Down Neck (The Sopranos episode)
Encyclopedia
"Down Neck" is the seventh episode of the HBO original series The Sopranos
. It was written by Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess
, directed by Lorraine Senna Ferrara and originally aired on Sunday February 21, 1999. It is also the first episode not to feature a character dying.
* = credit only
and his friends steal sacramental wine
and turn up drunk and giggling at gym class
. Tony
and Carmela
are called in to see the principal of A.J.'s school, Verbum Dei. The principal is accompanied by the school psychologist who tells them that A.J. may have ADHD
(known at that time as ADD). The school is lenient in disciplining A.J. because of this, but are considering placing him in a special education
class.
This incident prompts Tony to recall his own childhood when he first learned about his family's involvement in the Mafia
. In therapy he discusses this with Dr. Melfi
. Included in Tony's memory is the time his father wanted to move the family to Reno, Nevada
, to manage a supper club for Rocco Altiore. Tony's mother refused and said she would rather suffocate the children than move. Tony, visiting his mother in the nursing home, asks her how Rocco is doing and she responds that Rocco is now a millionaire. Tony reminds her of the request to move and she denies that they were seriously considering moving or that she was involved in the decision to stay.
A.J. is punished by his parents and forbidden to watch TV, use the Internet or play Nintendo
. He also has to visit his grandmother, Livia
, at Green Grove. During one visit, A.J. discusses his encounter with a school therapist. When Livia reacts negatively, A.J. informs her that Tony is seeing a psychiatrist, something A.J. learned after eavesdropping on a conversation between his parents. Livia is furious. While Livia fumes, A.J. selects and eats a pear from a bowl of mixed fruit. Later, Livia is poised to pass on this information to Junior
but Tony unknowingly walks in before she can say anything about it.
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...
. It was written by Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess
Mitchell Burgess
Mitchell Burgess is an Emmy Award-winning writer and producer. He worked extensively on the HBO hit-series The Sopranos. He was a creator and executive producer for Blue Bloods. He frequently works with his wife Robin Green.-Career:...
, directed by Lorraine Senna Ferrara and originally aired on Sunday February 21, 1999. It is also the first episode not to feature a character dying.
Starring
- James GandolfiniJames GandolfiniJames J. Gandolfini, Jr. is an Italian American actor. He is best known for his role as Tony Soprano in the HBO TV series The Sopranos, about a troubled crime boss struggling to balance his family life and career in the Mafia...
as Tony SopranoTony SopranoAnthony 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... - Lorraine BraccoLorraine BraccoLorraine 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...
as Dr. Jennifer Melfi - Edie FalcoEdie FalcoEdith "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 Carmela SopranoCarmela SopranoCarmela 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:... - Michael ImperioliMichael ImperioliJames Michael Imperioli , commonly known as Michael Imperioli, is an American actor and television writer. He is perhaps best known for his role as Christopher Moltisanti on The Sopranos for which he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2004. He also...
as Christopher MoltisantiChristopher MoltisantiChristopher "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:... - Dominic ChianeseDominic ChianeseDominic Chianese is an American film, television and theatre actor, perhaps best known for his role as Corrado "Junior" Soprano on the HBO TV series, The Sopranos.-Early life:...
as Corrado Soprano, Jr.Junior SopranoCorrado 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... - Vincent PastoreVincent PastoreVincent Pastore is an Italian-American actor, often cast as a mobster and best known for the role of Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on The Sopranos.-Early life:...
as Pussy Bonpensiero - Steven Van ZandtSteven Van ZandtSteven Van Zandt is an Italian-American musician, songwriter, arranger, record producer, actor, and radio disc jockey, who frequently goes by the stage names Little Steven or Miami Steve...
as Silvio DanteSilvio DanteSilvio Manfred Dante, often referred to as "Sil", played by Steven Van Zandt, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He is the consigliere to Tony Soprano in the Soprano crime family. Silvio has one of the lowest profiles on the show. He is usually a behind the scenes figure... - Tony SiricoTony SiricoGenaro Anthony "Tony" Sirico, Jr. is an American character actor who is most famous for his role as Paulie Gualtieri in the television series The Sopranos.- Background and career :Sirico was born in Midwood, Brooklyn...
as Paulie GualtieriPaulie GualtieriPeter 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:...
* - Robert IlerRobert IlerRobert Michael Iler is an American actor, known for his portrayal of A.J. Soprano on The Sopranos which aired on HBO from 1999-2007....
as Anthony Soprano, Jr.Anthony Soprano, Jr.Anthony John "A.J." Soprano, Jr. , played by Robert Iler, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. Usually just called "A.J.", he is the son of Carmela and Tony Soprano. He is a prototypical underachiever and is a constant source of stress and anxiety for his parents... - Jamie-Lynn SiglerJamie-Lynn SiglerJamie-Lynn Sigler is an American actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Meadow Soprano on the HBO television series The Sopranos.-Early life:...
as Meadow SopranoMeadow SopranoMeadow 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... - and Nancy MarchandNancy MarchandNancy Marchand was an American actress, whose career encompassed both stage and screen. She appeared in various theatre productions throughout the early 1950s, before being offered roles on film and television....
as Livia SopranoLivia SopranoLivia 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...
* = credit only
Guest Starring
- Joseph SiravoJoseph SiravoJoseph Siravo is an Italian american actor and graduate of both Stanford and NYU. Among his most notable roles is that of "Johnny Boy" Soprano, father of Tony Soprano, on The Sopranos. He is credited as the voice of Carmine in the Disney film The Wild...
as Johnny Boy Soprano - Laila RobbinsLaila Robins-Personal life:Robins was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, the daughter of Latvian American parents Brigita and Janis Robins, who was a research chemist. She attended the Yale School of Drama, and received her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, . Robins has been in a...
as Young Livia SopranoLivia SopranoLivia 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... - Rocco SistoRocco SistoRocco Sisto is a stage, film, television, and voice actor.On television, Sisto played young Junior Soprano in the HBO series The Sopranos...
as Young Junior SopranoJunior SopranoCorrado 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... - David Beach as Dr. Peter Galani
Also Guest Starring
- Paul Albe as Contractor
- Shirl BernheimShirl BernheimShirl Bernheim was an American actress of film and television....
as Pearl - Madeline Blue as JaniceJanice SopranoJanice 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:...
- Bobby Boriello as Young TonyTony SopranoAnthony 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...
- Scott Owen Cumberbatch as Rideland Kid #2
- Anthony Fusco as Father Hagy
- Rob Grippa as Byron Barber
- Jason Hauser as Rideland Cop
- Michael B. JordanMichael B. JordanMichael Bakari Jordan is an American actor. He is best known for his roles as teenage drug dealer Wallace on the HBO drama television series The Wire, for his role as Reggie Montgomery in All My Children, as quarterback Vince Howard on the NBC television series Friday Night Lights, and since...
as Rideland Kid - Greg Perrelli as Jared
- Nick Raio as Wiseguy
- Steve Santosusso as Guy
- Tim WilliamsTim WilliamsTim Williams is a folk musician currently based in Los Angeles, CA. He has released two LPs, two EPs and several 7" singles on Dovecote Records and is currently signed with Modern Outsider Records as a part of the band Soft Swells.-Biography:...
as Mr. Meskimmin
Episode recap
A.J.Anthony Soprano, Jr.
Anthony John "A.J." Soprano, Jr. , played by Robert Iler, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. Usually just called "A.J.", he is the son of Carmela and Tony Soprano. He is a prototypical underachiever and is a constant source of stress and anxiety for his parents...
and his friends steal sacramental wine
Sacramental wine
Sacramental wine, Communion wine or altar wine is wine obtained from grapes and intended for use in celebration of the Eucharist...
and turn up drunk and giggling at gym class
Physical education
Physical education or gymnastics is a course taken during primary and secondary education that encourages psychomotor learning in a play or movement exploration setting....
. 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...
and 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:...
are called in to see the principal of A.J.'s school, Verbum Dei. The principal is accompanied by the school psychologist who tells them that A.J. may have ADHD
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a developmental disorder. It is primarily characterized by "the co-existence of attentional problems and hyperactivity, with each behavior occurring infrequently alone" and symptoms starting before seven years of age.ADHD is the most commonly studied and...
(known at that time as ADD). The school is lenient in disciplining A.J. because of this, but are considering placing him in a special education
Special education
Special education is the education of students with special needs in a way that addresses the students' individual differences and needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials,...
class.
This incident prompts Tony to recall his own childhood when he first learned about his family's involvement in the Mafia
Mafia
The Mafia is a criminal syndicate that emerged in the mid-nineteenth century in Sicily, Italy. It is a loose association of criminal groups that share a common organizational structure and code of conduct, and whose common enterprise is protection racketeering...
. In therapy he discusses this with Dr. Melfi
Jennifer 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:...
. Included in Tony's memory is the time his father wanted to move the family to Reno, Nevada
Reno, Nevada
Reno is the county seat of Washoe County, Nevada, United States. The city has a population of about 220,500 and is the most populous Nevada city outside of the Las Vegas metropolitan area...
, to manage a supper club for Rocco Altiore. Tony's mother refused and said she would rather suffocate the children than move. Tony, visiting his mother in the nursing home, asks her how Rocco is doing and she responds that Rocco is now a millionaire. Tony reminds her of the request to move and she denies that they were seriously considering moving or that she was involved in the decision to stay.
A.J. is punished by his parents and forbidden to watch TV, use the Internet or play Nintendo
Nintendo
is a multinational corporation located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, it produced handmade hanafuda cards. By 1963, the company had tried several small niche businesses, such as a cab company and a love hotel....
. He also has to visit his grandmother, 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...
, at Green Grove. During one visit, A.J. discusses his encounter with a school therapist. When Livia reacts negatively, A.J. informs her that Tony is seeing a psychiatrist, something A.J. learned after eavesdropping on a conversation between his parents. Livia is furious. While Livia fumes, A.J. selects and eats a pear from a bowl of mixed fruit. Later, Livia is poised to pass on this information to 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...
but Tony unknowingly walks in before she can say anything about it.
First appearances
- Johnny Boy Soprano: Tony's deceased father who appears in flashbacks to his childhood. He was the long-time capoCaporegimeA caporegime or capodecina, usually shortened to just a capo, is a term used in the Mafia for a high ranking made member of a crime family who heads a "crew" of soldiers and has major social status and influence in the organization...
of the Soprano/Gualtieri crew until his death in 1986. - Janice SopranoJanice SopranoJanice 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:...
: Tony's older sister who appears as a child in flashbacks. She will first appear as an adult in the episode "Guy Walks into a Psychiatrist's Office...".
Production
- Although the flashbacks are set in the 1960s, some modern day motor vehicles and people wearing modern clothing are visible in the background in some of the scenes.
- The Rideland scene was filmed on Sand Lane, at South Beach Amusement Park in Staten IslandStaten IslandStaten 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...
, New York.
Music
- The song played on the television during Tony's flashback to 1967 was a live performance of "(I've Been) Lonely Too Long" by The RascalsThe RascalsThe Rascals were an American blue-eyed soul group initially active during the years 1965–72. The band released numerous top ten singles in North America during the mid- and late-1960s, including the U.S. #1 hits "Good Lovin'" , "Groovin'" , and "People Got to Be Free"...
on The Ed Sullivan ShowThe Ed Sullivan ShowThe Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June 20, 1948 to Sunday June 6, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan....
. - The song played over the end credits is "White RabbitWhite Rabbit (song)"White Rabbit" is a song from Jefferson Airplane's 1967 album Surrealistic Pillow. It was released as a single and became the band's second top ten success, peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100...
" by Jefferson AirplaneJefferson AirplaneJefferson Airplane was an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1965. A pioneer of the psychedelic rock movement, Jefferson Airplane was the first band from the San Francisco scene to achieve mainstream commercial and critical success....
. It is also played while Tony takes his Prozac and remembers his childhood. - "Don't Bring Me DownDon't Bring Me Down (The Animals song)"Don't Bring Me Down" is a rock song composed by Gerry Goffin and Carole King and recorded as a 1966 hit single by The Animals.-History:"Don't Bring Me Down" was the third of The Animals' epic personalisations of Brill Building material, following the 1965 hits "We Gotta Get out of This Place" and...
", by The AnimalsThe AnimalsThe Animals were an English music group of the 1960s formed in Newcastle upon Tyne during the early part of the decade, and later relocated to London...
, is also played during the flashback scenes. - "Mystic EyesMystic Eyes"Mystic Eyes" is a song written by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison when he was leader of the band Them. It was the opening tune for the band's first album, The Angry Young Them that was released in June 1965. It was released as a single in the US and UK on November 12, 1965 and ...
" by ThemThem (band)Them were a Northern Irish band formed in Belfast in April 1964, most prominently known for the garage rock standard "Gloria" and launching singer Van Morrison's musical career...
.