My father was in an ICU not long ago after open heart surgery. The acting was brilliant and the scenes were all too realistic!

I agree with you BigMax, the acting blew me away.

As far as the time table, didn't Tony mention that Janice and Bobby's daughter was 15 months old? (in questioning why she had to go to a preschool interview) baby's age plus pregnancy would make it about 2 years.

Also, alot of posters have talked about the fish relevance. I agree that it has something to do with the "circle of life" theory...it continues in the dream sequence when Tony orders the grouper sandwich at the bar.

Carmella at the hospital really got to me. I am so upset about Tony, I feel like I'm sharing her grief. (over a GD T.V. show...I need help) Anyway, I will be highly disappointed if they kill him off.

(Is anyone else having a terrible time signing on to comment?)

I can't even believe to comprehend that this might be the last season.

I kinda like Tony Soprano better than Jack Bauer right now.

plexitoes, I am also having trouble leaving comments.

I thought this review was HORRIBLE. Shame on you, TVGASM for posting such a bad recap. I usually look forward to them and this one was very disappointing.
I thought this episode was very moving and I enjoyed it. I am curious to see how "the family" handles Tony not being there and the fight for power. I do hope, however, that Tony recovers without any problems or brain damage.
Does anyone know who his "wife" in his "dream" was?
p.s. Edie Falco deserves an Emmy for her performance!

The performances were brilliant, but I am so confused!! I don't want Tony to die!!!! The whole alternate life thing is so weird....I read that it is kind of like he is in purgatory....just stuck there and he can't go anywhere else. Who else wants the slap the crap out of AJ? And, who else laughed when Vito said maybe Gene was gay? Please, honey, you would know!!!

I'm not sure what the beacon represents: the afterlife or home. I also found dream-Tony's business to be an interesting choice: defense contractor. Those companies can be as nefarious in character as the mafia.It was strange hearing James Gandolfini speaking in his regular voice.

I agree with the sentiment on Edie Falco's acting. . .she was amazing.

I'm fine with Vito being gay, but farting on the couch *while* eating was repulsive. AJ is a little bitch.

I think this was a great recap. There wasn't much to work with in this episode, since nothing was really explained. It seems that the writers are setting up a few storylines, but right now it's about as clear as mud. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.

I don't know why I look for so many parallelisms, but when Junior was under house arrest, he complained that he was farting into the same couch cushions for months. Now, we literally have Vito farting into couch cushions.

I'm not claiming that this is as profound as the grouper sandwich (great catch Plexitos), I'm just wondering what they are doing and where this is going. Damn, I wish I had some spoilers.

Note: Please don't post any spoilers. I'm only kidding. My local newspaper did give one hint, and I'm still angry.

Bobby got off easy with the other fellas. HE shoulda been there with Junior. I think Bobby's gonna be facing some more blame.

I hope they don't spend a lot of time on AJ this season. He's completely vascant. Even when vowing to kill Uncle Junior. It was more like a JR High play rehearsal than real acting. Thank goodness for Carmella.

and by "vascant" I mean "vacant"

I think that maybe in the end Tony is actually going to be this Kevin guy and he got shot and is in a coma dreaming that he is Tony. Some how in the end we are going to find out that the Sprano's aren't even real. Kind of like the whole Mafia family was this Kevin guy's dream.

I ment Soprano's

I'm pretty sure Tony's wifes voice is Charmaign Bucco

i thought his wife on the phone sounded like edie falco

We noticed at least two distinct voices on the phone as "the wife" in the dream. The psycho car dealer and Artie Bucco's wife. There may have been more because we didn't notice it right away.

PattiJo said: I ment Soprano's.

No, you meant Sopranos...

You know what, I love this show but this episode was a boring excuse to simply showcase some acting to gather a bunch of awards, knowing full well that dedicated viewers will put up with it until the end. The entire episode was a cop-out. I'm fine to keep Tony in a coma until the end of the season, but show me what happens to his crew, don't just waste time confusing me for no good reason.

I freaked out when A.J. said he was going to shoot Junior in the head...I think he would...at the worst time possible! Great recap!!! This episode was sooo confusing!!

With regards to Tony's wife in the dream, it wasn't Gloria, Charmaine, or anyone else. It was just a random actress, according to one of the writers, "a generic woman's voice."

Also, the cast and writers have confirmed that the same amount of time has passed since last season's finale and this ep as has past in real time. So it's been about 21 months, not 1 year.

I agree with the above posters who said how realistic the whole ICU scenes were-this episode had my crying almost the entire hour, and I think part of the reason was how much Tony's hospital setting reminded me of my father when he was dying--so sadly realistic. The other reason I couldn't stop crying was because I can't bear the thought of losing Tony Soprano--I too am devastated at the thought of losing this fictional character--probably because he is so complex. For all his murderous qualities, he also embodies many of the lost, noble characteristics of the strong American male who could protect his family and make his own way in the world. Yes, I'm romanticizing him, but just think about the scene where he backed Uncle Junior's oncologist (Dr. Kennedy) into a water hazard after he'd given the old man the brush off--wouldn't it be nice to have someone look out for your best interest when you weren't being treated properly? And as for AJ--yes, I wanted to kill him most of the episode, but I really can understand his avoidance of visiting the hospital--how painful it is to see your once vital, powerful father reduced to the status of a mere mortal, which Carmela could see was hard for the little jerk. I think the very worst is Janice--it's HER fault Tony was babysitting Jr. instead of Bobby, and then she visits the hospital and is over the top with her dramatic crocodile tears--wait, she'll be pushing her husband forward to seize power soon--And sorry to go on forever, but when Tony's in the dream sequence in the hotel room and starts to call home to tell his wife about the Alzheimer's but doesn't--I see that as Tony deciding whether or not to "go toward the light" or go back to his family--and the light is more attractive. Even his dream sequence wife is busting his chops for being "too wrapped up in his work...it's probably his fault he picked up the wrong briefcase." How's that for a supportive, loving wife? Tony's real family is the same--so self-absorbed and he's trying in his own way, but it's never enough. When he gives Carmela the Porsche Cayenne, she doesn't even kiss him, & I'm not sure she even says thank you before driving away & leaving him with a bemused look on his face, like he'd hoped for some real gratitude/affection...Okay, my essay is at an end...can't wait till the next episode.