The Happy Wanderer (20 Feb. 2000)

Tony's old school friend digs himself into trouble with his gambling, while Tony's family problems only continue to grow.

Director:

John Patterson

Writers:

David Chase (creator), Frank Renzulli

Stars:

James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
James Gandolfini	...	Tony Soprano
Lorraine Bracco	...	Dr. Jennifer Melfi
Edie Falco	...	Carmela Soprano
Michael Imperioli	...	Christopher Moltisanti
Dominic Chianese	...	Junior Soprano
Vincent Pastore	...	Salvatore 'Big Pussy' Bonpensiero
Steven Van Zandt	...	Silvio Dante
Tony Sirico	...	Paulie 'Walnuts' Gualtieri
Robert Iler	...	A.J. Soprano
Jamie-Lynn Sigler	...	Meadow Soprano
Drea de Matteo	...	Adriana La Cerva
David Proval	...	Richie Aprile
Aida Turturro	...	Janice Soprano
Nancy Marchand	...	Livia Soprano
John Ventimiglia	...	Artie Bucco

Storyline

An old high school friend of Tony's, David Scatino, talks him into letting him play in a high stakes poker game. David's on a streak of bad luck and he's also in debt to Richie Aprile, who has banned him from his games until he catches up a bit. When Richie sees David at Tony's game there's trouble. David's problems grow when he can't pay Tony back and has no way out but to give him his son's four wheel drive as partial payment. It puts Meadow in an awkward situation. Richie continues to be a problem for Tony who sees him, Janice and his mother together at a family funeral. Janice eggs Richie on adding to the tension with her brother.

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Plot Keywords:

gangster

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 February 2000 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Ramsey Outdoor Store - 240 N. State Rt 17, Paramus, New Jersey, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Brad Grey Television, Chase Films

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Goofs

Meadow Soprano's friend plays a bass riff while Meadow sings but his left hand's fingering on the bass neck does not match the tune we hear.

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Quotes

Corrado 'Junior' Soprano: Keep thinking you know everything. Some people are so far behind in a race that they actually believe they're leading.

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Connections

References Titanic (1997)

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Soundtracks

"Tequila Sunrise"
Written by Glenn Frey & Don Henley
Performed by Eagles

User Reviews

Gamblers synonymous

Robert (X-FILES) Patrick plays a friend of Tony's who gets into debt at a poker game run by Richie Aprile, and then tries to get the money he owes Richie by playing in an executive poker game Tony has taken over from Junior. He ends up far deeper in the hole to Tony, and Tony and Richie have a set-to over who's gong to get their money first. Junior tells Tony about a mentally challenged uncle Tony never knew. Tony gets Meadow riled up. So what else is new? Patrick is great as the feverish, cowardly gambler, but Steven Van Zandt steals the show as Silvio, who cannot stand interruptions while he is playing poker. When he gets interrupted once too often, watch out. His mouth proves as deadly as his gun. Chris has a funny bit as he purchases refreshments for the game. A strange episode, set mostly in a cramped motel room, but then many SOPRANOS episodes are strange. And it is a mark of the continuing excellence of this show.