When “The Sopranos” premiered in 1999, I don’t think anyone was prepared for the impact the show would carry throughout its eight-year, six-season run. Together with an, at the time, relatively unknown cast and crew, creator David Chase broke down barriers that separated television from film as an art form. The series would go on to influence a number of highly acclaimed and popular TV shows, such as “Breaking Bad,” “Mad Men” and “Boardwalk Empire”. The latter two were conceived by former Sopranos writers Matthew Weiner and Terrence Winter, respectively. Now — 14 years after the show made headlines with its controversial season finale — audiences will be granted another glimpse into the world of Tony Soprano as the highly anticipated prequel film, “The Many Saints of Newark,” is set to hit theatres Oct. 1.
To get you ready for the movie this weekend, here are 13 of the greatest episodes of “The Sopranos”.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!!
- “Pilot” – Season 1, Episode 1 (1999)
The one that started it all. One of two episodes directed by creator and showrunner David Chase, viewers are offered a glimpse at life through the eyes of Tony Soprano, the head of an organized crime syndicate in North Jersey. Chase set the stage for various key events that will happen throughout the series. We learn about Tony’s family, his occupation, his struggle with his own mental health and how they all seamlessly bleed into each other like an amalgamated mess. It’s clear that Tony’s made some enemies running North Jersey, but they may be closer than he thinks…
- “College” – Season 1, Episode 5 (1999)
Tony takes his daughter, Meadow, on a trip to visit a prospective school, but things take a turn for the worst when Tony spots an old associate. His familial and work commitments again find themselves bleeding into each other, and we witness just how brutal situations can turn with Tony at the helm.
- “I Dream of Jeannie Cusamano” – Season 1, Episode 13 (1999)
All the tension that has built up through the show at this point comes to a head in the stunning first season finale. Tony learns about his mother’s plot against him, and he retaliates accordingly.
- “Fun House” – Season 2, Episode 13 (2000)
Tony comes down with a bout of food poisoning, which triggers a series of fever dreams and realizations about his best friend, “Big Pussy.” Tony and fellow confidantes, Silvio and Paulie, take matters into their own hands. This episode includes one of three major dream sequences that appear throughout the series.
- “Employee of the Month” – Season 3, Episode 4 (2001)
A hard to swallow, but masterfully written episode depicting the rape of Dr. Jennifer Melfi, Tony’s psychiatrist throughout the series. After the justice system fails to apprehend the man who committed the crime against her, Dr. Melfi struggles with her own morality, contemplating whether to inform Tony of what happened — fully aware of what he is capable of. She ultimately decides against it, despite clearly showing signs of trauma and fear, post-incident. The episode will forever be remembered as a deeper dive into Jennifer Melfi’s character.
- “Pine Barrens” – Season 3, Episode 11 (2001)
A fan favorite. No “Sopranos Best-Of” list is complete without this episode. Rather than move the plot along, this episode, directed by movie star and future cast member Steve Buscemi, is pure, unadulterated fun. Paulie and Christopher, Tony’s nephew and a member of Tony’s crew, are sent to collect money from a Russian associate of Tony’s and things go horribly wrong!
- “For All Debts Public and Private” – Season 4, Episode 1 (2002)
“The Many Saints of Newark” will tell the story of Dickie Moltisante, Christopher’s long-dead father, who is often mentioned in the series. In this episode, Tony gives Christopher the opportunity to avenge his father’s death by revealing to him the identity of a recently retired police officer who Tony claims murdered Dickie some years ago. This is important in defining the relationship between the two gangsters, highlighting how close the pair truly are.
- “Whitecaps” – Season 4, Episode 13 (2002)
This episode won multiple awards, including a third time Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress for James Gandolfini and Edie Falco’s performances as Tony and his wife Carmela, respectively. The conflict in their relationship finally comes to a head after years of tension built up around Tony’s lifestyle and infidelity.
- “Long Term Parking” – Season 5, Episode 12 (2004)
Another heartbreaker in the series. After assisting in a murder at her club, Adrianna is forced to reveal to Christopher that she has been working with federal agents. David Chase has attested that they did not show her demise on screen because he knew it would be too hard for audiences to stomach.
- “Members Only” – Season 6, Episode 1 (2006)
The first episode of the final season of one of the greatest shows to ever hit television. The episode sets the tone for the all the tragedy that occurs during the last season. Eugene Pontecorvo, a soldier in Tony’s gang, finds himself unable to escape his life as a mobster despite inheriting a fortune from a dead relative and commits suicide. Tony’s Uncle Junior, with his mental health in decline, mistakes Tony for a different gangster (who was set to be murdered in the first episode!) and shoots Tony, landing him in the hospital (again).
- “Sopranos Home Movies” – Season 6, Episode 13 (2007)
Tony celebrates his birthday at his sister, Janice’s lake house with Carmela and Bobby Baccalieri. A drunken stupor escalates Bobby and Tony to violence, forever changing their relationship and Bobby’s position within the family.
- “The Blue Comet” – Season 6, Episode 20 (2007)
The penultimate chapter in the series is full of tragic occurrences. Bobby and Silvio get hit, Dr. Melfi cuts Tony loose for good, and the family is forced to go into hiding.
- “Made in America” – Season 6, Episode 21 (2007)
The episode that broke television forever, or at least made everyone think their own was broken. This is the other episode directed by David Chase. All seems to be resolved on the surface of Tony’s world, yet there is no lack of tension. Tony always has a reason to be looking over his shoulder. Men in his position often wind up dead or in jail, but does he really care? The infamous “cut-to-black” scene is still discussed among fans and TV critics today.
What’s your favorite episode?
“The Many Saints of Newark” premiers in theatres everywhere, Oct. 1
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