The Ride (7 May 2006)

Paulie finds public opinion turned against him after an amusement ride accident, while Chris tries to start a new life as a husband and father.

Director:

Alan Taylor

Writers:

David Chase (creator), Terence Winter

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 (credit only)
Steven Van Zandt	...	Silvio Dante
Tony Sirico	...	Paulie 'Walnuts' Gualtieri
Robert Iler	...	A.J. Soprano
Jamie-Lynn Sigler	...	Meadow Soprano
Aida Turturro	...	Janice Soprano
Steve Schirripa	...	Bobby 'Bacala' Baccalieri (as Steven R. Schirripa)
Frank Vincent	...	Phil Leotardo
John Ventimiglia	...	Artie Bucco
Ray Abruzzo	...	Little Carmine Lupertazzi
Dan Grimaldi	...	Patsy Parisi

Storyline

It's time for the annual church fête and as usual Paulie is responsible for the 5 day affair. It's always been a money maker for Paulie - Tony's father, Johnny Soprano, had control of it before him - but a new parish priest thinks that the $10,000 Paulie contributes as the church's share is too low and thinks $50,000 would be more appropriate. Paulie balks at the figure, at least in part he says because his own costs have been rising. One thing he does to save money is to hire second-rate carnival rides, something that comes back to haunt him when one of the rides breaks down and people are injured. Paulie is also under a great deal of stress after his doctor doesn't like the results of his PSA test and schedules a biopsy. When Christopher's girlfriend Kelly tells him she's pregnant, he asks her to marry him. He's still fighting his addiction however and falls off the wagon.

---

Plot Keywords:

gangster

---

Genres:

Crime | Drama

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 May 2006 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Bramhall Avenue, between Ocean and Clerk, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Brad Grey Television, Chase Films, Park Entertainment, The

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: [after a near-death experience] Every day's a gift.
[pause]
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: It's just... does it have to be a pair of socks?

---

Connections

References Jerry Maguire (1996)

---

Soundtracks

"Flash and Crash"
Performed by Rocky and the Riddlers

User Reviews

Sure Is one Helluva Ride...................

Wow ! I'd always remembered this episode from the Season Trailer, the scene that got me was the Huge mob presence at this Italian Feast.

And Woah, what a terrific episode.

There's a hilarious wine heist that Chris and Tony participate in and end up looting a fair amount from the later mocked Biker Gang "The Vipers".

And for everyone who wondered what went down when Chris went to tell Tony about Adrianna and her FBI Story - the flash back was awesome. Filled us in on everything that happened that tragic day and kudo's to Chase for wrapping that hole up.

Paulie and Bobby's face off at the festival was more comical than hostile too. Certainly not as exciting as the trailer made out. But hey, that's HBO.

And as for Paulie and his Virgin Mary sight - GREAT STUFF ! Certainly a fright I got seeing that too, so imagine poor Mr Walnuts ! It was heartening to see him back with Nucci too after Episode 4's fall out between them.

All in All - 8/10.

A Solid episode.