This one episode is maybe one of the greatest episodes of Sopranos series ever. What a performance by Michael Imperioli. He showed a lot of his art in these dramatic scenes. I just love this one episode simply because you don't know what is going to happen around the next corner. The directing is brilliant, making the spectator being carried along the flow of the story and wondering and lasting for what will happen in the next scene. I have already seen this one episode before, but I must say it is worth to see it again and again. It could be equally compared to any other fine crime/drama movie. If watching for the first time - enjoy. If not, enjoy as well.
14 Reviews
Splendid
MaxBorg8915 May 2008
Aside from Steve Buscemi, the key player of the fifth season is Drea de Matteo, her scarred turn as Adriana La Cerva having become meatier from the beginning of the previous series. She deservedly won the Emmy as Oustanding Supporting Actress, and this episode, along with the penultimate show of the season, explains why.
With the Feech problem solved, Tony starts hanging out at Adriana's club. There the two get to know each other better, and soon she is confessing her worries to him and even offering him drugs. The downside of their friendship is that everyone else thinks they're having an affair, an idea that is reinforced when they have a car accident in Tony's SUV and rumors begin to spread about what they were doing when it happened. Naturally, the hot-tempered Chris takes the news very badly, hitting Ade and threatening Tony with a gun while drunk. In the end, the only thing that can save him from getting whacked for his excessive behavior is Cousin Tony, who uses his medical knowledge (he is planning to open a massage parlor) to prove nothing of what has been said could have taken place.
Irregular Around the Margins is arguably the best episode of the fifth series, except for the upcoming Long Term Parking, and it's all in the careful writing and soulful acting: in Gandolfini and de Matteo's hands, the complex bond that forms between Tony and Adriana becomes one of the most endearing relationships depicted on the show, and Imperioli (another Emmy-winner, and justly so) delivers some of his best scenes with his traditional yet gripping take on the "jealous lover" type, ably supported by Buscemi's final solution.
And for those who like the show's occasionally sick sense of humor (and who doesn't?), this episode contains a moment of foul-mouthed comedy genius: a montage where Paulie, Silvio and the rest of the gang exchange phone calls on what they think was going on in Tony's car. It's so good it could have been used in a Kevin Smith film, and that's a genuine compliment.
With the Feech problem solved, Tony starts hanging out at Adriana's club. There the two get to know each other better, and soon she is confessing her worries to him and even offering him drugs. The downside of their friendship is that everyone else thinks they're having an affair, an idea that is reinforced when they have a car accident in Tony's SUV and rumors begin to spread about what they were doing when it happened. Naturally, the hot-tempered Chris takes the news very badly, hitting Ade and threatening Tony with a gun while drunk. In the end, the only thing that can save him from getting whacked for his excessive behavior is Cousin Tony, who uses his medical knowledge (he is planning to open a massage parlor) to prove nothing of what has been said could have taken place.
Irregular Around the Margins is arguably the best episode of the fifth series, except for the upcoming Long Term Parking, and it's all in the careful writing and soulful acting: in Gandolfini and de Matteo's hands, the complex bond that forms between Tony and Adriana becomes one of the most endearing relationships depicted on the show, and Imperioli (another Emmy-winner, and justly so) delivers some of his best scenes with his traditional yet gripping take on the "jealous lover" type, ably supported by Buscemi's final solution.
And for those who like the show's occasionally sick sense of humor (and who doesn't?), this episode contains a moment of foul-mouthed comedy genius: a montage where Paulie, Silvio and the rest of the gang exchange phone calls on what they think was going on in Tony's car. It's so good it could have been used in a Kevin Smith film, and that's a genuine compliment.
Irregular Around the Margins (#5.5)
ComedyFan201019 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Spending some time in Adriana's club Tony walks on her doing coke and does a line as well. They have a heart to heart conversation and there is a moment, but nothing happens. Yet next time when they drive to get cocaine they get into an accident and there is a broken phone story told which results in the accident happening while Adriana was giving Tony a blow job. Chris flips out, beats up Adriana and wants to kill Tony.
A great episode.Totally not what one would expect and the story goes flawlessly. The time between Tony and Adriana in the office was greatly done. One can feel what they are thinking at the time. And I found it great that once again Tony does something to protect an animal which may result in problems for him. Every fight in this episode was greatly performed and to a point. As well as the final scene that has said so much.
A great episode.Totally not what one would expect and the story goes flawlessly. The time between Tony and Adriana in the office was greatly done. One can feel what they are thinking at the time. And I found it great that once again Tony does something to protect an animal which may result in problems for him. Every fight in this episode was greatly performed and to a point. As well as the final scene that has said so much.
One of my favorite endings to an episode ever! Tony looking at Carmela with the Opera music. Beautiful scene
Neptune16517 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
And it has been theorized that Adrianna's goal was to get close enough to Tony that she could gather more info to give to the feds, which in turn would put Tony behind bars forever, allowing her and Christopher a chance to go into witness protection so they could start a new life together, away from organized crime. A great episode. Totally not the kind of story one would expect between Tony and Adriana and the story goes flawlessly. The time between Tony and Adriana in the office was greatly done. One can feel what they are thinking at the time. And I found it great that once again Tony does something to protect an animal which may result in problems for him. Every fight in this episode was greatly performed and to a point. As well as the final scene that has said so much. A top 10 episode in my book Tony's lied to Carmela so much of course she doesn't believe him the one time he was telling the truth the scenes where Chris beats Adrianna are still hard to watch but I did think it was hilarious that the feds were also gossiping about tony and the ending was awkward paulie low key tried to save Chris he reminded tony Chris was out of bullets by the time he went into the club that scene with tony and Chris in the field had me on the edge of my seat when I first saw it.
A high intensity episode
AlsExGal21 May 2022
I have to admit it, in the first couple of seasons, I found scenes with Christopher and or Adriana at best mildly amusing and at worst somewhat boring. This begins to change in season four, and really does an about face in season five.
On paper this episode might sound preposterous and even ridiculous. But the writing, direction, and acting on The Sopranos not only makes the situation believable, it makes it compelling.
Tony has been hanging around Adriana's nightclub more, and the two begin to talk. Adriana's father has never really been in her life. Tony has lost the woman he is married to and can't get the woman he thinks that he wants. It just seems that Tony can't have a deep conversation with a woman without mistaking any connection made with love, and he begins to develop feelings for Adriana. One night after the club closes, Tony and Adriana are driving out to score some coke - and I don't mean the soft drink - when they have a one car accident that lands them both in the ER. Neither is badly injured, and Tony is without a scratch, bodily that is.
But the social damage is tremendous. The gossip starts to fly. Christopher knows his uncle's reputation with the ladies and goes full caveman. Even the FBI surveilling Tony are in on the joke. And then a way out of this mess comes from the oddest place - Tony's recently paroled cousin, Tony Blundetto.
This just goes to show that Tony is smart enough to see the consequences of his actions. He has just sat in Melfi's office a short time ago and laid out all of the reasons he should stay away from Adriana. But his appetites and passions always get the best of him.
On paper this episode might sound preposterous and even ridiculous. But the writing, direction, and acting on The Sopranos not only makes the situation believable, it makes it compelling.
Tony has been hanging around Adriana's nightclub more, and the two begin to talk. Adriana's father has never really been in her life. Tony has lost the woman he is married to and can't get the woman he thinks that he wants. It just seems that Tony can't have a deep conversation with a woman without mistaking any connection made with love, and he begins to develop feelings for Adriana. One night after the club closes, Tony and Adriana are driving out to score some coke - and I don't mean the soft drink - when they have a one car accident that lands them both in the ER. Neither is badly injured, and Tony is without a scratch, bodily that is.
But the social damage is tremendous. The gossip starts to fly. Christopher knows his uncle's reputation with the ladies and goes full caveman. Even the FBI surveilling Tony are in on the joke. And then a way out of this mess comes from the oddest place - Tony's recently paroled cousin, Tony Blundetto.
This just goes to show that Tony is smart enough to see the consequences of his actions. He has just sat in Melfi's office a short time ago and laid out all of the reasons he should stay away from Adriana. But his appetites and passions always get the best of him.
One of the classics
snoozejonc16 November 2022
Tony and Adrianna spend time together and this leads to problems.
This is one of the most memorable episodes of the show with great dark humour and character moments.
The first time I saw it was during its original broadcast, without having seen any episodes of seasons 4 or 5, and it made no difference, such is the standalone quality of the story. It also has lasting consequences that stay with certain characters and impact later episodes, which shows great continuity and foresight by the writers.
What I love most is the irony in the plot and the dark humour. There are so many funny and awkward situations, plus the banter between certain characters is tremendous.
Tony, Adrianna, Christopher, Carmela, Tony B, and Dr Melfi all have superb character moments and the actors are on top form. Edie Falco does great work with facial expressions and Michael Imperioli is constantly brilliant.
Visually it's awesome, with great cinematography, editing and production design.
This is one of the most memorable episodes of the show with great dark humour and character moments.
The first time I saw it was during its original broadcast, without having seen any episodes of seasons 4 or 5, and it made no difference, such is the standalone quality of the story. It also has lasting consequences that stay with certain characters and impact later episodes, which shows great continuity and foresight by the writers.
What I love most is the irony in the plot and the dark humour. There are so many funny and awkward situations, plus the banter between certain characters is tremendous.
Tony, Adrianna, Christopher, Carmela, Tony B, and Dr Melfi all have superb character moments and the actors are on top form. Edie Falco does great work with facial expressions and Michael Imperioli is constantly brilliant.
Visually it's awesome, with great cinematography, editing and production design.
By far the best episode of the series
matiasbockerman16 June 2019
Absolutely wild
bhester08063 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Definitely one of the most fast paced wildest episodes of the entire series. Sure some of its rushed and it feels like a stand alone-ish episode but Imperioli's acting carries this episode even in the light of the usual greatness from James and Edie.
Uh-oh
ctomvelu-122 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Tony and Ada have a car accident on their way to score some coke, while the unknowing Christopher is driving back from down south a truck full of contraband cigarettes. Tony gets off without a scratch but Ada is pretty banged up. Word gets around she was giving Tony a little gift while they were driving, and Chris goes off the deep end. The absolute highlight of the episode has Tony getting within an inch of his nephew's face, and demanding he say along with Tony that nothing happened. The look in Christopher's eyes, highlighted by a very old-fashioned lighting technique, is frightening to behold. Steve Buscemi gets the best lines as the cool-headed referee between these two hot-headed gangsters. Tony also has some choice dialog with his shrink regarding his motives toward his nephew's gal pal.
Terrible.
urban-gustavo10 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
The story regarding this episode is a train wreck. Why? I guess it has to do with time running short, because there's some big things happening in this episode, and most of them make little to no sense.
1. Tony got cancer. But apparently its no big deal because there's no buildup in earlier episodes around this serious matter. We don't know when he found out, when don't see any side effects...nothing.
2.Tony snorting coke. Now what the **** is going on here. Tony always been very direct that he doesn't work with or like drugs. In earlier seasons people would have gotten in some serious trouble if someone showed some coke to Tony. And one of the reasons Adriana gets the club is for the gang to have business in a safe environment without COPS/FBI interfering and so they throw out any dealers. And to see Tony snorting with Adriana is even worse, because there's no reason for Tony to trust her not telling anyone.
3. Tony and Adriana. Like seriously. Tony has never had any feelings for Adriana and Adrianas heart has always belonged to Christopher. If it was to happen, it would have required a buildup, but nope were going lightspeed to "I want you".
4. Christopher going **** bananas. Alight, some parts does make sense because Chris temper is way unstable. BUT, its not likely that he would go for killing Tony. I guess some people think it makes perfect sense but I don't. Chris has been in similar situations before, but he wouldn't appear few days later, drunk as **** with gun pulled trying to pop Tony, because I think hes smarter than that.
5. Tony B. Why is Tony B with the gang when they are to decide whether or not to kill Christopher. Tony B said earlier he wanted to try living a life without crime, but still he's there and Tony doesn't seem to have anything against it which he should have.
5.Raccoon on the road. The only time Tony drives Adriana (or any girl rly) he does it in the middle of the night, wrecking the car in order to avoid a raccoon while NOT getting a blowjob. Now, what are the odds for this and everything above to happen in the same episode... you tell me.
1. Tony got cancer. But apparently its no big deal because there's no buildup in earlier episodes around this serious matter. We don't know when he found out, when don't see any side effects...nothing.
2.Tony snorting coke. Now what the **** is going on here. Tony always been very direct that he doesn't work with or like drugs. In earlier seasons people would have gotten in some serious trouble if someone showed some coke to Tony. And one of the reasons Adriana gets the club is for the gang to have business in a safe environment without COPS/FBI interfering and so they throw out any dealers. And to see Tony snorting with Adriana is even worse, because there's no reason for Tony to trust her not telling anyone.
3. Tony and Adriana. Like seriously. Tony has never had any feelings for Adriana and Adrianas heart has always belonged to Christopher. If it was to happen, it would have required a buildup, but nope were going lightspeed to "I want you".
4. Christopher going **** bananas. Alight, some parts does make sense because Chris temper is way unstable. BUT, its not likely that he would go for killing Tony. I guess some people think it makes perfect sense but I don't. Chris has been in similar situations before, but he wouldn't appear few days later, drunk as **** with gun pulled trying to pop Tony, because I think hes smarter than that.
5. Tony B. Why is Tony B with the gang when they are to decide whether or not to kill Christopher. Tony B said earlier he wanted to try living a life without crime, but still he's there and Tony doesn't seem to have anything against it which he should have.
5.Raccoon on the road. The only time Tony drives Adriana (or any girl rly) he does it in the middle of the night, wrecking the car in order to avoid a raccoon while NOT getting a blowjob. Now, what are the odds for this and everything above to happen in the same episode... you tell me.
The Nadir of a Depressing, Confused Series 5
Neil_Durrant4 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This episode had me cringing - every element of the story was rushed, like Tony having cancer seemingly just to make a conversation piece for his sudden bond with his nephew's fiance. In previous seasons this would have been handled much more expertly, in this season everything seems to be being shoved into the grinder at once to make the most AMAZING episode EVER.
Suddenly Tony does coke. Suddenly everyone is disloyal and spreading rumours behind Tony and Chris's backs like children. Suddenly the therapy sessions become unga-bunga caveman stuff, literally insulting the viewer's intelligence:
"Oh, you did not sex woman? Good!" "Yes, I mature. I strong to avoid temptation of flesh!" "But no, you are wise man, better to not sex woman, not have to be strong, but always wise elder for young to look up to" "This is good idea, I will avert disaster because of this".
If the series hadn't been so nuanced and well crafted before this utter dross, I don't think I'd have been so utterly disappointed.
Suddenly Tony does coke. Suddenly everyone is disloyal and spreading rumours behind Tony and Chris's backs like children. Suddenly the therapy sessions become unga-bunga caveman stuff, literally insulting the viewer's intelligence:
"Oh, you did not sex woman? Good!" "Yes, I mature. I strong to avoid temptation of flesh!" "But no, you are wise man, better to not sex woman, not have to be strong, but always wise elder for young to look up to" "This is good idea, I will avert disaster because of this".
If the series hadn't been so nuanced and well crafted before this utter dross, I don't think I'd have been so utterly disappointed.
Worst ep of the show
kijib1 December 2017
Tony and Adriana romance comes out of nowhere and completely undermines their characters. Then Chris goes mental and physical abuses Adriana despite having frequently cheated on her, and they all continue as if nothing happened.
Terrible, terrible, multi character ruining episode.
Terrible, terrible, multi character ruining episode.
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