The Sopranos Podcast

This retrospective opens up with a fantastic listener mail segment! Our audience submitted some amazing insights and questions. We continue the discussion about Season 6A when we discuss the progression of therapy, Silvios journey, Bobby & Janice, and of course we finish off our TOP THREEs with Characters/Performances, Moments, and Episodes.   WE HAVE A PATREON NOW! Please check us out and support us so we can keep dishing out some audio Sunday dinner for you at www.patreon.com/thesopranospodcast   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - X (Formerly Twitter)

The penultimate season is over and we get into the weeds on 6A right away. Did it work as a standalone season? What role does Tony take on? What storylines hit? What didn't? Chris, Lily, Paul & Jordan talk at length about Tony, Carmela, Artie Bucco, Eugene Pontecorvo, Junior, & Vito. Plus! We bring back "top three" rankings in food moments, music cues, and quotes. All this and so much more!   WE HAVE A PATREON NOW! Please check us out and support us so we can keep dishing out some audio Sunday dinner for you at www.patreon.com/thesopranospodcast   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - X (Formerly Twitter)

The 6A finale "Kaisha" is a grim, anticlimactic affair. Does it work as a finale to 6A? Does it tie up the beautiful sweeping philisophical themes presented at the top of 6A? Chris, Paul, Jordan & Lily think so! We make the case for the underappreciated 6A finale in this lengthy discussion. Phil and New York almost boil over, but dont. Tony and Chris almost boil over, but dont. Carmela almost looks into Adriana's disappearance, but doesn't. All this amidst a backdrop of characters falling into old habits, and further aggravating deep wounds. It's a beautiful disintigration. All this and so much more, right after we look Paul in the eye and jam a icepick through his lung...   WE HAVE A PATREON NOW! Please check us out and support us so we can keep dishing out some audio Sunday dinner for you at www.patreon.com/thesopranospodcast   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - X (Formerly Twitter)    

The divisive Vito storyline reaches it's tragic and powerful conclusion in "Cold Stones" the penultimate episode for Season 6 Part 1. Chris, Paul, & Jordan discuss why it worked so well even though they don't agree on the whole story. Plus! An amazing trip to France for Carmela and Rosalie leads to some truly beautifully acted moments. This one has it all! Philosphy, mob drama, great therapy scenes, problems on the Homefront, it's just such a treat. All this and so much more, right after we get fired from Blockbuster...   WE HAVE A PATREON NOW! Please check us out and support us so we can keep dishing out some audio Sunday dinner for you at www.patreon.com/thesopranospodcast   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - X (Formerly Twitter)  

Check out the "Moe & Joe" action! While the energy is a bit more slow and deliberate than is normal for this point in a season, The Sopranos deliver a quality hour that has some really beautiful scenes, great character moments, and interesting story developments. Chris, Paul, & Jordan discuss the root of Tony & Janice's relationship difficulties, Johnny Sac's sentencing, and of course Vito's failed quest to become an "average Joe" up in New Hampshire. All this and so much more, right after we talk to our mother about this shit...   WE HAVE A PATREON NOW! Please check us out and support us so we can keep dishing out some audio Sunday dinner for you at www.patreon.com/thesopranospodcast   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - X (Formerly Twitter)

Chris, Paul & Jordan go on a wild ride this week with Season 6 classic "The Ride". This is the third episode The Sopranos has written about boredom and it's arguably the best of the bunch. All centered around a street fair, the past nips at our character's heels. The ghost of Adriana rears its head at Carmela, Christopher goes on a ride of his own, and Paulie goes through a tumultuous spiritual journey as the specter of cancer looms over his head. All this and so much more, right after we mess with The Vipers...   WE HAVE A PATREON NOW! Please check us out and support us so we can keep dishing out some audio Sunday dinner for you at www.patreon.com/thesopranospodcast   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - X (Formerly Twitter)    

Though our hosts can't agree on the New Hampshire scenes, Chris, Lily, Paul & Jordan definitely all enjoyed the entertaining and powerful episode "Johnny Cakes". This episode digs deep with AJ in a story that culminates in one of the most emotionally impactful scenes in the series. Meanwhile, the North Ward is undergoing economic development, and Tony is sitting on valuable real estate. Will he sell to Jamba Juice? More importantly, will he sell out his recent reign of post-shooting fidelity with the sexy and charming Julianna Skiff? Also in New Hampshire Vito goes on a journey of his own where he is tempted to let his guard down and be himself. All this and so much more, right after we run every last coffee bean through the computer...   WE HAVE A PATREON NOW! Please check us out and support us so we can keep dishing out some audio Sunday dinner for you at www.patreon.com/thesopranospodcast   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - X (Formerly Twitter)  

They've done it again! Another wonderful Season 6 Episode on display in "Luxury Lounge" as Chris, Paul, Jordan & Lily break down this hilarious and poignantly told hour featuring Artie Bucco in a story about which people have to work hard to attain what they have and who gets to stroll in and just take what they want? Is our entire country merely a "Luxury Lounge" where the privileged few get whatever they want? Plus: an excellent B plot with Chris and Little Carmine heading out to LA to sign Sir Ben Kingsley onto their film project! What could go wrong there? Ask Lauren Bacall! All this and so much more, right after we bring these arugula seeds back from Italy in our shaving kit...   WE HAVE A PATREON NOW! Please check us out and support us so we can keep dishing out some audio Sunday dinner for you at www.patreon.com/thesopranospodcast   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - X (Formerly Twitter)

Chris, Paul & Jordan talk through "Live Free Or Die" which was the first episode of Season 6 that didn't particularly "wow" us, even if it did have some amusing and fascinating scenes that helped move the story along. Vito absconds to New Hampshire after being outed, while mob life continues in Jersey with a wide net of subplots from Italian hitmen to spec houses, "Al Qaedas", and therapy. All this and so much more, right after we grease the union...   WE HAVE A PATREON NOW! Please check us out and support us so we can keep dishing out some audio Sunday dinner for you at www.patreon.com/thesopranospodcast   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - X (Formerly Twitter)

Chris, Lily, Paul & Jordan suit up for the wedding of John and Ginny's daughter Allegra in this excellent "event" episode about strength, image, and masculinity. While Tony is focused on projecting strength during his recovery, another character's veneer is shattered when he is forcefully outed as gay. All this happens amidst the backdrop of the Sacrimoni wedding, as John asks Tony for a favor, tries to enjoy every moment he can outside of his prison cell, and gets humiliated in front of everyone. Plus - Tony returns to Melfi's office to resume therapy. All this and so much more just as soon as we scoop out that bialy...   WE HAVE A PATREON NOW! Please check us out and support us so we can keep dishing out some audio Sunday dinner for you at www.patreon.com/thesopranospodcast   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - X (Formerly Twitter)

Chris, Paul & Jordan wax philosophical this week as we break down "The Fleshy Part of the Thigh". This episode sees Tony recovering from his trauma amidst the backdrop of a fascinating Eastern vs Western philosophical battle. Has Tony changed? Can Tony change? Is everything connected? Or are we "each and every one of us alone in the ring fighting for our lives?". These are the questions at the heart of this hour. Plus! Paulie has a crisis of identity, and Bobby finds a unique way to earn some extra money. All this and so much more, right after we find out what our EBIDTA is...   WE HAVE A PATREON NOW! Please check us out and support us so we can keep dishing out some audio Sunday dinner for you at www.patreon.com/thesopranospodcast   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - X (Formerly Twitter)

Chris, Paul, and Jordan wax philosophical this week as we break down "Mayham", a hilarious and deeply rich episode with some of the series' finest moments of writing. The Kevin Finnerty sequence continues, as the world of the North Jersey mob spins out of control without Tony. No one is able to step up to the plate, and Vito and Paulie are playing a dangerous game with the boss' money. Meanwhile, things disintegrate for Carmela on the homefront as her stress and anguish cause her to lash out at AJ. Plus we break down the breathtaking final ten minutes of the episode in detail and Jordan gives a tremendous academic analysis of what it all means! All this and so much more, right after we have a cookie! We're delirious!     WE HAVE A PATREON NOW! Please check us out and support us so we can keep dishing out some audio Sunday dinner for you at www.patreon.com/thesopranospodcast   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - X (Formerly Twitter)

Chris, Paul & Jordan dig deep into "Join the Club" as all of our characters are held in various forms of Limbo. Tony has a crisis of identity in Costa Mesa, while the family and Family both struggle with the aftermath of Uncle Junior's actions at the end of "Members Only". There are tremendous performances all around, some entrancing (and bizarre) writing, and a cold but beautiful color palate, but the star of the show here is the performance of Edie Falco. Monumental work from the Soprano queen, mirrored by an understated and bewitching performance by our series lead James Gandolfini, as he presents us with a Tony Soprano who is beyond recognition. Is he beyond saving? All this and so much more, right after we take some Pepto Bismol!    WE HAVE A PATREON NOW! Please check us out and support us so we can keep dishing out some audio Sunday dinner for you at www.patreon.com/thesopranospodcast   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - X (Formerly Twitter)  

Chris, Paul, Jordan, & Lily are BACK with more than one "bang" in our coverage of the Season Six opener "Members Only". This off-putting and "icky" hour ends up being one of the strongest and most shocking premieres in show history. Tony has never been better, New York has never been worse, and inheriting 2 million dollars ends up being the worst thing to ever happen to Eugene Pontecorvo. We cover it all from sushi, to Porsche's to empty nest syndrome, to Robert Funaro's stellar stand-out performance, and finally the final jaw-dropping 10 minutes.  All this and so much more, right after we state for the record that the taxi thing was a hit and run... WE HAVE A PATREON NOW! Please check us out and support us so we can keep dishing out some audio Sunday dinner for you at www.patreon.com/thesopranospodcast   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - X (Formerly Twitter)  

Part 2 of our Season 5 Retrospective kicks off with a contentious listener mail segment in which our hosts get into a heated argument over... Pat Parisi?? Plus! We get into detail about Silvio, Paulie, Vito, The Soprano kids, and a progress report on therapy with Dr. Melfi. We also continue our "Top 3" categories with Performances / Characters, Moments, and Episodes. Thank you for joining us and we'll see you soon for Season 6!   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - X (Formerly Twitter)

Season 5 cements it's place Sopranos history as a fun, heartbreaking, violent, mob-heavy romp with several all-time series high points! Chris, Lily, Paul & Jordan really dig deep in this first half, as we discuss how Season 5 distinguishes itself and manages to surprise even the most cynical Sopranos fan. We discuss Tony Soprano as "leader", Carmela's (sort of?) failed attempt at independence, and a long break down of the outstanding contribution Tony Blundetto / Steve Buscemi made to this barn burner of a season. Of course, it wouldn't be one of our retrospectives without our TOP 3's! In this half, we cover top 3 food moments, music cues, and and quotes!   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - X (Formerly Twitter)

Chris, Lily, Paul & Jordan dissect the season 5 finale "All Due Respect", an episode that ties up loose ends, sets the stage for season six, and provides numerous powerful and entertaining moments, even if it is in the tough position of following "Long Term Parking". In a season about Tony as a leader, the situation with New York reaches it's apex, and Tony has to take the reigns and make a brutal and permanent decision. Some interesting scenes of Tony's underlings reacting to his leadership, and the return of "The Bear"... sort of. All this and so much more, right after we park our car at Johnny Saks house...    TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

This week, Chris, Lily, Paul, & Jordan cover the monumental "Long Term Parking", which is dubbed by many fans as the best episode in the whole series. Impactful and devastating, this penultimate episode of season five won both Michael Imperioli and Drea De Matteo their Emmys. The Tony B situation boils over into "do or die" territory, Tony and Carmela negotiate the terms of a reconciliation, and the three seasons of storytelling with Christopher and Adriana culminates to its brutal and shocking, but inevitable conclusion. One family is made, while another family is unmade. All this, plus some "Born to Run" discussion, suitcase talk, eggs, and the FBI, right after we replace Paul's colon with a semi-colon...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter  

We've waited a long time for this! It's time to break down "The Test Dream". This iconic season 5 showing is an episode that divided the fanbase when it aired. Does it play well today? What is it all about? Was this pretentious "filler", or genius storytelling? Are Chris, Paul & Jordan "prepared" for the task at hand? We'll find out, right after we have a nice tinkle with Mr. Detrolio...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

"Cold Cuts" is in a tough spot sandwiched between two particularly stand out episodes, but it still manages to hold its own and provide a fascinating look at rage in the Soprano family as we ramp up toward the end of season 5! Janice has to undergo anger management after getting into a fight at a youth soccer game, the situation with New York is sitting on the edge of a knife as tensions escalate between Tony & Johnny Sack, and Chris & Tony B get some time to bond in the countryside digging up the past (in more ways than one). Plus! Post 9/11 terrorism anxiety, "talking politics", Osama Bin Laden on a Vespa scooter, and another legendary Georgie beatdown. All this and so much more, right after we call Tony B Ichabod Crane...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

This episode prompts a robust discussion about masculinity in Sopranoland as Chris, Paul & Jordan break down the classic "Unidentified Black Males", a packed and entertaining hour in which the show deconstructs it's own use of the black male scapegoat. Tony Soprano has a dramatic breakthrough about his guilt around his cousin Tony, the war in New York gets taken to the next level, and Meadow & Finn's relationship takes a wild turn after one of the crew gets outed as gay. An episode packed with humor, nuance, grotesque violence and startling revelations manages to ask the question: in a world where everything is built on lies, will the truth really set you free? All this and so much more, right after we get out our suitcase...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

It's "the sweet life" here at the Sopranos Podcast because this week our "cultured Italians" Chris, Paul, & Jordan get to cover  "Marco Polo", a beautiful and charming episode riddled with awesome cinematography, festivity, and Shakespearean envy! Tony B is growing resentful of the life his cousin built while he was in prison, and it boils over in a big decision that puts Tony S in a bad spot. Meanwhile, the Soprano family celebrates Hugh's 75th birthday in a sequence that is both fun, and genuinely sweet, which stands out in a show with so little sweetness. Plus, Phil Leotardo has to deal with the indignity of off-kilter car seats and non-brilliant paint. It's a veritable Midsummer Night's dream in Sopranoland, and we're savoring every minute of it. All this and so much more, right after we twirl our sausages...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

Chris, Paul, and Jordan have a spirited discussion about the controversial "In Camelot", an episode that tends to rank lower on fan lists, but contains some interesting new territory for the show while deliberately making its viewers a little "queasy". Tony meets up with an old goomar of his fathers, Junior is funeral hopping in hopes of getting out of the house for a few hours, and Chris is using his 12 step program to enrich himself. It's a "cringey" hour about debt, and deconstructing the myths of the past. We dig deep into the nitty gritty about Kennedy, Camelot, and Livia Soprano being painted in a new light. All this and more, right after we rock the casbah...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter  

"Sentimental Education" is a fascinating hour of the show in which the absence of Tony Soprano somehow looms larger than his actual presence. This week Chris, Paul & Jordan break down this episode in which Tony Blundetto desperately fights to open a massage business while resisting the temptations of gangster life, while Carmela explores an exciting romance with Dr. Wegler. Both characters fall into heartbreaking and all too familiar patterns amidst an episode that is a slowdown from last week, but a funny and compelling character exploration nonetheless.  Plus, some discussion about grade changes from our resident educator Jordan, some interesting cultural differences between now and the early 2000's when this aired, and more hatred of "Monsignor Jug-head". All this and more, right after we find Paulie's missing tupperware...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter    

It's a veritable wildfire in Sopranoland this week as Chris, Lily, Paul, & Jordan cover "Irregular Around the Margins", a top to bottom thrill ride of an episode! No "B" or "C" plots this week, just an insane unfolding of events that spell personal disaster for all involved. As Tony and Adriana come very close to breaking a dangerous "margin", all hell breaks loose as rumor of the affair sweeps North Jersey. The fall out is "can't miss" television with electric scenes, mesmerizing acting, the highest possible stakes, and powerhouse writing. All this and so much more, right after we get the "jim-jams"...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

We're a happy family this week on The Sopranos Podcast, because we get to cover this awesome hour of storytelling! Season five is on fire with no threat of cooling down anytime soon. In "All Happy Families..." we bear witness to AJ's disrespect of Carmela, Carmela's loneliness, and a hell of a swerve in the Feech LaManna storyline! All sorts of fun discussion to be had here about literature, finally meeting Mr. Wegler (of season 4 Billy Budd fame), some really hilarious celebrity cameos, a wedding robbery, a laugh out loud Melfi scene, all while telling a profoundly sad story of a disintegrating family, leaving it's nurturing matriarch to wander an immaculate mansion by her lonesome. All this and so much more, right after we unglue our faces from the rug...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

It's a wide range of emotions this week as we cover “Where's Johnny?”, an episode that provides some deeply sad moments, some thrills, and plenty of laughs altogether.  It's a rich episode about selfishness, old wounds, and lonliness. Junior's mental state is starting to slip further away from reality as he wanders through Newark looking for his deceased brother. Tony struggles to stay out of the escalating violence in New York, and Paulie goes head to head with Feech over landscaping. Plus! Jordan looks up “half and half” for us on Urban Dictionary. All this and so much more, right after we shit in our hats…   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

Season five is off to a great start! This week the boys cover "Rat Pack" in which we meet Tony B, the New York situation escalates, and we check in with all of our "rats" on the show. There's plenty of good discussion to be had about Steve Buscemi's performance early on, what it means to have "friends" in the mob life, and of course more conversation about the FBI and how they interact with Tony's world. Plus, some movie talk, as the Soprano women start a film club! It's a quiet, but juicy hour of good television. All this and so much more, coming up after we knock off the massage shit...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

We're back and we couldn't be more excited! What a great opening! Chris, Paul, Jordan, & Lily discuss the season 5 premiere "Two Tonys" and all the duality within! It's a wild, funny, playful, and dark hour of tv with bears, rejections, and fascinating character moments. Melfi has to reject Tony's advances, several new characters dubbed "The class of '04" are out of prison, a major character goes down, and Christopher & Paulie almost kill each other over the dinner tab. Plus - A BEAR! All this and more, right after we figure out what happened with the Easter baskets....   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

Happy holidays everyone! Chris, Paul, Lily & Jordan wish you all nothing but health and happiness in the new year. When is season 5 coming?? Listen and find out!

We continue our retrospective of Season 4! In this half, we engage in a fiery listener mail segment! Were we too soft on Adriana / too critical of the FBI? There are several deep discussions about Ralphie, Christopher, Adriana, Furio, and the Soprano kids - PLUS, our top three categories continue with top three characters/performances, top three moments, and top three episodes!   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

Season 4 is an unusual, pattern-breaking, introspective journey with an explosive end! We're thrilled to finally get to talk about the big picture! Chris, Lily, Paul, & Jordan discuss what makes season 4 special, where it ranks with the other seasons, and why it "felt" so much different. There are several great discussions here about Tony's role as husband / partner, Carmela's heartbreaking journey, dreams, therapy, the increased importance of the New York family, and of course - our top 3's! In this half, we give you our top three food moments, top three music cues, and top three quotes!   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

Chris, Lily, Paul, & Jordan discuss what is, arguably, the best season finale yet: "Whitecaps". Junior's trial wraps up, tensions between NJ and NY hit a fever pitch, only to pull back at the last second, and Tony's worst nightmare comes true as the Soprano family finally disintegrates from within. At its core, our coverage of Whitecaps will feel like one giant love letter to the actress Edie Falco and the character Alan Sapinsly. As David Chase and company wrap up the rich and misunderstood season four, we discuss the ways this episode not only concludes this strange season perfectly, but also closes the loop on several events from the series pilot. We're truly honored to cover this masterclass in television drama. All this and so much more, right after we tort you into the poor house...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

The penultimate episode "Eloise" baffled Chris, Paul, and Jordan in the best possible way. For three seasons, The Sopranos have given us wild and explosive penultimate episodes. They completely change it up this year though! Even the gangsters are being passive-aggressive. The rich action is all happening underneath the surface for our characters as Furio leaves town, New Jersey and New York's problems come to a head, Junior's trial takes a dark turn, and Paulie realizes he's been played. It's a contemplative, unnerving, and deep episode, driven by an absolutely elegant script, themes of parental jealousy, a white glove motif, and a monumental performance by Edie Falco. Plus! Paul spits fire for all of us as he breaks down Billy Budd. All this and more, right after we disappear to Naples for Christ's sake...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

What an eerie and delightful surprise favorite of season 4! Chris, Paul & Jordan have a blast breaking down "Calling All Cars", an episode in which many characters are calling out for communication with the dead, while Tony cuts off the best source of communication he has among the living. Therapy is in serious jeopardy, while Bobby is forced by Janice to reconcile with his dead wife. AJ continues his rigorous "studying", while the situation with New York escalates with the introduction of the hilarious Camine Lupertazzi Jr. All this, plus more evidence of a supernatural presence looming over Sopranoland, and some killer dream sequences! Coming up right after our chat with Captain Jacobus...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

Chris, Paul & Jordan share loads of laughs this week as they break down "The Strong Silent Type" which simultaneously deals with incredibly bleak subject matter, while quite possibly delivering some of the funniest scenes in the show's history.  Everything is heating up to a boil, and it's not clear where it's all going. Furio and Tony. Tony and New York. Chris and his drug addiction. Carmela and Furio - all of it is juggled beautifully here. Plus, there are some really dynamite Melfi scenes where Tony starts asking some big questions that tie all the way back to the pilot episode. Who, in this show, really embodies the "Strong Silent Type"? All this and more, right after we steal all those pork loins from Stew Leonard's...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

Chris, Lily, Paul, & Jordan break down the monumental "Whoever Did This". Structurally, this episode is one of the most unique outings in the series, not only for its script, but for its placement in the season. Acts of God and acts of Gangster abound, as Tony and Ralph's relationship finally boils over in the most brutal possible way. Plus! Christopher comes to Tony's aid... or maybe he did-dent? Wonderful performances, wonderful script, one of the all time great episodes. All this coming up, right after we look for some Visene...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

"Mergers & Acquisitions" is a tricky episode in that none of the story threads pay off in a big way, but the action going on beneath the surface is incredibly rich. Lily joins Chris, Paul, & Jordan this week to further discuss the theme of money this season and why it's so essential to the story being told. These characters are all moving assets around, personal or otherwise, and the lives of our characters only get more complicated. Paulie tries to settle his mother into Green Grove, Tony once again wrestles with boredom, and Carmela takes bold action when Tony's extramarital activities make their way into the home. Plus! A whole lot of talk about Ralphie, as the show subtly tips off the audience as to where his hatred of women comes from. All this and more just as soon as we hit on 18...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

There is some righteous anger on our podcast this week as Chris, Paul, and Jordan dissect the extremely cynical, but wildly entertaining "Watching Too Much Television". This week Tony, Ralphie, and Zellman engage in one of the most gut churning scams we've seen on the show. It's a pitch black reflection of the American political system, and it's one you can't look away from. Themes of sentimentality and humiliation run deep as Tony doles out some truly biblical punishment in an unforgettable final sequence. Plus! Furio and Carmela's attraction continues to escalate, and Adriana searches for any way out of her current predicament, even if the only way out is all just a television induced fantasy. Fantastic hour of drama! Listen to the boys break it all down, right after we extend to you the same courtesy we would a crack addict... TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter    

In this episode, Chris, Paul, & Jordan break down "Everybody Hurts"! This episode is about sight - The way the characters see themselves and the way they wish to be perceived is all in question. After a tragic revelation, Tony is forced to come to terms with whether or not he is a "toxic person". He gets his answer by episode's end after enabling Artie Bucco's short and pitiful stint in the loansharking business. AJ isn't spared existential questions about how he is perceived when he finds out that the "gangster dudes girlfriend" is far wealthier than he ever imagined. Who is AJ without Tony Soprano as his father? How is he seen by his friends and his new girlfriend Devin? All this and so much more as we eagerly sink our teeth into this episode's incredible script, whip-smart direction by Steve Buscemi, and tour de force acting from John Ventimiglia, all coming up right after we see if our message machine is broken...   R.I.P. Tony Sirico!!   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter  

Themes of loneliness, isolation, illness, and ownership bring a bleak sensibility to the mid-season "set-up" episode "Pie-Oh-My", but it's still a riveting hour of television. Chris, Paul, & Jordan talk all about the new horse in Tony's life and whether or not he's placing the right bets. Meanwhile, Adriana is spiraling into a tailspin as the FBI and Christopher's mob activities close in on her nightclub, and Janice closes in on a still grieving Bobby. Plus: Junior's trial is ongoing, and he is not prepared to suffer further indignity at the hand of the courtroom artist. All this and so much more, just as soon as we rummage Murf's pockets for change...   R.I.P. Goldee - This one's for you

"The Weight" is an extremely well-written episode that builds incredible tension amidst a backdrop of humor, passion, and heartache. Chris, Paul, & Jordan had a blast breaking down the most exciting episode of Season 4 so far! Ralphie's joke about Ginny leads to an explosive showdown between he and Johnny Sack that makes for some amazing television. What does the show have to say about body image, particularly the way women's bodies are talked about vs. the men's? Also - things between Carmela and Furio are heating up into the danger zone like the explosive volcanic Vesuvius! What havoc will "The Weight" of this growing desire reap on the Soprano household? Plus! Our hosts break down what might be the single most bizarre and unsettling scene in the whole series to date! All this, and so much more, right after we  bend more rules than the Catholic church...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

"Christopher" regularly gets touted as one of the worst episodes of the series. Is this a fair assessment? What were the writers going for here? Did it work? Was it worthwhile? In the first part of our show, Chris, Paul, and Jordan discuss the various plot threads including Ralphie and Johnny Sack's relationship disintegrating, Paulie stirring trouble up from prison, and the tragic death of Bobby's wife Karen. In the back half of our show, our three Italian-American hosts have a very candid discussion about image, identity, self-esteem, America, and of course - Christopher Columbus. This being one of the most unique Sopranos episodes in the series, we felt compelled to cover it in a unique way that we hope you all enjoy! If nothing else, "Christopher" prompted a hell of a conversation. All this and more, just as soon as we "subgate" each other...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

The scope of what Season 4 is going for becomes much more apparent after this deep and introspective hour. We break down why "No Show" is a sleeper favorite for our hosts. Meadow's regression has deeper and darker undertones that boil to the surface, Tony is forced to reckon with how his life as "Mr. Mob Boss" has affected his children, and a dangerous game is played between Christopher, Silvio, and Patsy when Chris is made acting Capo of Paulie's crew while Paulie is away. PLUS, things come crashing down around Adriana in truly tragic fashion as the FBI is forced to finally play their hand. It's just scene after scene of glittering reward and brutal consequence this go around and we're pumped to cover it! All this and so much more, right after we projectile vomit on the feds...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

Season 4 begins with "For All Debts Public and Private", a more reflective and deliberate hour than we're used to for "The Sopranos" premieres, but nonetheless an episode with plenty of interesting stories and developments. More than ever before, this episode and the beginning of this season is centered around money. This comes with a lot of uncertainty and anxiety in a post-9/11 world, as the ideas that give money its value - trust, fidelity, faith, confidence in the future - are in short supply, particularly for these characters. Chris, Paul & Jordan discuss this shift in thematic priority, and also cover Chris Moltisanti's not so glamorous revenge, Carmela's loneliness, Junior's trial, Tony's weight gain, and so much more! What does the future hold? No one knows, but Carmela lays out one certainty: Everything comes to an end.    TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

Our break down of Season Three continues! In this half of the Retrospective, Chris, Paul & Jordan talk about a slew of topics ranging from Peter Bogdanovich, to how Tony's therapy is going, to the state of the Mob Family, the women on the show, the haunting presence of Big Pussy, and - for the first time ever - we respond directly to some listener mail! You all sent us some fun stuff! PLUS, we conclude our top 3 categories, which are: Top 3 Characters/Performances, Top 3 Moments, and Top 3 Episodes!    TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

Three Seasons in, and The Sopranos is running at all-time creative highs with no signs of slowing down, but Season 3 remains the most unique of the three so far. Chris, Paul, and Jordan are here to talk about how and why. In Part 1 of our retrospective, we discuss Nancy Marchand's death, the legacy Livia left on the show, and how the show might have been different had she survived. We discuss Tony in the thematic and literal role of "Parent", Ralph Cifaretto / Joe Pantoliano, Johnny Sack, the elevation of the New York family in the story, and so much more. Plus! We drop more of our hot "Top 3" categories, including: favorite quotes, favorite food moments, and favorite music cues. Lots of laughs, "what ifs", and good conversation here! Join us!   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

"The Army of One" is by far the most reflective, somber, and inconclusive season finales of The Sopranos so far, and yet it's a quiet, unsettling masterpiece. Chris, Paul, & Jordan discuss how this episode simultaneously closes the emotional threads on Season 3, but also leaves many intriguing possibilities for Season 4. A lot happens in this hour, but the big questions that loom over the head of our favorite Jersey Mob boss in this episode have no easy answers: How has the life Tony leads affected his children? Can Tony and Carmela save AJ from the catastrophic fate met by Jackie Jr and the many other doomed young men we've met on this show? Can Meadow reconcile her own sense of morality when she, more than anyone else, is able to recognize the hypocrisy and "bullshit" of the family she was born into? This finale wrestles with these questions in a beautiful and satisfying way, while also providing no solid answers. Plus! Shenanigans with Janice, more great work from Joe Pantoliano as Ralphie, the return of a healthy Uncle Junior, sneaky business from Johnny Sack, and we get to meet Paulie's adorable mother! All this and more, just as soon as we almost drown in three inches of water at the penguin exhibit... TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter  

They've done it again! Three seasons in a row, The Sopranos have delivered a 10/10 penultimate chapter, and "Amour Fou" may just be the best of the bunch. Chris, Paul, and Jordan discuss this electric hour that delivers scene after scene of scintillating drama and incredible payoff to the season's various storylines. Jackie sticks up the wrong card-game, Carmela learns to set some personal boundaries, and Tony and Gloria's relationship finally culminates in its explosive and tragic conclusion. Top performances from all involved, and Frank Renuzlli's final script as a writer on the Sopranos! All this and so much more in our longest episode ever, just as soon as we ruin eight relationships...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

Chris, Paul, & Jordan have been waiting for three seasons to cover this episode! "Pine Barrens" is an all-time classic, and a perpetual fan-favorite in the Sopranos canon! Tony finds himself at the center of a pin-wheel of chaos as stress from home, stress from Gloria, and stress from work culminate when Chris and Paulie get lost in the woods after botching a shockingly simple task. It's a comedy of errors, set amidst the stark and lonely South Jersey wilderness! It's also one of the most quotable hours in the history of television. Plus: Steve Buscemi gets behind the camera to direct! All this and more, just as soon as we stop at Roy Rogers...   TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter

Ho Ho Ho! It's a Sopranos Christmas special! (Sort of). Chris, Paul, and Jordan break down "To Save Us All From Satan's Power" in which Tony, Paulie, and Silvio struggle through their first Christmas without Big Pussy. There are some truly fascinating moments in this hour in which our characters learn that that day on the boat, and the years preceding it, will continue to haunt them one way or another. Also this episode, Bobby gets a new job, Tony scratches items off his list, including vengeance on the Russian that beat up Janice, and Jackie Jr. "bottoms out". This is the spiritual "sequel" to Season 2's "Funhouse" episode, and we couldn't be more excited to discuss it, right after we gift our Dads a Big Mouth Billy Bass...     TheSopranosPodcast@Gmail.com @TheSopranosPodcast - Facebook & Instagram @SopranosPodcast - Twitter