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Another Toothpick (The Sopranos episode)
Encyclopedia
"Another Toothpick" is the thirty-first episode of the HBO original series The Sopranos
and the fifth of the show's third season. It was written by Terence Winter
, directed by Jack Bender
and originally aired on Sunday March 25, 2001.
together, Tony
remains quiet throughout, while Carmela
asks Melfi questions. Melfi then asks if Tony has been telling Carmela about any of the origins of his "root causes". Carmela tends to forget, which forces Tony to remind her of the capicola
from Satriale's. Carmela asks Dr. Melfi why the therapy has not helped Tony much, since he is still passing out on a regular basis. Guilt, among other things, is brought up as a possible reason. Carmela then yells at Tony, "Maybe it's because you stick your dick into anything that has a pulse, can that be considered a root cause?" When Melfi says she notices anger, Tony sarcastically remarks, "You must have been at the top of your fucking class."
Tony then gets in touch with his government contact, the corrupt Assemblyman
Ronald Zellman, about the ticket. Zellman says he will look into the situation and take care of it. Days later, when Tony goes to purchase a water pipe at Fountains of Wayne, a lawn ornament
store, he sees his Officer Wilmore selling pottery. Tony sarcastically antagonizes Wilmore, who then tells Tony that he was sacked from his street patrol and lost his overtime thanks to him and "your friend the Assemblyman", and is relegated to working in the gun cage and has taken the job at the pottery store to make ends meet. Tony denies having anything to do with his situation. Feeling guilty, Tony later calls Zellman, who informs Tony that Officer Wilmore was reassigned because he was a rabble rouser and disliked by a number of other cops, presumably because he performed his duty with integrity. This relieves Tony, but he asks if Wilmore can have his job back. Later, when meeting with Zellman, because in the meantime Tony has discovered that a black youth stole his daughter's bicycle, Tony tells Zellman to forget it since he thinks Wilmore got what he deserved.
In their phone discussion, Zellman relates that Wilmore was thought to be battling depression
or another mental illness, and Tony seems to briefly give the issue some thought and seemingly has some sympathy for the officer, since he struggles with the same issues. During his interactions with Tony, Wilmore firmly disregards Tony's charm and intimidation, twice refuses bribes/handouts, and refuses to "go off" when provoked by Tony's insults and condescension, leaving Tony victorious but feeling like the smaller man. Later, Meadow
openly condemns Tony for being hypocritical in his attitude toward blacks, while Tony smirks about Meadow's bicycle being stolen by a black person.
At the garden store, Tony offers Wilmore a bribe to ensure that his expensive order arrives in one piece, likely motivated by the fact he sees Wilmore is probably struggling financially. Wilmore looks at him in disgust and walks away proudly, refusing to take the money for a job he is expected to do in the first place, leaving Tony to realize that there are a few incorruptible men in the world.
and his father, Bobby, Sr. Tony learns that Bobby, Sr. has lung cancer
as a result of a lifelong tobacco habit. When Vito Spatafore
's brother Bryan is sent to the hospital after being clubbed by a jealous Mustang Sally, Bobby Sr. agrees to do the hit since he is Sally's godfather
and can make a safe approach. Bobby is afraid of this because of his father's poor health (he is croupy and coughing up blood at the slightest exertion) and asks Junior
to convince Tony to get someone else, even volunteering for the task himself. However, Bobby, Sr. is fatalistic about his cancer and wants to do the hit, which devastates his son.
Bobby, Sr. proceeds to visit the house in Staten Island
where Mustang Sally—fearing Tony's mortal retaliation—has holed up with his friend Carlos. After disarming Sally's pent anxiety by assuring him "don't worry, I got you a pass", then sending him into to the kitchen for a glass of water, Bobby Sr. sneaks up from behind and shoots him in the ear, being distracted by Carlos. Though injured, Sally puts up an intense struggle and a blood-soaked gun-in-hand grapple ensues. Hardly able to breathe, Bobby Sr. exerts himself beyond his limits to again shoot Sally, this time in the face. He then shoots Carlos dead. He takes Sally's cigarettes and smokes them blissfully while leaving the scene in his Chevrolet Lumina
. In a coughing fit while driving, he fumbles for his blood-covered inhaler
, seems to lose consciousness, loses control of the car, and crashes into a sign pole, killing him. An eerie scene follows, with the radio in the demolished car still playing as Bobby's lifeless body slumps over the steering wheel.
Bobby Bacala is extremely upset, which causes Junior to first ask how exactly he was killed, cancer or the car accident, prompting Bobby to reply, "All due respect Junior, what do you care about the details?" Corrado calmly relented, but then abruptly unleashes his fury by breaking a lamp and picture frames. Junior tells Tony at Dr. Schreck's office that he has cancer. He asks Tony not to tell anyone and is visibly scared. Tony, however, tells Janice
and they both meet at Livia
's for a drink and discuss Janice's newfound religion.
It is also revealed that Uncle Junior holds the superstitious belief that "these things come in threes," pertaining to two recent cancer-related deaths (Jackie Aprile and Febby). Supposedly, he believes that if Bobby Sr.'s death was from cancer, it would prevent him from becoming the third in line to die of the disease. This is why he becomes upset not knowing whether Bobby Sr. died from the car accident or his cancer.
, to do a biology lab that involves studying pathogens under a microscope. The light helps her see better in order for her to complete the lab assignment. With the relocation of the lamp far away from where it is needed, the undercover techs declare the bug "neutralized".
, Paulie Gualtieri
, and Tony that Ralphie has some major resentment towards Gigi's getting promoted to Capo of The Aprile Crew over him, seeing how Ralph was a top earner in the crew, and Gigi wasn't exactly thought to be Capo material. Due to Ralph's insubordination, Gigi received the promotion despite being technically less qualified. Ralph comments on Gigi's idea to send in Bobby, Sr. for retaliation towards Mustang Sally for brutally beating up Vito's brother Brian, saying "You're sendin' in an old man; what's he gonna do gum the guy to death?" He then comments that Tony should allow him to do it because "he'll take that guy apart at the joints...with him conscious."
However, Ralph then sarcastically comments "My man jugootz he really knows what he's doing, huh?" as he smiles and looks at Gigi. Gigi responds angrily with, "Gee, I'm glad I have your fuckin' approval."
Ralph responds again with, "Whatever you say, Cappy." It is clear that Ralph has no respect for Gigi's authority as Gigi looks back at him in disgust.
is leaving her post as hostess at Nuovo Vesuvio, now that Christopher Moltisanti
is a made man
and earning more money. After hours in the restaurant, a drunken Artie insults Christopher in front of Tony which almost leads to violence before it's broken up by Tony. After Chris leaves, Artie tells Tony that he is in love with Adriana, but Tony tells him to sober up and to never utter those words again. The next day, Tony suggests that he and Artie go into business together, selling Italian food products, under the Satriale's
brand name. Charmaine nixes the idea, being against doing business with a mobster, believing Tony only wants another business to use as a front. During an argument in the restaurant, Charmaine threatens Artie, and Artie scoffs, calling her bluff by asking her if she's going to divorce him. Angered by the exchange, Charmaine tells him the marriage is over, and that he should not expect custody of the children. Artie, sporting an earring, later has an awkward dinner with Adriana. Even though she attends the dinner without telling Christopher —- ostensibly because it was a "going away" dinner -— she soon realizes that Artie is romantically interested after he repeatedly attempts to hold her hand and suggests that she is not ready for marriage.
and Edie Falco
as Dr. Melfi and Carmela Soprano, spoke directly to each other. Their two previous conversations had taken place over the phone, while they had only caught a glimpse of each other in season 1, when Carmela drove Tony to meet Melfi for a session in her car.
The Sopranos
The Sopranos is an American television drama series created by David Chase that revolves around the New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the often conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal organization he heads...
and the fifth of the show's third season. It was written by Terence Winter
Terence Winter
Terence Winter is an American writer and producer of television and film. He is the creator, writer, and executive producer of the HBO television series Boardwalk Empire...
, directed by Jack Bender
Jack Bender
Jack Bender is an American television and film director, actor, television producer and also a screenwriter. Bender was an executive producer and lead director on the ABC television series, Lost. He directed the series finale of Lost. Bender has also directed on other popular shows such as The...
and originally aired on Sunday March 25, 2001.
Guest starring roles
- Tom AldredgeTom AldredgeThomas Ernest "Tom" Aldredge was an American television, film and stage actor.-Life and career:Aldredge was born in Dayton, Ohio, the son of Lucienne Juliet and W. J. Aldredge, a colonel in the United States Army Air Corps...
as Hugh De Angelis - Jason CerboneJason CerboneJason Cerbone is an actor from Yonkers, New York.He got his start acting at age 4, appearing on a commercial for Sesame Street. He signed with the Ford Modeling Agency in New York City at age 7. Jason later appeared in Bon Jovi's "Silent Night" music video, as well as the title character in...
as Jackie Aprile, Jr.Jackie Aprile, Jr.Giacomo Michael Aprile, Jr. , played by Jason Cerbone, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. In the episode "...To Save Us All From Satan's Power", Cerbone's younger brother Matt played a younger Jackie Jr. in a flashback sequence.-Plot details:Jackie Aprile, Jr. was born into... - Vince CuratolaVince CuratolaVincent Curatola is an American actor and writer. Curatola's best-known role is that of the cold, calculating, chain smoking Johnny Sack from the HBO drama, The Sopranos...
as Johnny SackJohnny SackJohn "Johnny Sack" Sacramoni, played by Vince Curatola, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He was the longtime underboss and later the boss of the powerful Brooklyn-based New York City Lupertazzi crime family... - Charles S. DuttonCharles S. DuttonCharles Stanley Dutton is an American stage, film, and television actor and director. He is perhaps best known for his roles as "Fortune" in the film Rudy and "Dillon" in Alien 3...
as Officer Leon Wilmore - John FioreJohn Fiore (actor)John Fiore is an American actor from Somerville, Massachusetts.Fiore is probably best known for his recurring role as Detective Tony Profaci on the long-running NBC crime drama Law & Order...
as Gigi Cestone - Robert FunaroRobert FunaroRobert Funaro is an American film and television actor. Funaro is best known for the role of Eugene Pontecorvo in the Emmy Award-winning television series The Sopranos...
as Eugene Pontecorvo - Joseph R. GannascoliJoseph R. GannascoliJoseph R. Gannascoli is an Italian-American actor and celebrity spokesman most notable for his portrayal of Vito Spatafore on the HBO series, The Sopranos.-Early life:Joseph R. Gannascoli was born and raised in Brooklyn....
as Vito SpataforeVito SpataforeVito Spatafore, Sr., played by Joseph R. Gannascoli, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He was a member of the DiMeo Crime Family and a subordinate of Tony Soprano. He was married to Marie Spatafore with two children, Francesca and Vito, Jr., and was a closeted homosexual... - Kathrine NarducciKathrine NarducciKathrine Narducci is an American actress, mostly known for her role as Charmaine Bucco, Artie Bucco's wife, on the HBO TV series The Sopranos...
as Charmaine Bucco - Frank PellegrinoFrank PellegrinoFrank Pellegrino is an American actor and restaurateur.Born in East Harlem, Pellegrino has often acted in law and gangster-themed film and television productions. He was a member of an early sixties singing group called The Holidaes. There is a rare recording of a song called "Never" that appears...
as Bureau Chief Frank Cubitoso - Peter RiegertPeter RiegertPeter Riegert is an American actor, screenwriter, and film director, best known for his role as Boon from Animal House and crooked New Jersey State Assemblyman Ronald Zellman on the HBO original series The Sopranos.-Early life:...
as Ronald Zellman - Paul SchulzePaul SchulzePaul Schulze is an American actor best known for portraying Ryan Chappelle on the FOX series 24 from 2001 to 2004 and Father Phil Intintola on HBO The Sopranos from 1999 to 2006....
as Father Phil Intintola - Matt ServittoMatt ServittoMatt Servitto is an American actor, probably best known for his role on The Sopranos as FBI agent Dwight Harris. He also appeared on all 3 seasons of the Peabody Award-winning series Brotherhood as Rep. Donatello and had a guest appearance on Sex and the City as Carrie Bradshaw's editor...
as Agent HarrisDwight HarrisSpecial Agent Dwight Harris, played by Matt Servitto, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He is an FBI agent assigned to Tony Soprano's case... - Suzanne ShepherdSuzanne ShepherdSuzanne Shepherd is an American actress and theater director. She is best known for her portrayal of Karen's overbearing mother in the film Goodfellas, and Carmela's overbearing mother in the television program The Sopranos. Shepherd studied acting with Sanford Meisner, and later went on to teach...
as Mary De Angelis - Brian Tarantina as Mustang Sally
- Burt YoungBurt YoungBurt Young is an American actor, painter and author. He is best known for his Academy Award-nominated role as Sylvester Stallone's brother-in-law and friend Paulie in the Rocky film series.-Personal life:...
as Bobby Baccalieri, Sr.
Therapy session
As they have their first therapy session with Dr. MelfiJennifer Melfi
Jennifer Melfi, M.D., is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. She is the psychiatrist of Mafia boss Tony Soprano. She is portrayed by Lorraine Bracco.-Character description:...
together, Tony
Tony Soprano
Anthony John "Tony" Soprano, Sr. is an Italian-American fictional character and the protagonist on the HBO television drama series The Sopranos, on which he is portrayed by James Gandolfini. The character was conceived by The Sopranos creator and show runner David Chase, who was also largely...
remains quiet throughout, while Carmela
Carmela Soprano
Carmela Soprano née DeAngelis, played by Edie Falco, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. She is the wife of Mafia boss Tony Soprano and the program's most prominent female character.-Character biography:...
asks Melfi questions. Melfi then asks if Tony has been telling Carmela about any of the origins of his "root causes". Carmela tends to forget, which forces Tony to remind her of the capicola
Capicola
Capocollo , or coppa, is a traditional Calabrian Italian cold cut made from pork shoulder or neck, and dry-cured whole. The name coppa is Italian for nape, while capocollo comes from capo—head—and collo—neck—of a pig. The Italian spelling, "capocollo'", is derived from Latin, "caput collum"...
from Satriale's. Carmela asks Dr. Melfi why the therapy has not helped Tony much, since he is still passing out on a regular basis. Guilt, among other things, is brought up as a possible reason. Carmela then yells at Tony, "Maybe it's because you stick your dick into anything that has a pulse, can that be considered a root cause?" When Melfi says she notices anger, Tony sarcastically remarks, "You must have been at the top of your fucking class."
Tony and the cop
Afterwards, Tony drives a tearful Carmela home. Tony speeds in frustration and is pulled over by a black police officer by the name of Leon Wilmore, who orders Tony for his license and registration, and to turn off the engine. After attempts at winning him over and casually offering a bribe backfire, along with asking the officer tauntingly what would happen if he ignores orders, Tony finally turns the engine off after Officer Wilmore radios in for backup threateningly. The dispatch is canceled when Tony reluctantly gives in. As Wilmore walks back to his car, Tony makes a comment to Carmela saying, "I can't believe this fucking smoke is writing me up. Affirmative action cocksucker." Officer Wilmore writes Tony a ticket and sends him on his way.Tony then gets in touch with his government contact, the corrupt Assemblyman
New Jersey General Assembly
The New Jersey General Assembly is the lower house of the New Jersey Legislature.Since the election of 1967 , the Assembly has consisted of 80 members. Two members are elected from each of New Jersey's 40 legislative districts for a term of two years, each representing districts with average...
Ronald Zellman, about the ticket. Zellman says he will look into the situation and take care of it. Days later, when Tony goes to purchase a water pipe at Fountains of Wayne, a lawn ornament
Lawn ornament
Lawn ornaments are decorative objects placed in the grassy area of a property.- Common lawn ornaments :Bird bath - A structure designed to hold water for birds to bathe in or drink, generally supported upon a pedestal....
store, he sees his Officer Wilmore selling pottery. Tony sarcastically antagonizes Wilmore, who then tells Tony that he was sacked from his street patrol and lost his overtime thanks to him and "your friend the Assemblyman", and is relegated to working in the gun cage and has taken the job at the pottery store to make ends meet. Tony denies having anything to do with his situation. Feeling guilty, Tony later calls Zellman, who informs Tony that Officer Wilmore was reassigned because he was a rabble rouser and disliked by a number of other cops, presumably because he performed his duty with integrity. This relieves Tony, but he asks if Wilmore can have his job back. Later, when meeting with Zellman, because in the meantime Tony has discovered that a black youth stole his daughter's bicycle, Tony tells Zellman to forget it since he thinks Wilmore got what he deserved.
In their phone discussion, Zellman relates that Wilmore was thought to be battling depression
Clinical depression
Major depressive disorder is a mental disorder characterized by an all-encompassing low mood accompanied by low self-esteem, and by loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities...
or another mental illness, and Tony seems to briefly give the issue some thought and seemingly has some sympathy for the officer, since he struggles with the same issues. During his interactions with Tony, Wilmore firmly disregards Tony's charm and intimidation, twice refuses bribes/handouts, and refuses to "go off" when provoked by Tony's insults and condescension, leaving Tony victorious but feeling like the smaller man. Later, Meadow
Meadow Soprano
Meadow Mariangela Soprano , played by Jamie-Lynn Sigler, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos.-Character:Meadow is the first-born child of Tony and Carmela Soprano...
openly condemns Tony for being hypocritical in his attitude toward blacks, while Tony smirks about Meadow's bicycle being stolen by a black person.
At the garden store, Tony offers Wilmore a bribe to ensure that his expensive order arrives in one piece, likely motivated by the fact he sees Wilmore is probably struggling financially. Wilmore looks at him in disgust and walks away proudly, refusing to take the money for a job he is expected to do in the first place, leaving Tony to realize that there are a few incorruptible men in the world.
Junior and Bobby Bacala, Sr.
Meanwhile, after attending a funeral for Carmela's uncle, Febby, Tony meets up with Bobby BaccalieriBobby Baccalieri
Robert "Bobby Bacala" Baccalieri, Jr., played by Steve R. Schirripa, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He was a Capo and later the acting underboss of the DiMeo Crime Family, as well as Tony Soprano's brother-in-law...
and his father, Bobby, Sr. Tony learns that Bobby, Sr. has lung cancer
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung. If left untreated, this growth can spread beyond the lung in a process called metastasis into nearby tissue and, eventually, into other parts of the body. Most cancers that start in lung, known as primary...
as a result of a lifelong tobacco habit. When Vito Spatafore
Vito Spatafore
Vito Spatafore, Sr., played by Joseph R. Gannascoli, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He was a member of the DiMeo Crime Family and a subordinate of Tony Soprano. He was married to Marie Spatafore with two children, Francesca and Vito, Jr., and was a closeted homosexual...
's brother Bryan is sent to the hospital after being clubbed by a jealous Mustang Sally, Bobby Sr. agrees to do the hit since he is Sally's godfather
Godparent
A godparent, in many denominations of Christianity, is someone who sponsors a child's baptism. A male godparent is a godfather, and a female godparent is a godmother...
and can make a safe approach. Bobby is afraid of this because of his father's poor health (he is croupy and coughing up blood at the slightest exertion) and asks Junior
Junior Soprano
Corrado John Soprano, Jr., played by Dominic Chianese, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. Usually referred to as "Junior" or "Uncle Jun", he is the mentor and surrogate father for capo Tony Soprano. A younger Corrado sometimes appears in flashbacks and is played by Rocco...
to convince Tony to get someone else, even volunteering for the task himself. However, Bobby, Sr. is fatalistic about his cancer and wants to do the hit, which devastates his son.
Bobby, Sr. proceeds to visit the house in Staten Island
Staten Island
Staten Island is a borough of New York City, New York, United States, located in the southwest part of the city. Staten Island is separated from New Jersey by the Arthur Kill and the Kill Van Kull, and from the rest of New York by New York Bay...
where Mustang Sally—fearing Tony's mortal retaliation—has holed up with his friend Carlos. After disarming Sally's pent anxiety by assuring him "don't worry, I got you a pass", then sending him into to the kitchen for a glass of water, Bobby Sr. sneaks up from behind and shoots him in the ear, being distracted by Carlos. Though injured, Sally puts up an intense struggle and a blood-soaked gun-in-hand grapple ensues. Hardly able to breathe, Bobby Sr. exerts himself beyond his limits to again shoot Sally, this time in the face. He then shoots Carlos dead. He takes Sally's cigarettes and smokes them blissfully while leaving the scene in his Chevrolet Lumina
Chevrolet Lumina
The North American Chevrolet Lumina sedan , coupe and minivan were first introduced in 1989 for the 1990 model year as a new range of vehicles from the Chevrolet brand of General Motors to replace the Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Celebrity sedan, and the Monte Carlo coupe. The Lumina was an answer...
. In a coughing fit while driving, he fumbles for his blood-covered inhaler
Inhaler
An inhaler or puffer is a medical device used for delivering medication into the body via the lungs. It is mainly used in the treatment of asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease . Zanamivir , used to treat influenza, must be administered via inhaler...
, seems to lose consciousness, loses control of the car, and crashes into a sign pole, killing him. An eerie scene follows, with the radio in the demolished car still playing as Bobby's lifeless body slumps over the steering wheel.
Bobby Bacala is extremely upset, which causes Junior to first ask how exactly he was killed, cancer or the car accident, prompting Bobby to reply, "All due respect Junior, what do you care about the details?" Corrado calmly relented, but then abruptly unleashes his fury by breaking a lamp and picture frames. Junior tells Tony at Dr. Schreck's office that he has cancer. He asks Tony not to tell anyone and is visibly scared. Tony, however, tells Janice
Janice Soprano
Janice Soprano Baccalieri, played by Aida Turturro, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. She is Tony Soprano's elder sister. A young Janice has appeared in flashbacks, played by Madeline Blue and Juliet Fox.-Biography:...
and they both meet at Livia
Livia Soprano
Livia Soprano , played by Nancy Marchand, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. She is the mother of Tony Soprano. A young Livia, played by Laila Robins and later by Laurie J. Williams is sometimes seen in flashbacks...
's for a drink and discuss Janice's newfound religion.
It is also revealed that Uncle Junior holds the superstitious belief that "these things come in threes," pertaining to two recent cancer-related deaths (Jackie Aprile and Febby). Supposedly, he believes that if Bobby Sr.'s death was from cancer, it would prevent him from becoming the third in line to die of the disease. This is why he becomes upset not knowing whether Bobby Sr. died from the car accident or his cancer.
FBI setback
During an argument in the Soprano household between Tony and Meadow about Tony's racial bias, Meadow picks up the FBI-bugged lamp and takes it for her dorm at Columbia UniversityColumbia University
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the...
, to do a biology lab that involves studying pathogens under a microscope. The light helps her see better in order for her to complete the lab assignment. With the relocation of the lamp far away from where it is needed, the undercover techs declare the bug "neutralized".
Ralph and Gigi
It begins to become apparent at a dinner, along with Johnny SackJohnny Sack
John "Johnny Sack" Sacramoni, played by Vince Curatola, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He was the longtime underboss and later the boss of the powerful Brooklyn-based New York City Lupertazzi crime family...
, Paulie Gualtieri
Paulie Gualtieri
Peter Paul "Paulie Walnuts" Gualtieri played by Tony Sirico, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He is a caporegime and later underboss in the Soprano crime family.-Plot details:...
, and Tony that Ralphie has some major resentment towards Gigi's getting promoted to Capo of The Aprile Crew over him, seeing how Ralph was a top earner in the crew, and Gigi wasn't exactly thought to be Capo material. Due to Ralph's insubordination, Gigi received the promotion despite being technically less qualified. Ralph comments on Gigi's idea to send in Bobby, Sr. for retaliation towards Mustang Sally for brutally beating up Vito's brother Brian, saying "You're sendin' in an old man; what's he gonna do gum the guy to death?" He then comments that Tony should allow him to do it because "he'll take that guy apart at the joints...with him conscious."
However, Ralph then sarcastically comments "My man jugootz he really knows what he's doing, huh?" as he smiles and looks at Gigi. Gigi responds angrily with, "Gee, I'm glad I have your fuckin' approval."
Ralph responds again with, "Whatever you say, Cappy." It is clear that Ralph has no respect for Gigi's authority as Gigi looks back at him in disgust.
Artie and Adriana
Artie Bucco is upset when he learns that Adriana La CervaAdriana La Cerva
Adriana La Cerva played by Drea de Matteo, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. She is the long-time girlfriend and, later, fiancée of Tony Soprano's protégé, Christopher Moltisanti.-Character history:...
is leaving her post as hostess at Nuovo Vesuvio, now that Christopher Moltisanti
Christopher Moltisanti
Christopher "Chris" Moltisanti, played by Michael Imperioli, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He was Tony Soprano's protégé and a Capo in the Soprano crime family.-Biography:...
is a made man
Made man
A made man, also known as a Mafioso , made guy, man of honor, or uomo d'onore , is someone who has been officially inducted into the Sicilian or American Mafia . They may also be referred to by some as a goodfella or wiseguy...
and earning more money. After hours in the restaurant, a drunken Artie insults Christopher in front of Tony which almost leads to violence before it's broken up by Tony. After Chris leaves, Artie tells Tony that he is in love with Adriana, but Tony tells him to sober up and to never utter those words again. The next day, Tony suggests that he and Artie go into business together, selling Italian food products, under the Satriale's
Satriale's Pork Store
Satriale's Pork Store is a fictional establishment on the HBO series The Sopranos. As told in the television show, during the 1970s, the pork store was taken over by Johnny Boy Soprano, a member of The DiMeo Crime Family, when Francis Satriale failed to make payments on a gambling debt and later...
brand name. Charmaine nixes the idea, being against doing business with a mobster, believing Tony only wants another business to use as a front. During an argument in the restaurant, Charmaine threatens Artie, and Artie scoffs, calling her bluff by asking her if she's going to divorce him. Angered by the exchange, Charmaine tells him the marriage is over, and that he should not expect custody of the children. Artie, sporting an earring, later has an awkward dinner with Adriana. Even though she attends the dinner without telling Christopher —- ostensibly because it was a "going away" dinner -— she soon realizes that Artie is romantically interested after he repeatedly attempts to hold her hand and suggests that she is not ready for marriage.
Deceased
- Febby Viola: died of cancer; Carmela's uncle
- Mustang Sally: shot on orders by Tony Soprano and Gigi Cestone
- Carlos: Mustang Sally's friend; shot for being a witness to his murder
- Bobby Baccalieri, Sr.: Crashed his car while suffering a coughing fit brought on by his lung cancer
Title reference
- Janice claims that Livia often described a person who was dying of cancer as "another toothpickToothpickA toothpick is a small stick of wood, plastic, bamboo, metal, bone or other substance used to remove detritus from the teeth, usually after a meal. A toothpick usually has one or two sharp ends to insert between teeth. They can also be used for picking up small appetizers or as a cocktail...
" because of the emaciated appearance that comes with metastatic illness.
Media reference
- As Bobby Sr. visits Mustang Sally and Carlos, before their deaths, the two were watching Sally Jessy RaphaelSally Jessy RaphaëlSally Lowenthal , better known as Sally Jessy Raphael, is an American talk show host, known for the eponymous Sally talk show she hosted for two decades.-Early years:...
's talk show on TV. - After confessing his love for Adriana to Tony, Artie muses that he'd have a better chance with her if he weren't bald. Tony states that the older, married Artie wouldn't have a chance with that young girl even if he had hair like Casey KasemCasey KasemKemal Amin "Casey" Kasem is an American radio personality and voice actor who is best known for being the host of the nationally syndicated Top 40 countdown show American Top 40, and for voicing Shaggy in the popular Saturday morning cartoon franchise Scooby-Doo.Kasem, along with Don Bustany and...
.
Production
Going into the third season, this episode marks the first time the show's leading ladies, Lorraine BraccoLorraine Bracco
Lorraine Bracco is an American actress. She is best known for her TV roles as Dr. Jennifer Melfi on HBO series, The Sopranos, and Angela Rizzoli on the TNT series, Rizzoli & Isles...
and Edie Falco
Edie Falco
Edith "Edie" Falco is an American television, film and stage actress, known for her roles in Oz as Diane Wittlesey, as Carmela Soprano on the HBO series The Sopranos, and as the titular character on the Showtime series Nurse Jackie...
as Dr. Melfi and Carmela Soprano, spoke directly to each other. Their two previous conversations had taken place over the phone, while they had only caught a glimpse of each other in season 1, when Carmela drove Tony to meet Melfi for a session in her car.
Music
- The song played over the end credits is "Shuck Dub" by R. L. BurnsideR. L. BurnsideNot to be confused with R. H. Burnside, stage director.R. L. Burnside , born Robert Lee Burnside, was an American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist who lived much of his life in and around Holly Springs, Mississippi. He played music for much of his life, but did not receive much attention...
. - Meadow Soprano sings along to The CorrsThe CorrsThe Corrs are an Irish band which combine pop rock with traditional Celtic folk music. The brother and sisters are from Dundalk, Ireland. The group consists of the Corr siblings: Andrea ; Sharon ; Caroline ; and Jim .The Corrs came to international prominence with their performance at the...
' "Breathless", while listening to headphones. - The song playing on the radio in Bobby Baccalieri Sr.'s Chevy as he is driving away from the murder scene is "Sister Golden HairSister Golden Hair"Sister Golden Hair" is a song written by Gerry Beckley and recorded by the band America for their fifth album Hearts . It was their second single to reach number one on the U.S...
" by AmericaAmerica (band)America is an English-American folk rock band that originally included members Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell and Dan Peek. The three members were barely out of their teens when they became a musical sensation during 1972, scoring #1 hits and winning a Grammy for best new musical artist...
; Bobby Sr.'s car crashes as the line "I just can't make it" was sung in the main chorus. - The song played while Artie Bucco and Adriana have dinner is "Concierto de AranjuezConcierto de AranjuezThe Concierto de Aranjuez is a composition for classical guitar and orchestra by the Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo. Written in 1939, it is probably Rodrigo's best-known work, and its success established his reputation as one of the most significant Spanish composers of the twentieth century. ...
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