I'm watching this for the first time, and I had NO idea how much of a existential show this was. I expected it to be a Mafia show with a little drama. But its a drama show with a little mafia.
I just finished the episode where AJ "tries" to kill himself in the pool. I think I have two episodes left. But my girlfriend is out of town and I have to wait until Monday to keep watching it haha
Many people think this going in, and get shocked to find a comfy slice of life show with hilarious wise guys pulling scams and breaking bawls. The whole psychiatry thing was originally a big hook for the show, even if by season three it’s mostly just Tony and Melfi shooting the shit about history and philosophy.
I agree with everyone about the music - some shows just know how to use the right music to elevate the story.
My favorite uses of music in the Sopranos:
Paparazzi by Xzibit at the end of Pax Soprana. To Junya!
White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane during Tony’s Prozac flashbacks in Down Neck.
Con Te Partiro by Andrea Bocelli throughout Commendatori. f***in’ nosy, eat your manigot!
White Mustang II by Daniel Lanois during the end of Big Girls Don’t Cry. I must be loyle to my Capo.
Thru and Thru by The Rolling Stones at the end of Funhouse.
Sister Golden Hair by America when Bobby Bacala Sr dies in Another Toothpick.
Living on a Thin Line throughout University and I’m Not Like Everybody Else at the end of Cold Cuts, both by the Kinks. A. She was a huwa, B. She hit me and C. Sacre bleu, where is me mama?!
New Slang by the Shins during Maedo’s dinner in Eloise. He was the ship’s florist, right?
I Love Paris (Vegas) by Dean Martin at the end of Whitecaps.
Leaving California by Shawn Smith when Adrianna and Syl go for a drive in Long Term Parking.
Glad Tidings by Van Morrison throughout All Due Respect.
One of These Days by Pink Floyd at the end of Fleshy Part of the Thigh. Every month you’re kicking up four grand to me!
The Dolphins by Frank Neil during Chrissy’s relapse in the Ride.
Evidently Chickentown by John Cooper Clarke at the end of Stage 5. No more Butchie, no more a dis…
Comfortably Numb by Roger Waters, Van Morrison and the Band at the start of Kennedy and Heidi.
You Keep Me Hangin’ On by Vanilla Fudge throughout the finale (Journey sucks). OH SHIT!
Other songs used, such as Black Books by Nils Lofgren (Second Opinion), Seven Souls by William Burroughs (Members Only), Tiny Tears by Tindersticks (Isabella) and Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys (Calling all Cars) may be used well but that doesn’t change that they’re shitty songs.
A few of these songs are great songs on my playlist, but many of them I’d never listen to, but it’s difficult to imagine the show without them.
Chrissy and Tony staring each other down without Evidently Chickentown? Get da f*** outta here!