2
by Garth
9 - After a couple of ho-hum episodes, in what will become typical Sopranos fashion, the show gears up and shows their A-game for the final episodes of the season. This episode focuses almost completely on Tony and is so-much the better for it. His decline into depression is heartbreaking and amazing to watch, while the music choice of Tiny Tears, stands out as some of the best the series has to offer. It is haunting, poignant, memorable and quite simply complements the scenes it is used in.
I found the Isabella storyline to be a bit cliche, but at least the cliche serves a purpose, as it is plot point which is discussed by Melfi in later episodes. I was a bit dissappointed by the hit on Tony. Specifically, I don't know who, after missing a shot would run up to a person in the car, only so that person could grab their gun. But at this point in Sopranos history, the violence (and specifically violence against Tony) was so seldom, that it still works. Also, the ending, with Tony on the phone with Melfi is a bit, "in your face". It seems in these earlier episodes Tony has little problem being fairly obvious with Melfi about his actions. After all, the line which bothered me is, "After I find out who took a shot at me, I will be even better". That pushes the envelope of their relationship a bit too far. I can't even imagine how Melfi would respond to that dialogue. However, it is a great ending, (especially Cream's "I Feel Free) just a bit out of character, I think.