S3:E12 - Amour Fou
In a trademark Sopranos move, the penultimate episode of the season comes fully loaded with thrilling moments of climax and catharsis. Gavin and Hannibal’s latest discussion centers on the incredibly well executed script by Frank Renzulli (his last for the series), which contains scenes that specifically give actors James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Joe Pantoliano and Annabella Sciorra, ample opportunity to put the full breadth of their talents on display.
S3:E11 - Pine Barrens
Gavin and Hannibal almost get lost in the woods raving about ‘Pine Barrens,’ arguably the most popular episode of The Sopranos, and one that is a source of endless fascination to its fans. Flawlessly directed by Steve Buscemi, and featuring one of Tony Sirico’s all time great performances as Paulie, this is a landmark chapter of the series filled with tension, hilarity, mystery, and a Russian that just won’t die... or did he?
S3:E10 - To Save Us All From Satan's Power
In our first Yuletide set Sopranos episode, we get several revealing flashbacks in which Tony is haunted by ghosts of Christmas past. As Gavin and Hannibal observe, “To Save Us All From Satan’s Power” displays tremendous depth in its approach to referencing past events, and setting up future ones. It also gives insight into how mobsters emotionally process the experience of being betrayed by one of their own.
S3:E9 - The Telltale Moozadell
With uncharacteristic use of broad comedy, awkward staging, and scenes that feel just a little too long, “The Telltale Moozadell” is not one of Season 3’s finest hours. Despite its shortcomings, Gavin and Hannibal agree that this episode still has interesting moments - particularly in relation to the evolving dynamic between Tony and Jackie Jr.
Lady Gaga
S3:E8 - He Is Risen
At times, this one feels like an old Western, which it turns out, is the perfect way to frame the escalating conflict between Tony and Ralphie. Gavin and Hannibal examine the way “He is Risen” depicts the dangers of petty social insults in the mob world, as well as the episode’s approach to subtly introducing a major new character, not long before hilariously killing off an established one.
S3:E7 - Second Opinion
Gavin and Hannibal agree that ‘Second Opinion’ is a welcome respite from the brutality depicted in the several episodes leading up to it. Driven largely by the always brilliant Edie Falco and Dominic Chianese, this midpoint of Season 3 is thematically filled with threats, warnings, and a fairly decent share of comedy, courtesy of ‘kinky’ (HBO’s word, not ours), Paulie.
S3:E6 - University
‘University,' as Gavin and Hannibal point out, is brilliantly structured in the way it weaves together the contrasting experiences of the two young women central to its plot. Your hosts also bid good riddance to Noah (yeah he didn’t deserve Tony’s racism, but c’mon he’s really annoying), and commend the series’ overall willingness to go to the dark but honest places other shows won’t.
S3:E5 - Another Toothpick
From its surprising opening to its enigmatic conclusion, ‘Another Toothpick’ is yet another well written, highly tragicomic, chapter of Season 3. Gavin and Hannibal praise the work of the solid character actors that put in guest appearances, discuss the continued exploration of Tony’s racism, and cringe at the hilariously pitiful antics of that ultimate lovable loser, Artie Bucco.
S3:E4 - Employee Of The Month
This is a tough one to discuss, as it’s largely defined by a graphic depiction of sexual assault that’s difficult to shake. Gavin and Hannibal explain what make the pivotal scenes of this Emmy winning episode so challenging and impactful, and also pinpoint the surprising instances of levity which often accompany or follow some of its darkest moments.
S3:E3 - Fortunate Son
Don’t let all the pagers fool you, this episode is timeless, and represents a subtle evolution in craft for The Sopranos. As Gavin and Hannibal discover, it’s about several “fortunate sons” and profound in the way it insightfully weaves its themes of responsibility, identity and inheritance, through every last scene.