Richie Aprile is released from prison and immediately causes problems.
This is a memorable episode for a number of incidents and strong character moments.
Aprile makes the biggest impact of the episode. From his first appearance and throughout you sense only one thing from the character: trouble. It is testament to clever writing and also the performance of David Proval that you can take such an instant dislike to someone who not only puts you on edge with what he says and does, but just from the look in his eyes. As violent and murderous as Tony can be, you side with him instantly in his dealings with this character.
I love the parental issues that Tony and Carmela experience with Meadow. The irony associated with a character who controls the New Jersey underworld having rings run around him by his teenage daughter is outstanding. It also follows on well from the themes explored in the season one episode 'Down Neck' that explored parental influences on the behaviour of children.
Related to this is for me the most entertaining scene in the episode involving an emotive sequence of dialogue between Tony, Carmela and Janice. This is a great moment that is fantastically written and performed. Again the writers cleverly make sure you stay on side with certain characters.
James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Aida Turturro, Lorraine Bracco, and Nancy Marchand are all on excellent form.
As ever the production values are superb, with great cinematography, particularly the shots of Proval that help make Aprile look like a complete psychopath.
This is a memorable episode for a number of incidents and strong character moments.
Aprile makes the biggest impact of the episode. From his first appearance and throughout you sense only one thing from the character: trouble. It is testament to clever writing and also the performance of David Proval that you can take such an instant dislike to someone who not only puts you on edge with what he says and does, but just from the look in his eyes. As violent and murderous as Tony can be, you side with him instantly in his dealings with this character.
I love the parental issues that Tony and Carmela experience with Meadow. The irony associated with a character who controls the New Jersey underworld having rings run around him by his teenage daughter is outstanding. It also follows on well from the themes explored in the season one episode 'Down Neck' that explored parental influences on the behaviour of children.
Related to this is for me the most entertaining scene in the episode involving an emotive sequence of dialogue between Tony, Carmela and Janice. This is a great moment that is fantastically written and performed. Again the writers cleverly make sure you stay on side with certain characters.
James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Aida Turturro, Lorraine Bracco, and Nancy Marchand are all on excellent form.
As ever the production values are superb, with great cinematography, particularly the shots of Proval that help make Aprile look like a complete psychopath.