The Sopranos - Family Values

Richardson's Review

Richardson's Review
By Matt Richardson
(Episode 70 - MR. & MRS. JOHN SACRIMONI REQUEST)

In the fifth episode of season five, "The Sopranos" finally scored in the A-range on my review scale in arguably the best episode of the season. The action finally picked up and the subtlety took a backseat and the episode was better for it. Let's start from the top: Johnny Sak, still in jail awaiting trial, had Phil speak to Tony about whacking "the king of munchkin land" Rusty Millio. Johnny, it seems, is afraid that while waiting in his jail cell, Rusty could once again try to usurp the boss (a la "Little Carmine") or worse - try to take over himself. Tony turns the offer down but when Johnny is allowed six free hours out of jail to attend his daughters wedding celebration, he once again petitions his old friend from across the water. Tony re-considers and grudgingly agrees, telling Chris he would like to have someone from Naples sent across to complete the work and then catch the next plane back. Christopher disagrees with this way of working but Tony seems set upon it. In related news, Johnny may be showing signs of cracking as he breaks down in tears at the conclusion of his daughters wedding. The government-provided caravan that took him to and from the celebration cuts off his daughters departing limo causing Johnny to lose it emotionally. With all the commotion Ginny Sack hits the cement after fainting.

Also: Tony hires a new bodyguard/driver, the young and muscled Penne Annunziata. After nearly collapsing at the entrance to Johnny Sak's daughters wedding though and with the decreasing confidence in Johnny after his emotional outburst, T feels as though his men may be doubting his judgements and power. "Act as if" everything is as it was Dr. Melfi tells him and he does: he picks a fight and beats up Penne in the show's final minutes...Wisegay Vito is spotted at a local gay club when some made guys stop by to pick up an envelope. Vito checks into a local motel with a bag and a gun thought it's unlikely he killed himself. Expect him to get killed in a few more episodes though...Junior has been assigned to a mental correctional facility while he awaits his own trial. Tony still hasn't spoken to his deranged uncle and tells Melfi he never will...

Shock Factor: B. Richardson's Review: A -

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