The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 39 (Season 4 Episode 1 For All Debts Public and Private)

Side Notes:

The tragedy of 9-11 happened between Seasons 3 and 4 and the same fear and apprehension that we all felt was reflected well in this episode of the Sopranos.  Economic downturn was interfering with business.  Tony & Carmela fought about money, and the future if something was to happen to Tony.  The best line came from Carmela, "everything comes to an end".  I've always felt that Season 4 was the beginning of the end of the Sopranos.  The show no longer had the same outstanding quality of the first three seasons.  After Season 4 I quit re-watching episodes.  Where I watched Seasons 1-3 probably 5 times before I started this blog and Season 4 for maybe twice, I didn't re-watch Seasons 5 & 6.  I just didn't think they stood up to the earlier seasons.  Since many years have passed maybe I can look at these episodes with fresh eyes and gain a different perspective.  We'll have to see. But, more about the episode at hand.

Christopher is doing drugs and hiding it by shooting up in his foot instead of putting the needle some place where others can see.  So, if you want to do something that you want to keep secret find a way to hide it under everyone's noses or in this case feet!

It's important when you are trying to curry favor that you pick the right time to talk.  Knowing when someone is receptive to what you are saying is vital.  It helps, therefore, to know the person you are trying to persuade. 

Tony sets Christopher up to kill a retired police officer.  He tells Christopher that this man killed this father.  When Christopher goes to kill him the man tells Christopher that he's been set up.  Christopher tells him that it doesn't matter, that the person who told him this wants him dead.  This isn't a lesson so much for you, my reader, as it was for Christopher.  He knew that this man may not have really killed his father but if Tony wanted him killed it was his job.  So, Christopher understood his responsibility to Tony.

Be suspicious if someone tries come to your aid if it seems they might gain financially from what they are proposing.  For example, Tony find out that there is economic development coming into an area where  Uncle Jr. has property.  Tony offers to buy it from Uncle Jr. to help him get money for his upcoming trial.  Of course, maybe I can't really blame Tony.  After all Uncle Jr. did try to get Tony wacked.  What a crazy family!

When you are trying to appear more powerful or important let the person you are talking to know that something they did wasn't acceptable.  Even a subtle reminder but very effective.  It's like scolding a child.  I'm referring to the Boss  of NY who told Tony that he heard he had a cookout.  When Tony said he did the Boss of NY told him, "A don doesn't wears shorts".  Tony was clearly irritated at being told this but all he could do is ignore the unkind comment.  (If memory serves me right I believe David Chase was interviewed one and told a story where a real wise guy came up to him and told him he enjoyed the show and it was really realistic.  However, the part where Tony was wearing shorts would never happen.  A wise guy doesn't wear shorts.)