This is a powerful and memorable episode.
The plot mostly follows Dr Melfi through a horrific experience and portrays her suffering and dealing with it in a fairly subtle way. Whilst doing so it cleverly contrasts her underlying feelings towards her husband and Tony.
The subplot involving Janice fits in well with the main narrative. Tony being reluctantly dragged into her problems is ironic when we know how much he would passionately wade into the other situation.
Everything builds towards a brilliant final scene and few seconds in Melfi's office, which is the moral crux of the story and arguably the most impactful finish to a Sopranos episode. There is one plot development regarding the police that feels a little bit contrived to fit what the writers need to happen, but it is a fairly minor issue.
Visually it is very effective. The shock scene is incredibly difficult to watch, and so it should be considering what is being depicted. There is a later scene where a character returns to the same location and it is quite haunting. The associated dream sequence is very well done.
Lorraine Bracco delivers a harrowing performance and James Gandolfini is great as always.
It's a 9.5/10 for me but I round upwards.
The plot mostly follows Dr Melfi through a horrific experience and portrays her suffering and dealing with it in a fairly subtle way. Whilst doing so it cleverly contrasts her underlying feelings towards her husband and Tony.
The subplot involving Janice fits in well with the main narrative. Tony being reluctantly dragged into her problems is ironic when we know how much he would passionately wade into the other situation.
Everything builds towards a brilliant final scene and few seconds in Melfi's office, which is the moral crux of the story and arguably the most impactful finish to a Sopranos episode. There is one plot development regarding the police that feels a little bit contrived to fit what the writers need to happen, but it is a fairly minor issue.
Visually it is very effective. The shock scene is incredibly difficult to watch, and so it should be considering what is being depicted. There is a later scene where a character returns to the same location and it is quite haunting. The associated dream sequence is very well done.
Lorraine Bracco delivers a harrowing performance and James Gandolfini is great as always.
It's a 9.5/10 for me but I round upwards.