The Sopranos - Family Values

Review By Dr. Scott

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Season Five, Episode Six (Episode 58 - SENTIMENTAL EDUCATION)

Review By Dr. Scott

First of all, before we get into the review, I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who’s written to let me know that they’re digging the reviews. More than a few of you pointed out that I’d made some mistakes here and there– particularly in referring to Lorraine as a "capo", something that a few people seemed to take as a personal affront– and I wanted to let everyone know that I welcome the constructive criticism (read: Telling the author where he fucked up). In particular, a reader by the name of Crowe filled me in on the spots that I’d screwed the pooch on, and did so helpfully and all friendly-like. In other words, the right way. So, again, thanks to everyone who wrote– I tried to answer all the emails I received; If you didn’t get a response and you sent me a note, I apologize– and I thank Oleg once again for giving me this opportunity to review something other than films for once.

Anyway, with all of that said, let’s move into this week’s episode...

Just for the hell of it, let’s recap what’s happened so far this season. This is pretty much the midway point– can you believe the season’s already halfway over? Oh, well, just another two year hiatus and then it’ll be back to business– so it might behoove us to take a brief look back. Feech (Not Fitch) is back in prison, set up by Tony and sent back in an alternative to, you know, whacking the guy for being a loudmouth and stepping on everyone’s toes. Christopher and Paulie were at each others’ throats briefly, established a truce, but I’m still not buying it. Adrianna has developed a rumbling ass thanks to her involvement with the Feds, and when we last saw her she had just taken a beating from Christopher for allegedly taking a place on the Boss’ staff. As a result, Chrissy was almost killed by Tony, but was saved at the last minute by Tony B., a new addition to the cast in the form of Steve Buscemi. Janice has hooked up with Uncle Junior’s yes-man and neither of them h ave any control over their kids. And, speaking of which, Carmela finally gave up on AJ and sent him to live with Tony. Carmela is still pissed and is getting the moves put on her by AJ’s guidance counselor (or was it a college advisor? I’m sure someone will write to tell me what an ignorant fuck I am for getting these two professions mixed up– Thanks, in advance, you can save your email). Carmine died, but other than that the rest of the cast has remained relatively "healthy" (read: breathing). Finally, Meadow is still hot.

Now. We’re all caught up, yes? Good.

Tonight’s episode is called "Sentimental Education". The bulk of the episode dealt with the budding relationship between Carmela and AJ’s student advisor Metzger, as played by David Straitharn. Last week, he took Carmela to Macaroni Grill for dinner, and as this episode got rolling she went to see him to take him up on a further dinner option.

The two hook up, several times, and with the same sort of passion that any just-established relationship brings with it. It was kind of odd seeing Carmela nailing someone else, by the way. I’d be lying if I said this subplot had me on the edge of my seat, though. It was good seeing Carmela getting something for herself for once, but this episode felt that much more dry after the events of last week’s episode. That said, Edie Falco is as great as she has ever been on the show– they should have given her an honorary Oscar for her work on last season’s finale– and I enjoyed Straitharn’s performance. Too bad it looks like he’s done with the show: He dumped Carmela’s ass in the second half of the show, believing that she was trying to advance AJ’s academic horizons by using "her pussy" (as Metzger so eloquently put it) to her advantage. I suppose he might come back, but if he does I bet it’ll be to get slapped around by Tony. Or, maybe they’ll have him come back having fucked w ith AJ’s chances at getting into Arizona State...hmmm.

Chris and Adrianna were background characters in this episode, having been on the front lines last week. I’m assuming that things have been smoothed out between them, and that it’s been business as usual with the Feds. Time’s running out on this show– they have only fifteen episodes left until the whole thing wraps– so I’m wondering where they’re gonna take that plot thread. With the news that Drea de Matteo has signed on to play sister to Matt LeBlanc’s Joey (on the sitcom of the same name), maybe they’ll have her killed off before this season ends. In many of the email responses I received this week from you guys, some of you said that you were big "Mafia buffs". Can anyone tell me: If Adrianna were to be killed, what sort of position would that leave the Feds in with all the information she’s helped acquire on Tony & Co? Drop me a line and let me know, because I think the answer to that question may hint at things to come.

AJ continued being a total little bitch to Tony, who slapped him around in the first half of the show. I gotta admit two things: One, AJ reminds me of the bitter, cynical asshole that I was when I was a teenager; And, two, I was more than happy to watch him get tossed around by Tony. He’s had it coming to him. It didn’t take long for AJ to tire of living with Tony, and he moved back in with Carmela (under several non-negotiable conditions) this week.

Speaking of the Soprano family unit, has anyone else noticed that Meadow has been nearly non-existent this season? Maybe all the filming going on for CALL ME: THE HEIDI FLEISS STORY prevented her from taking a big part in this season’s reindeer games.

Another big story thread this week dealt with Steve Buscemi’s Tony Blundetto. As the episode started, Blundetto got his laundry truck stolen. A run-in with his boss, an Asian man named Kim, led to the two men agreeing to start a massage parlor together after Tony B. passed his masseuse exam. Kim’s daughter was mentioned as a contributing part of the business, and appeared just long enough to warrant a "Happy Ending" joke (which, by the way, I was waiting for the second Kim announced that he had a daughter). The really important thing here was the fight that Buscemi got in with Kim in the final stretch of this week’s ep. Angry about getting bitched at by his girlfriend and stressed over his long hours working versus his long hour gambling, Blundetto threw a solid punch at Kim before cracking him over the head with a two by four. It was unclear whether or not Kim survived the attack, but the fish flopping on the ground beside him seemed to hint that he wasn’t so lucky.

As I already mentioned, this episode seemed very subdued after the fiery confrontations in last week’s show. Such is life. Overall, I thought it was pretty solid– maybe a 7 out of 10. Watching the preview’s for next week’s show, I reflected on how depressing it is that the season is now more than halfway over. It’ll be gone again before we know it, and then another long-ass break in between seasons. Oh, well, what can ya do, right?

Until next time,

Dr. Scott

If you have comments about this review send them directly to Dr. Scott at until_dark@yahoo.com

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