This is my second time watching The Sopranos and this episode never ceases to amaze me. Penned by Terry Winter and directed by Timmy Van Patten, one of many collaborations between the two, Long Term Park sets in motion the final story of The Sopranos that will lead us to the finale: the war between New Jersey and New York.
This season is the best of The Sopranos, many rate season three and season six as the best and while both seasons have great episodes and storylines, neither was as effective with its message/themes for that season. Season five kicked off with Two Tony's which was about the introduction of Tony B and the two sides of Tony Soprano, the loving family man and the ruthless mobster. This season we've been wrestling with the two more than any other. Tony loved Melfi yet aggressively cussed her out when rejected him. Tony loved Christopher yet almost engaged in an affair with Chris' fiancée and then almost killed him when he found out. Tony liked Adriana but had to get her killed when she posed a threat to his business. Finally Tony loves his cousin Blundetto, but will have to kill him to spare him torture at the hand of Leotardo.
In essence this is what the show has always been about, the conflicting sides to Tony. This conflict has brought us to a showdown which will govern the entire sixth season.
This episode is a true masterpiece, among the best hours of television history.
This season is the best of The Sopranos, many rate season three and season six as the best and while both seasons have great episodes and storylines, neither was as effective with its message/themes for that season. Season five kicked off with Two Tony's which was about the introduction of Tony B and the two sides of Tony Soprano, the loving family man and the ruthless mobster. This season we've been wrestling with the two more than any other. Tony loved Melfi yet aggressively cussed her out when rejected him. Tony loved Christopher yet almost engaged in an affair with Chris' fiancée and then almost killed him when he found out. Tony liked Adriana but had to get her killed when she posed a threat to his business. Finally Tony loves his cousin Blundetto, but will have to kill him to spare him torture at the hand of Leotardo.
In essence this is what the show has always been about, the conflicting sides to Tony. This conflict has brought us to a showdown which will govern the entire sixth season.
This episode is a true masterpiece, among the best hours of television history.