Oh Captain, My Captain

sopranos3-26-06Last week's episode of The Sopranos really didn't do much to advance the plot, although it was very interesting to see which of Tony's captains decided to step up in his absence. That honor goes to Silvio, but his decision to step up and take care of Tony's business as well as Carmela and the kids was made because he thought Tony would wake up soon and be very appreciative of what Sil did for him when he was out of commission. Now that it looks like Tony may be out of commission permanently, either through death or some sort of brain damage, Silvio has discovered that being the boss brings a lot more than just huge responsibilities.

We all love the characters on the Sopranos, but we must never forget that all of these guys are here to be earners. With that being said, Vito tips Paulie off to a score in an apartment building nearby. We aren't quite sure what sort of operation they are hitting, but since it is being run by Columbians, we can all take a guess. Vito's tip said that there would be nobody around, so this was supposed to be pretty easy. Unfortunately, there were a few people hanging around, so Paulie and one of his boys roll in there, they have to take out four guys to get to the money.

It's not like these guys were opposed to murdering people for money, but if this hit was only going to net them $10,000, it probably wasn't worth the risk. To make it worse, Paulie got hit in the balls. Now, I am immature, so when Paulie got hit in the nuts I laughed (after the mandatory groan of course), but it was even better because Paulie kept on saying "my balls". Again, maybe you don't find it as funny, but I was cracking up the whole time. If you don't think hearing "my balls" is funny, try finishing every sentence with the phrase for an hour or so, especially out in public. "Ah yes (my balls). I think I will have the lobster bisque for an appetizer (my balls). For the entree, let me try the filet mignon medium well (my balls). No, make that medium rare (my balls). Oh, and I'll have a bottle of the house merlot (my balls)."

Luckily for Paulie, he found the Columbians had hid their cash in the dishwasher and the money inside was worth getting hit in the balls five or six times. If you are as immature as me, turn up the volume and listen to Paulie complain about his balls (parental guidance suggested). Audio Clip 1. Audio Clip 2.

sopranos3-26-06a
All together now. MY BALLS!

Back at the hospital, Bobby and Christopher are busy putting an end to AJ's idea of killing Uncle Junior. AJ had tried to buy a gun from one of Christopher's guys, who wouldn't sell it to him. Just in case AJ had any thoughts of buying from somebody else, Christopher wanted to step in and tell him that it would be impossible to get to Junior while the feds have him. AJ says that it is "difficult, but not impossible", like that scene from the Godfather Part II where Michael is trying to figure out how he'll be able to kill Hyman Roth. Although AJ decides to listen, he thinks that it was his mother who put them up to it. They tell him to channel the rage elsewhere, like the Golden Gloves or dumbbells or something, but assure him that his father would not want him involved.

The doctors are still worried about Tony's brain function, which segues us into another dream sequence. Dreaming Tony has been served a summons by the Buddhist monks. He goes to the temple, but only because he thinks that these people who want to sue Finnerty might have a way to find Finnerty. The monks laugh at silly Tony and his Roman Catholic sensibilities. To them, it doesn't matter to them that Tony is different from Finnerty, and after dropping some Eastern religion on him, say that somebody needs to take responsibility. Again, I usually don't worry about the symbolism of these dreams (feel free to discuss in the comments), but I will say that I find it odd that these monks in Costa Mesa need heating equipment do desperately. In the coldest months, the average low is like 40 degrees. Buddhists talk about sacrifice, so wouldn't being a little cold at night be a better idea than say, self-immolation?

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Comments (8)

Murph00 Author Profile Page:

I am interested to see what comes about after Carmella saw the looks on Vito and Paulie's faces as the elevator was closing. I also want to know who the real Kevin Finnerty is. Does anyone know Finn's full name?

BigMax Author Profile Page:

Finn Detrolio (spelling uncertain)

plethLaura Author Profile Page:

I'm with you Murph00. I thought that was one of the more defining moments of the episode. Carmella was SO secure in the knowledge that Tony's crew was 100% behind him and supporting her. VIOLA not so much! The sourpuss looks on their faces have to come back to haunt them.

It's a true testament to Finn's love for Meadow that he came back to face the beast. I can't imagine having to face a wiseguy with a grudge and a woody for you. YIKES!

J Unit Author Profile Page:

Murph00,

Thanks for the reminder. I had written that down, but forgot to write it in. It definitely was an eye-opener for Carmela, who is no idiot, although she does choose not to see things in front of her face from time to time.

Aries Author Profile Page:

The scene with Christopher, JT, and the mob focus group was hilarious! Cleaver or the Pork Store Butcher? This is probably how movies in Hollywood are conceived too. No wonder box office sales are tanking. Ocean's 13 anyone?

Mela Author Profile Page:

Is it just me or does Finn - look an awful lot like Daniel V from THE project runway?

ClariceStarling Author Profile Page:

One question: When you say that Phil is "taking care" of Ginny Sack, do you mean "taking care of/porking" Ginny or just taking care of her?

Also, I think we should be able to vote on who gets bumped off next. My vote goes for AJ. I hate that fat idiot. He and his greasy man-wig need to get the big heave-ho but good.

Mela- I think he does look like Daniel V., too. Meadow can do so much better!

conrad5 Author Profile Page:

The Sopranos have bounced back! The show stumbled (and almost jumped the shark) with that crappy season opener, but its back in fine form now. Finally, we get to see mob guys doing mob things, and talking like dees dem and dosers. That scene with Paulie babbling as Tony was having a grabber was hilarious. Vito Fatass-afore breaks the scale on my creep-o-meter. J-Unit, thanks for the interesting tidbit on Lorraine Bracco. I didn’t know she traveled commando style. I heard that she and Carm were in a play last year where they performed totally nekkid. Any pics?

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