The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 10 (Season 1: Episode 10 A Hit is a Hit)

We all want to move past stereotypes and feel like we belong. Stereotypes go beyond even opinions of people who are different. There are even stereotypes within your own group. We all live with stereotypes. Even if we don't want to admit it, we do.

Everyone wants to feel like they belong. That's probably why most people stick to people who they feel they can most identify with. I know that I would feel very uncomfortable trying to hang out with a multi-millionaire. I wouldn't feel like I have anything in common with them. What would we talk about? Suspicion arises when someone who is different from you asks you to join them for an outing. Is it possible their motives are less than kind? Do they want you around for amusement? Are you a novelty to them? Honestly, if you have ever been in this situation do you not wonder?

As long as people want something from you they will tolerate your (choose an option) offensive/boring/irritating behavior. Once they get what they want they will disappear from your life.

Am I being to harsh? Maybe. But, keep in mind I'm following the wisdom of the Sopranos. Many people don' t make it out alive on this series. Anything less than complete frankness just will not cut it on this blog...

The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 9 (Season 1: Episode 9 Boca)

If you have ever been to a children's ballgame you will see parents who seemed more motivated than their own children to win. It's as if the parents are trying to relive their own childhood through their children.

It's important that as a loyal friend you know when you are being told something in confidence even if it's not explicitly stated. Be sensitive to what should be kept private about someone even before they ask you to not talk about it. When you know someone so well and they reveal something they might be thinking that due to the nature of your relationship that is already private and that you will not discuss with others. Revealing secrets can sever a relationship irreparably.

We all feel at one time or the other that we have the responsibility to set things right - even when we are not directly involved. It's important to understand these feelings and have an appropriate response. It's not always our responsibility to act. Be careful to not be the judge and jury.

Just some raw human stuff...staring down your prey long enough can be an effective method to gaining submission. Also, remember to choose your words wisely. Insults can lead to counter insults which can get out of control.

As our society seems to be more and more casual in our dress and appearance this reflects a societal change. "Values today, standards are crumbling." Nicely said Artie Bucco!

The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 8 (Season 1 Episode 8: The Legend of Tennessee Molisanti)

Every ethnicity has it's stereotypes. It's not always those on the outside who promote these stereotypes. Sometimes it's an inside job.

When you don't feel you are getting the proper respect or recognition you sometimes lash out on others who you perceive as inferior or weak.

If you are going to hide something hide it in an unexpected place.

Some people don't want to just survive. These are the people who desire to create drama in their lives and thus in the lives of those around them. Real life is not like the movies which is why people sometimes get frustrated with the monotony of day to day. It even causes some to act irrationally and subconsciously do things to further their cause of needing drama in their life. To quote Christopher Molisanti, "The f!?!? regularness of life is too f!?!? hard for me or something."

The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 7 (Season 1 Episode 7: Down Neck)

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana

The reoccurring theme weaved throughout this episode is consequences.

Be cautious in your undertakings and think of the consequences before acting. Handling things by simply how you feel or running on impulse is a disaster waiting to happen.

Be careful about what you say around children. They are liable to repeat what they hear and sometimes to the wrong people. Children do not fully understand the consequences of repeating what they know to others.

There is always a point in your life when you figure out who your parents are. However, this usually comes to you when you are an adult yourself and can put past experiences together with the correct perspective.

Not everything or everyone can be taken in the context of black and white. (I'm not talking about race.) Sometimes people are just complicated and their actions really do not make sense.

Some people are just high on the drama. Oh, you know the type. We all do...

What continues to amaze me about the Sopranos in re-watching these episodes is what a genuine masterpiece it was. I've already reviewed the many aspects of the show that I am not discussing here (mainly because I'm trying to blog not write a 12 volume encyclopedia.) But, I do want to continue to acknowledge the immense planning that must have went into this show. Did David Chase intend to make this show with tidbits of wisdom throughout? The story is on its surface about wise guy and his crew. I mean is a wise guy someone who has figured out the way to handle things and manipulate circumstances to their needs? Is this all just an natural progression of what its all about anyway? Without the wisdom there would be no show? Yes, I would say this show would not be of any value without the wisdom. It's not like Gilligan's Island where quite frankly wisdom just wasn't in play.

The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 6 (Season 1 Episode 6: Pax Soprana)

When you need to make a request of someone who will not be receptive you could trying taking an indirect route to getting a message across. Ask a carefully chosen person to intervene on your behalf. Not only is this effective in getting what you want but this plan also has two positive side effects. First, you flatter the person by placing them in your confidence and making them feel as if they have influence. Second, you have created the illusion that you are not involved in the decision. Thus, you have avoided risk if the request backfires.

Know who your friends are and keep them happy. Share your good fortunes. Don't profit from their losses.

Sometimes we project onto others characteristics that seem to be missing from our loved ones. Thus, we think these people possess attributes that they really don't have.

The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 5 (Season 1 Episode 5: College)

"No man can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which may be true." - Nathaniel Hawthorne

You can piece things together if you pay close attention to what is going on around you. Too many days go by without real awareness.

Use the power of deduction to solve problems.

Success is sometimes just luck of circumstance.

There is a price to be paid for what we want. You just need to make sure that you know the cost.

Sometimes in conversation neither party is truly listening to each other.

If you need to confront someone it's best to do it when their guard is down.

The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 4 (Episode 4: Meadowlands)

Obviously, there are so many different aspects of the Sopranos that I'm not discussing. First, the writing and intricate plot twists, the absolutely well choreographed interplay of words that sometimes pop a wallop and sometimes just make you laugh. I should also acknowledge the homage the show does to so many excellent wise guy genre movies before it. Even the subtle humour from time to time, like real life, that brings a breath of humanity to a show that is seeped in underlying darkness. I believe what made the Sopranos ultimately so popular was how alike the characters and story lines were to us, the viewers. We don't pass judgement. We take what we can from the Sopranos and think about how it relates to us. It's really a story of us. All of us. What I'm reporting on here is not necessarily what you should do. Should you always act this calculating in your relations to others? Probably not. So, don't think of this is a real guide. It's more of how people really behave especially when they believe the mean always justifies the end. It's rather fitting then that these observations have turned quite Machiavellian in their scope. Fitting because Machiavelli, after all, was a good Italian.



This episode introduced dreams as a way of analyzing the lead character's many concerns. I believe dreams are our subconscious trying to work out our issues. So, even random dream sequences can have a deep meaning. They are seeped in metaphors that only you can unlock.

There has been one personality that has been discussed but not fully fleshed out yet that needs to be in order to continue. It's been mentioned before that some people no matter how hard you try will not be happy. Every time you attempt to do something nice for this person they counteract it with something negative. They are very dramatic and like to say they no longer wish to live. This person is toxic. If you can stay away from this person you should. Unfortunately for Tony it's his mother so what's he going to do?

All it takes is one thing to threaten to bring the entire house of cards down. It's important to respect that balance.

If you are in a power struggle that you can't resolve without serious consequences there is an alternative. Let the other person win. Okay, don't let them really win but make them think they won. Meanwhile the person really pulling the strings is you. It doesn't hurt too if you are creating a convenient diversion away from yourself and onto this person.

Often those around us can suffer second hand consequences of what we do and or say.

Never question the boss' leadership. Your job is to follow. Don't provide advice unless you are asked.