Gavin Bowen 3/10/19 Gavin Bowen 3/10/19

S6A:E8 - Johnny Cakes

Your hosts have mixed feelings about ‘Johnny Cakes.’ On one hand it contains profound and powerful scenes that rank amongst the series’ best. On the other hand, are several scenes so cliche ridden and implausible, they’re unintentionally hilarious. Gavin and Hannibal discuss the unsavory nature of Julianna Skiff, AJ’s sad and misguided attempts to live up to the family name, and how Jim could ever question whether or not Vito wants the tall stack.

Gavin Bowen 12/9/18 Gavin Bowen 12/9/18

S5:E8 - Marco Polo

‘Marco Polo’ is the last of five scripts Michael Imperioli wrote for ‘The Sopranos,’ and he definitely ends his run on a high note. Gavin and Hannibal examine the factors that push Tony B past the point of no return, and Carmela and Tony S into the pool. Plus your hosts point out how this great story gives Gandolfini, Falco and Buscemi ample opportunity to display subtle new dimensions of their characters.

Gavin Bowen 9/2/18 Gavin Bowen 9/2/18

S4:E8 - Mergers and Acquisitions

‘Mergers and Acquisitions’ is a great example of how The Sopranos often finds hilarity in unexpected places. The various funny dilemmas in this episode keep Gavin and Hannibal laughing - from Paulie’s response to senior citizen bullying, to Tony’s investigation of Ralphie’s sex life in the hopes of finding a way to rationalize cuckolding his capo. Plus, your hosts parse the nuances of an amusing and masterful final scene that says everything that can be said about the state of Tony and Carmela’s marriage, and the price of infidelity.

Gavin Bowen 3/4/18 Gavin Bowen 3/4/18

S2:E8 - Full Leather Jacket

The major developments in this hour of TV are so numerous, they’re almost hard to keep track of. Gavin and Hannibal share their takes on the least romantic marriage proposal of all time, Carmela in gangster mode, Sean’s disgusting burglary ritual, the unexpected turn of events that cap the episode, and last but definitely not least, “the jackettttttt.”