S4:E1 - For All Debts Public and Private
“Everything comes to an end,” Carmela declares in the fourth season premiere of The Sopranos. Gavin and Hannibal discuss the weighty implications of that statement, as well as the episode’s gripping focus on security and vengeance, in a post 9/11 America. Your hosts also delve into the chillingly ambiguous event that cements Tony and Christopher’s bond, and the far less chilling but hotly debatable riddle of the Icelandic Air Flight Attendants...
S3:E13 - Army of One
Gavin and Hannibal arrive at the official midpoint of the series! The third season of The Sopranos concludes with some thoughtful commentary on parenthood, an intentionally anti climactic death, and some notably great acting by Robert Iler. Plus, Gavin explains what makes this otherwise solid episode feel scattered in its final scenes, and Hannibal attempts to finally get to the bottom of just what exactly is going on with Paulie‘s hair.
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: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.
S2:E2 - Do Not Resuscitate
This might be a relatively quiet episode, but it’s bookended by two pretty significant twists. Gavin and Hannibal discuss the ramifications of those twists, while also taking time to applaud the introduction of the great Steve Schirripa, the handling of Tony and Junior’s reconciliation, and the clever scenes that showcase Livia’s return to the top of her game.
S1:E10 - A Hit is a Hit
‘A Hit is a Hit’ is a rare miss for The Sopranos. Nevertheless, Gavin and Hannibal have fun discussing what is easily their least favorite episode of Season 1. Though it has a few bright spots, Episode 10 is a real case study in how low stakes, plot holes and curious wardrobe choices can make for a disappointing viewing experience!
The W.C. Fields video mashup that Gavin felt we all need to watch.
S1:E9 - Boca
Join Gavin and Hannibal ‘south of the border,’ as they cover what is arguably Dominic Chianese’s finest hour in Season 1. This week’s podcast finds your hosts discussing the timely nature of the dilemma facing Meadow’s soccer team, the hilarious significance of Tony’s bicep tattoo, and of course, Uncle Junior’s sweet skills in the sack.
Being Los Angeles residents, Gavin and Hannibal know people impacted by the wildfires and maybe you do too. If you can, please take the time to donate. A little goes a long way.
Links:
S1:E4 - Meadowlands
"Meadowlands" prompts Gavin and Hannibal's first disagreement about The Sopranos! The fascinating fourth episode of the series features a dream (or two?), a significant transfer of power in the family, and the moment AJ Soprano realizes that his dad is a gangster. G & H also get into the coolness of the show's costume choices, and the legendary heavy breathing of James Gandolfini.
S1:E2 - 46 Long
Two down, eighty-four to go! In this episode, Gavin and Hannibal talk the second episode of Season 1, “46 Long.” The one and only episode of the series that features a pre credits teaser, sees Tony confronting his feelings of ambivalence towards Livia, Christopher’s misguided attempts to gain respect, and Paulie Walnuts’ hatred of coffee shop chains. G & H also discuss the ABCs of TV storytelling and correct Gavin's excitement of a big non-cameo in only the second episode of the series.
S1:E1 - Pilot
We're Gavin and Hannibal, two big fans of the greatest tv show The Sopranos. This is the first episode in an 86 part series. The Pilot episode brings us introductions of characters and relationships. If this is your first time watching the series or you've seen it before, watch along with us as we bring you insight and try and find the humor that in woven in each episode of The Sopranos.
From ducks, to depression, to degenerate gamblers, Gavin and Hannibal cover the themes, key scenes, best lines and notable creative choices that make the pilot such a fitting introduction to the world of The Sopranos.