3
by misterie
What a terrific and underrated episode. I previously rated it 7, but after this viewing I'd say it's an easy 8 or 9; definitely one of the best "minor" episodes, where nothing huge happens and the plot just moves a step forward, but it's still gripping all the same. Every plot here is interesting, particularly the Ralphie stuff of course. But what's also striking about the episode is the visual aspect. Did anyone else notice this? The lighting, framing, everything seems even more inspired than usual. Even the use of locations is slightly different and novel -- just look at that diner in the second or third scene where Ralph, Vito and Eugene sit next to a window perched over a rain-slicked street. Or the striking and interesting use of shot-reverse shot in the scene just after that, where Tony and Silvio eat and talk at Vesuvio (here the shots are from the side, rather than the camera facing each person, atop the table, as it typically is). The episode looks more shadowy as well, which would only increase as the series moved into Season 4.