I just watched this again today. The scene that always gets me is when Junior goes to the union office to confront Bobbie about her mouthing off about his going down on her. She looks so vulnerable when she says she got hungry and ate a piece of chicken. It kills me.
15 Reviews
"They made me an offer I couldn't refuse"
MaxBorg8927 February 2008
After the Goodfellas reference in Episode 8, the show gets more ambitious by directly quoting The Godfather, and in a context that is all but majestic on top of that. And yet, as usual, the result is a masterpiece in televised storytelling.
The person who makes that remark is the soccer coach who has been training the girls' team for years. As many of the Italians have their daughters in the team (Tony, Artie and Silvio among them), they are not very happy to learn he is leaving. Their feelings do change quite quickly, however, the moment they hear he might have abused some of the girls. Meanwhile, Carmela becomes aware of an embarrassing detail in Uncle Junior's sex life and can't resist the urge to tell her husband, who naturally starts mocking Junior right away. Too bad the old fella ain't in the mood for jokes, especially after hearing from Livia that Tony is seeing a psychiatrist.
This is one of the finest hours of The Sopranos, as it juggles an uncomfortable storyline and twisted humor with a precision that's mainly unseen in mainstream TV shows. Rape and child abuse have never been a problem for HBO (the former was featured often on Oz), but this time the incriminating act is not depicted on screen: Meadow's harrowing recollections and her father's gut-induced reaction are more than enough. On the flip-side, the serial's acerbic, adult humor emerges at its most perverse in a conversation between Carmela, Uncle Junior and Tony: "Uncle Jun', how was Boca?" the Soprano boss asks about his uncle's most recent vacation. "Lovely! I don't go down enough." is the answer. "That's not what I heard." Carm comments sarcastically (just to enhance the irony: "boca" means "mouth" in Spanish). Even for a network that made its name with Sex and the City, such a double entendre must have been quite edgy when the episode first aired in 1999; that it works, and instills dread as well as laughter is all due to the careful acting (Dominic Chianese's above all), and the scene stands out as a masterclass in great writing, also for its foreboding aspect (I mean, Junior can't let this kind of insult pass by unnoticed).
Overall, an excellent episode and, ironically given The Sopranos is the best drama series ever produced, a really good laugh.
The person who makes that remark is the soccer coach who has been training the girls' team for years. As many of the Italians have their daughters in the team (Tony, Artie and Silvio among them), they are not very happy to learn he is leaving. Their feelings do change quite quickly, however, the moment they hear he might have abused some of the girls. Meanwhile, Carmela becomes aware of an embarrassing detail in Uncle Junior's sex life and can't resist the urge to tell her husband, who naturally starts mocking Junior right away. Too bad the old fella ain't in the mood for jokes, especially after hearing from Livia that Tony is seeing a psychiatrist.
This is one of the finest hours of The Sopranos, as it juggles an uncomfortable storyline and twisted humor with a precision that's mainly unseen in mainstream TV shows. Rape and child abuse have never been a problem for HBO (the former was featured often on Oz), but this time the incriminating act is not depicted on screen: Meadow's harrowing recollections and her father's gut-induced reaction are more than enough. On the flip-side, the serial's acerbic, adult humor emerges at its most perverse in a conversation between Carmela, Uncle Junior and Tony: "Uncle Jun', how was Boca?" the Soprano boss asks about his uncle's most recent vacation. "Lovely! I don't go down enough." is the answer. "That's not what I heard." Carm comments sarcastically (just to enhance the irony: "boca" means "mouth" in Spanish). Even for a network that made its name with Sex and the City, such a double entendre must have been quite edgy when the episode first aired in 1999; that it works, and instills dread as well as laughter is all due to the careful acting (Dominic Chianese's above all), and the scene stands out as a masterclass in great writing, also for its foreboding aspect (I mean, Junior can't let this kind of insult pass by unnoticed).
Overall, an excellent episode and, ironically given The Sopranos is the best drama series ever produced, a really good laugh.
"Oh my God, if this ever gets out..."
edantheman22 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
For an episode about word of mouth when spreading rumours (among other things you can do with your mouth), 'Boca' ('mouth' in Italian/Spanish) is a perfect title. The rumours concern Uncle Junior's 'eating habits' when 'going down' to Boca Raton with his lady-friend Bobby, and Tony's visits to a psychiatrist's. Junior's 'weakness' is used by Tony (after having been informed by Carmela -herself learning it from the channels of gossip) when his Uncle Junior "deals another tremendous blow to his self-esteem" at the golf course in front of the guys. So, in turn, Junior uses his mouth as a weapon (though not in the way we already know him to), telling Mikey Palmice in the locker rooms of Tony the 'mental midget' who sees a head-doctor, in order to certify a hit for his insults. As Tony himself will say later in the season, "Who would've thought cunnilingus and psychiatry could've brought us to this?" It's a very 'written' line as Chase admits, but too good an opportunity for a writer to miss.
In the episode's equally well-written B story, Meadow's football ('soccer') coach Don Hauser has been made an offer he couldn't refuse -a placement at a prestigious Rhode Island sports college. Dads Tony, Sil and Artie won't stand for this -just when the girls are really kicking arse ('butt')- so they beg him, offer him gifts, and eventually threaten his dog. But "Don Hauser will not be intimidated... or threatened, or bribed". However, it turns out that the perceptively clean-cut coach Hauser is trying to escape an inappropriate relationship he was having with one of Meadow's recently (and now, not surprisingly) suicidal football team-mates, and this at first stirs the same feelings in fathers Artie and Sil, who bay for blood.
Tony seems fairly shell-shocked after the whole incident, that is, until he enters Dr Melfi's office -where he lets it all out. He declares his disregard for modern practises of 'rehabilitation', preferring to enact justice himself in an 'unjust world'. "You'd call the cops, who'd get some judge, who'd give him psychiatric counselling, and maybe we can have sympathy for the f*ck", is how he ironically taunts Melfi and her 'sheltered' liberal views after we have listened to 'this f*ck' offer innumerable reasons for his sociopathy in his numerous psychiatric sessions. Melfi counters this by asking him 'why he feels he must always set things right?' Because he can, is this viewer's retort. For Tony is, to paraphrase Junior's Counsellor Melvoin, a necessary "wheel of justice", "turn{ing} slowly" but turning, unlike the authorities in the show's world who aren't interested in justice, but rather in 'codes and conduct'.
Over at Artie's, our favourite chef asks Charmagne, himself and the viewer: "Who's worse: Tony Soprano or that child-molesting f*ck?" It's a good question, one which we will ask ourselves again. Charmagne nearly betters it when she asks Artie whether he wants the man dead for selfish reasons or not, which is what finally persuades him and what he will use to try and persuade Tony at the Bing.
This was the first time we came to know the power 'the channels of gossip' held over these people and their very lives, and at first it seemed absurd that a Capo was going to be whacked over implying his uncle the Don was into 'c*ntlapping', but it only got more absurd and bizarrely, more real, from here (remember Ginnigate?). It was these 'bigger-than-life' characters and the absurdities of their situations that made 'The Sopranos' relateable television.
The irony is further laid on when Tony actually calls the police, whether it was due to Artie's Charmagne-influenced last-minute warning or Melfi's warning that she was bound to alert the authorities 'if any wrongdoing' occurred. It ends with him entering his house pilled up to the eyeballs on medication, exclaiming "Carmela, I didn't hurt nobody" as he collapses on the floor in a giggling fit. This raises the question, 'does Tony Soprano have a conscience, or is he just out to save his own hide?"
In the episode's equally well-written B story, Meadow's football ('soccer') coach Don Hauser has been made an offer he couldn't refuse -a placement at a prestigious Rhode Island sports college. Dads Tony, Sil and Artie won't stand for this -just when the girls are really kicking arse ('butt')- so they beg him, offer him gifts, and eventually threaten his dog. But "Don Hauser will not be intimidated... or threatened, or bribed". However, it turns out that the perceptively clean-cut coach Hauser is trying to escape an inappropriate relationship he was having with one of Meadow's recently (and now, not surprisingly) suicidal football team-mates, and this at first stirs the same feelings in fathers Artie and Sil, who bay for blood.
Tony seems fairly shell-shocked after the whole incident, that is, until he enters Dr Melfi's office -where he lets it all out. He declares his disregard for modern practises of 'rehabilitation', preferring to enact justice himself in an 'unjust world'. "You'd call the cops, who'd get some judge, who'd give him psychiatric counselling, and maybe we can have sympathy for the f*ck", is how he ironically taunts Melfi and her 'sheltered' liberal views after we have listened to 'this f*ck' offer innumerable reasons for his sociopathy in his numerous psychiatric sessions. Melfi counters this by asking him 'why he feels he must always set things right?' Because he can, is this viewer's retort. For Tony is, to paraphrase Junior's Counsellor Melvoin, a necessary "wheel of justice", "turn{ing} slowly" but turning, unlike the authorities in the show's world who aren't interested in justice, but rather in 'codes and conduct'.
Over at Artie's, our favourite chef asks Charmagne, himself and the viewer: "Who's worse: Tony Soprano or that child-molesting f*ck?" It's a good question, one which we will ask ourselves again. Charmagne nearly betters it when she asks Artie whether he wants the man dead for selfish reasons or not, which is what finally persuades him and what he will use to try and persuade Tony at the Bing.
This was the first time we came to know the power 'the channels of gossip' held over these people and their very lives, and at first it seemed absurd that a Capo was going to be whacked over implying his uncle the Don was into 'c*ntlapping', but it only got more absurd and bizarrely, more real, from here (remember Ginnigate?). It was these 'bigger-than-life' characters and the absurdities of their situations that made 'The Sopranos' relateable television.
The irony is further laid on when Tony actually calls the police, whether it was due to Artie's Charmagne-influenced last-minute warning or Melfi's warning that she was bound to alert the authorities 'if any wrongdoing' occurred. It ends with him entering his house pilled up to the eyeballs on medication, exclaiming "Carmela, I didn't hurt nobody" as he collapses on the floor in a giggling fit. This raises the question, 'does Tony Soprano have a conscience, or is he just out to save his own hide?"
Pass me the red peppers
snoozejonc12 February 2022
Tony deals with a difficult situation involving Meadow's soccer coach and Junior suffers embarrassment from the mouths of gossips.
This is another memorable episode with fabulous black comedy, philosophical themes and great character moments.
Junior has a considerable amount of screen time and for me has some of the best scenes. His plot contains moments of great humour, strong drama and has importance to the overarching narrative of the season. Dominic Chianese gives one of his best performances with a display of comic timing, controlled rage, and tortured emotions. We see another side to the character and in glimpses he portrays how difficult and upsetting Junior finds living by the code of being a mobster.
Similarly Tony is depicted as someone who lives in an a mostly inflexible world that expects him to always project strength. The writers give him a dilemma that shows whether or not there are more sides to his character and if he can make moral decisions outside of the code. James Gandolfini is superb as ever taking the strong material written for the character and making it brilliant. He delivers humour, intimidation, parental angst, and vulnerability all perfectly.
Livia, Artie, Charmaine, and Silvio all have great moments that contribute strongly to the plot and entertainment of the episode. As ever their actors do fantastic work.
Visually it contains strong cinematography and editing. Some of the angles used to portray Tony in different situations are very nicely done. The opening soccer scene isn't particularly well choreographed (in a sporting sense) but the watching parents make up for that by being so funny.
I don't think it's a perfect episode, as there are certain contrivances that send the plot in the direction it needs to go. I have always been conflicted watching Kevin O'Rourke as Coach Howser. He is entertaining when on screen, but at times feels like a bit of a caricature. However, it is overall a great example of a self-contained story that is also important to what comes in later episodes.
For me it's a 9.5/10 but I round upwards.
This is another memorable episode with fabulous black comedy, philosophical themes and great character moments.
Junior has a considerable amount of screen time and for me has some of the best scenes. His plot contains moments of great humour, strong drama and has importance to the overarching narrative of the season. Dominic Chianese gives one of his best performances with a display of comic timing, controlled rage, and tortured emotions. We see another side to the character and in glimpses he portrays how difficult and upsetting Junior finds living by the code of being a mobster.
Similarly Tony is depicted as someone who lives in an a mostly inflexible world that expects him to always project strength. The writers give him a dilemma that shows whether or not there are more sides to his character and if he can make moral decisions outside of the code. James Gandolfini is superb as ever taking the strong material written for the character and making it brilliant. He delivers humour, intimidation, parental angst, and vulnerability all perfectly.
Livia, Artie, Charmaine, and Silvio all have great moments that contribute strongly to the plot and entertainment of the episode. As ever their actors do fantastic work.
Visually it contains strong cinematography and editing. Some of the angles used to portray Tony in different situations are very nicely done. The opening soccer scene isn't particularly well choreographed (in a sporting sense) but the watching parents make up for that by being so funny.
I don't think it's a perfect episode, as there are certain contrivances that send the plot in the direction it needs to go. I have always been conflicted watching Kevin O'Rourke as Coach Howser. He is entertaining when on screen, but at times feels like a bit of a caricature. However, it is overall a great example of a self-contained story that is also important to what comes in later episodes.
For me it's a 9.5/10 but I round upwards.
The Sopranos Review: S1E9
The-Social-Introvert27 October 2014
"They made me an offer I couldn't refuse." After the Goodfellas references last week, we get one better as the show quotes The Godfather. The reference is made by the girls' football (that's right Americans! Football, not soccer) coach who the mob, seeing as though many of their daughters play for the team, are not happy that he has decided to leave. The majority of the episode is taken up by Paulie, Salvadore and Chris' attempts to bribe, bully and blackmail the coach into staying. Their attitude soon changes, however, when it is discovered that the coach has slept with one of the girls
multiple times. Naturally the mob would like to kick the guy's teeth in but after a heated discussion with Artie (whose thinking is mostly done by his wife) and a warning from Dr Melfi that she would call the authorities Tony wisely decides against hurting the coach, and opts to allow the police to deal with the situation. It does beg the question of whether Tony has a conscience or was just trying to save his own skin. Meanwhile, in an episode full of immature gossiping, there are rumours that Junior "goes down" with his lady friend Bobby when at Boca Raton, which is seen as a sign of weakness. The word of mouth (Geddit? Geddit?) reaches Tony. Dr Melfi doesn't share his amusement, and Carmela finds his glee a sign of hypocrisy
seeing as though he does it himself. Still, it was nice to see Tony and Carmela get along so well, even if it was at the expense of the Boss. This was one of the finest hours of The Sopranos, as two uncomfortable story lines are juggled with enough humour and self- awareness that the whole think is made very entertaining. Tony fires under-the-radar insults at Uncle Junior at a golf course, such as: Tony: "Uncle Jun', how was Boca?" Junior: Lovely! I don't go down enough!" Tony: "That's not what I heard." It's a cracking scene, but the smile was soon wiped off my face as Junior blurts out to his right hand man that nobody would be able to say anything if he thought about clipping Tony. Whoa. That's some heavy ****. But knowing Junior, Tony's behaviour won't go unpunished. First to get some chastisement is Bobby herself. In a scene accompanied by some beautiful orchestral music, Junior majestically
um, shoves a cake in her face. Still, could be worse. And knowing Junior, it's probably gonna get a lot worse
My Rating: 7.5/10
A tricky turn or two
ctomvelu-128 July 2008
Tony, Artie and Silvio worship their kids' soccer coach, so when he decides to move on, they pressure him to stay. However, things take a sharp turn when they discover why he's trying to move on. Meanwhile, Junior is in Boca with his gal pal, and munching plenty of carpet. He implores her not to say anything, but she can't resist. In turn, Carmela tells Tony. On the golf course, Junior and Tony trade insults until Tony, stung by one particular comment, decides to fight back and offers up several euphemisms about his uncle's special talent. Junior meanwhile has found out Tony is seeing a shrink, and decides to expose Tony. You know war is on the way. A great episode. The dialog during the golf course scene is funny and slightly scary at the same time. Junior may be old but he's still a fighter.
"They don't sell hot dogs here. They took the bleachers out two years ago."
Hey_Sweden27 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The main story thread in this typically excellent episode involves the girls' soccer team. They're flourishing under the coaching by a man named Don Hauser (Kevin O'Rourke). In fact, the capos are so happy with his work that they'll stoop to any method - extortion, bribery - to prevent him from moving to greener pastures. That is, until they uncover some very disgusting news about the guy. Of course, they're intent on dishing out their own brand of justice. And while this is going on, there's a humorous subplot about Uncle Junior, and his willingness to perform oral sex on his girlfriend (Robyn Peterson). And when word of this gets out, it causes him much embarrassment. And it also leads to some hilarious dialogue when Tony finds out, and repeatedly teases his uncle about it. Uncle Junior, meanwhile, is absolutely disgusted at the idea of Tony seeing a shrink, and he and Mikey worry that he's spilling his guts about all the family business.
'Boca' (referring to both the location of Boca Raton, and the Italian word 'bocca', meaning mouth) is a superb mixture of genuinely funny moments and some very serious ones. Although he's initially as angry as the others about the coach, Artie ends up imploring Tony to let the regular justice system have its way with the creep. And Tony spends an interesting time mulling over this prospect. Artie's wife Charmaine, meanwhile, is not exactly an admirer of her husbands' mafioso friend, or his standard way of doing things.
The acting is once again superb from everybody concerned. Characters like Livia and especially Christopher don't get much to do this time around, but 'Boca' is a wonderful showcase for both James Gandolfini and Dominic Chianese. The latter has great chemistry with Peterson during their happier moments, and also gets a chance to be somewhat scary when Uncle Junior lets his ugly side come out. One great moment has Tony approaching a baseball cap wearing restaurant patron. (He doesn't approve of head wear in a fancy place like that.) We can see that Tony doesn't have to do or say much at moments like that. His mere presence is intimidating enough. And the kid naturally is suitably cowed.
The writing (the script is by Jason Cahill, Robin Green, & Mitchell Burgess) is as riveting as it's ever been.
Eight out of 10.
'Boca' (referring to both the location of Boca Raton, and the Italian word 'bocca', meaning mouth) is a superb mixture of genuinely funny moments and some very serious ones. Although he's initially as angry as the others about the coach, Artie ends up imploring Tony to let the regular justice system have its way with the creep. And Tony spends an interesting time mulling over this prospect. Artie's wife Charmaine, meanwhile, is not exactly an admirer of her husbands' mafioso friend, or his standard way of doing things.
The acting is once again superb from everybody concerned. Characters like Livia and especially Christopher don't get much to do this time around, but 'Boca' is a wonderful showcase for both James Gandolfini and Dominic Chianese. The latter has great chemistry with Peterson during their happier moments, and also gets a chance to be somewhat scary when Uncle Junior lets his ugly side come out. One great moment has Tony approaching a baseball cap wearing restaurant patron. (He doesn't approve of head wear in a fancy place like that.) We can see that Tony doesn't have to do or say much at moments like that. His mere presence is intimidating enough. And the kid naturally is suitably cowed.
The writing (the script is by Jason Cahill, Robin Green, & Mitchell Burgess) is as riveting as it's ever been.
Eight out of 10.
Great episode but one thing is confusing.
arturoquintana8520 May 2022
Very well written episode. The only thing that I'm confused about though is: there is a scene where a character who introduces himself as Clarence is delivering a TV, I noticed a striking similarity to another character, one Paulie Walnuts. However, when I look at the actor Tony Sirico in the cast on here it says he plays Paulie Walnuts Gaultieri; there's no mention of Clarence. Does Mr. Sirico have a brother or look-alike that was on this episode or is am I just seeing a similarity that isn't there? They also seem to have the same mannerism and speaking style.
The episode that sets Season 1 in motion.....
heyitsadam9 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
When I first saw this episode of "The Sopranos" I really thought that this was what the entire series was going to be about: dealing with everyday life in the suburbs but you're a mafia boss. To me, that was a unique experience and for a season and a half, they kind of stuck to that before it became a full-on gangster show. It was always interesting to see a "mob boss" at a parent/teacher conference and dealing with speeding tickets, etc. This episode, however, showed what happened when a sick, perverted soccer coach took advantage of the one girl who had connected friends. It literally begs the question, "If you had the power to mitigate justice, would you?" Tony literally makes the argument for vigilante justice (and is really convincing when he does it) in the face of dealing with Meadow's soccer coach who had an inappropriate relationship with her teammate.
The secondary plot of the story revolves around something a bit more obtuse: the rumor mill churns that Uncle Junior enjoys (and is quite good at) orally gratifying his girlfriend, Bobbi. Junior warns her not to talk about their sex life because apparently, in the Italian culture, a man doing that to a woman might be a sign that you are gay (ASIDE: I am 100% Italian. I've never heard that, ever. Not once. END ASIDE). Well, Junior's worst nightmare comes true as Bobbi had been bragging for sometime and word gets back to Tony who uses this fact to chide Junior on the golf course - an event that sets into motion a series of happenings for the rest of the season that leads to bloodshed.
It's funny to look back on this episode after finishing the season and realize that the ball started rolling HERE... when Junior pleasured his girlfriend.
The secondary plot of the story revolves around something a bit more obtuse: the rumor mill churns that Uncle Junior enjoys (and is quite good at) orally gratifying his girlfriend, Bobbi. Junior warns her not to talk about their sex life because apparently, in the Italian culture, a man doing that to a woman might be a sign that you are gay (ASIDE: I am 100% Italian. I've never heard that, ever. Not once. END ASIDE). Well, Junior's worst nightmare comes true as Bobbi had been bragging for sometime and word gets back to Tony who uses this fact to chide Junior on the golf course - an event that sets into motion a series of happenings for the rest of the season that leads to bloodshed.
It's funny to look back on this episode after finishing the season and realize that the ball started rolling HERE... when Junior pleasured his girlfriend.
9.1/10, Amazing
dcdude-2698822 August 2023
This was definitely another great episode of the series so far. Even though none of the episodes I watched sonce episode five were my favorite, some of these episodes are still a little above the earlier episodes. Anyways, my favorite characters in this episode were Tony, Meadow, and the coach. My favorite things about this episode were the Antagonists, the storyline, and the acting. The coah in this episode gave me vibes to Ted Beneke from Breaking Bad for some reason. Overall, amazing episode. This is just another one od those episodes that should be one of two decimal points higher in terms of what it should be rated.
A coach and a Mafia boss
AvionPrince1612 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I really love that episode : even more when it talk about mature subject like this : rape .
It was very interesting and we dont learn it instantly in the episode but much more later . We got that suicide attempt from one of the girl who is in the team and then the daugther of Tony who dont want to play soccer anymore .
And we got that final revelation where the coach is in fact a rapist . And we worried that Soprano will killed him but at the end , Tony let the police deal with it and it was a great decision. Junior also get a little bit in trouble with his sevret relationship and will tell with another guy that Tony see a shrink.
And we got the raise of suspicions : What Tony said to her ? Is that a Dr Melfi a real threat now ? Can we trust Tony ? So yeah very intesting and everyone is a little bit worried about that .
Junior put an end to his secret relationship and that cake on the face make me laugh : i dont know why : it supposed to be serious but i laughed .
It was a mature subject and i like when reality and fiction are mixed together like this and i enjoyed that sensitivity about that show and we got also that emotional part even from the Mafia . We are all humans after all.
It was very interesting and we dont learn it instantly in the episode but much more later . We got that suicide attempt from one of the girl who is in the team and then the daugther of Tony who dont want to play soccer anymore .
And we got that final revelation where the coach is in fact a rapist . And we worried that Soprano will killed him but at the end , Tony let the police deal with it and it was a great decision. Junior also get a little bit in trouble with his sevret relationship and will tell with another guy that Tony see a shrink.
And we got the raise of suspicions : What Tony said to her ? Is that a Dr Melfi a real threat now ? Can we trust Tony ? So yeah very intesting and everyone is a little bit worried about that .
Junior put an end to his secret relationship and that cake on the face make me laugh : i dont know why : it supposed to be serious but i laughed .
It was a mature subject and i like when reality and fiction are mixed together like this and i enjoyed that sensitivity about that show and we got also that emotional part even from the Mafia . We are all humans after all.
Love the scène with Tony and Camela in bed laughing together
Neptune16529 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Tony's really lucky that Uncle Jun didn't call him out for seeing a shrink, when they were teeing off at the golf course. Tony callin Junior out for eating muff and making a public spectacle out of it but little did Tony realize that he was so far behind in the race that he actually thought he was leading. If Junior called Tony out for seeing a shrink right then and there, public consensus among the ranks and the entire family would've been major alarm bells ringing to close his lights. He would've lost respect contrary to popular belief. Silvio's hat was the highlight of this episode. Sad how junior may have ruin his own happiness by dumping the broad, considering the sad destination that he arrived at in the end.
Tony is so happy because he didn't hurt anybody
Neptune16529 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The soccer plot sucked. Like Sil would even be there, and everybody suddenly cares SO Much about This Thing that will be completely forgotten after this episode. The only good payoff would have been if Tony and the Crew did what they wanted to do to Perv Coach. And then we didn't even get that. The scene where Carm tells Tony about Junior is one of my favorite interactions between them in the whole show. It's just nice to see them laugh and bond over Junior's world class head. That may have been the start of Junior's descent into loneliness and eventual dementia. Tony and Carmella never knew the devastating effects of their little joke. As funny as this sequence was, it really was sad when junior broke up with Bobbi, they loved each other. One of the rare moments Tony and Carmela having fun as a couple. This is actually one of the saddest moments in the series for me. For once, Junior has found a source of genuine happiness and love and it's taken away all over.
Boca (#1.9)
ComedyFan201027 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The girls are playing in a soccer team and their coach wants to leave. The mafia family does everything to make him stay by bribing and threatening him. One of the girls from the team attempts suicide and as it comes out later it is because coach had sex with her. And Junior has oral sex with his girl friend but she tells it to others and it makes him target of jokes.
While the show is still high class I didn't like this episode. It has nothing to do with my personal view on life. Like the story of them finding it humiliating to give women pleasure or how they want to take justice in their own hands is not my cup tea but it fits well with the show and makes sense that they would feel like it.
But then the suicide attempt was pretty pathetic for the show the way it was done. And mafia going after the coach for wanting to change his workplace was laughable.
That said I liked the insults part at the golf club where Junior and Tony spoke against each other for having oral sex and seeing a psychiatrist.
While the show is still high class I didn't like this episode. It has nothing to do with my personal view on life. Like the story of them finding it humiliating to give women pleasure or how they want to take justice in their own hands is not my cup tea but it fits well with the show and makes sense that they would feel like it.
But then the suicide attempt was pretty pathetic for the show the way it was done. And mafia going after the coach for wanting to change his workplace was laughable.
That said I liked the insults part at the golf club where Junior and Tony spoke against each other for having oral sex and seeing a psychiatrist.
The Sopranos rewatch - "Boca" (contains spoilers for this episode only)
jdjc00121 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
After two pretty lengthy analyses I think I'll try and keep this one a bit shorter. 'Boca' is an episode that I remember greatly enjoying as soon as I watched it for the first time, before my opinion gradually soured. It's not a bad episode by any means, but the coach storyline (despite its good intentions) is undeniably cliché and feels like a bit of a grinding halt within the season's fast-flowing narrative. Even the far superior Junior/Bobbi storyline is not without some questionable moments, namely Carmela's uncharacteristic outbursts during dinner. All that being said, there is still some very good stuff going on here. There is a clear focus on masculinity and, in a broader sense, gender roles. When we see the despicable way that Junior treats Bobbi after finding out she leaked his secret as well as the disgusting language used by Silvio regarding Ally's situation along with Tony's vehement denial of what has happened, it acts partially as a commentary for the many experiences within the world (see the amount of women who eventually spoke up after years of silence during #MeToo) where women have had to take the fall for the sake of men's fragile masculinity. Bobbi's line "What's so terrible about pleasing a woman?" additionally reflects that toxic masculinity tends to invalidate the needs of women entirely. This is revealed in Tony's misguided vigilantism, as Artie rightly points out to him that whacking the coach will only serve as instant gratification for himself with no consideration of coach's daughter and wife. Indeed, Tony has no interest is being a hero, but rather is interested in being a winner, whether it be through staunchly supporting his daughter's soccer team or outwardly flaunting leverage over Junior. In this way, it literally becomes a fatal flaw, as Junior suggests whacking Tony later on in the episode. However, Tony appears to already have made significant progress by the end of the episode, as he defies all odds by deciding to call the police on the coach. There is an undeniable childlike quality about his gleeful final line "I didn't hurt nobody", as if this is the first time in his life where he has actually been forced to sacrifice his own pride for the greater good. These elements of toxic masculinity are of course not just exclusive to Tony - despite rejecting a tantalising offer to make money from Tony and eventually rationalising the situation with Ally thanks to his wife's input, Artie continues to feel a prevalent sense of emasculation among the mafia types he grew up with that will only continue to escalate as seasons go by.
Again, I did like this episode and would give it a 7.5/10 if I could, but I do feel as though the subject matter is quite hamfisted. Two last things I want to say: the final scene between Junior and Bobbi is outstandingly done and as someone who loves wordplay I really appreciate the various connotations of this episode's title.
Again, I did like this episode and would give it a 7.5/10 if I could, but I do feel as though the subject matter is quite hamfisted. Two last things I want to say: the final scene between Junior and Bobbi is outstandingly done and as someone who loves wordplay I really appreciate the various connotations of this episode's title.
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