To what extent can somebody's actions be blamed on their heritage and upbringing? In "Down Neck", one of the most important episodes of the series, this question is debated but not entirely answered. Given that much of this episode focuses on Tony's horrific upbringing, one could easily come away from the episode assuming that Tony's behaviours and life choices were set in stone by his upbringing. As such, we see A.J. blossoming into a restless and disobedient teenager just as Tony had been, with Tony becoming increasingly defensive of his son during the episode. We may see the final scene of father and son enjoying ice cream together as a sign that Tony is wanting to instill good memories into is son, thus breaking the cycle of torment in the Soprano family. This is misleading optimistic however - when 'White Rabbit' is used once again during this final scene after first being used during Tony's first flashback to his childhood, it appears to signify that nothing has really changed. Indeed, bonding over food is not exactly a healthy behaviour to have, given that the two are already overweight. Just as the narrator of 'White Rabbit' spirals through the temporarily transformative effects of psychedelic drugs, A.J. too will eventually spiral as the illusions of safety he has been fed for all of his life will be shattered, one by one.
Of course, Tony DID have a choice in his life. As Dr. Melfi tells him, not everything that happens is predestined. While the idea of there being a "rotten, putrid Soprano gene" (to quote Tony in 'Army of One') is a tempting justification, this is nullified by the fact that one of Tony's own sisters, Barbara, managed never to get caught up in the mafia world. Tony undoubtedly perpetuates the idea that everything is preordained in order to escape any accountability for his actions. This is not only seen in the way he talks about A.J., but in his conversation with Livia as well. While Livia denying Johnny the opportunity to move to Nevada is one that undoubtedly affected the life of their children, Tony blaming Livia's decision for the trajectory of his and Johnny's lives is oversimplified and also hypocritical, as we see from Tony's own refusal of the opportunity to flee in the final episode of season one. When Livia remarks that Tony's therapy is a way for him to "blame somebody for his life", it is actually not far from the truth at all. This is of course evident by the end of the show, as Dr. Melfi concludes Tony's therapy following the belated realisation that she is only enabling his actions.
Again, this was another terrific episode of a show that is only just beginning. To be honest, the only significant thing keeping me from rating this a 10/10 is the fact that it is rather poorly edited, what with its distracting flash fade transitions and some laughably obvious dubbing.
Of course, Tony DID have a choice in his life. As Dr. Melfi tells him, not everything that happens is predestined. While the idea of there being a "rotten, putrid Soprano gene" (to quote Tony in 'Army of One') is a tempting justification, this is nullified by the fact that one of Tony's own sisters, Barbara, managed never to get caught up in the mafia world. Tony undoubtedly perpetuates the idea that everything is preordained in order to escape any accountability for his actions. This is not only seen in the way he talks about A.J., but in his conversation with Livia as well. While Livia denying Johnny the opportunity to move to Nevada is one that undoubtedly affected the life of their children, Tony blaming Livia's decision for the trajectory of his and Johnny's lives is oversimplified and also hypocritical, as we see from Tony's own refusal of the opportunity to flee in the final episode of season one. When Livia remarks that Tony's therapy is a way for him to "blame somebody for his life", it is actually not far from the truth at all. This is of course evident by the end of the show, as Dr. Melfi concludes Tony's therapy following the belated realisation that she is only enabling his actions.
Again, this was another terrific episode of a show that is only just beginning. To be honest, the only significant thing keeping me from rating this a 10/10 is the fact that it is rather poorly edited, what with its distracting flash fade transitions and some laughably obvious dubbing.