The Sopranos - Family Values

Richardson's Review

Richardson's Review
By Matt Richardson
(Episode 74 - THE RIDE)

The ninth episode of the sixth season of "The Sopranos" was arguably the best so far this season. It tackled serious, interesting stories and developed or moved along more significant ones. It was both well acted, written and directed and very intriguing. There were a few story lines that were developed and advanced most notably that of Christopher Moltisanti and his surprise marriage to his pregnant girlfriend Kelly (in her first appearance on the show). After announcing his marriage to the guys at the 'Bing, Chris and Tony take a ride up to Pennsylvania for some business only to heist a truck full of wine on their way back home in a scene reminiscent of the early Soprano episodes. The two go to dinner and then over their newly jacked wine recollect their crazy times together - specifically the time when Christopher told Tony of Adriana being a rat. Actually, this scene was filmed last season and was supposed to have been in the episode where Adriana is killed. Steven Van Zandt recommended the scene be pulled at the last minute however, in an attempt to amp up the drama and tension. Still, Tony and Christopher's relationship has shown signs of improvement in this new episode. Chris is inconsistent though and one second buys a brand new home for his bride and in the next is shooting up inside his Maserati. It also doesn't help that Carmela suspects Chris may have actually killed Aid after running into Liz La Cerva at an Italian feast. Adriana's been dead for two years but her ghost and the repercussions of her actions are still being felt.

ALSO: Tony gives Phil Leotardo a heads up on a jacked truck that needs to be unloaded. The two men agree to split the profits 50-50 but Phil tells Tony he would like to keep it quiet from John to avoid "causing him any more stress"...Bobby and Paulie nearly get into a fist fight after Bobby discovers Paulie pinched pennies putting on the local feast - specifically maintenance for a ride that broke while Janice and the baby were on board. A few children on the ride were hurt and Janice complained of neck pain so Bobby demanded Paulie cough up 25 G's. Paulie refused but after Tony demanded the two men to settle the beef, Paulie was left weighing his options...Speaking of Paulie, he ran into his "mother" at the feast and promptly cursed her out (again) but at the end of the episode he visits her at the home and watches TV with her as the show closes out. Maybe Paulie is realizing she really is his mother after all (regardless of the biological make-up) and in light of the fact that he could wind up having prostate cancer (though the test results were still not back) he doesn't need to alienate her anymore than he already has....Also had to love the 3:00 reference from season two...Overall a solid episode in an otherwise disappointing season...

Shock Factor: B + Richardson's Review: A

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