Count me in on the 'I should do a rewatch' train. All of this talk about it got me interested again. Wonder if I could catch up before the next off the clock?
I'm considering just rewatching season 3 before the next OTC ... although it's really hard to not watch season 2 first, it's so good!
I haven't watched this show in 12 years, do the therapy scenes hold up? They bored me watching it when I was 18 but I was a stupid little shit. I remember a lot of complaining about them in general during the shows run, do they stand out at all on rewatches? I want to go through the show again with a different perspective but the way I remember parts of the series dragging has kept me from pulling the trigger.
Started rewatching. I had only seen the show during the original run when I was in my twenties, and before I had any experience with therapy. I’m about 4 episodes in, and so far they are better than I remember (I was bored by them before, too). There’s a lot of nuance happening, and the shifts in emotion by Gandolfini when he gets to a sore subject is pretty incredible. The first session feels like a play, but then you forget they’re acting, which is kinda cool.
I decided to start my re-watch with season 3. "Mr. Ruggerio's Neighborhood" was a fun premiere, I like how they used the FBI surveillance team plot to bounce around and check in with everyone in the Soprano family (the code names were a nice touch). The mashup of "Every Breath You Take" and the Peter Gunn theme song is bizarre kind of genius. I'm excited to watch more!
I decided to start my re-watch with season 3. "Mr. Ruggerio's Neighborhood" was a fun premiere, I like how they used the FBI surveillance team plot to bounce around and check in with everyone in the Soprano family (the code names were a nice touch). The mashup of "Every Breath You Take" and the Peter Gunn theme song is bizarre kind of genius. I'm excited to watch more!
I am embarrassed how long it took me to get the pun in the title. Also, Patsi Parisi and Tony's pool was nail-biting and funny at the same time.
Employee of the Month ... Lorraine fuckin' Bracco, man.
Yeah...just....yeah. Employee of the Month, Another Toothpick, and University is an amazing string of episodes. Season 3 probably has the best single, standalone episodes of the series. Other seasons have better over-arching plots. But as far as standalone episodes, it is way up there. Proshai Livushka, Pine Barrens, and Amour Fou are all pretty amazing as well. Season 3 is a beast.
Employee of the Month ... Lorraine fuckin' Bracco, man.
Yeah...just....yeah. Employee of the Month, Another Toothpick, and University is an amazing string of episodes. Season 3 probably has the best single, standalone episodes of the series. Other seasons have better over-arching plots. But as far as standalone episodes, it is way up there. Proshai Livushka, Pine Barrens, and Amour Fou are all pretty amazing as well. Season 3 is a beast.
Yea jumping into my rewatch with season 3 has proven to be a good idea IMO, so many great episodes/moments.
I had almost forgotten about one of the all time great one-episode guest appearances by Burt Young aka Paulie from Rocky as Bobby Bacala Sr. in Another Toothpick. Smoking that cigarette, covered in blood after the hit, quite the image.
Employee of the Month ... Lorraine fuckin' Bracco, man.
Yeah...just....yeah. Employee of the Month, Another Toothpick, and University is an amazing string of episodes. Season 3 probably has the best single, standalone episodes of the series. Other seasons have better over-arching plots. But as far as standalone episodes, it is way up there. Proshai Livushka, Pine Barrens, and Amour Fou are all pretty amazing as well. Season 3 is a beast.
Yea jumping into my rewatch with season 3 has proven to be a good idea IMO, so many great episodes/moments.
I had almost forgotten about one of the all time great one-episode guest appearances by Burt Young aka Paulie from Rocky as Bobby Bacala Sr. in Another Toothpick. Smoking that cigarette, covered in blood after the hit, quite the image.
That episode is so brutal and touches on what happens to a gangster who is well past his prime. It is super interesting, and not an episode that I see brought up all that frequently.
Employee of the Month ... Lorraine fuckin' Bracco, man.
Yeah...just....yeah. Employee of the Month, Another Toothpick, and University is an amazing string of episodes. Season 3 probably has the best single, standalone episodes of the series. Other seasons have better over-arching plots. But as far as standalone episodes, it is way up there. Proshai Livushka, Pine Barrens, and Amour Fou are all pretty amazing as well. Season 3 is a beast.
Ahh, Pine Barrens. One of the best, if not the best episode in the entire Sopranos series.
I started rewatching a couple weeks ago and also just got to the end of season 3. Man this show was so good it has somehow reduced my esteem for a bunch of other shows that came after it. Amongst all the other anti-heroes this spawned, Tony Soprano is so much more likeable then any of them. Even the episodes that meander are interesting because they are at least trying something specific and new.
I'm thinking I might do a rewatch. I dunno. I only get about an hour of TV a night. Nothing else really going on right now though. Any good podcasts to recommend? If BM had one, it'd be a no-brainer. Alas.
Just read a comment above that said "No Fuckin Ziti" is a good one. Guess I'll check that out if I do this.
No Fuckin' Ziti consistently cracks me up. They are goofy and laugh at their own jokes, but I find it endearing. Michael Imperioli (Christufuh) and Steve Shirripa (Bobby) started one recently called Talking Sopranos. I haven't listened, but I don't tend to like hearing actors wax nonstop about their stuff. It might very well be great.
This is probably the best television show of all time, in my opinion.
I have to reiterate what is written above. No Fuckin' Ziti is the best podcast for Sopranos.
I'm thinking I might do a rewatch. I dunno. I only get about an hour of TV a night. Nothing else really going on right now though. Any good podcasts to recommend? If BM had one, it'd be a no-brainer. Alas.
Just read a comment above that said "No Fuckin Ziti" is a good one. Guess I'll check that out if I do this.
No Fuckin' Ziti consistently cracks me up. They are goofy and laugh at their own jokes, but I find it endearing. Michael Imperioli (Christufuh) and Steve Shirripa (Bobby) started one recently called Talking Sopranos. I haven't listened, but I don't tend to like hearing actors wax nonstop about their stuff. It might very well be great.
This is probably the best television show of all time, in my opinion.
I have to reiterate what is written above. No Fuckin' Ziti is the best podcast for Sopranos.
They still haven't covered the finale. It is driving me nuts. I assume they wanted to do something special, but its also almost been a year (or around there).
I started rewatching a couple weeks ago and also just got to the end of season 3. Man this show was so good it has somehow reduced my esteem for a bunch of other shows that came after it. Amongst all the other anti-heroes this spawned, Tony Soprano is so much more likeable then any of them. Even the episodes that meander are interesting because they are at least trying something specific and new.
Spot on. As great as John Hamm and Bryan Cranston are, Gandolfini as Tony is almost in another league. I also think the physicality he brings to the role is very unique and adds to the character.
I started rewatching a couple weeks ago and also just got to the end of season 3. Man this show was so good it has somehow reduced my esteem for a bunch of other shows that came after it. Amongst all the other anti-heroes this spawned, Tony Soprano is so much more likeable then any of them. Even the episodes that meander are interesting because they are at least trying something specific and new.
Yeah, I watched the series a couple of years back and caught myself liking the characters so many times, then having to remind myself that they were complete psychopaths. Unless, every so often, they did it for me.
I might me most interested to hear what A.Ron thinks of Carmela's arc through the series. The relationship with the priest, trip to France, the "blood money" therapist session, Furio, throwing Tony out... there's a lot.
As far as likeable anti-heroes go, I'm in the midst of watching Mad Men and I feel like Don might have something to say about that sentiment.
I've been re-watching as well and something that stands out to me is the noises Gandolfini makes. I can't tell if it's ADR, boosted in production, or maybe he's just that loud, but all sniffs, breaths, and mouth sounds really amplify his various states of menace, gluttony, and depression. Especially when they do a slow push-in on him shovelling down a packet of gabagool.
I've been re-watching as well and something that stands out to me is the noises Gandolfini makes. I can't tell if it's ADR, boosted in production, or maybe he's just that loud, but all sniffs, breaths, and mouth sounds really amplify his various states of menace, gluttony, and depression. Especially when they do a slow push-in on him shovelling down a packet of gabagool.
I always get a kick out of the sounds and faces he makes when he just wakes up. Dude sleeps hard.
I started rewatching a couple weeks ago and also just got to the end of season 3. Man this show was so good it has somehow reduced my esteem for a bunch of other shows that came after it. Amongst all the other anti-heroes this spawned, Tony Soprano is so much more likeable then any of them. Even the episodes that meander are interesting because they are at least trying something specific and new.
Yeah, I watched the series a couple of years back and caught myself liking the characters so many times, then having to remind myself that they were complete psychopaths. Unless, every so often, they did it for me.
I might me most interested to hear what A.Ron thinks of Carmela's arc through the series. The relationship with the priest, trip to France, the "blood money" therapist session, Furio, throwing Tony out... there's a lot.
As far as likeable anti-heroes go, I'm in the midst of watching Mad Men and I feel like Don might have something to say about that sentiment.
Yeah i dunno I know I'm in the minority because they are both incredibly popular shows, but Don Draper and especially Walter White were super unlikeable from the very beginning for me. It could just be because I saw the Sopranos before both of them and so it tinged my experience. Similarly I know Breaking Bad is lauded because it is such a tight, singular story, but that's one of the things I really prefer about the Sopranos. Yeah sure Tony's internal struggles are the center of the show, but there so many other facets of human experience that the Sopranos explores with the other characters. Some of them work, some of them don't but I always felt it was reaching for something more than either Mad Men or Breaking Bad ever did.
After Aron's thoughts on Season 3, I wanted to whisper to him and say "Welp, those were the good times, my man." Starting in Season 4, things become incredibly bleak. The one-off episodes of Paulie and Christufuh running around in the woods slurping ketchup packets are gone. Increased are ruminations on existence, depression, the pointlessness of life. It is palpable. Even the whole color tone of the show changes into a drab, greyish-blue color scheme.
After Aron's thoughts on Season 3, I wanted to whisper to him and say "Welp, those were the good times, my man." Starting in Season 4, things become incredibly bleak. The one-off episodes of Paulie and Christufuh running around in the woods slurping ketchup packets are gone. Increased are ruminations on existence, depression, the pointlessness of life. It is palpable. Even the whole color tone of the show changes into a drab, greyish-blue color scheme.
Yea man I just started on season 4 and I gotta say it's not that enjoyable in a lot of ways! Especially compared to coming off the high of season 3.
After Aron's thoughts on Season 3, I wanted to whisper to him and say "Welp, those were the good times, my man." Starting in Season 4, things become incredibly bleak. The one-off episodes of Paulie and Christufuh running around in the woods slurping ketchup packets are gone. Increased are ruminations on existence, depression, the pointlessness of life. It is palpable. Even the whole color tone of the show changes into a drab, greyish-blue color scheme.
Yea man I just started on season 4 and I gotta say it's not that enjoyable in a lot of ways! Especially compared to coming off the high of season 3.
It is a tough season. It is much slower and melancholic. It was the first season after 9/11 (the twin towers removed from the opening credits) and Season 3 got so much flack for the violence and brutality (especially directed towards women), you could almost feel the show slowing down and trying to course-correct. Season 4 has some amazing episodes, but it really does go into a different gear.
The Soprano's (Wherever it ranks) is no doubt the start of the Golden Age of Television Series'. Prior to the Soprano's there was nothing quite like it. Yeah, there was Dynasty and Who Shot JR. But Fuck that, it was the Soprano's that led to shows like the Wire, Breaking Bad and many others. It's Great if for no other reason than it's influence.
Finally finished my season 5 rewatch - will be especially excited to hear ARon's thoughts on "Test Dream" once he gets to this season. Obviously influenced by Lynch but also you can draw a line from this episode to "International Assassin" in the Leftovers.
The Tony B, Adrianna, and Tony/Carm separation plots obviously are really engaging in this season, curious to see where those landed for ARon.
The Soprano's (Wherever it ranks) is no doubt the start of the Golden Age of Television Series'. Prior to the Soprano's there was nothing quite like it. Yeah, there was Dynasty and Who Shot JR. But Fuck that, it was the Soprano's that led to shows like the Wire, Breaking Bad and many others. It's Great if for no other reason than it's influence.
Objectively, it's the best show ever made. In all aspects on all fronts. Funniest show. Insanely good action. And top notch existential drama.
Finally finished my season 5 rewatch - will be especially excited to hear ARon's thoughts on "Test Dream" once he gets to this season. Obviously influenced by Lynch but also you can draw a line from this episode to "International Assassin" in the Leftovers.
The Tony B, Adrianna, and Tony/Carm separation plots obviously are really engaging in this season, curious to see where those landed for ARon.
Season 5 is definitely my favorite of the series. It tackled familiar issues in new, interesting, and heartbreaking ways (i.e. the Feech, Adrianna, etc). I understand the hate for Test Dream, but also have no patience for people who get pissed at the psychology aspects of the show. It was a show that had its opening scene in a psychiatrist's office for god's sake. Of course it was going to lean into that territory.
It also consistently drives me bonkers that Jim remembers absolutely nothing of this series whenever Aron brings things up.
Finally finished my season 5 rewatch - will be especially excited to hear ARon's thoughts on "Test Dream" once he gets to this season. Obviously influenced by Lynch but also you can draw a line from this episode to "International Assassin" in the Leftovers.
The Tony B, Adrianna, and Tony/Carm separation plots obviously are really engaging in this season, curious to see where those landed for ARon.
Season 5 is definitely my favorite of the series. It tackled familiar issues in new, interesting, and heartbreaking ways (i.e. the Feech, Adrianna, etc). I understand the hate for Test Dream, but also have no patience for people who get pissed at the psychology aspects of the show. It was a show that had its opening scene in a psychiatrist's office for god's sake. Of course it was going to lean into that territory.
It also consistently drives me bonkers that Jim remembers absolutely nothing of this series whenever Aron brings things up.
Haha for real - even if I wasn't currently rewatching the Sopranos I'm pretty sure I could remember all the stuff ARon brings up, it's one of the most memorable goddamn shows to ever be on tv!
Finally finished my season 5 rewatch - will be especially excited to hear ARon's thoughts on "Test Dream" once he gets to this season. Obviously influenced by Lynch but also you can draw a line from this episode to "International Assassin" in the Leftovers.
The Tony B, Adrianna, and Tony/Carm separation plots obviously are really engaging in this season, curious to see where those landed for ARon.
That will be interesting, since the dream sequences are what have given Jim and A.Ron pause over the years.
I'll be even more interested in A.Ron's thoughts on "Join the Club".
Finally finished my season 5 rewatch - will be especially excited to hear ARon's thoughts on "Test Dream" once he gets to this season. Obviously influenced by Lynch but also you can draw a line from this episode to "International Assassin" in the Leftovers.
The Tony B, Adrianna, and Tony/Carm separation plots obviously are really engaging in this season, curious to see where those landed for ARon.
That will be interesting, since the dream sequences are what have given Jim and A.Ron pause over the years.
I'll be even more interested in A.Ron's thoughts on "Join the Club".
And Mayham. Though by Mayham we see some light at the end of the tunnel (pun totally intentional). There will be similarities to newer shows (Mr. Robot and The Leftovers immediately come to mind) that have done similar episodes. I'm very interested for when he gets there. Remembering back, those week-long-waits between episodes were agonizing.
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Yea jumping into my rewatch with season 3 has proven to be a good idea IMO, so many great episodes/moments.
I had almost forgotten about one of the all time great one-episode guest appearances by Burt Young aka Paulie from Rocky as Bobby Bacala Sr. in Another Toothpick. Smoking that cigarette, covered in blood after the hit, quite the image.
Spot on. As great as John Hamm and Bryan Cranston are, Gandolfini as Tony is almost in another league. I also think the physicality he brings to the role is very unique and adds to the character.
I might me most interested to hear what A.Ron thinks of Carmela's arc through the series. The relationship with the priest, trip to France, the "blood money" therapist session, Furio, throwing Tony out... there's a lot.
As far as likeable anti-heroes go, I'm in the midst of watching Mad Men and I feel like Don might have something to say about that sentiment.
I always get a kick out of the sounds and faces he makes when he just wakes up. Dude sleeps hard.
In the meantime saw this on Twitter, lol:
It also consistently drives me bonkers that Jim remembers absolutely nothing of this series whenever Aron brings things up.
Haha for real - even if I wasn't currently rewatching the Sopranos I'm pretty sure I could remember all the stuff ARon brings up, it's one of the most memorable goddamn shows to ever be on tv!
I'll be even more interested in A.Ron's thoughts on "Join the Club".
Really hope we get to hear him to talk about it (and "The Test Dream") on a podcast!