The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 21 (Season 2 Episode From Where to Eternity)

This episode opens with Christopher in the hospital close to death.  The police are at the hospital asking all of Christopher's friends if they know anything.  They must realize that it's a futile attempt to get information from anyone.  The family will care of their own justice. 

As with most episodes there is a re-occurring theme that threads through the entire episode.   In this case it's about hell and admission of truths.  However, it ends with a hint of denial.

Christopher dies for one minute.  When Christopher comes back he claims he was in hell.  Most of these admissions occurred because of this revelation.

Carmella admits that her husband cheats, they choose this life and that regardless of her religion's beliefs she still wants Tony to have a vasectomy.  Tony admits that he doesn't think he's going to hell because hell is reserved for the truly evil people - those who harm children and mass murderers.  Tony admits that he is a solider and thus will not go to hell because everyone knows what they are getting themselves into in this life they choose.  He sees himself no worse than the crooks in the finance business. Tony admits to A.J. after he lashes out verbally to his son that he reacts without thinking.   Dr. Melfi admits to Tony that she doesn't see a connection between his ancestors who came over to America and took advantage of alternative opportunities to make a way in the world and how he lives his life.  She also admits to her Doctor that she has crossed a line in judging Tony and that is not what she wanted to do in treating him.  Dr. Melfi further admits to her Doctor that she has been drinking alone often.  Paulie admits that he has done things in his past that will earn him a place in hell. 

When one is confronted with one's own death or the death of someone close most people reexamine their lives and take stock of what is real.  However, this introspection usually doesn't last long and soon people are back to their old ways. 

Also, when needing information from someone it might be a good idea to make them comfortable first.  Make them feel secure so you can gain access to what they know.  Then once you have what you need you can dispose of the individual.  (Dispose for us might mean we don't invite them to dinner anymore.  Dispose for the Sopranos means something else entirely.)

As promised this episode ended with a hint of denial.  I'm uncertain if this has happened yet but I know it happens at least two or three times in the history of the Sopranos.  Towards the end of the episode Tony gets a phone call from Pussy about the whereabouts of the man that took part in shooting Christopher.  When Carmella asks him what was going on Tony didn't say anything but he left in a hurry.  Carmella knew something was going on.  She knew somewhere in the back of her mind that Tony was leaving to be the judge and the executioner.  The thing is that excites her.  It's not just the money or power that makes Carmella click.  It's the danger.  The ultimate power grab of being with an enforcer.  So, when Tony comes back she begins to seduce him and tells him that she doesn't want him to have a vasectomy after all.  She might want to have another child.  It didn't take Carmella long to get back to denial.

The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 20 (Season 2 Episode Full Leather Jacket)

It might be a good idea to get explicit directions instead of making assumptions about what someone wants.  Richie told two guys working for Christopher, "if there is anything you can do for me let me know."  Since Richie made a negative comment about Christopher they took this to mean that he wanted Christopher killed.  It was a big leap and a colossal misinterpretation of intent.  (Also, if someone is keeping their back to you when they are being introduced that should tell you that you really do  not matter to that person.)  When you are trying to climb the ladder of success it is important to understand the correct and proper ways to behave and don't try to advance too quickly.  You can't start at the top. 

Don't give gifts that are important to you unless you know the person who is receiving truly wants the gift.  Richie gave Tony a jacket that he truly didn't want and it was pretty obvious.  Richie was trying to get Tony to see it as a sign of respect.  But, he missed the queue that Tony really didn't want it.  What Tony really wanted was Richie to show him respect by building a ramp on Beansie's house.  (The same guy Richie ran over earlier in the season.)

Carmella decides to intimidate her neighbor's sister into giving Meadow a letter of recommendation to Georgetown.  It wasn't what Carmella said but what she didn't that was intimidating.

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.

The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 17 (Season 2 Episode 5 Big Girls Don't Cry)

It does seem funny to some that I am blogging about a show that hasn't been on the air for years.  But, to those who think I'm out of my mind think about this...

In the last week Chris Christie, Governor of New Jersey, is embroiled in a controversy that seems to come from the pages of my analysis of this very episode of the Sopranos.  Tony is trying to isolate himself to protect him from the FBI.  He has decided to change his mob family's leadership structure to insure he has trusted associates that he can instruct them on what he wants them to do without making it appear that these actions are coming from him.  This is not the first time Tony has attempted to isolate himself.  I'm not saying Chris Christie had his staff close down those lanes on the George Washington Bridge.  No one knows that at this point.  But, what I am saying that if he wanted to make the mayor of that town pay for not supporting him, but didn't want to be directly accountable that would be the way to accomplish this. (Very side note - a few years ago I recall reading an article about Chris Christie.  It might have been in the Atlantic Magazine.  There was a picture of him and his family sitting in their kitchen/dining area.  I remember giggling as I saw this picture because it looked like the same kitchen/dining area of the Tony Soprano home.)

Here are some other highlights of this episode:

If you owe someone money you need to think about how you spend money.  You don't want those who lend you money to think that you are not being careful with their money.  Especially if you are not paying them back. 

Respect was a re-occurring theme throughout this episode.  At one point Tony goes to visit his sister Janice at their mother's house when Richie Aprile opens the door.  He had on only boxer shorts and a wife beater.  Tony told him to put his pants on.  Richie didn't.  He completely ignored Tony's request.  This is a not a subtle hint that Richie doesn't respect Tony.  Not surprisingly they end up in a verbal fight.

Back at the restaurant Paulie and Pussy are eating.  Furio joins them.  The boss of New York, Johnny "Sack" (wonder what this nickname is all about?) enters the restaurant.  All but Pussy stands up to greet Johnny.  It's pretty obvious here that Pussy doesn't respect Johnny.  You can even further assume that he probably doesn't respect any of them. 

At one point Tony is shown observing others at a party in his home being held for the newly transplanted Furio.  I'm sure Tony is well aware that you can learn much by just watching how others interact with each other.

It's important to find someone you can fully trust to listen and help guide you through your issues.

Tony finds out in the episode that his dad actually suffered from panic attacks.  It's a simple wisdom that we tend to repeat the past. No matter how much you think you are different from your parents you still share some of the same issues.

One personal observation - when Tony is talking to Hesh (his and in the past his father's confidant) Tony is talking about his panic attacks and Hesh starts to drift into a completely different conversation.  They are both talking at the same time.  However, not talking about the same thing.  This happened again later in the episode.  I had to laugh as I have a similar situation with someone in my life.  (I can't say who but if you are reading this it's not you!)  It's difficult to sometimes have a conversation with this person.  It was interesting and I recognized the behavior. 

Christopher goes to an acting class for writers.  He takes on a role that becomes very emotional for him and he cries while on stage. (He is portraying James Dean's character in Rebel Without a Cause.  It was the pivotal scene at the end of the movie where he talks to his dad while clutching his dad's legs.)  The next time the guy that played his dad was on stage with Christopher to begin another acting lesson when Christopher punches him in the face.  Why does he do this?  Adriana seems to think that it brought up emotions stemming from the loss of his father when he was a baby.  I think it's more primal.  Christopher cried in front of all these people.  He needs to now show them he is a man.  But, it's more interesting with Adriana's theory.  But, I would take it a bit further.  It's not his actual dad he is punching out.  It's the man who is like a father to him - Tony Soprano.

Dr. Melfi is back in the picture.  She decided to take Tony back as a patient. There are two scenes in this episode of Dr. Melfi with her doctor. The first time he confronted her about her feelings for Tony Soprano. She ended up cursing and storming out of his office.  This is certainly just want Tony did to her in the past.  (History repeating itself anyone?)  The second time she is in his office she tells her doctor that seeing Tony was therapeutic.  The doctor of course told her it's not suppose to be therapeutic for you - it's suppose to be for the patient.  So, Dr. Melfi had some wine and called Tony for an appointment.  Their first appointment back was interesting.  He wanted to shock her by telling her about how he had Furio beat up some people not paying their loan to him.  Tony was in the car while this was going on when Dr. Melfi called him.  Dr. Melfi asked Tony how it made him feel.  He said he wanted to be in there - in the action - not in the car waiting.  She asked him if he would want to be the one giving the beating or receiving? 

The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 16 (Season 2 Episode 4 Commendatori)

Before I begin it's been a while since I've added another analysis of The Sopranos I want to express sadness in James Gandolfini's untimely death is 2013.  There was something about the way his eyes expressed themselves in every episode of The Sopranos that brought life to the role of Tony Soprano.  The eyes expressed sadness, fear, regret, concern and love.  It's possible that the very emotions he brought to the role didn't line up with what we think of a sociopath.  It might have not been completely honest.  But, without that the show would have never been a success.  We all loved the character of Tony Soprano, warts and all.  That is because James Gandolfini brought a sense of perverted humanity to Tony Soprano.

Thank you James...

When I watched this episode again with an eye towards my goal of uncovering the wisdom of the Sopranos I thought this one where the gang visits Italy would be packed full of revelations.   But, I felt a little like Paulie looking for a connection to the land of his ancestors.  I felt there should be more.  I'm wondering could that have actually been the plan all along?  Noooo...It can't be.  But, then again the show is genius.

There was a lot going on in this episode.  Tony and his crew go to Italy to meet with an important connected man to discuss selling stolen vehicles.  However, he ends up having to deal with a woman who is now the boss.  It's difficult at first but Tony finally manages to accept dealing with a woman.  He was even able to draw a line between pleasure and business by refusing her advances.  Although I'm more than certain he would have liked to have had a romp with our lady boss he knew it was better to "not shit where he eats". 

Paulie is meanwhile trying to feel at home in Italy.  He is trying desperately to feel like he belongs.  He is almost giddy with excitement about being in Italy.  But, the natives aren't having any of it...they spurn him constantly.  It's not until he hires a prostitute who might be from where his family once lived that he feels some bond with Italy.  Paulie's experience reminds me of someone going on vacation to some supposed exciting locale only to find it really disappointing. 

Christopher was there.  But, his role was wasted being, well, wasted.

Meanwhile back a home in New Jersey Janice visits Carmella and begins to blast her for being with Tony when she is so smart.  Carmella turns it back on her because of her involvement with Richie.  Wisdom - It is said that you criticize in others the exact characteristics and/or actions of yourself.

Pussy is dealing with his deceptions.  As an F.B.I. informant he has become so self involved that he is not there for his wife when she needs him.  At one point his wife calls Carmella and tells her that back when Pussy reappeared after having been missing for quite a while a part of her wished he was dead.  When Tony walked back into the house and said he was home the look on Carmella's face seemed to say that a part of her too wishes Tony was dead.

Pussy, in an effort to prevent another associate from revealing that he was at a party store with an F.B.I. agent he ruthlessly killed him.  There was a cover story for the agent.  It's quite possible that no one would have caught on to Pussy.  But, he took extreme measures to be sure that it didn't get out. 

The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 15 (Season 2: Episode 3 Toodle-F-King-Oo)

"There has to be consequences" Carmela Soprano

Manipulation of punishment is possible when you offer to give up a want and then determine it is actually a need.  You have the appearance of attempting to do the right thing but ultimately you have done nothing in restitution.

You can't truly disguise your feelings - unless you are careful it comes out in your conversational tone.

Its easy to criticize or comment when it doesn't affect you.  But, when the tables are turned you see things from a different, more direct angle, your perspective and opinions changes.

This episode introduces us to Richie Aprile.  Made Guy...Knowing how he ends up I find it terribly ironic that he tells Christopher, "Look kid, I shouldn't have to explain myself. I'm from the old-school. You wanna raise your hand, you give her your last name. Then it's none of my fuckin' business. Until then, keep your hands in your pockets. We understand each other?" (Spoiler Alert).  Which means watch what you say.  Sometimes things come back to bite (or in Richie's case shoot) you.

One last thought...I would venture to say that there has been no character on T.V. or in Film that had the ability to express so much with his eyes as Tony Soprano.  Thank you James Gandolfini.