Tensions between rival factions in New York start to rise, whilst Carmela throws a birthday party for her father.
This is a very strong episode with memorable moments for several characters.
There are some quite dramatic moments where the NY family plot gets very interesting, but it is mainly a reflective character story with lots of uncomfortable moments between certain individuals that are extremely well acted and filmed.
My favourite arc involves Tony B, who is involved in most of the plot threads and has clear motivations for behaviour and decisions portrayed so well by the continuing parallel with and envy of his cousin's life. This is shown excellently in the body language of Steve Buscemi and the cinematography of his interactions at the party.
The depiction of the party is very realistic as we see it from start to finish. I particularly like the changes in tone and atmosphere as the night progresses, plus the exchanges between Tony S, Mary DeAngelis and her snobby friend Dr Fegoli.
It is full of familiar themes such as the unglamorous "regularness of life", consumer excess, and the image of Italian-Americans within society.
All performances are excellent but for me the standouts are Buscemi, James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Tom Aldredge, Suzanne Shepherd, and Toni Kalem.
For me it's an 8.5/10 but I round upwards.