Denial, Anger, Acceptance - Season 1, Episode 3
Tony Soprano attempts to mediate a dispute between a Hasidic family and a son-in-law over a divorce settlement. Meanwhile, Meadow and Hunter seek help from Christopher and Brendan to obtain amphetamines for their SAT preparation. The most intense ending in The Sopranos series, with Meadow's choir singing "All Through the Night" as judgment is passed on Chris Moltisanti via a mock execution, and a real one for Brendan Filone, who is shot clean through the eye - the "Moe Greene Special" - while in his bathtub. Best Sopranos ending and best episode overall. It's the most similar to The Godfather movies in context. The climax montage sequence adds depth to the characters and delivers a specific emotional yet devastating impact on the overall tone of the show.
Pine Barrens - Season 3, Episode 11
Christopher and Paulie become lost in the snowy Pine Barrens after a collection job goes awry, leading to a struggle for survival. Meanwhile, Tony deals with relationship issues involving his mistress, Gloria. The funniest line ever was subtly written into this episode. After Gloria flings a London broil at Tony's head for leaving her to go find Paulie and Christopher, he makes a pit stop at Uncle Junior's house. Upon entering, Tony walks past Junior, and Junior says to him, "HAVE YOU BEEN EATING STEAK?" I laugh my sides off every time I hear him say that, because we the viewers - and Tony - know what transpired. The fact that Junior can still smell the steak on Tony long after he got hit in the head with it is hysterical!
Best episode ever, and the funniest line delivered so subtly by Junior! Dominick Chianese had many excellent one-liners throughout the series, and the only other one that compares is when he gets off of house arrest and says, "I was tired of farting into the same couch for the last six months!" Greatest series, writing, and direction of all time!
46 Long - Season 1, Episode 2
Tony deals with the aftermath of a truck hijacking orchestrated by his crew, leading to tensions with his mother, Livia, over her living arrangements. Additionally, Christopher and Brendan's unauthorized hijacking activities cause friction within the family.
Meadowlands - Season 1, Episode 4
Tony becomes acting boss after Jackie Aprile's death, while Carmela confronts Tony about his therapy sessions. Meadow confronts her father about his criminal activities, leading to a candid discussion.
The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti - Season 1, Episode 8
Christopher becomes frustrated with his perceived lack of recognition within the family and contemplates his future. Concurrently, the Soprano family braces for potential indictments as the FBI intensifies its investigations.
Long Term Parking - Season 5, Episode 12
Adriana is coerced by the FBI to gather information on Tony's operations, leading to her confession to Christopher and her subsequent murder by Silvio. Tony's cousin, Tony Blundetto, becomes a target for the New York family after a retaliatory hit, escalating tensions between the families.
The Test Dream - Season 5, Episode 11
Tony experiences a series of vivid dreams that reflect his anxieties about his cousin Tony Blundetto and his own leadership. These dreams prompt Tony to make a decisive move regarding his cousin's actions.
Whitecaps - Season 4, Episode 13
Tony and Carmela's marriage reaches a breaking point after Tony's infidelity is exposed, leading to a violent confrontation. Concurrently, Tony's business dealings with Johnny Sack become increasingly strained.
Employee of the Month - Season 3, Episode 4
Dr. Melfi is brutally attacked, leading her to grapple with the desire for vengeance versus professional ethics. Tony remains unaware of her ordeal, while Ralphie's behavior causes concern within the family.
Member's Only - Season 6, Episode 1
Gene Pontecorvo seeks permission to retire from the mob, while Tony's sister Janice and her husband Bobby welcome a baby girl. Junior's deteriorating mental state leads to a tragic incident involving Tony.
The Contenders
Funhouse - Season 2, Episode 13
Tony experiences unsettling dreams that lead him to confront Big Pussy about his betrayal as an FBI informant. The episode culminates in a confrontation on a boat, resulting in Big Pussy's death.
College - Season 1, Episode 5
While touring colleges with Meadow, Tony recognizes a former mobster turned informant and decides to take matters into his own hands. Carmela grapples with feelings of guilt and attraction during Father Phil's visit.
Whoever Did This - Season 4, Episode 9
Ralph Cifaretto's son is severely injured in an accident, leading to Ralph's emotional turmoil. Tony confronts Ralph over suspicions of arson and, in a fit of rage, kills him. He and Christopher then dispose of the body.
The Blue Comet - Season 6, Episode 20
A full-scale war erupts between the New Jersey and New York families, leading to significant casualties, including Bobby's death and Silvio's critical injury. Tony goes into hiding, anticipating further attacks.
Full Leather Jacket - Season 2, Episode 8
Carmela pressures Tony to secure a recommendation letter for Meadow's college application, leading to tensions. Meanwhile, Richie Aprile presents Tony with a leather jacket as a gesture of respect, which Tony later gives away, causing offense.
Mayham - Season 6, Episode 3
While Tony remains in a coma, the family faces internal power struggles, and Silvio temporarily assumes leadership. Christopher and others discuss potential business ventures, including a film project.
From Where to Eternity - Season 2, Episode 9
After surviving a shooting, Christopher claims to have had a near-death experience, causing unrest among the crew. Paulie becomes obsessed with the concept of purgatory, seeking validation from a psychic.
Soprano Home Movies - Season 6, Episode 13
Tony and Carmela visit Janice and Bobby at their lake house, where tensions surface during a drunken Monopoly game, resulting in a physical altercation between Tony and Bobby. The incident leads to Bobby's first murder assignment, deepening his involvement in the mob.
Isabella - Season 1, Episode 12
Tony, in a depressive state, becomes infatuated with a beautiful Italian woman named Isabella, who he believes is staying next door. Unbeknownst to him, Junior and Livia have conspired to have him killed, leading to a failed assassination attempt. The "Tiny Tears" montage is such an unjustly forgotten great moment and so worth a mention that I must vote for this episode, even though I don't quite hold it as my favorite. Next week, next week I'll vote for the favorite...
Kennedy and Heidi - Season 6, Episode 18
Christopher and Tony are involved in a car accident, resulting in Christopher's severe injury. Tony suffocates him, citing his ongoing drug problems. Tony later travels to Las Vegas, where he engages in reckless behavior and reflects on his actions. Highlights include Christopher's death.
Amour Fou - Season 3, Episode 12
Tony's relationship with Gloria becomes increasingly volatile, leading to a violent confrontation. Jackie Aprile Jr.'s escalating criminal behavior culminates in a botched robbery, resulting in deadly consequences.
Made in America - Season 6, Episode 21
Tony navigates the fallout from the war with Phil Leotardo, leading to Phil's assassination. The series concludes ambiguously with the Soprano family gathering at a diner, leaving Tony's fate uncertain.
Irregular Around the Margins - Season 5, Episode 5
Rumors spread about an affair between Tony and Adriana after they are involved in a car accident together, leading to tension between Tony and Christopher. The situation escalates, resulting in a violent confrontation that is eventually defused. Just the fact that Melfi advises Tony to avoid an affair with Adriana, without even knowing that she is an informant, is compelling. Additionally, Adriana coming on to Tony is the reason he finally returns to therapy after a hiatus, to see if his reservations are objectively justified. These elements alone make this episode one of the best in the series. Tragic what has happened...
Army of One - Season 3, Episode 13
Following Jackie Aprile Jr.'s death, Tony faces pressure to deal with the fallout, while Carmela worries about A.J.'s future after he is expelled from school. Meadow struggles with grief and anger over Jackie's demise.
The Second Coming - Season 6, Episode 19
A.J. struggles with depression, leading to a suicide attempt that deeply affects the Soprano family. Meanwhile, tensions escalate between Tony and Phil Leotardo, foreshadowing impending conflict.