From what I've been told, the pre-credits sequence in this episode is a once in a lifetime occurrence in the series, which can only signify its importance. It's a really interesting scene too – as a former wise-guy is interviewed on a television set, Tony and his friends discuss cloning, the Eiffel Tower, Lady Diana, and the programme on the television. Seeing their reactions to the man in the TV declaring the glory days of the mafia to be over is somewhat curious – it demonstrated that these men knew that they were mobsters, they acknowledged it. They also despised those who spoke against their organisation. Plus it was cool just to see these guys playing cards and talking about the trivial talk.
The dude in the TV brings up an interesting point. He claims that the modern mafia have lost their mojo, that the sense of honour and the code of silence that kept them strong for so many years was gone. The mafia had eaten itself inside out. What's also interesting is that this point is recognised by both Tony Soprano and Chris Moltisanti on separate occasions in this episode. No doubt that this will play a huge part in future story lines. Other than that the intro allows for Silvio to cheer up the crew by hilariously quoting Al Pacino's most famous line from The Godfather Part III, "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in."
46 Long is an excellent episode. It feels like the true beginning of The Sopranos. Tony's accent has been changed to make it more authentic, the characters are more recognisable, and the story seems to be fleshing itself out. It all seems more coherent and streamlined. I imagine, now that the cast and crew knew the series had been officially green lighted, they all brought their A game.
There are multiple plot threads in the second episode, the key of which involves Chris and his idiotic friend Brenden Filone hijacking trucks which belong to Tony's Uncle Junior, which prompts several arguments and lessons learned for the troublesome youths. Despite his recklessness and inability to control his outbursts Chris is shown to be loyal to Tony. The other major plot line involves a continuation of Tony's troubles with his mother, which have amplified so much that she has ended up setting fire to her house and running over her friends. After many hilarious rants from both mother and son, she eventually (and grudgingly) agrees to move into the nursing home- I mean, a retirement community. This scene if followed by a particularly touching one of a teary-eyed Tony going through his mum's old portrait photos .and having one of his now- infamous anxiety attacks. Which brings us back to the shrink meeting with Lorraine Bracco, in which Tony, in spite of his mother's inappropriate behaviour and the psychiatrist's provoking questions, defends his mother. He states, rather movingly, that it is a son's duty to care for his mother.
The third plot line involves that of Anthony Jr's teacher having his car stolen and Tony, for all the wrong reasons of course, offers to find it for him using the dynamic duo Paulie and Salvatore. This pairing is something else. I was cracking up so much at the antics from these two as they searched for clues on the whereabouts of the vehicle, especially Paulie. From his ingenious breaking-and-entry method to his bemoaning of the theft of Italian culture. Not to mention they fail to deliver the car but refuse to give up – Anthony Jr's teacher is bemused when he finds his car safely in the parking area. Except with none of his papers. And it's a different colour. And the paint is still wet.
In conclusion I very much enjoyed what I think is the real opening of The Sopranos, as it contained plenty of humour and drama, juggling the two well enough for a seamless 50 minutes of gangster life.
My Rating: 8/10
Full Review: http://cineranter.wordpress.com/2014/09/05/the-sopranos- review-s1e2-46-long/
The dude in the TV brings up an interesting point. He claims that the modern mafia have lost their mojo, that the sense of honour and the code of silence that kept them strong for so many years was gone. The mafia had eaten itself inside out. What's also interesting is that this point is recognised by both Tony Soprano and Chris Moltisanti on separate occasions in this episode. No doubt that this will play a huge part in future story lines. Other than that the intro allows for Silvio to cheer up the crew by hilariously quoting Al Pacino's most famous line from The Godfather Part III, "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in."
46 Long is an excellent episode. It feels like the true beginning of The Sopranos. Tony's accent has been changed to make it more authentic, the characters are more recognisable, and the story seems to be fleshing itself out. It all seems more coherent and streamlined. I imagine, now that the cast and crew knew the series had been officially green lighted, they all brought their A game.
There are multiple plot threads in the second episode, the key of which involves Chris and his idiotic friend Brenden Filone hijacking trucks which belong to Tony's Uncle Junior, which prompts several arguments and lessons learned for the troublesome youths. Despite his recklessness and inability to control his outbursts Chris is shown to be loyal to Tony. The other major plot line involves a continuation of Tony's troubles with his mother, which have amplified so much that she has ended up setting fire to her house and running over her friends. After many hilarious rants from both mother and son, she eventually (and grudgingly) agrees to move into the nursing home- I mean, a retirement community. This scene if followed by a particularly touching one of a teary-eyed Tony going through his mum's old portrait photos .and having one of his now- infamous anxiety attacks. Which brings us back to the shrink meeting with Lorraine Bracco, in which Tony, in spite of his mother's inappropriate behaviour and the psychiatrist's provoking questions, defends his mother. He states, rather movingly, that it is a son's duty to care for his mother.
The third plot line involves that of Anthony Jr's teacher having his car stolen and Tony, for all the wrong reasons of course, offers to find it for him using the dynamic duo Paulie and Salvatore. This pairing is something else. I was cracking up so much at the antics from these two as they searched for clues on the whereabouts of the vehicle, especially Paulie. From his ingenious breaking-and-entry method to his bemoaning of the theft of Italian culture. Not to mention they fail to deliver the car but refuse to give up – Anthony Jr's teacher is bemused when he finds his car safely in the parking area. Except with none of his papers. And it's a different colour. And the paint is still wet.
In conclusion I very much enjoyed what I think is the real opening of The Sopranos, as it contained plenty of humour and drama, juggling the two well enough for a seamless 50 minutes of gangster life.
My Rating: 8/10
Full Review: http://cineranter.wordpress.com/2014/09/05/the-sopranos- review-s1e2-46-long/