Cold Cuts
- Episode aired May 9, 2004
- TV-MA
- 52m
Chris and cousin Tony do some digging to make sure old secrets stay buried, while Janice puts her marriage in jeopardy with her fierce temper.Chris and cousin Tony do some digging to make sure old secrets stay buried, while Janice puts her marriage in jeopardy with her fierce temper.Chris and cousin Tony do some digging to make sure old secrets stay buried, while Janice puts her marriage in jeopardy with her fierce temper.
- Bobby 'Bacala' Baccalieri
- (as Steven R. Schirripa)
- Cousin Louise
- (as Judy DelGiudice)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe woman Tony sleeps with was previously encountered in "Irregular Around the Margins" as an employee of the dermatologist's office where his cancerous mole was removed.
- GoofsMost of the events takes place during a few summer days in upstate New York. Yet when Tony leaves Janice's house just a few days later it looks like October in New Jersey with leaves changing colors and people in jackets.
- Quotes
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: [Tony storms into Janice and Bobby's home after he saw a news report that showed Janice was arrested for fighting with a parent during a children's soccer game] Where is she?
Janice Soprano: It wasn't my fault.
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: My name was all over the TV because of your bullshit!
Bobby 'Bacala' Baccalieri: It's not simple, apparently that woman's kid was picking on Sophia.
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: [to Bobby and Janice] Why didn't they collar her then?
Janice Soprano: I am suing the township for "wrongful arrest."
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: No you're not! What you're going to do is, you're going to call my lawyer, plea it down, pay the fine and not turn this into one of your cause célèbres.
Janice Soprano: You'd take anybody's side but mine, that bitch is lucky I didn't kill her.
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: we know that
Bobby 'Bacala' Baccalieri: [Confused] What?
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: [To Janice] You and your temper
Janice Soprano: [to Tony] Get out!
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: [to Bobby] This is the end of it.
Janice Soprano: [yelling louder] Get out!
Bobby 'Bacala' Baccalieri: [Tony goes outside and Bobby follows him] I know this looks bad, but on the other hand, she called Sophia her daughter.
Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: I don't give a fuck., OK I do give a fuck. How many times do I have to tell you? Get control of your wife!
- Crazy creditsUnlike other episodes, the end credits start rolling before the screen fades to black.
- ConnectionsFeatures 60 Minutes (1968)
- SoundtracksI'm Not Like Everybody Else
Performed by The Kinks
Tony's anger permeates every aspect of his life, affecting his wife, cousin Christopher, and sister Janice. He seems unable to handle others improving themselves without feeling the need to sabotage their progress. Whether it's Christopher's attempts at maturity or Janice's newfound peace through anger management therapy, Tony undermines them both. This self-destructive behavior is not random but rooted in his upbringing-a point the episode explores with exceptional depth. Dr. Melfi's sharp observation, "Depression is rage directed inward," encapsulates Tony's condition. Beneath his outward displays of power and control lies a deeply wounded man grappling with unresolved pain.
The episode paints a vivid picture of Tony's childhood traumas. His father was absent, consumed by his life as a mobster, while his mother was abusive and trapped in her own misery. These experiences left Tony bitter and resentful. The dynamic with his sister Janice adds another layer to his anger. While Janice is working to manage her rage through therapy, Tony can't seem to accept or support her progress. His decision to ruin her happiness during the dinner scene highlights his inability to confront his own issues. It's as if seeing her improve reminds him of his failures, triggering his need to tear her down.
The moment Tony physically assaults the bartender over a minor comment further illustrates how his rage is boiling over. This isn't just an isolated incident but a clear sign that Tony's unresolved anger is reaching a breaking point. The episode subtly foreshadows that this unchecked rage could eventually lead to Tony's downfall. Dr. Melfi's point about rage running through the Soprano family "like a curse" is particularly poignant. While Janice seeks change, Tony resists it, leaving him trapped in a cycle of self-destruction.
Overall, "Cold Cuts" masterfully examines Tony's personal struggles and their impact on those closest to him. It peels back the layers of his character, showing that his anger isn't just a personal failing but the product of deep-seated wounds and familial patterns. This episode not only adds depth to Tony's character but also sets the stage for what feels like an inevitable reckoning. A compelling and thought-provoking entry in the series, it leaves viewers eager to see how these dynamics will continue to unfold.
- kevinaguirre-47730
- Jan 16, 2025
- Permalink
Details
- Runtime52 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1
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