So far I agree with my earlier assessment that after Season 3 The Sopranos takes a huge dip in quality. It's just not the same show. I've been trying to put my finger on it but I think it's the growing cast. Too many new characters. What was once a strong ensemble cast is expanding with people that we really don't care about. You develop a tentative relationship to the characters on a show. When too many new people are introduced it starts to dilute the story lines. It also causes further detachment of any empathy you might feel towards the characters.
Aside from the lesson of not introducing too many new characters to a winning show is what wisdom can be learned from this episode of the Sopranos?
Careful when making derogatory comments that you don't want to get back to the subject when you are in a room full of people. Someone will repeat what you said. Even if you trust everyone because someone will think it's funny and of no consequence to repeat.
Sometimes actions have to weighed not by the immediate results but as part of a big picture. For example, what seems like a small thing might, in the big scheme of things might be ultimately harmful.
If a person seems to be waffling on their opinions about something it's not always that they are fickle. They might be trying to work out how they feel, or what they believe, about it.
You can undermine someone in such a way that the person you are trying to get back at knows it's you but you can still claim innocence. But, the message is still heard. You just have to be prepared for the consequences. It's a gamble.
Carmela and Tony are discussing Meadow's attitude about going back to school. She has been angry all summer. Carmela told Tony that it is she that Meadow blames. Why do we think that is? I think Carmela realizes while Tony's level of involvement in that thing of theirs is part of who he is, it's inescapable. However, Carmela has had a choice all this time. She could have either not entered this marriage or at some point after the marriage could have left Tony. By staying she is being submissive to Tony. No matter how strong Carmela appears to be she's really dependent on Tony. Meadow is a young woman trying to learn what it means to be a woman and can't really look to her mother for how to be a strong, independent woman.
Saturday, May 20, 2017
Sunday, May 14, 2017
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.)
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.)
Sunday, May 7, 2017
The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 38 (Season 3 Episode 13 The Army of One)
When something unpleasant is going to happen you sometimes prepare others for it by sitting the stage. You sprinkle hints in conversation so that when the bad outcome happens it's not a surprise. Also, it covers your responsibility if you are successful at directing the blame elsewhere.
The best quote of this episode comes from a guy Jackie Jr was staying with when he was in hiding. It actually harkens back to the last episode about not taking short cuts. Jackie Jr. was playing chess and he got frustrated and hit the chess pieces. The response from this guy was "Play it out it's the only way your going to learn."
Pick the right time to talk to someone. It's important to know the person well enough to know when they will be receptive to what you are saying or asking for.
Don't be the first to show up at a party. It makes you look too eager.
Sometimes when you are a boss you have to make difficult decisions. If your lucky though you can delegate some decisions to others. But, even if you do that your still responsible in everyone's opinion.
This is the official end of the first half of the running of the Sopranos. I always thought that past Season 3 the show started to take a downward turn. When I started this blog I even thought about ending it after Season 3. But, thinking about everything that is going to happen I think keeping this rolling is a good thing. I'm looking forward to re-visiting these last three seasons as it's been a while and they weren't watched as often as the first three.
The best quote of this episode comes from a guy Jackie Jr was staying with when he was in hiding. It actually harkens back to the last episode about not taking short cuts. Jackie Jr. was playing chess and he got frustrated and hit the chess pieces. The response from this guy was "Play it out it's the only way your going to learn."
Pick the right time to talk to someone. It's important to know the person well enough to know when they will be receptive to what you are saying or asking for.
Don't be the first to show up at a party. It makes you look too eager.
Sometimes when you are a boss you have to make difficult decisions. If your lucky though you can delegate some decisions to others. But, even if you do that your still responsible in everyone's opinion.
This is the official end of the first half of the running of the Sopranos. I always thought that past Season 3 the show started to take a downward turn. When I started this blog I even thought about ending it after Season 3. But, thinking about everything that is going to happen I think keeping this rolling is a good thing. I'm looking forward to re-visiting these last three seasons as it's been a while and they weren't watched as often as the first three.
The Wisdom of the Sopranons Part 37 (Season 3 Episode 12 Armour Fou)
Armour Fou - uncontrollable or obsessive passion.
Some people are attracted to drama. We all know people like that who bounce from situation to situation or person to person and wonder why the end result is always the same - disaster! They are on a roller coaster and they don't know how to get off the ride. Tony for example finally realized that Gloria was just like his mother. All doom and gloom and darkness. It takes a lot of therapy to realize sometimes that you are that hamster. Tony finally got it and jumped off the wheel.
Watch what you say to children or in the case young adults. When sharing stories of the past it's important to think how your audience is going to take that information. Sometimes they think that information is useful to their existing problem. The result is not always the same and sometimes, as in this case, deadly.
Don't try to take short cuts. Seriously, stop that. In business or your personal life sometimes it's best to follow the rules and work though your progress. Skipping the line or ignoring the normal order of things is not always a good thing.
Manipulation is the name of the game when you push someone for a specific, desired response by lobbying the appropriate measured verbal attacks on your intended perpetrator. You want them to push the situation where you are sometimes too afraid to take it yourself.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 36 (Season 3 Episode 11 Pine Barrons)
This episode is one of my favorites because it has it's funny moments.
The themes in this episode seem to be about communication and trust.
Who Gloria reminds Tony of is finally starting to sink in a bit. Gloria starts a fight with Tony by twisting his words when he wants to be honest with her. So, it's important to know that there are some people and/or some situations where it doesn't really matter how you express yourself, it's going to cause a fight.
In life don't forget the answers are not always straight ahead. Sometimes you have to look up. (Literally in this situation. When Paulie & Christopher are looking for the Russian in the woods he's obviously hiding in the trees.)
Paulie & Christopher get lost in the woods. They demonstrate a lack of trust throughout the entire experience. At the end though Christopher backs up Paulie's version of the story of what happened with the Russian. When people are confronted with adverse conditions, for example the cold, their base instincts are heightened. They are their worst selves. For example, blaming others through deflection, not sharing what little food they might have with each other, etc.
Other trust issues are Meadow not trusting Jackie Jr. and Gloria not trusting that Tony had a legitimate reason for being late to dinner and leaving early.
Communication was also key in this episode. Cell phones that went in and out and my favorite funny quotes are Paulie not understanding Tony and repeating to Christopher about the Russian, "He was an Interior Decorator!" and Christopher responding, "His house looks like shit!". Okay, for that you had to be there. But, it's funny. Trust me.
Lastly, Dr. Melfi is again leading Tony down the road of helping him see things more clearly. At the end of the episode she asks him again who does Gloria remind him of? Come on Tony, you are so close!
The themes in this episode seem to be about communication and trust.
Who Gloria reminds Tony of is finally starting to sink in a bit. Gloria starts a fight with Tony by twisting his words when he wants to be honest with her. So, it's important to know that there are some people and/or some situations where it doesn't really matter how you express yourself, it's going to cause a fight.
In life don't forget the answers are not always straight ahead. Sometimes you have to look up. (Literally in this situation. When Paulie & Christopher are looking for the Russian in the woods he's obviously hiding in the trees.)
Paulie & Christopher get lost in the woods. They demonstrate a lack of trust throughout the entire experience. At the end though Christopher backs up Paulie's version of the story of what happened with the Russian. When people are confronted with adverse conditions, for example the cold, their base instincts are heightened. They are their worst selves. For example, blaming others through deflection, not sharing what little food they might have with each other, etc.
Other trust issues are Meadow not trusting Jackie Jr. and Gloria not trusting that Tony had a legitimate reason for being late to dinner and leaving early.
Communication was also key in this episode. Cell phones that went in and out and my favorite funny quotes are Paulie not understanding Tony and repeating to Christopher about the Russian, "He was an Interior Decorator!" and Christopher responding, "His house looks like shit!". Okay, for that you had to be there. But, it's funny. Trust me.
Lastly, Dr. Melfi is again leading Tony down the road of helping him see things more clearly. At the end of the episode she asks him again who does Gloria remind him of? Come on Tony, you are so close!
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 35 (Season 3 Episode 10 To Save Us all From Satan's Power")
Sometimes something will happen to trigger a memory. It can cause you to see things in a new light. Hindsight is 20/20. When you are living you don't always see things the way they really are. It's difficult to pay attention to the signs when they are right in front of you. It's only later, when time has passed that you can see things for what they truly are.
It's good to know who you can trust.
Once you cast suspicion it's hard to get trust back.
It's good to know who you can trust.
Once you cast suspicion it's hard to get trust back.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 34 (Season 3 Episode The Telltale Mozadell"
For the last few years on Thanksgiving I make Italian food and watch either the Godfather or Godfather II. I rotate every year. This year it was Godfather II. I bring this up because Michael Corleone spent most of the movie trying to figure out who tried to have him killed on his very secure, sprawling Lake Tahoe estate. He knew it had to be someone close. As Michael explained "My father taught me many things here — he taught me in this room. He taught me — keep your friends close but your enemies closer." Michael knew that it was only a matter of time before he found out who was behind the failed assassination attempt.
Listening and picking up on sometimes subtle clues can be vital in life. Someone like me who talks more than she should sometimes misses the important stuff. It takes disciple to get this right. Fortunately for me I don't have hit men trying to dispose of me. But, you get the point. Sometimes it's to your advantage to just sit back and take it all in.
What I don't know, and I really wish I did, was if David Chase really created these shows with specific themes wrapped up in each episode. Is it happy coincidence or am just reading into things a bit too much?
I bring up the Godfather II reference because this installment of the Sopranos is about picking up on clues. First, Jackie Jr. is having Meadow write his school paper for him. She's young so I won't give her a hard time. But, I wanted to scream out to her at this scene and tell her "He's using you! Can't you see that???"
Tony is continuing his affair with Gloria, the manic suicidal sex kitten. He tells her he has never met anyone like her before. But, is that really true? Notice how when Gloria says "poor you" he winces. I actually think he was close to fainting. (How many takes did they do to accomplish that? Masterful!) Before that he confronted her on the fact that he doesn't like to play games. Later she tells Tony that he is really in love with himself. There are clues for Tony on why he was attracted to her in the first place. She is emotional damaged goods. Tony has had enough therapy to figure this out, even if you haven't.
Jackie Jr. asks Ralph for a gun. (As a side note I really hate Ralph. He is the lowest of the low. He will get his and I'll be sure to have a glass a wine to celebrate again!) But, one of the wisest of all lines comes from this scum-buckets mouth when explaining what kind of gun is best, "the best kind of gun is one that the mother****er is going to work".
Jackie Jr.'s posing as a tough guy with effective connections was practically comical. You need to earn your stripes Jackie Jr. Inheritance is only part of it. Your acting like you are already made. But, really you haven't even waded in the water yet. So, although people say you should fake it until you make it, being in their world is probably not a place where this saying is transferable. Cut it out Jackie Jr. or your going to get yourself wacked! (That's not a real prediction. I've seen every episode already several times. So, I'm not faking it until I make it on this one!)
Anthony Jr. gets himself in trouble at school. He and his friends vandalized the pool at school after breaking in one night. But, since he is so important to the football team the school lets it slide this time. Carmella wanted the school to punish him. But, every effort of punishment such as detention was thrown back as basically being harmful to the children. There isn't really any wisdom in there except for me to say that's stupid.
Side note: Who knew that Lady Gaga was in this episode? No, really Lady Gaga. It was before she was Lady Gaga. Check out the pool scene with Anthony Jr. she's one of the girls smoking cigarettes.
Listening and picking up on sometimes subtle clues can be vital in life. Someone like me who talks more than she should sometimes misses the important stuff. It takes disciple to get this right. Fortunately for me I don't have hit men trying to dispose of me. But, you get the point. Sometimes it's to your advantage to just sit back and take it all in.
What I don't know, and I really wish I did, was if David Chase really created these shows with specific themes wrapped up in each episode. Is it happy coincidence or am just reading into things a bit too much?
I bring up the Godfather II reference because this installment of the Sopranos is about picking up on clues. First, Jackie Jr. is having Meadow write his school paper for him. She's young so I won't give her a hard time. But, I wanted to scream out to her at this scene and tell her "He's using you! Can't you see that???"
Tony is continuing his affair with Gloria, the manic suicidal sex kitten. He tells her he has never met anyone like her before. But, is that really true? Notice how when Gloria says "poor you" he winces. I actually think he was close to fainting. (How many takes did they do to accomplish that? Masterful!) Before that he confronted her on the fact that he doesn't like to play games. Later she tells Tony that he is really in love with himself. There are clues for Tony on why he was attracted to her in the first place. She is emotional damaged goods. Tony has had enough therapy to figure this out, even if you haven't.
Jackie Jr. asks Ralph for a gun. (As a side note I really hate Ralph. He is the lowest of the low. He will get his and I'll be sure to have a glass a wine to celebrate again!) But, one of the wisest of all lines comes from this scum-buckets mouth when explaining what kind of gun is best, "the best kind of gun is one that the mother****er is going to work".
Jackie Jr.'s posing as a tough guy with effective connections was practically comical. You need to earn your stripes Jackie Jr. Inheritance is only part of it. Your acting like you are already made. But, really you haven't even waded in the water yet. So, although people say you should fake it until you make it, being in their world is probably not a place where this saying is transferable. Cut it out Jackie Jr. or your going to get yourself wacked! (That's not a real prediction. I've seen every episode already several times. So, I'm not faking it until I make it on this one!)
Anthony Jr. gets himself in trouble at school. He and his friends vandalized the pool at school after breaking in one night. But, since he is so important to the football team the school lets it slide this time. Carmella wanted the school to punish him. But, every effort of punishment such as detention was thrown back as basically being harmful to the children. There isn't really any wisdom in there except for me to say that's stupid.
Side note: Who knew that Lady Gaga was in this episode? No, really Lady Gaga. It was before she was Lady Gaga. Check out the pool scene with Anthony Jr. she's one of the girls smoking cigarettes.
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