The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 19 (Season 2 Episode 7 D-Girl)

This episode could have been called Crossroads. 

Anthony Jr. is stuck on the meaning of life.  He has discovered existentialism and is questing the meaning of life.

existentialism

 a philosophical attitude associated especially with Heidegger, Jaspers, Marcel, and Sartre, and opposed to rationalism and empiricism, that stresses the individual's unique position as a self-determining agent responsible for the authenticity of his or her choices.

Of course our lovely Livia sums it up quite nicely for Anthony Jr. "It's all a big nothing.  What makes you think you are so special?" She also shares her wisdom about life by telling him "do not expect to be happy.  In the end you die in your own arms."  Livia is such a charmer...

Wisdom:  Don't go to Livia for advice!  But seriously if you know someone in your life who tends to be a bit on the dramatic side maybe don't ask them for advice. 

Then there's Christopher who has an affair with his cousin's girlfriend who is involved in Hollywood movie projects. Christopher finally has his opportunity to see what his prospects are for writing.  It doesn't go well for Christopher.  But you can tell even when the door seems to close for him he still entertains the notion of following this dream.  But, in the end Tony backs him into the corner and forces him to make a decision - once and for all.  He chooses the only life he really has ever known   and the man he has always looked up to like a father.

Wisdom: Sometimes when push comes to shove a lasting decision is made.  It is necessary to sometimes force a quick decision.  Otherwise, the agony of delayed responses is too much to bear.

Pussy, after having passed his crossroad is now in distress over his choice.  He made this decision months ago after having been caught in a an illegal venture.  The FBI gave him a choice.  Inform or go to jail.   Despite his years of loyalty it was fear that gave way.  It was sad as he was telling Anthony Jr. the story of Tony's friendship when they were younger.   He knew as he walked out of Anthony Jr.'s room that he made a mistake and he couldn't go back.  That is why he retreats to the restroom and weeps. 

Wisdom: Don't let fear shadow your decisions.  (Pussy lesson is also, ironically, also the complete opposite of the above lesson.  After all he made a quick decision and for him it might have been the wrong decision.  But, he let FEAR take a hold of him.)

I try to not dwell on things that are not Wisdom associated with when it comes to the Sopranos.  I'm not blogging about the facts of the show or the artistry, etc.  But, I do want to express something about this episode.  Since the show centered more around Christopher and the Hollywood aspect it seemed at times that the acting was a little over the top.  There was one scene where Christopher was confronting the "D-Girl" that comes to mind.    It seems as if a general effort was made to make this episode almost have the feeling of a movie.  Of course maybe it's just me...

(I'm rushing through this now because one of my favorite episodes is coming up!  The Knight in White Satin Armor.   This is the episode where Janice earns my respect!  If you have seen it you know what I'm talking about.   I can't wait!!!)

The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 18 (Season 2 Episode 6 The Happy Wanderer)

Who hasn't wanted to slap someone who is just so cheery all the time?  I mean what do they have to be so happy about?  When your depressed it can be difficult to be around people who are glass half full.  Especially when you know the glass is really EMPTY!

Tony had been put in a delicate spot by an old school friend.  As hard as it might be to believe Tony lived by a code.  I'd almost say he was a sadistic libertarian.  He typically didn't mess with someone unless they had done something to him or his crew.  They usually, not always but usually, are asking for trouble.  His old friend was a gambler.  How much of a gambler even Tony didn't fully grasp until it's too late.  When he asks Tony to join the Executive Game that Tony was hosting he tells him not to come.  He knows it's out of his league.  Tony can't protect him if he crosses that line.  It's all about business when he does.  Of course this guy has a serious gambling problem and he crashed the game without Tony's knowledge.  By the time Tony showed up it was too late.  This guy was in WAY over his head.  As with all nuggets of Soprano Wisdom at first glance you might think what does this have to do with me?  I don't run a poker game.  I don't have a friend who is a gambler.  But, think about this.   Have you ever had a friend who crossed a line and from then on the rules of the relationship changed?  Easy example are friends who want to start dating.  Typically when this happens there is a lot of discussion about it ruining their friendship, etc.  Why is that?  Because the rules are now different.  A line has been crossed.  What that means is in the future when you have a friendship with someone be sure you think about the consequences of how it changes the dynamic of your friendship.  Same applies with family, work associates, etc.  It has endless possibilities of interpretation. 

Do you think that people sometimes get what they have coming to them?  You can't be taken advantage of unless you allow it.  Don't let people intimidate you.  Don't be a victim.  Tony was upset at Dr. Melfi because he felt she made him out to be a victim.  He's was too smart for that.  He wanted to be perceived as being on top.  Tony is the victor who takes the spoils. 

Tony discovered something new in this episode.  It doesn't seem to reflect any major change or shift in the plot but it's worth mentioning.  Tony found out he had another uncle that was institutionalized. It sounds like he was mentally handicapped.  Old family secrets sometimes lie there uncovered.