Two Tonys
- Episode aired Mar 7, 2004
- TV-MA
- 54m
Some of the old guards are released from prison and want to get back in the action. Chris and Paulie are at each other's throats over matters of money and respect, and Tony decides to tell D... Read allSome of the old guards are released from prison and want to get back in the action. Chris and Paulie are at each other's throats over matters of money and respect, and Tony decides to tell Dr. Melfi what's really on his mind.Some of the old guards are released from prison and want to get back in the action. Chris and Paulie are at each other's throats over matters of money and respect, and Tony decides to tell Dr. Melfi what's really on his mind.
- Meadow Soprano
- (as Jamie-Lynn DiScala)
- Bobby 'Bacala' Baccalieri
- (as Steven R. Schirripa)
- Tony Blundetto
- (credit only)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIn the beginning of the episode, Christopher and Paulie discuss the Russian man they try to murder in the Pine Barrens in Season 3. That episode was directed by Steve Buscemi, and this episode is his Sopranos character debut.
- GoofsEven though Paulie claims all dinosaurs are meat eaters isn't true, this is only another example of his character's consistent ignorance and arrogance.
- Quotes
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: [has invited Dr. Melfi to go to Bermuda with him] Come on, Doc. I'm breaking out the big guns here. You're turning me into half a stalker.
Dr. Jennifer Melfi: Listen, Anthony. I'm not going to go out with you, and it's not because you're unattractive or I don't think I would have a good time. It's just something I'm not going to do. I would like you to respect my decision, and just try to feel that I know what's right for me. Okay?
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: It's not just the doctor-patient ethics thing, is it?
Dr. Jennifer Melfi: I want to preserve the option for you that you could always come back to our work, if you wish, and that we could pick up where we've left off.
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: [frustrated] I don't think you get this. I want you!
Dr. Jennifer Melfi: That's very flattering to me.
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: I'm not interested in flattering you.
Dr. Jennifer Melfi: I know you're not.
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: Alright, then what is it? Just help me understand it.
Dr. Jennifer Melfi: You know, Anthony, during our work I never judged you, or your behavior. It's not the place of a therapist to do so.
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: Alright, I get all this. Go, go.
Dr. Jennifer Melfi: In a personal relationship, I don't think I could sit silent.
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: [amused] About what?
Dr. Jennifer Melfi: Our values are... just very different.
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: You don't like my values.
Dr. Jennifer Melfi: Honestly?
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: Yeah.
Dr. Jennifer Melfi: No.
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: [admiring her bluntness] OK. Like what?
Dr. Jennifer Melfi: It's getting late.
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: No, no. Come on. It's okay.
Dr. Jennifer Melfi: Well... you're not a truthful person. You're not respectful of women. You're not really respectful of people.
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: I don't love people?
Dr. Jennifer Melfi: Maybe you love them, I don't know. You take what you want from them by force, or the threat of force. I couldn't live like that. I couldn't bear witness to violence...
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: FUCK YOU!
[storms out]
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: You fucking cunt!
- ConnectionsFeatures The Prince of Tides (1991)
- SoundtracksBand of Gold
Written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland and Ron Dunbar
Performed by Freda Payne
This is an excellent start to the fifth season that sets the scene well.
The opening sequence brilliantly shows all you need to know about Soprano family life since the season 4 finale. This sets the tone for an episode where Tony's absence from the home is a recurring topic.
Largely the episode features more of the great character reflection that makes the show so good. I love the little moments like Tony observing the look of attraction between Carmela and the Ranger, the way he casually takes some OJ from the fridge, and the general sense of insecurity developed about his masculinity through various scenes.
Ironically the type behaviour Tony exhibits to assert himself as an alpha-male forms the basis of a fantastic exchange of dialogue between he and Melfi. This is a great scene, wonderfully written to present the truth to someone in a direct but respectful way, however it also shows a plausible reaction when that truth causes pain. It has great comic timing with the premise of someone insisting they can handle a dose of honesty when they most definitely cannot. James Gandolfini leads the episode brilliantly as ever and Lorraine Bracco makes a strong contribution.
The presence of the bear will most likely have been analysed to death by people theorising if it symbolises one side of Tony's personality or the perceived dangers left by his absence. Whatever the writer's intentions, it certainly works as catalyst for good banter and character moments. AJ's reaction to it for one is absolutely hilarious.
More humour (some of it pretty sick) is derived from the scenes of conflict between Christopher and Paulie. This little arc between the two characters had been simmering since the third season and it comes to a head in an extremely dark comic incident. Michael Imperioli and Tony Serico are on great form and bounce so well off each other.
For me it's a 9.5/10 but I round upwards.
- snoozejonc
- Oct 31, 2022
Details
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- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime54 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1