These are the two episodes of the Sopranos that I find most disturbing. The reason is because both Tony's Mother & Uncle conspire to kill him. These revelations weigh deeply on Tony. First subconsciously as I believe he realizes something is going to happen and then later once it does and he gains proof he doesn't dwell on it - he resolves to take proper revenge. The underlying reoccurring theme in this first season is Tony's mother. Dr. Melfi diagnosed Tony's mother as having a borderline personality. Let's face it this woman is a nasty piece of work. She is manipulative, dramatic, paranoid, verbally abusive and spreads guilt around like melted butter on a hot sourdough roll. Tony has tried everything to please his mother to no avail. He finally realizes this in these last two episodes.
One reason this show was so successful was that a character like Tony Sopranos was made to be sympathetic. Someone who murders, manipulates, steals, etc. for a living and we actually want him to be okay. We would rather his mother kill herself already. She is a big noose around Tony's life. There are probably countless others in the real world who have had similar experiences with their parents. This show is relatable- period. It demonstrates that no matter who you are, what you do we all have the same problems in life.
But, I am diverting my attention away from the purpose of this blog - to show the Wisdom of the Sopranos. But, maybe the show itself is wise in it's appeal to the regular person who is watching.
Episode 12 dealt this Tony's serious depression. One of his best friend's has betrayed him and he feels that something is going to happen. And of course something does happen. His Uncle issues a hit on Tony's life. After days of sleeping and apparently hallucinating/dreaming about a women named Isabella from the "old country" he leaves to see the Dr. and an attempt is made on his life. Turns out Tony's serious depression takes a turn. He wants to live and fights with his assassins to insure he lives to see another day and to take revenge. It's said that nothing give you a new release on life than an encounter with death.
Tony's relationship with this mother comes to a head in Episode 13. It's the great reveal by the F.B.I. that his mother has indeed conspired to do the worst - kill her only son. She further adds insult to injury by revealing a secret to a friend of Tony. Misguided in his method as Tony might have been attempted to save him from ruin. The friend though didn't take it that way at least initially. So, sometimes you can do someone a favor but it backfires.
Sometimes what happens to you, or doesn't is a matter of timing. Circumstance really.
"Someday soon you'll have a family of your own and if you're lucky you'll remember the little moments. Like this. That were good."
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