Experiencing moments of not being able to "perform", Tony is worried about the side effects of the Prozac that he is taking. Ever mindful of his women problems, he now thinks he's in love with Dr. Melfi, always doing little things for her, sometimes without her knowledge. In fact, he comes perilously close to ruining the whole doctor-patient relationship. Meanwhile, he has to subtly and respectfully suggest to his uncle that he might be overstepping his bounds as the new boss. And after Carmela has again discussed her relationship with her husband to Father Intintola, she becomes determined to reaffirm her status as the main female presence in Tony's life.
'Pax Soprana' is a typically solid, engaging episode with great moments for not just James Gandolfini, but other players in the ensemble like the under-rated Dominic Chianese as Junior. We can see that after a long time of waiting, Junior is relishing his just-acquired position. After learning of some tragedy in his tailors' life, he immediately sends the thuggish Mikey Palmice to snuff out a drug dealer. (In one amusing comic touch, Mikey offers bribe money to a trio of youths who actually witness this.)
One thing that's re-affirmed is the sex appeal of co-star Lorraine Bracco as Dr. Melfi. She figures in a series of sexy (and funny) dreams that recur to Tony. Ultimately, she manages to keep her cool and not just end her sessions with Tony, insisting that he may be just full of confidence due to the "progress" that he's made.
While the killing of the dealer is effective, 'Pax Soprana' mostly refrains from violence or brutality. Mostly, this episode (the first series script by supervising producer Frank Renzulli) is just about good, attention-grabbing storytelling, complete with a reference to a key moment during the time of the Roman Empire.
The closing minutes are some of the most riveting, as we can see that the authorities are keeping close tabs on this entire crime family.
Eight out of 10.
'Pax Soprana' is a typically solid, engaging episode with great moments for not just James Gandolfini, but other players in the ensemble like the under-rated Dominic Chianese as Junior. We can see that after a long time of waiting, Junior is relishing his just-acquired position. After learning of some tragedy in his tailors' life, he immediately sends the thuggish Mikey Palmice to snuff out a drug dealer. (In one amusing comic touch, Mikey offers bribe money to a trio of youths who actually witness this.)
One thing that's re-affirmed is the sex appeal of co-star Lorraine Bracco as Dr. Melfi. She figures in a series of sexy (and funny) dreams that recur to Tony. Ultimately, she manages to keep her cool and not just end her sessions with Tony, insisting that he may be just full of confidence due to the "progress" that he's made.
While the killing of the dealer is effective, 'Pax Soprana' mostly refrains from violence or brutality. Mostly, this episode (the first series script by supervising producer Frank Renzulli) is just about good, attention-grabbing storytelling, complete with a reference to a key moment during the time of the Roman Empire.
The closing minutes are some of the most riveting, as we can see that the authorities are keeping close tabs on this entire crime family.
Eight out of 10.