The Sopranos Show

Did we like? Did we not? What stood out? What did we want? All these questions will be answered.

Gavin and Hannibal share their all time favorite lines of Sopranos dialogue, in a special bonus episode of ‘The Sopranos Show!’ Going season by season, your hosts break down the reasons for their picks, and relive some of the series’ greatest moments.

Gavin and Hannibal agree that ‘The Blue Comet’ truly is the ‘ultimate penultimate’ Sopranos story. Your hosts discuss the deeply troubling yet decisive showdown between Tony and Melfi, Baccala’s operatic and unforgettable final scene, and the many ways in which the episode perfectly positions all characters to play (or not play), a unique and impactful role in the series finale.

With ‘Kennedy and Heidi,’ the makers of The Sopranos pull off one of the most shocking and memorable major character death scenes ever devised for television. Gavin and Hannibal explain what makes the scene in question quintessential ‘David Chase,’ and how the episode as a whole offers rich insight into the Tony and Christopher dynamic (especially as it relates to Adriana), as well as the fully justifiable reasons for AJ’s descent into true despair.

As far as Gavin and Hannibal are concerned, this is maybe the weirdest episode of The Sopranos ever. Not bad... just weird. Your hosts explain how odd it is that the filmmakers for one episode only, decided to go fully handheld with the camera, resulting in lens and composition choices that are pretty jarring. Plus, Tony suddenly is a frothing at the mouth, out of control, degenerate gambler? Though ‘Chasing It’ definitely has its strengths, it’s not hard to see why it’s the least loved chapter of Season 6B.

Gavin and Hannibal bid a fond farewell to Johnny Sack in their discussion of the magnificent ‘Stage 5.’ Your hosts agree that everything about this episode works: from Vincent Curatola’s beautiful performance, to the surprisingly consequential fallout of the ‘Cleaver’ screening, to the story’s thematic statements on the downsides of being a leader. ‘Stage 5’ is another great script from Terence Winter, with high levels of comedy and drama, providing a prime example of ‘The Sopranos’ doing what it does best.

Once you realize what the title of this episode references, it’s hard not to see it as the funniest title of the series. Gavin and Hannibal wrap up Season 6A with a discussion that touches upon the successes and failures of the season overall, the plausibility of AJ’s new romance, and why Tony’s “every day is a gift” philosophy is difficult to maintain when one is part of the mob.

Moe n’ Joe has Gavin n’ Hannibal confused about a couple things... like the meaning of the title itself, or what Jim sees in Vito. Still, the episode has its high points: Chris’ sole scene is hilarious, Melfi does a great job leading Tony to an important epiphany about Janice, and a snowy murder towards the end channels ‘Fargo’ in all the right ways. Your hosts also discuss the latest news out of ‘Newark.’

Your hosts have mixed feelings about ‘Johnny Cakes.’ On one hand it contains profound and powerful scenes that rank amongst the series’ best. On the other hand, are several scenes so cliche ridden and implausible, they’re unintentionally hilarious. Gavin and Hannibal discuss the unsavory nature of Julianna Skiff, AJ’s sad and misguided attempts to live up to the family name, and how Jim could ever question whether or not Vito wants the tall stack.

Gavin and Hannibal can’t quite figure out how a Chase-Winter-Green-Burgess script directed by Tim Van Patten, winds up being one of the more mediocre Sopranos episodes, but they have some theories. Though ‘Live Free or Die’ just never quite comes together, your hosts single out the quality moments of humor that keep it entertaining.

Though this episode has its faults, (one too many philosophical discussions, an implausible Bobby Baccala subplot), Gavin and Hannibal agree that Tony Sirico is in top form, impressively revealing a vulnerable new side of Paulie Walnuts. Your hosts also point out how ‘The Fleshy Part of the Thigh’ links to an episode from the first season (with some improvements), and comment on how this story painfully teaches several of its central characters that life just isn’t fair.

Gavin and Hannibal join Tony in “Finnertyland,” discussing an episode that propels The Sopranos to dramatic new heights of symbolism and poignancy. Your hosts focus on the not-exactly-a-dream sequence that gives James Gandolfini the opportunity to portray a Clark Kent version of Tony journeying through a purgatory-like plane of reality. Also of note, is a definitive performance by Edie Falco, which features the delivery of an unforgettable monologue, sensitively crafted by David Chase.

Gavin and Hannibal agree that ‘All Due Respect’ is a fitting and fulfilling conclusion to Season 5. This finale manages to do an incredible job of bringing Season 5 full circle, and in typically understated fashion, sets up the climactic seasons to come. Your hosts describe how this episode presents a fresh examination of Tony’s role as a leader, as well as a couple surprising twists, and the establishment of a potential new Mafia supervillain.