Two Tonys (The Sopranos episode)
Encyclopedia
"Two Tonys" is the fifty-third episode of the HBO original series The Sopranos
and was the first of the show's fifth season. It was written by David Chase
and Terence Winter
, directed by Tim Van Patten
and originally aired on Sunday March 7, 2004.
and Carmela
's separation and Tony has moved into his mother's former home. As the family is about to sit down for dinner at the now-married Janice
and Bobby Bacala
's home, a news report airs regarding the release of many mob associates who were convicted during the 1980s. The parolées include:
Tony is very excited about his cousin's release and is planning a lavish welcome home party.
During a meal with Tony, Uncle Junior, and Bobby Baccala, the highly respected - and newly released - Feech chats up and entertains the others. He also voices his interest in returning to work, something Tony and Junior appear to take into consideration with the caveat that Feech "not step on anyone's toes".
One evening, while A.J.
is in his parents' backyard retrieving a vacuum cleaner, he discovers a large American Black Bear
and, petrified with fear, calls his mother for help. The bear does not make any threatening moves and even seems to ignore A.J. as a piece of patio furniture breaks under its weight. Carmela manages to shoo the bear away by banging two pots together. She calls the police who, in turn, call New Jersey Fish and Game
. They tell Carmela that it was probably the scent of the duck feed that attracted it in the moist fall air and she should tell Tony to lock it in the house. The next day, the bear comes back but leaves shortly after. Tony arrives at the house and overhears Carmela talking on the phone to the New Jersey Game and Fishing authority about the bear's reappearance. Tony expresses his concern for the welfare of Carmela and A.J. Tony and Carmela are talking civilly to each other at first, but the conversation becomes acrimonious when Carmela suggests that Tony buys A.J. too many gifts since he feels guilty about the separation, including a $5,000 drum set. A.J. now loudly practices on. As Carmela and Tony further argue, Carmela reveals that Tony has been calling Italy and threatening Furio's life to all who would listen. Tony tasks Benny Fazio and Little Paulie Germani to guard the backyard in case the bear returns, although Carmela is reluctant about the idea.
Meanwhile, Christopher Moltisanti
and Paulie Walnuts have a feud when the former embarrasses the latter in front of the capos with the "Pine Barrens
" story, which had started out friendly with them revealing that nobody knows what happened to the Russian that escaped. Christopher then states, in a half joking way, that Paulie was the cause of the botched situation. Paulie takes exception to the accusation and insults Christopher, calling him "Tony's little favorite." Christopher takes offense at this and a fight almost ensues. Later, at comàre
night, after Adriana had pointed out earlier that he is always being saddled with the checks, Christopher forces Paulie to pay for the dinner, having refused to do so himself. At Satriale's
the following morning, Paulie demands that Christopher pay him the cost of the dinner or begin to pay points
. Tony orders Christopher to keep paying the tabs for the dinners; it's respectful and it is a tradition and one day he'll have his dinners paid for too. In Atlantic City, Paulie tells everyone to choose whatever they want in order to inflate the bill for Christopher. Paulie also sends over a bottle of Cristal to a table of unattractive women. The bill—which amounts to $1,184—is given to Christopher, who leaves the waiter $1,200: only a $16.00 tip. Paulie and Christopher continue to bicker in the parking lot. Just when they are about to come to blows the waiter comes out to confront them about his minuscule gratuity. He proceeds to call them "fucking assholes," as he turns and walks away. This causes Christopher to throw a brick at his head after the waiter turns to go back inside. The waiter is struck and collapses, convulsing on the ground. A fearful Paulie shoots him. Paulie grabs the money as they hurriedly leave in separate vehicles. The next day, Paulie and Christopher both agree to split the tab and "bury the hatchet."
While Tony lunches with Johnny Sack
, Carmine and newly released Angelo Garepe, Carmine suffers a stroke
and is rushed to St. Vincent's Hospital. Johnny soon notifies Little Carmine, who plans to leave on the next available flight from Miami, Florida
. At the hospital, Johnny reminds Tony that he still has not forgotten about their sabotaged arrangement from last year, which could have averted the current situation. Johnny feigns concern for Carmine.
After watching The Prince of Tides
with Valentina, Tony wants to reunite with his now estranged therapist, Dr. Melfi
. He sends her flowers (along with a gallon of Tide detergent, in reference to The Prince of Tides) to her office with a calling card. When he calls her to set up a date, she tells him that she cannot go out with him due to their previous clinical relationship, feeling it is unprofessional. Tony says he is "not undeterred" (a malapropism
) by her refusal. Tony then makes an appointment, but only to confess his love to her in person. He grabs her and kisses her passionately. She is visibly unresponsive and tells him to stop. He then leaves. Later on, with her own psychiatrist, she describes the encounter. Elliot suggests calling the police because she is dealing with a sociopath who is not used to not getting what he wants. She confesses that she at first found him sexy but after learning more about his life what feeling she did have went away. Later after a group encounter session she is overseeing, Tony comes in and makes a third attempt by giving her cruise tickets; once again, she refuses. Growing irritated by defeat, Tony asks Dr. Melfi what the real reason is. She begins to explain what she deplores about him; his being gangster as a subtext, including not being respectful of women in particular and people in general, and that he uses force and the threat of force to get what he wants. As a therapist, she cannot judge her patients; however, if things were to get personal, she wouldn't be able to witness such acts. He then gives up and calls her a "fucking cunt" and walks out, leaving Dr. Melfi stunned but proving her point. Tony then returns to the Soprano residence where he relieves Benny for the night as lookout in case the bear returns, puffing on a cigar and holding an assault rifle.
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 was the first of the show's fifth season. It was written by David Chase
David Chase
David Chase is an American writer, director, and producer of television series. Chase has worked in television for more than 30 years; he has produced and written for shows as The Rockford Files, I'll Fly Away, and Northern Exposure. He has created two original series; the first, Almost Grown,...
and 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 Tim Van Patten
Tim Van Patten
Tim Van Patten is an American television director, actor, screenwriter, and producer. As a director, Van Patten has directed episodes of The Sopranos, The Wire, Deadwood, Boardwalk Empire, Rome, The Pacific, Game of Thrones, Ed, and Sex and the City. Van Patten is perhaps best known for portraying...
and originally aired on Sunday March 7, 2004.
Guest starring
- Robert LoggiaRobert LoggiaRobert Loggia is an American film and television actor and director.- Early life :Loggia, an Italian American, was born on Staten Island, the son of Elena Blandino, a homemaker, and Benjamin Loggia, a shoemaker, both of whom were born in Sicily, Italy...
as Feech La Manna - Peter BogdanovichPeter BogdanovichPeter Bogdanovich is an American film historian, director, writer, actor, producer, and critic. He was part of the wave of "New Hollywood" directors, which included William Friedkin, Brian De Palma, George Lucas, Martin Scorsese, Michael Cimino, and Francis Ford Coppola...
as Dr. Elliot Kupferberg - Ray AbruzzoRay AbruzzoRay Abruzzo is an Italian-American actor, noted for his appearances on television.He made regular appearances in the following series: Dynasty , The Practice and The Sopranos .Other TV credits include: Falcon Crest, Murder She Wrote, L.A...
as Carmine Lupertazzi, Jr. - Joe SantosJoe SantosJoe Santos is an American film and television actor.-Biography:Santos was born Joseph Minieri in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Rose and Joseph Minieri. He began his film acting career in the mid-1960s, appearing in films directed by his cousin, Joseph W...
as Angelo Garepe - Leslie BegaLeslie BegaLeslie R. Bega is an American theatre, film and television actress; known for performances in Head of the Class, David Lynch's Lost Highway, and a recurring cast member in CSI: NY and The Sopranos. Also featured as a dancer in the breakdancing films Breakin and Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo...
as Valentina La Paz - Carl CapotortoCarl CapotortoCarl Capotorto is an American actor, known for his portrayal of Little Paulie Germani on The Sopranos. He is also the author of Twisted Head: An Italian-American Memoir.-External links:*...
as Little Paulie Germani - Robert John Burke as Officer Zmuda
- Frank VincentFrank VincentFrank Vincent is an American actor, musician, author and entrepreneur. He is a favorite performer of director Martin Scorsese, having played important roles in three of Scorsese's most acclaimed films: Raging Bull , Goodfellas and Casino . He often plays a gangster and works both in features and...
as Phil Leotardo - 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... - Dan GrimaldiDan GrimaldiDaniel "Dan" Grimaldi is an American actor who is known for his roles as twins Philly and Patsy Parisi on the HBO TV series, The Sopranos.-Career:...
as Patsy Parisi - Max CasellaMax CasellaMax Casella is an American actor. He is known for his roles on the television series The Sopranos, Doogie Howser, M.D., and as the voice of Daxter in the Jak and Daxter video game series.-Life and career:...
as Benny Fazio - George Loros as Raymond Curto
- Arthur Nascarella as Carlo Gervasi
- Tony LipTony LipTony Lip is an American actor, best known for his portrayal of crime boss Carmine Lupertazzi in the HBO series The Sopranos. He portrayed real-life Bonanno crime family mobster Philip Giaccone in Donnie Brasco.Lip is from Paramus, New Jersey...
as Carmine LupertazziCarmine LupertazziCarmine Lupertazzi, Sr., played by Tony Lip, was the fictional Boss of the Brooklyn-based Lupertazzi crime family on the HBO TV series, The Sopranos.-Biography:... - Omar Rodriguez as Raul
- John Elsen as Officer Yorn
- Sukanya KrishnanSukanya KrishnanSukanya Krishnan is an Indian-born American news anchor for the 6-9 am segments of the PIX Morning News on WPIX in New York City, paired with John Muller...
as Reporter - Matthew WeinerMatthew WeinerMatthew Weiner is an American writer, director and producer of television drama. He is the creator, executive producer, head writer, and show runner of the AMC television series Mad Men. He is also noted for his work on the HBO series The Sopranos, on which he served as a writer and producer...
as Manny Safier - Miryam Coppersmith as Sophia Baccalieri
- Denise Borino as Ginny Sacrimoni
- Allison Dunbar as Nicole Lupertazzi
- Jeffrey R. Marchetti as Petey
- Maria Baan as Fran
- Lisa ReginaLisa ReginaLisa Regina is an actress, screenwriter, director, and acting coach born in Philadelphia and educated at New York University....
as Kim - Barbara Christabella as Patti
- Anna Maniscalco as Bernice
- Bill Quigley as Waiter
- Laurie RosenwaldLaurie RosenwaldLaurie Rosenwald is an American illustrator, author, artist, and designer.A New York City native, she graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in Painting in 1977. She has taught graphic design and illustration at School of Visual Arts, Parsons School of Design, NYU, and Pratt...
as Woman - Ginger Kearns as Pierced Girl
- Jason Ongoco as Delivery Guy
Episode recap
It has been almost two years since TonyTony 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:...
's separation and Tony has moved into his mother's former home. As the family is about to sit down for dinner at the now-married 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 Bobby Bacala
Bobby 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...
's home, a news report airs regarding the release of many mob associates who were convicted during the 1980s. The parolées include:
- Michele "Feech" La Manna, a well-respected and feared capo of the now defunct La Manna crew
- Tony BlundettoTony BlundettoAnthony "Tony" Blundetto, played by Steve Buscemi, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He is Tony Soprano's cousin who is released from prison at the beginning of the show's fifth season. Tony Blundetto first appears as a calm, composed, and reformed criminal ready to pursue...
, Tony's cousin, who was an associate in the Soprano crew - Angelo Garepe, Carmine LupertazziCarmine LupertazziCarmine Lupertazzi, Sr., played by Tony Lip, was the fictional Boss of the Brooklyn-based Lupertazzi crime family on the HBO TV series, The Sopranos.-Biography:...
's consigliereConsigliereConsigliere is a position within the leadership structure of Sicilian and American Mafia crime families. The word was popularized by Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather , and its film adaptation... - Phil Leotardo, a captain in the Lupertazzi crime family
Tony is very excited about his cousin's release and is planning a lavish welcome home party.
During a meal with Tony, Uncle Junior, and Bobby Baccala, the highly respected - and newly released - Feech chats up and entertains the others. He also voices his interest in returning to work, something Tony and Junior appear to take into consideration with the caveat that Feech "not step on anyone's toes".
One evening, while 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...
is in his parents' backyard retrieving a vacuum cleaner, he discovers a large American Black Bear
American black bear
The American black bear is a medium-sized bear native to North America. It is the continent's smallest and most common bear species. Black bears are omnivores, with their diets varying greatly depending on season and location. They typically live in largely forested areas, but do leave forests in...
and, petrified with fear, calls his mother for help. The bear does not make any threatening moves and even seems to ignore A.J. as a piece of patio furniture breaks under its weight. Carmela manages to shoo the bear away by banging two pots together. She calls the police who, in turn, call New Jersey Fish and Game
Fish and Game
Fish and Game may refer to:*Alaska Department of Fish and Game*Alberta Fish and Game Association*Arizona Game and Fish Department*California Department of Fish and Game*Fish and Game New Zealand...
. They tell Carmela that it was probably the scent of the duck feed that attracted it in the moist fall air and she should tell Tony to lock it in the house. The next day, the bear comes back but leaves shortly after. Tony arrives at the house and overhears Carmela talking on the phone to the New Jersey Game and Fishing authority about the bear's reappearance. Tony expresses his concern for the welfare of Carmela and A.J. Tony and Carmela are talking civilly to each other at first, but the conversation becomes acrimonious when Carmela suggests that Tony buys A.J. too many gifts since he feels guilty about the separation, including a $5,000 drum set. A.J. now loudly practices on. As Carmela and Tony further argue, Carmela reveals that Tony has been calling Italy and threatening Furio's life to all who would listen. Tony tasks Benny Fazio and Little Paulie Germani to guard the backyard in case the bear returns, although Carmela is reluctant about the idea.
Meanwhile, 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:...
and Paulie Walnuts have a feud when the former embarrasses the latter in front of the capos with the "Pine Barrens
Pine Barrens (New Jersey)
The Pine Barrens, also known as the Pinelands, is a heavily forested area of coastal plain stretching across southern New Jersey. The name "pine barrens" refers to the area's sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil, to which the crops originally imported by European settlers didn't take well...
" story, which had started out friendly with them revealing that nobody knows what happened to the Russian that escaped. Christopher then states, in a half joking way, that Paulie was the cause of the botched situation. Paulie takes exception to the accusation and insults Christopher, calling him "Tony's little favorite." Christopher takes offense at this and a fight almost ensues. Later, at comàre
Mistress (lover)
A mistress is a long-term female lover and companion who is not married to her partner; the term is used especially when her partner is married. The relationship generally is stable and at least semi-permanent; however, the couple does not live together openly. Also the relationship is usually,...
night, after Adriana had pointed out earlier that he is always being saddled with the checks, Christopher forces Paulie to pay for the dinner, having refused to do so himself. At 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...
the following morning, Paulie demands that Christopher pay him the cost of the dinner or begin to pay points
Point (mortgage)
Points, sometimes also called a "discount point", are a form of pre-paid interest. One point equals one percent of the loan amount. By charging a borrower points, a lender effectively increases the yield on the loan above the amount of the stated interest rate...
. Tony orders Christopher to keep paying the tabs for the dinners; it's respectful and it is a tradition and one day he'll have his dinners paid for too. In Atlantic City, Paulie tells everyone to choose whatever they want in order to inflate the bill for Christopher. Paulie also sends over a bottle of Cristal to a table of unattractive women. The bill—which amounts to $1,184—is given to Christopher, who leaves the waiter $1,200: only a $16.00 tip. Paulie and Christopher continue to bicker in the parking lot. Just when they are about to come to blows the waiter comes out to confront them about his minuscule gratuity. He proceeds to call them "fucking assholes," as he turns and walks away. This causes Christopher to throw a brick at his head after the waiter turns to go back inside. The waiter is struck and collapses, convulsing on the ground. A fearful Paulie shoots him. Paulie grabs the money as they hurriedly leave in separate vehicles. The next day, Paulie and Christopher both agree to split the tab and "bury the hatchet."
While Tony lunches with Johnny Sack
Johnny 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...
, Carmine and newly released Angelo Garepe, Carmine suffers a stroke
Stroke
A stroke, previously known medically as a cerebrovascular accident , is the rapidly developing loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to ischemia caused by blockage , or a hemorrhage...
and is rushed to St. Vincent's Hospital. Johnny soon notifies Little Carmine, who plans to leave on the next available flight from Miami, Florida
Miami, Florida
Miami is a city located on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida and the county seat of Miami-Dade County, the most populous county in Florida and the eighth-most populous county in the United States with a population of 2,500,625...
. At the hospital, Johnny reminds Tony that he still has not forgotten about their sabotaged arrangement from last year, which could have averted the current situation. Johnny feigns concern for Carmine.
After watching The Prince of Tides
The Prince of Tides
The Prince of Tides is a 1991 romantic drama film based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Pat Conroy; the film stars Barbra Streisand and Nick Nolte. It tells the story of the narrator's struggle to overcome the psychological damage inflicted by his dysfunctional childhood in South Carolina...
with Valentina, Tony wants to reunite with his now estranged therapist, 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:...
. He sends her flowers (along with a gallon of Tide detergent, in reference to The Prince of Tides) to her office with a calling card. When he calls her to set up a date, she tells him that she cannot go out with him due to their previous clinical relationship, feeling it is unprofessional. Tony says he is "not undeterred" (a malapropism
Malapropism
A malapropism is an act of misusing or the habitual misuse of similar sounding words, especially with humorous results. An example is Yogi Berra's statement: "Texas has a lot of electrical votes," rather than "electoral votes".-Etymology:...
) by her refusal. Tony then makes an appointment, but only to confess his love to her in person. He grabs her and kisses her passionately. She is visibly unresponsive and tells him to stop. He then leaves. Later on, with her own psychiatrist, she describes the encounter. Elliot suggests calling the police because she is dealing with a sociopath who is not used to not getting what he wants. She confesses that she at first found him sexy but after learning more about his life what feeling she did have went away. Later after a group encounter session she is overseeing, Tony comes in and makes a third attempt by giving her cruise tickets; once again, she refuses. Growing irritated by defeat, Tony asks Dr. Melfi what the real reason is. She begins to explain what she deplores about him; his being gangster as a subtext, including not being respectful of women in particular and people in general, and that he uses force and the threat of force to get what he wants. As a therapist, she cannot judge her patients; however, if things were to get personal, she wouldn't be able to witness such acts. He then gives up and calls her a "fucking cunt" and walks out, leaving Dr. Melfi stunned but proving her point. Tony then returns to the Soprano residence where he relieves Benny for the night as lookout in case the bear returns, puffing on a cigar and holding an assault rifle.
First appearances
- Michele "Feech" La Manna: former capo of the now defunct La Manna crew who was incarcerated during the 1980s
- Angelo Garepe: former Lupertazzi family ConsigliereConsigliereConsigliere is a position within the leadership structure of Sicilian and American Mafia crime families. The word was popularized by Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather , and its film adaptation...
- Phil Leotardo: (image only) Capo of the Lupertazzi family who was sent to prison in the early 1980s
- Tony BlundettoTony BlundettoAnthony "Tony" Blundetto, played by Steve Buscemi, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He is Tony Soprano's cousin who is released from prison at the beginning of the show's fifth season. Tony Blundetto first appears as a calm, composed, and reformed criminal ready to pursue...
: (image only) Tony's cousin and Soprano crime family associate who was sent to jail in 1986 for hijacking a truck
Deceased
- Raoul: an Atlantic City waiter who complained to Paulie and Christopher about a poor tip.
Title reference
- Tony attempts to demonstrate to Dr. Melfi that there are two Tony Sopranos, one of whom she has never seen before and he wants to show her.
- Also, Tony's cousin Tony Blundetto is released from prison and the "two Tonys" are featured throughout the season.
- The name may also be based on the real life "Two Tonys,"Anthony BrancatoAnthony Brancato was a Kansas City, Missouri criminal who served as a freelance gunman to various Mafia and syndicate organizations.-Early career:...
mobsters Anthony Brancato and Anthony Trombino.
Production
- Series writer Matthew Weiner plays the guest on the opening news broadcast.
- This episode is the first season opener where Tony is not featured picking up The Star-LedgerThe Star-LedgerThe Star-Ledger is the largest circulated newspaper in the U.S. state of New Jersey and is based in Newark. It is a sister paper to The Jersey Journal of Jersey City, The Times of Trenton and the Staten Island Advance, all of which are owned by Advance Publications.The Newark Star-Ledgers daily...
at the foot of his driveway. Instead, MeadowMeadow 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...
runs over the newspaper with her car. - Steve BuscemiSteve BuscemiSteven Vincent "Steve" Buscemi is an American actor, writer and film director. An associate member of the renowned experimental theater company The Wooster Group, Buscemi has starred and supported in successful Hollywood and indie films including New York Stories, Mystery Train, Reservoir Dogs,...
(Tony BlundettoTony BlundettoAnthony "Tony" Blundetto, played by Steve Buscemi, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He is Tony Soprano's cousin who is released from prison at the beginning of the show's fifth season. Tony Blundetto first appears as a calm, composed, and reformed criminal ready to pursue...
) is now billed in the opening credits although he doesn't appear in the episode, other than in the form of photographs during the "Class of '04" news report. 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:...
is billed as "Jamie-Lynn DiScala" during this season, due to marriage. - The opening sequence of various shots of the Soprano home with autumn leaves blowing in the wind is an homage to the opening shots of The Godfather, Part III, which portrayed the rundown Corleone compound in Lake TahoeLake TahoeLake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada of the United States. At a surface elevation of , it is located along the border between California and Nevada, west of Carson City. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. Its depth is , making it the USA's second-deepest...
.
Connections to prior episodes
- At the Bada BingBada BingThe Bada Bing! is a fictional strip club from the HBO drama television series The Sopranos. It was a key location for events in the series, named for catchphrase "bada bing", a phrase popularized by James Caan in The Godfather. The popularization of the fictional club benefited the real-life go-go...
, Christopher reiterates to 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...
, Benny Fazio, and Patsy Parisi the story of his and Paulie's mishaps in the "Pine Barrens" with the RussianRussiansThe Russian people are an East Slavic ethnic group native to Russia, speaking the Russian language and primarily living in Russia and neighboring countries....
mobster; this causes a feud between him and Paulie that continues throughout half the episode. - The Russian BearRussian BearThe Russian Bear is a national personification for Russia, used in cartoons, articles and dramatic plays at least since the 17th century, and relating alike to Tsarist Russia, the Soviet Union and the present-day Russian Federation....
is used by Westerners as a national personificationNational personificationA national personification is an anthropomorphization of a nation or its people; it can appear in both editorial cartoons and propaganda.Some early personifications in the Western world tended to be national manifestations of the majestic wisdom and war goddess Minerva/Athena, and often took the...
for Russia. Consequently, upon learning about the bear in the backyard, Tony asks if it's an Eastern Bear, referencing past episodes depicting dangerous encounters with Russian mobsters:- Janice's experience having the Russians break in her kitchen door and intimidate Janice into returning Svetlana's leg (in episode 30, "Employee of the Month")
- Tony's fear that Slava will learn about Paulie and Christopher's attempts to kill and bury Valery (who disappeared in episode 37, "Pine Barrens") and then retaliate.
Music
- The song played at the beginning and over the end credits is "Heaven Only Knows" by Emmylou HarrisEmmylou HarrisEmmylou Harris is an American singer-songwriter and musician. In addition to her work as a solo artist and bandleader, both as an interpreter of other composers' works and as a singer-songwriter, she is a sought-after backing vocalist and duet partner, working with numerous other artists including...
. - At the start of the scene where Tony's crew were having dinner at the Atlantic City restaurant, "Band of GoldBand Of Gold (Freda Payne song)"Band of Gold" is a popular song written by Holland–Dozier–Holland under the pseudonym Edythe Wayne, and Ron Dunbar, and first recorded by Freda Payne...
" by Freda PayneFreda PayneFreda Charcilia Payne Some sources give a birth year of 1945, but this appears to be an error as all sources agree that she is older than her sister Scherrie, born 1944. is an American singer and actress best known for her million selling, 1970 hit single, "Band of Gold". She was also an actress in...
is heard, as is "Let's Get It On"Let's Get It On (song)"Let's Get It On" is a song and hit single by soul musician Marvin Gaye, released June 15, 1973 on Motown-subsidiary label Tamla Records. The song was recorded on March 22, 1973 at Hitsville West in Los Angeles, California. The song features romantic and sexual lyricism and funk instrumentation by...
by Marvin GayeMarvin GayeMarvin Pentz Gay, Jr. , better known by his stage name Marvin Gaye, was an American singer-songwriter and musician with a three-octave vocal range....
.