Have you ever noticed that there are some people who start talking, seemingly in the middle of their own conversion? You don't even know what they are talking about. There is no point of reference.
Paulie's mother has moved into Green Grove. She's not liked by the other ladies at the facility and isn't included in a lot of the activities. Even at that age there are cliques. You would like to think that as people get older they begin to mellow a bit and get along better with others. But, just as it is in the real world it is in Green Grove. Paulie's mother really does need to work harder to make friends. She's told she needs to quit crying so much and keep her teeth in! But, with Paulie as a son she has a strong ally. He does what any good son would do in this situation. He has one of the main old ladies' son beat up so he can force his mother to play nice with Paulie's mother.
The son in question is actually a Principal. It's an interesting contrast as when he is introduced he seems like a strong man who has the respect of the students. At least, he has strength over them. But, with Paulie and his associates he is not coming from a position of strength. It's all relative, right?
When you are giving people power in your organization it's important that you set boundaries or guidance. You can't expect people to be able to read your mind. Don't get mad at them if they don't do what you wanted them to do. Be clear or otherwise expect to be disappointed.
Some people, such as Janice, always have a price.
Tony starts digging into Ralph's sexual preferences after he takes a likening to Ralph's new girlfriend. I think Tony always knew Ralph was a bit strange but I didn't think he knew to what degree. Tony wanted to feel better about stealing his girlfriend.
Carmella found the new girlfriend's fake nail. With all Carmella's concerns about money and her infatuation with Furio she decides to steal Tony's money and put it into investments. Tony find that the money is gone. You can tell in the last scene that he's working it out. That Carmella is the person who took the money. It is at this point that the marriage takes a turn. Up to this point Carmella has not trusted Tony. But it wasn't until this moment that Tony now knew that HE couldn't trust HER.
Sunday, December 30, 2018
The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 45 (Season 4, Episode 7 Watching too Much Television)
Paulie is out of prison. Immediately he starts complaining to Tony about money. Be patient. Ease back into things.
Sometimes innocent comments have repercussions beyond your intentions. Know your audience when telling stories about others. Unless you want to be an unwitting accomplice.
Songs can be powerful reminders. While in the locker room setting up the housing fraud that was inspired by Carmella's cousin's story the politician he is in cahoots with tells him that he is seeing Tony's ex-girlfriend, Irina. Just then the song, " I'd be in trouble if you left me now" by the Chi-Lites plays. You can tell it floods back memories. Tony mainly has an issue with possession. If he doesn't have her no one should. Even though it was his idea to let her go. His only response to jealous is, of course, violence. He emasculates the politican in front of Irina by beating him with his belt.
Sometimes it's difficult to see people as they are. For example, Tony's inability to see Christopher's downward spiral of drug use. He's too close to Christopher and is not thinking clearly of the signs in front of him.
You can't believe what you hear on television. Adrianna mistakenly thinks, since she saw it on T.V. that if she marries Christopher she can't testify against him.
Sometimes people start out with good intentions but in the end are just let down.
It's interesting as I've seen through Season 4 at least three times that my general feeling is the Sopranos gets weaker and less focused as it moves into the later seasons. My observations about wisdom are starting to dry up a bit. Not sure at this point if that is a trend or not. We'll have to see. As I get into the last two seasons I only watched those once. When they were on television the first time. I never wanted to revisit those seasons. I felt that the show had ran it's course and like most shows that are nearing the end added way too many new characters.
Sometimes innocent comments have repercussions beyond your intentions. Know your audience when telling stories about others. Unless you want to be an unwitting accomplice.
Songs can be powerful reminders. While in the locker room setting up the housing fraud that was inspired by Carmella's cousin's story the politician he is in cahoots with tells him that he is seeing Tony's ex-girlfriend, Irina. Just then the song, " I'd be in trouble if you left me now" by the Chi-Lites plays. You can tell it floods back memories. Tony mainly has an issue with possession. If he doesn't have her no one should. Even though it was his idea to let her go. His only response to jealous is, of course, violence. He emasculates the politican in front of Irina by beating him with his belt.
Sometimes it's difficult to see people as they are. For example, Tony's inability to see Christopher's downward spiral of drug use. He's too close to Christopher and is not thinking clearly of the signs in front of him.
You can't believe what you hear on television. Adrianna mistakenly thinks, since she saw it on T.V. that if she marries Christopher she can't testify against him.
Sometimes people start out with good intentions but in the end are just let down.
It's interesting as I've seen through Season 4 at least three times that my general feeling is the Sopranos gets weaker and less focused as it moves into the later seasons. My observations about wisdom are starting to dry up a bit. Not sure at this point if that is a trend or not. We'll have to see. As I get into the last two seasons I only watched those once. When they were on television the first time. I never wanted to revisit those seasons. I felt that the show had ran it's course and like most shows that are nearing the end added way too many new characters.
Sunday, November 18, 2018
The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 44 (Season 4, Episode 6 Everybody Hurts)
When you work a job that you can be on call 24/7 it's best if you don't indulge too much.
It's a myth that you can trust "blood" more. Loyalty doesn't really come from being related. It doesn't hurt I'm sure but it's not the litmus test on trust.
It's important when you are in a position of power to have someone who can represent you. Especially, of course, if you are mixed up in this shady business. It can keep the direct connection between you and your sorry deeds apart. Makes it hard to track who ordered what. Limits your exposure.
A.J. is trying to piece things together about his dad's business. His friends and girlfriend seem to be more interested in his family's illicit status. Be sure your friends like you for who you are. It's important to find people who care about you.
Also, A.J. gets a lesson in humility. A.J. didn't realize how affluent his girlfriend is until he visits her at her Father's home. Carmella had bragged to A.J.'s girlfriend about an expensive figurine she had that cost $3,000. But, it turns out his girlfriend had Picassos on the wall. It's considered inappropriate to brag about the cost of your possessions. Despite all the money the Soprano's have they don't really fit in with the money types. This is a clear class distinction that played itself out with this boast.
Tony finds out in this episode that Gloria committed suicide. This shades his decisions throughout this episode. It forces him to question how he treats others asking in a couple of situations, "What am I a toxic person?"
First, Artie tries to get into loansharking through Tony's associate Ralph. Ralph doesn't lend Artie the money. Ralph's not a nice guy. He made a correct calculation that if things went badly Tony wouldn't appreciate the consequences to his long-time friend Artie. He dresses it up a bit and tells Artie, "If you don't pay me back I won't be able to hurt you". When Tony finds out he is upset that Artie didn't ask him first. Tony is feeling very vulnerable at this point still reeling from the realization that Gloria killed herself. He lends Artie the money. Of course, the guy who he lent the money too refused to pay him back. Artie tries to get tough with the guy but the guy ends of pulling his earing out of his ear and hitting him. So, if you aren't a tough guy you are not going to become one by practicing your speech in front of a mirror Artie. He's so distraught he calls Tony to tell him that he has taken a bunch of pills and is ending it. Fortunately for Artie Tony is really in turmoil over Gloria's suicide and he happens to really love Artie so he gives him an out. Tony is wise to let Artie know that he can't tell anyone he left him off the hook. Tony's reputation is on the line.
Second, earlier in the episode Tony has dinner with his sister, Janice. Janice has had a history of mental issues and Tony is wanting to check on Janice and at the same time relieve himself of any guilt he has felt over her past mental anguish. At one point Tony asks about Janice's relationship with Bobby and Janice thinks Tony is going to say something negative. Again, Tony says "What am I toxic person?
Thirdly, Carmella has been asking Tony for a long time for a living trust. Tony is so concerned at this point for appeasing those he cares about he finally agreed to sign the papers.
Another observation. A.J.'s friends kept bringing up references to the Godfather. It's interesting when you look at the aesthetics of the Godfather vs. the Sopranos. Two key elements that made the Sopranos so successful was Tony's much discussed eyes (see prior posts) and the fact that the way they lived was so normal. Upper middle class climbers. They didn't look like what people think of as typical mob families. It's a more modern look at these families that live among us, somewhat hidden behind their manicured lawns and SUVs. The glamour is gone. Earlier episodes have Tony nostalgically remembering their way of life that changed in his time. The mystic of the mob has been exposed by countless movies, television shows and the prevalence of members who have gave up secrets and named names to get out of convictions.
It's a myth that you can trust "blood" more. Loyalty doesn't really come from being related. It doesn't hurt I'm sure but it's not the litmus test on trust.
It's important when you are in a position of power to have someone who can represent you. Especially, of course, if you are mixed up in this shady business. It can keep the direct connection between you and your sorry deeds apart. Makes it hard to track who ordered what. Limits your exposure.
A.J. is trying to piece things together about his dad's business. His friends and girlfriend seem to be more interested in his family's illicit status. Be sure your friends like you for who you are. It's important to find people who care about you.
Also, A.J. gets a lesson in humility. A.J. didn't realize how affluent his girlfriend is until he visits her at her Father's home. Carmella had bragged to A.J.'s girlfriend about an expensive figurine she had that cost $3,000. But, it turns out his girlfriend had Picassos on the wall. It's considered inappropriate to brag about the cost of your possessions. Despite all the money the Soprano's have they don't really fit in with the money types. This is a clear class distinction that played itself out with this boast.
Tony finds out in this episode that Gloria committed suicide. This shades his decisions throughout this episode. It forces him to question how he treats others asking in a couple of situations, "What am I a toxic person?"
First, Artie tries to get into loansharking through Tony's associate Ralph. Ralph doesn't lend Artie the money. Ralph's not a nice guy. He made a correct calculation that if things went badly Tony wouldn't appreciate the consequences to his long-time friend Artie. He dresses it up a bit and tells Artie, "If you don't pay me back I won't be able to hurt you". When Tony finds out he is upset that Artie didn't ask him first. Tony is feeling very vulnerable at this point still reeling from the realization that Gloria killed herself. He lends Artie the money. Of course, the guy who he lent the money too refused to pay him back. Artie tries to get tough with the guy but the guy ends of pulling his earing out of his ear and hitting him. So, if you aren't a tough guy you are not going to become one by practicing your speech in front of a mirror Artie. He's so distraught he calls Tony to tell him that he has taken a bunch of pills and is ending it. Fortunately for Artie Tony is really in turmoil over Gloria's suicide and he happens to really love Artie so he gives him an out. Tony is wise to let Artie know that he can't tell anyone he left him off the hook. Tony's reputation is on the line.
Second, earlier in the episode Tony has dinner with his sister, Janice. Janice has had a history of mental issues and Tony is wanting to check on Janice and at the same time relieve himself of any guilt he has felt over her past mental anguish. At one point Tony asks about Janice's relationship with Bobby and Janice thinks Tony is going to say something negative. Again, Tony says "What am I toxic person?
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 43 (Season 4 Episode 5 Pie-O-My)
As I was watching this episode I was afraid that my notes would come up empty. Surprisingly that is not unusual for me. It's not until I start pulling it together that I realize there are patterns and underlying themes in each episode. What I don't know is if this is intentional or the writers thought processes just fall in place of these themes naturally without much thought.
If you don't want people to see what you are up to be sure to go somewhere out of sight. The obvious example is the FBI meeting Adrianna in a different town. The other example is Tony hiding money right under Carmella's nose. It's not revealed yet but she finds his secret money stash. He's not as clever as he thinks he is hiding his money.
Intimation by silence and staring someone down are demonstrated multiple times in this episode. People are afraid of silence and will attempt to fill up the void by talking. They are equally uneasy by being stared at. Making direct eye contact while demonstrating a subtle threat can be extremely intimidating. I'm thinking of Bobby talking to a Union Rep at a bar, Tony with his hand out to Ralphie for a bigger payout, the FBI sitting in the front seat not saying anything with Adrianna in the back squirming, Uncle Jr. staring down the court room artist as he was not happy with how he was being drawn and Janice standing in Bobby's kitchen waiting for her competition to make an exit.
Janice, as always, is adept at identifying her mark and going in to close the deal. Janice has laid her sights on Bobby whose wife just passed away. Janice is one of those characters that if she was really honest with herself and was a man she probably would have been vying for Tony's place. But, she is ultimately too careless to have been successful. Now she has decided to be the wind beneath Bobby's wings. Not the first time she has tried this. But, she's really good at it. She feeds Uncle Jr. some positive lie about Bobby that her father supposedly said then talks to Bobby about getting back to work. That one really likes to pull the screws.
Some people deal with stress and disappointment by doing drugs. (This is an easy and so obvious pearl of wisdom brought to us by our two lovebirds Michael and Adrianna.)
Tony has the compassion and love for animals. I don't quite get it. Maybe he feels the only true innocence lies in animals. Maybe it's his judgement that all humans are guilty and unworthy of our fullest respect. But, animals are just animals. There is no stigmatism of sin.
If you don't want people to see what you are up to be sure to go somewhere out of sight. The obvious example is the FBI meeting Adrianna in a different town. The other example is Tony hiding money right under Carmella's nose. It's not revealed yet but she finds his secret money stash. He's not as clever as he thinks he is hiding his money.
Intimation by silence and staring someone down are demonstrated multiple times in this episode. People are afraid of silence and will attempt to fill up the void by talking. They are equally uneasy by being stared at. Making direct eye contact while demonstrating a subtle threat can be extremely intimidating. I'm thinking of Bobby talking to a Union Rep at a bar, Tony with his hand out to Ralphie for a bigger payout, the FBI sitting in the front seat not saying anything with Adrianna in the back squirming, Uncle Jr. staring down the court room artist as he was not happy with how he was being drawn and Janice standing in Bobby's kitchen waiting for her competition to make an exit.
Janice, as always, is adept at identifying her mark and going in to close the deal. Janice has laid her sights on Bobby whose wife just passed away. Janice is one of those characters that if she was really honest with herself and was a man she probably would have been vying for Tony's place. But, she is ultimately too careless to have been successful. Now she has decided to be the wind beneath Bobby's wings. Not the first time she has tried this. But, she's really good at it. She feeds Uncle Jr. some positive lie about Bobby that her father supposedly said then talks to Bobby about getting back to work. That one really likes to pull the screws.
Some people deal with stress and disappointment by doing drugs. (This is an easy and so obvious pearl of wisdom brought to us by our two lovebirds Michael and Adrianna.)
Tony has the compassion and love for animals. I don't quite get it. Maybe he feels the only true innocence lies in animals. Maybe it's his judgement that all humans are guilty and unworthy of our fullest respect. But, animals are just animals. There is no stigmatism of sin.
Friday, October 13, 2017
Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 42 (Season 4 Episode 4 The Weight)
Johnnie Sack is still reeling from the mean hearted joke that Richie said about his wife Jeannie and her weight. This one joke leads to suspicion, revenge and judgements of worth to the organization.
There is a fine line between being paranoid and correct in thinking people are talking about you. It's not always easy to determine this so it's best to weigh the consequences of how you react.
Sometimes being honest is the best approach. If who you are talking to is known to understand where you are coming from it's best to just being honest. Understanding came come from being forth coming.
If someone is leaking your secrets you can become suspicious of everyone, jeopardizing your relationship with others.
Never apologize for something you didn't do. If you apologize you might as well admit you did it.
Don't let the personal interfere with business. It clouds your judgement.
Not backing someone up creates enemies. If you know your actions are creating an enemy you need to swiftly move to address the lingering issue.
Carmela brought Anthony Jr. over to Furio's in an effort to provide cover for why she was there. Bringing someone else in your ruse even without their knowledge makes an appearance of being an innocent visit.
When you love someone you can see past their flaws.
When you are a victim of a crime you can't blame yourself. The location, circumstances, etc. does not make you guilty.
Johnnie Sack finally let's it go when he finds out Jeannie has been cheating on her diet all this time. Meanwhile his boss gave Tony the nod to take him out. At the same time Johnnie had a hit on Richie that he called off. The net loss to both Tony & Johnnie was half of their payments to their respective hit men.
There is a fine line between being paranoid and correct in thinking people are talking about you. It's not always easy to determine this so it's best to weigh the consequences of how you react.
Sometimes being honest is the best approach. If who you are talking to is known to understand where you are coming from it's best to just being honest. Understanding came come from being forth coming.
If someone is leaking your secrets you can become suspicious of everyone, jeopardizing your relationship with others.
Never apologize for something you didn't do. If you apologize you might as well admit you did it.
Don't let the personal interfere with business. It clouds your judgement.
Not backing someone up creates enemies. If you know your actions are creating an enemy you need to swiftly move to address the lingering issue.
Carmela brought Anthony Jr. over to Furio's in an effort to provide cover for why she was there. Bringing someone else in your ruse even without their knowledge makes an appearance of being an innocent visit.
When you love someone you can see past their flaws.
When you are a victim of a crime you can't blame yourself. The location, circumstances, etc. does not make you guilty.
Johnnie Sack finally let's it go when he finds out Jeannie has been cheating on her diet all this time. Meanwhile his boss gave Tony the nod to take him out. At the same time Johnnie had a hit on Richie that he called off. The net loss to both Tony & Johnnie was half of their payments to their respective hit men.
Saturday, September 2, 2017
The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 41 (Season 4 Episode 3 Christopher)
Christopher Columbus Day, Native Americans, Italian stereotypes and childhood trauma all combine to make this episode's theme victimization. Everyone is a victim.
Paulie is in jail and causing problems from within. Since he's not around no one suspects that he is the leak spilling family business to New York to gain favor. As Tony says, "someone is talking too much and costing me money". Sometimes its easier to instigate trouble when you appear at a distance.
You never know when it's the last time you see or talk to someone. Be sure to tell them you love them (okay, only if you love them) so if it is the last time you know they went out knowing it (and you'll feel better about that last interaction too).
Don't bite the hand the feeds you Padre. The Priest had a speaker that talked about Italian stereotypes of Italians being in the mob. You could feel the embarrassment Carmela and her family friends felt sitting at that table. It seems the Soprano family has given a great deal of money to the parish and perhaps the Priest should have been more careful about subjecting Carmela to the humiliation. (However, I think the Priest erred earlier when he actually took money from the Sopranos.)
There gets to be a point in a protest where you just go too far and violence erupts. We've seen this played out recently (unfortunately). It happens in this episode when some friendly Italian guys came to voice their concerns about the Native Americans protesting the Christopher Columbus holiday. Things can quickly get out of control.
Janice, Tony's absolutely manipulative sister is seeing a counselor. They don't say but I'm pretty sure from the way this woman interacts with Janice that she's not qualified professional. Of course, Janice wouldn't want real growth. She just wants sympathy. Janice was talking about how much she suffered as a child. Janice acts of it she is the ultimate poster child for victims. Which she isn't. If you know what answers you want to hear, find someone who will tell it to you. Also, if you can't muster the courage to end a relationship just make up a stupid reason to argue.
There is no such thing as a free ride. Tony was reminded of this when an Native American Indian Chief invited him and this associates to a casino. What the Chief ultimately wanted was Frankie Valli to perform at the Casino. He figured Tony could make the call.
This episode ended, appropriately enough, with Tony asking the question about what ever happened to Gary Cooper? He was talking about the image of Gary Cooper as the silent, strong man who did what he needed to do. Gary Cooper didn't whine. He was a man. So, back to the theme. Gary Cooper, I suppose, is NOT A VICTIM.
Everyone should quit whining at this point and get on with it. If we would all collectively do this who knows where we would be as a country. (Now I'm probably going to hear from someone.)
Paulie is in jail and causing problems from within. Since he's not around no one suspects that he is the leak spilling family business to New York to gain favor. As Tony says, "someone is talking too much and costing me money". Sometimes its easier to instigate trouble when you appear at a distance.
You never know when it's the last time you see or talk to someone. Be sure to tell them you love them (okay, only if you love them) so if it is the last time you know they went out knowing it (and you'll feel better about that last interaction too).
Don't bite the hand the feeds you Padre. The Priest had a speaker that talked about Italian stereotypes of Italians being in the mob. You could feel the embarrassment Carmela and her family friends felt sitting at that table. It seems the Soprano family has given a great deal of money to the parish and perhaps the Priest should have been more careful about subjecting Carmela to the humiliation. (However, I think the Priest erred earlier when he actually took money from the Sopranos.)
There gets to be a point in a protest where you just go too far and violence erupts. We've seen this played out recently (unfortunately). It happens in this episode when some friendly Italian guys came to voice their concerns about the Native Americans protesting the Christopher Columbus holiday. Things can quickly get out of control.
Janice, Tony's absolutely manipulative sister is seeing a counselor. They don't say but I'm pretty sure from the way this woman interacts with Janice that she's not qualified professional. Of course, Janice wouldn't want real growth. She just wants sympathy. Janice was talking about how much she suffered as a child. Janice acts of it she is the ultimate poster child for victims. Which she isn't. If you know what answers you want to hear, find someone who will tell it to you. Also, if you can't muster the courage to end a relationship just make up a stupid reason to argue.
There is no such thing as a free ride. Tony was reminded of this when an Native American Indian Chief invited him and this associates to a casino. What the Chief ultimately wanted was Frankie Valli to perform at the Casino. He figured Tony could make the call.
This episode ended, appropriately enough, with Tony asking the question about what ever happened to Gary Cooper? He was talking about the image of Gary Cooper as the silent, strong man who did what he needed to do. Gary Cooper didn't whine. He was a man. So, back to the theme. Gary Cooper, I suppose, is NOT A VICTIM.
Everyone should quit whining at this point and get on with it. If we would all collectively do this who knows where we would be as a country. (Now I'm probably going to hear from someone.)
Saturday, May 20, 2017
The Wisdom of the Sopranos Part 40 (Season 4 Episode 2 No Show)
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.
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.
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