aprile Jr. (Jason Cerbone). Karl Williams
The climactic ends of two unadvisable relationships have grim consequences in this gripping episode of the hit cable crime series. A heated argument with his mentally unhinged, illicit lover Gloria Trillo (Annabella Sciorra) leads to a near-homicide for New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini). Although he nearly chokes the woman upon realizing that she's a carbon copy of his other, Tony backs off and sends his enforcer Patsy Parisi (Dan Grimaldi) to deliver a message to Gloria: the romance is over, and so is her life if she reveals their secret affair. Meanwhile, Tony's wife Carmela (Edie Falco) makes her first tentative moves toward independence, taking off the jewelry her husband bought her with ill-gotten gains and studying for a real estate license exam. Also, the budding romance between Tony's daughter Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) and wiseguy wannabe Jackie April Jr. (Jason Cerbone) has ended, leading Jackie to pull a dangerous stunt: the rip-off of a high-stakes Mafia card game. Gunfire is exchanged and although Jackie barely escapes with his life, his future is in serious doubt when Tony hands over final authority in the matter to his bloodthirsty captain, Ralph Cifaretto (Joe Pantoliano), who's unlikely to be influenced by his relationship with Jackie's mother. Karl Williams
The third season of the hit HBO crime series comes to a close in this memorable episode. After he brokers a peace agreement between two of his captains, Ralph Cifaretto (Joe Pantoliano) and Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico), New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) must handle a domestic crisis. It seems his son Anthony Jr. (Robert Iler) has been expelled from his high school for cheating on a math test. Enraged, Tony tells his wife Carmela (Edie Falco) that their only option is military school, but she fights her husband on the decision. In hiding after a botched robbery attempt on some made men, Jackie Aprile Jr. (Jason Cerbone) is gunned down on the orders of Ralph, and the young man's funeral leaves his ex-girlfriend Meadow Soprano (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) distraught. After seeing Jackie in his coffin, Carmela reconsiders Anthony Jr.'s fate, but then the boy blacks out while trying on his new school uniform, suffering from the same anxiety-produced seizures as his father, rendering him unfit for duty. At a wake for Jackie, a frustrated Paulie forges a new alliance with rival mob boss Johnny Sack (Vincent Curatola) and a drunken Meadow makes a spectacle of herself while her Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese) is singing. Karl Williams
To those viewers who thought that the surfeit of violence during the fourth season of HBO's The Sopranos would have expunged all mayhem from season five, we have but one thing to say: "Fuggetabouddit!" As usual, much of the trouble is sparked by the sort of domestic issues that in any other family but the Sopranos would be handled with calm and decorum. Now separated from wife Carmela (Edie Falco), suburbanite mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) has begun to warm up to Adriana La Cerva (Drea de Matteo), little suspecting that she may soon become a stoolie for the Feds. Meanwhile, Carmela becomes involved with the guidance counselor for her son A.J. (Robert Iler), who seems poised to challenge his dad for family supremacy (though it may take a few years). As for Tony's extended family, his newly paroled cousin, Tony Blundetto (Steve Buscemi), proves to be yet another thorn in the side for Tony's nephew Christopher (Michael Imperioli), who already has enough problems trying to wean himself off a dangerous drug habit. Another of Tony's cousins, Johnny Sack (Vincent Curatola), hopes to take advantage of the death of Mafia don Carmine Lupertazzi to increase his own power base -- an attempt that Lupertazzi's son Little Carmine (Ray Abruzzo) fully intends to torpedo (in every sense of the word!), leading to a bloody turf war. And Tony's chief henchman Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico) is plagued by a mob functionary who has a bad habit of overstepping his bounds. This season's crop of 13 episodes comes to an end -- bada bing! -- with an unpleasant surprise for Tony Soprano, one that may force him into permanent exile. And as for the hapless Adriana La Cerva...is there any viewer in the U.S. who has not seen her (literally) terminal Sopranos appearance? Hal Erickson
To those viewers who thought that the surfeit of violence during the fourth season of HBO's The Sopranos would have expunged all mayhem from Season 5, we have but one thing to say: "Fuggetabouddit!" As usual, much of the trouble is sparked by the sort of domestic issues that in any other family but the Sopranos would be handled with calm and decorum. Now separated from wife Carmela (Edie Falco), suburbanite mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) has begun to warm up to Adriana La Serva (Drew de Matteo), little suspecting that she may soon become a stoolie for the Feds. Meanwhile, Carmela becomes involved with the guidance counselor for her son A.J. (Robert Iler), who seems poised to challenge his dad for family supremacy (though it may take a few years). As for Tony's extended family, his newly paroled cousin Tony Blundetto (Steve Buscemi) proves to be yet another thorn in the side for Tony's nephew Christopher (Michael Imperioli), who already has enough problems trying to wean himself off a dangerous drug habit. Another of Tony's cousins, Johnny Sack (Vincent Curatola), hopes to take advantage of the death of Mafia don Carmine Lupertazzi to increase his own power base -- an attempt that Lupertazzi's son Little Carmine (Ray Abruzzo) fully intends to torpedo (in every sense of the word!), leading to a bloody turf war. And Tony's chief henchman Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico) is plagued by a mob functionary who has a bad habit of overstepping his bounds. This season's crop of 13 episodes comes to an end -- bada bing! -- with an unpleasant surprise for Tony Soprano, one that may force him into permanent exile. And as for the hapless Adriana La Serva...is there any viewer in the U.S. who has not seen her (literally) terminal Sopranos appearance? Hal Erickson
HBO split the sixth and final season of its serial mafia drama The Sopranos into two halves, spaced 10 months apart: the first half (episodes 1-12) aired from mid-March through early June of 2006; a hiatus followed between episodes 12 and 13, before the series picked up again for its final nine episodes on April 8, 2007, purportedly thanks to overwhelming audience demand for an extension. As the season begins, Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) is plagued by problem after problem at home: though he has made peace with wife Carmela (Edie Falco), and daughter Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) is relatively well-adjusted and happy, attending college and living with fiancée Finn De Trolio (Will Janowitz), Tony's son, A.J. (Robert Iler) is a complete slacker and layabout who has just failed out of college and seems hesitant to accomplish anything of merit. Meanwhile, Tony finds himself saddled with a new captain, Phil Leotardo (Frank Vincent) who expresses more hesitation over "working" him than his incarcerated predecessor, Johnny Sacks (Vince Curatola). Complicating matters are two employees: Tony's soldier Eugene Pontecorvo (Robert Funaro), who attempts to buy his way out of the syndicate via an inheritance, and the homosexual captain Vito Spatafore (Joe Gannascoli) who comes out of the closet and ends up being spotted in a leather bar - then is knocked off by a member of the family, which leads to the death of a Lieutenant and sparks a tidal wave of mob violence. In another subplot, aspiring screenwriter Christopher (Michael Imperioli), Tony's cousin, devises an idea for a gangster picture which he describes as "The Godfather meets Saw, and heads off to Hollywood to pitch it to Ben Kingsley. The season cliffhanger, however, involves Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese), an elderly man suffering from extreme senility who mistakenly draws a gun and plugs Tony in the stomach, sending him into a coma - leaving consigliere Silvio Dante (Steven Van Zandt of The E Street Band) to tend to family business. This, in turn, yields several sequences where Tony wanders around in a dream state, and contemplates his own mortality. The second half of the season has Christopher continuing his strenuous efforts to have his epic (which he entitled Cleaver) produced, the absence of Johnny Sack leaving an ongoing void of power in the syndicate, and Tony again coming to terms with aging and mortality, while he struggles (as ever) to balance personal and professional demands. Guest stars in the 2007 episodes include: Sydney Pollack, Tim Daly, Daniel Baldwin and Geraldo Rivera. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
The first season of The Sopranos finds lifelong "organization man" Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) taking over from Jackie Aprile Sr., terminally ill boss of the northern New Jersey branch of the DiMeo crime family. Tony's promotion is met with mixed reactions from his wife Carmela (Edie Falco), daughter Meadow (Jamie-Lyn DiScala) and son AJ (Robert Iler), but his loyal lieutenants Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico), Sil (Steve Van Zandt) and Big Pussy (Vincent Pastore) are effusive in their congratulations. Also pleased by Tony's ascent is his protégé and surrogate nephew Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli), who will soon come to enjoy the perks and publicity attending Mob "royalty" (if his growing dependence on crystal meth doesn't kill him first).
But uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, and soon Tony is suffering more than usual from anxiety attacks and weird nightmares. Thus he seeks out the counsel of analyst Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine DiBracco), who despite her fears that she'll be "whacked" once her usefulness comes to an end is fascinated by Tony and won't let him go. One of Tony's biggest headaches is his Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese),who is p.o.'d that he was denied Jackie Aprile's job in favor of his nephew. Junior spends most of the season conspiring against Tony--and ironically, his chief co-conspirator is Tony's own mother Livia (Nancy Marchand). Also vexing Tony is the revelation that there's an FBI "mole" in his midst--and when that mole is revealed in Season Two, it's a real heartbreaker for the troubled Mr. Soprano. Hal Erickson
New Jersey Mafia boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) continues maintaining the facade of being a respectable suburban husband and father while operating a vast criminal organization from the confines of the Bada-Bing Club during Season Two of The Sopranos. Now that the treacherous Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese) has been placed under arrest by the feds, and with his far-from-supportive mother Livia (Nancy Marchand, who died during this season) has been exiled to a nursing home, Tony thinks that his family problems are over. No such luck: Breezing in from Seattle is Tony's seriously disturbed, sexually promiscuous and thoroughly untrustworthy sister Janice (Aida Turturro), the closest thing that any mob family has had to a "black sheep." There's more trouble from the dangerously impulsive Richie Aprile (David Proval), older brother of Tony's predecessor Jackie Aprile Sr., who is resentful that a younger man has taken over the Aprile branch of the DeMeo crime organization. Richie also has a mad-on for Tony's trusted protégé Christopher (Michael Imperioli), whose own prestige within the mob continues to grow by leaps and bounds, especially after he engineers the family's elaborate "pump-and-dump" stock scam. Christopher himself has developed a close relationship with Adriana La Cerva (Drea de Matteo), and never mind that she is one of "Uncle" Tony's mistresses. Though the FBI agent within the family's ranks has been whacked, there is still someone feeding information to the feds. It breaks Tony's heart to discover that his trusted torpedo Big Pussy (Vincent Pastore) is the turncoat, but business is business, and Tony is obliged to stage-manage Big Pussy's demise during a now-famous boat trip. Nor is this the end of the intramural carnage: despite having become engaged to her former flame Richie Aprile, Tony's sister Janice settles a bitter argument with Richie in typical Soprano fashion. Result: No wedding, and no Richie. Hal Erickson
Being head of the Northern New Jersey branch of the DiMeo crime family is no bed of roses for Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) in Season Three of HBO's The Sopranos. Tony's headaches begin early on with the dangerously unstable, sexually deviant and recklessly profane Ralph Cifaretto (Joe Pantoliano) returns to the organization after a lengthy absence. Though there's no love lost between the two men, Tony arranges for Ralph to take over the illicit business operations of the late Richie Aprile, who'd been bumped off in a fit of rage by Tony's treacherous sister Janice (Aida Turturro) the previous season. Also causing trouble is another new arrival on the scene: Richie's nephew Jackie Aprile Jr. (Jason Carbone), nicknamed "Little Lord F**kpants" because of his pathetic inability to live up to the standards and expectations of his celebrated criminal family. Though Tony tolerates Jackie Jr. and somewhat admires the boy's efforts to live a clean life away from Uncle Richie's influence, things quickly go south when Jackie becomes involved with Tony's daughter Meadow (Jamie-Lyn Sigler)--and also tries to emulate his no-good uncle, turning into a pariah by planning--and bungling--a robbery on his own. Blood kin or no blood kin, Ralph has to "deal" with Jackie Jr., arranging with all-purpose henchman Vito Spatafore (Joseph R. Gannascoli) to handle the dirty details. Elsewhere, Tony's protégé Christopher (Michael Imperioli) has been fully embraced by the Family, despite his ongoing war of wills with veteran capo Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico); Tony's analyst Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) the identity of her rapist a secret from Tony, so that she won't have anyone's murder on her conscience; and the FBI comes a-cropper planting an electronic bug in the Soprano mansion. One of the Season Three story arcs was to involve Tony's spiteful mother Livia, who was to have testified against her son in a federal trial. The death of actress Nancy Marchand (Livia Soprano) put an end to these plans, but through the magic of CGI Livia makes one final "appearance" to make her son's life even more miserable than usual. Hal Erickson
Sixteen months after the end of The Sopranos' third season, Season Four gets under way. And if you think THIS is a long hiatus, "Fuggeddabouddit"--wait until we get to Season Six! New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano finally has an excuse to whack the troublesome Ralphie Cifaretto (Joe Pantoliano, who will win Emmy for his abbreviated recurring role), thereby allowing Ralphie's troubled lieutenant Vito (Joseph R. Gannascoli) to become Capo of the Aprile branch of the DiMeo crime organization. But though Ralphie is gone, he's far from forgotten, and will continue to haunt Tony in more ways than one. Adding to Tony's burdens, his marriage with Carmela (Edie Falco) completely disintegrates, due in no small part to his endless parade of mistresses, notably Adriana (Drea de Matteo), now the lover of Tony's protégé Christopher (Michael Imperioli). Elsewhere, Tony's unstable sister Janice (Aida Turturro) goes to great and gory lengths to gain control of her late mother's valuable record collection--which gets her in big trouble with, of all people, the Russian Mafia. And Tony's treacherous Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese) is back in circulation thanks to a rigged jury, still plotting and planning to oust his nephew and take charge of the operation himself (if senility doesn't take charge of him first). In another development, Johnny Sack (Vincent Curatola) of the Lupertazzi crime family approaches Tony (by way of Paulie Walnuts [Tony Sirico]) with an offer he can't refuse: Bump off Johnny's boss Carmine Lupertazzi (Tony Lip), and Tony can write his own ticket. But the offer is refused, and the stage is set for the bloody turf war to follow in Season Five. Hal Erickson
With the sixth season split into two distinct halves, this episode of HBO†s The Sopranos is for all intents and purposes a season-premier. The action primarily takes place at a lake-house owned by Tony†s brother-in-law Bobby. Tony and Carmella have joined Bobby and Janice for some R&R and to celebrate Tony†s birthday. However, tensions soon begin to rise as Tony passively needles Bobby, pushing his buttons until violence finally breaks out between the boss and his underling. Soprano Home Movies originally aired April 8, 2007. Matthew Tobey
In the wake of an untimely demise, Tony seeks solace in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Paulie grieves the death of his mother and AJ grows apprehensive about the criminal activities of his friends. Matthew Tobey
Tony seeks an amicable agreement with Phil Leotardo with fruitless results. Meanwhile, AJ slips deeper into depression and Meadow has a disturbing run-in. Matthew Tobey
The feud between the Lupertazzis and the Sopranos reaches a boiling point as Phil Leotardo orders hits on Tony, Bobby and Silvio. Meanwhile Dr. Melfi grows disillusioned with her relationship with Tony. Matthew Tobey
In the much-discussed series finale, the feud between Tony and Phil Leotardo reaches a conclusion, Junior's senility is shown to have progressed gravely, and AJ's apathy is quelled when he gets a job in the movie business. Matthew Tobey
An auto accident involving Tony and Adriana leads to rampant suspicion that the two are having an affair. Matthew Tobey
While Carmela re-enters the dating scene, the recently paroled Tony Blundetto tries his hand at a civilian job. Matthew Tobey
While Tony meets his father's old comare who reveals some surprising things about the elder Soprano, Junior grapples with his own mortality. Matthew Tobey
The recently paroled Tony Blundetto is offered some work by the New York family, while the Soprano household plays host to a big party in honor of Carmela's father's 75th birthday. Matthew Tobey
Tony Soprano learns of a misdeed committed by Tony Blundetto and attempts to cover for his cousin. Meanwhile, Finn gets a construction job and learns a shocking secret about Vito. Matthew Tobey
Christopher and Tony Blundetto visit a rural farm to move some corpses, while back in New Jersey, Janice's temper gets the best of her. Matthew Tobey
After an old friend is murdered by members of the New York family, Tony Blundetto makes a careless and unauthorized move. Matthew Tobey
With pressure from the FBI increasing on her, Adriana comes clean with Christopher about her role as an informant. Meanwhile, Tony attempts to protect his cousin. Matthew Tobey
In the fifth season finale, Tony finds the situation with his cousin Tony Blundetto beginning to affect his own people and realizes he must make a decision. Matthew Tobey
In his comatose dream-world, Tony seeks answers about his identity and receives an invitation to an eerie family reunion. Back in the real world, Silvio struggles in his role as interim boss. Matthew Tobey
Tony befriends an aging scientist and a celebrity rapper while recuperating in the hospital. Meanwhile, a dying aunt drops a bombshell on Paulie. Matthew Tobey
Having recovered enough to get back on his feet, Tony returns to work and attends the wedding of Johnny Sack's daughter. Matthew Tobey
After Vito's secret life as a homosexual becomes public knowledge, he takes off to hide out in New Hampshire. Back in Jersey, Tony grapples with how to handle the situation. Matthew Tobey
Christopher and Little Carmine take a trip to Hollywood where they court Ben Kingsley for their movie and have an encounter with Lauren Bacall. Matthew Tobey
While Vito finds something unexpected in New Hampshire, Tony meets an attractive realtor and AJ makes a rash decision about Uncle Junior. Matthew Tobey
Christopher learns he's to be a father and decides he and Kelli should get married. Meanwhile, a carnival ride malfunction leads to a rift between Paulie and Bobby, and Carmela has a run-in with Adriana's distraught mother. Matthew Tobey
With Johnny Sack in custody, Tony sees an opportunity. Meanwhile, Bobby is injured in an attempted mugging and Meadow suffers through relationship problems. Matthew Tobey
Vito finally returns to face the family about his homosexuality. Meanwhile, Carmela vacations abroad and has a disturbing dream about Adriana. Matthew Tobey
Christopher begins using heroin again, after he begins a secret affair with one of Tony's old flames. Meanwhile, much to her husband's chagrin, Carmela's suspicions about the disappearance of Adriana grow. Matthew Tobey
Christopher's movie premieres, but it leads to misgivings on Tony's part. Meanwhile, Johnny Sack befriends a doctor while deteriorating in a prison hospital. Matthew Tobey
When the authorities beging looking into an old hit, Tony and Paulie head to Florida. Back in Jersey, Junior attempts to keep his criminal life alive in the nursing home with the help of a troubled protege. Matthew Tobey
Tony's growing gambling debt creates tension with a long-time confidante. Meanwhile, AJ proposes to Blanca and Phil Leotardo rises to power in New York. Matthew Tobey
Christopher grow more disillusioned with his life in the family and falls off the wagon. Meanwhile, AJ doesn't take his breakup with Blanca well, much to Tony's chagrin. Matthew Tobey
Following his shooting at the hands of Uncle Junior, Tony finds himself in a comatose dream state. Matthew Tobey
The sixth season premiere finds Johnny Sack in custody and Phil Leotardo assuming the role of boss in his stead. Meanwhile, one of Tony's men requests an early retirement and Uncle Junior's dimensia worsens. Matthew Tobey
The fourth season premiere finds Junior struggling to pay his legal costs and Adriana befriending an undercover FBI agent. Matthew Tobey
An off-color joke made by Ralph has the potential to create problems. Meanwhile, Christopher's ascension within the ranks leads to bitterness. Matthew Tobey
While Junior's trial begins, Silvio and Artie attempt to thwart a protest of the annual Columbus Day parade. Matthew Tobey
Animosity grows between Johnny Sack and Ralphi, while attraction blooms between Carmela and Furio. Matthew Tobey
Echoing his past admiration of animals, Tony becomes enamored with a race horse. Meanwhile, a grieving Bobby finds solace with Janice. Matthew Tobey
Tony learns of a former comare's death, and Artie Bucco enters into a dubious business arrangement. Matthew Tobey
Following Paulie's release from prison, Tony and Ralph discuss a housing scam with Zellman. Matthew Tobey
While Paulie's mother has trouble adjusting to her new retirement home, a woman comes between Tony and Ralph. Matthew Tobey
The rift between Tony and Ralph reaches a crescendo. Meanwhile, Junior hopes to avoid trial. Matthew Tobey
After Christopher's substance abuse gets out of hand, Tony organizes an intervention. Matthew Tobey
Tensions mount between the New Jersey and New York families over a housing scam. Meanwhile, Tony has another vivid dream and Bobby is bereft with grief. Matthew Tobey
While Carmela and Furio deal with unspoken feelings, a disagreement leads to problems between the two families. Matthew Tobey
In the fourth season finale, Tony and Carmela's relationship begins to crumble under the weight of their marital problems, and Junior's trial concludes. Matthew Tobey
In the fifth season opener, AJ and Carmela are shocked to encounter a ferocious bear in the backyard. Meanwhile, Tony attempts to court Dr. Melfi. Matthew Tobey
After a long prison sentence, Tony's cousin Tony Blundetto is paroled and finds the world a changed place. Matthew Tobey
Stricken with dementia, Uncle Junior wanders out on his own. Meanwhile, Feech La Manna becomes a potential liability. Matthew Tobey
While Carmela loses control of AJ, Tony looks for a way to deal with the aging Feech La Manna. Matthew Tobey
Loading...Performance Credits | ||
| James Gandolfini (Films)(Biography) | Actor | |
| Edie Falco (Films)(Biography) | Actress | |
| Michael Imperioli (Films)(Biography) | Actor | |
| Lorraine Bracco (Films) | Actress | |
| Dominic Chianese | Actor | |
| Steven Van Zandt | Actor | |
| Tony Sirico | Actor | |
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