The power vacuum in New York starts to cause problems, whilst Corrado shows symptoms of dementia.
This is an excellent episode with great character moments and incredibly good performances.
The story contains plenty of great drama and moments of black humour in the relationships of various characters in both types of family.
Any portrayal of dementia has a personal interest to me, as Alzheimer's disease is prevalent in my family and this is a good one with a number of relatable scenes. As much of a ruthless, cantankerous man Corrado has been depicted in The Sopranos, it is sad to watch this depiction of the character. Additionally the family squabbling centred around his care and wellbeing is darkly funny and also quite recognisable. Dominic Chianese is amazing throughout this episode and the final exchange between him and James Gandolfini is a classic moment. Steve Schirripa and Aida Turturro are both superb as well.
For me the situation in New York generates some very amusing scenes. I think it's impossible not to find some humour in the mock execution scene. Frank Vincent was destined to play a part in the Sopranos and the writers make the most of him with the first real glimpse of Phil Leotardo's aggressive side. Plus the various meetings with Johnny Sac are very funny, particularly the one involving Christopher. The writers by this point in the show are cleverly developing these characters to be major antagonists and it pays off in later episodes. Vincent Curatola is fantastic in his scenes, particularly when his character loses it.
The subplot involving Paulie and Feetch is also entertaining and you cannot help but feel sorry for the poor gardener caught between all these self-centred thugs. Paulie can be hilarious one minute, then vicious, sly and underhanded in the next. Tony Serico and Robert Loggia are both on great form.
As ever the production values are tremendous, with not only great cinematography and production design, but very clever editing.
It's a 9.5/10 for me but I round upwards.
This is an excellent episode with great character moments and incredibly good performances.
The story contains plenty of great drama and moments of black humour in the relationships of various characters in both types of family.
Any portrayal of dementia has a personal interest to me, as Alzheimer's disease is prevalent in my family and this is a good one with a number of relatable scenes. As much of a ruthless, cantankerous man Corrado has been depicted in The Sopranos, it is sad to watch this depiction of the character. Additionally the family squabbling centred around his care and wellbeing is darkly funny and also quite recognisable. Dominic Chianese is amazing throughout this episode and the final exchange between him and James Gandolfini is a classic moment. Steve Schirripa and Aida Turturro are both superb as well.
For me the situation in New York generates some very amusing scenes. I think it's impossible not to find some humour in the mock execution scene. Frank Vincent was destined to play a part in the Sopranos and the writers make the most of him with the first real glimpse of Phil Leotardo's aggressive side. Plus the various meetings with Johnny Sac are very funny, particularly the one involving Christopher. The writers by this point in the show are cleverly developing these characters to be major antagonists and it pays off in later episodes. Vincent Curatola is fantastic in his scenes, particularly when his character loses it.
The subplot involving Paulie and Feetch is also entertaining and you cannot help but feel sorry for the poor gardener caught between all these self-centred thugs. Paulie can be hilarious one minute, then vicious, sly and underhanded in the next. Tony Serico and Robert Loggia are both on great form.
As ever the production values are tremendous, with not only great cinematography and production design, but very clever editing.
It's a 9.5/10 for me but I round upwards.