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Army of One (The Sopranos episode)
Encyclopedia
"Army of One" is the thirty-ninth episode of the HBO original series The Sopranos
and was the finale of the show's third season. It was written by David Chase
and Lawrence Konner
, directed by John Patterson and originally aired on Sunday May 20, 2001.
is forced into hiding at a housing project in Boonton
shortly after his failed armed robbery at Eugene Pontecorvo's Saturday night card game. As Jackie gets adjusted to living at the projects, he calls Tony Soprano
and tries to tell him where he is so they can settle the matter before it gets even more out of hand. Tony tells him to stay where he is and to talk to Ralph Cifaretto who is making the final call on what will happen. Tony then meets Ralphie, who has been hesitating over his judgment of Jackie, and asks that Ralphie make his decision in a "timely fashion." Ralphie had already dispatched Vito Spatafore
to stay near the Boonton projects and find Jackie in case he tries to leave. But after the discussion with Tony, Ralph is forced to act. When Jackie leaves the apartment to get some air, he is shot in the back of the head by Vito and left lying in an isolated patch of snow in his own blood spatter.
Meanwhile, A.J.
and another friend confess to stealing answers to a geometry test after their principal convinces them he has uncovered DNA evidence at the scene, and A.J. is promptly expelled from Verbum Dei, permanently. Tony becomes extremely angered when he hears the news and decides to save A.J. before it is too late. His solution is to send his son to military school. Over dinner, Tony and Carmela
mull over school brochures as A.J. nervously awaits his fate. Carmela then receives a phone call from Marie, Rosalie Aprile's sister, informing her that Jackie has been shot and killed by "drug dealers". Carmela hurries over to Rosalie's to comfort her grieving friend.
Paulie Walnuts demands that Tony have a sitdown with Ralphie and him. When the request is finally honored, Paulie states that he gave Ralph valuable information about a job that Ralphie's crew subsequently pulled off, and on Paulie's turf no less, which Paulie feels he is entitled to half of the take ($50,000 out of $100,000). Tony listens to the case and orders that Ralphie turn over $12,000, much to Paulie's shock and dismay. When Paulie tries to convince Tony to reconsider, Silvio Dante
intrudes, stating that Tony has made the decision and the sitdown is over.
Uncle Junior
's cancer is in remission, leaving him physically competent for a RICO
trial. By the same token, Junior's house arrest
has been cancelled, as he was determined not to be a flight risk. However, the FBI is still intent on bringing down Tony. With Big Pussy Bonpensiero now "MIA
" (actually deceased), Agent Dwight Harris
recommends that they look for information via Christopher Moltisanti
, who is moving through the ranks ever closer to Tony. Bureau Chief Frank Cubitoso enlists Agent Deborah Ciccerone on an undercover mission to befriend Chris' fiancée, Adriana La Cerva
, and report back on whatever information she can find.
A.J. is taken to an appointment at the Hudson Military Institute, with the military school's administrator Major Zwingli, who lays out the basic schedule for students at the school. This includes an "0530" wake-up, "2200" lights out, evening study, drills, and no television. A.J. is bemused and unnerved as the major tells him what to expect as a new recruit. Zwingli then has a talk with Tony and Carmela about the rigorous program and how he believes it will benefit their child. Carmela is still concerned since she believes they are training him to be a "professional killer". Tony tries to convince Carmela that their son would be learning discipline and respect, not violence. The disagreement degenerates into a major row with door slamming and yelling and ending with the two sleeping in separate rooms for the night.
At Jackie's wake
, Rosalie and daughter Kelli Aprile are extremely emotional. When Meadow
sees Jackie lying in his casket, she begins to cry uncontrollably. Tony and Carmela try to comfort her, but are embarrassed when Rosalie notes the low attendance rate; the funeral has coincided with Super Bowl Sunday
, a busy betting time. When everyone settles down, Carmela views Jackie lying in his casket. That night, Tony and Carm are reconciled and Carmela decides to support Tony's decision to send A.J. to military school.
As A.J. prepares to depart for the military school, he puts on his dress uniform for his proud parents. Tony urges him to put on the military hat that came with the uniform, much to A.J.'s chagrin
. Tony, agitated at the insubordinant attitude, gets off the sofa and approaches his son menacingly. A.J. complies and puts on the hat, a traditional military shako
. A.J then looks at himself in the mirror. He turns back and, feeling humiliated and in tears, asks not to be sent away. Tony, disdainful, tells him to stop and reaffirms his decision, saying that "he needs toughening up". To Tony and Carmela's horror, A.J. promptly suffers a panic attack
and collapses. In therapy, Tony relates his dismay to Dr. Melfi
that A.J. has inherited his psychiatric affliction. He says that he can no longer send his son to military school and begins to lose hope that he can ever rescue his child from disaster.
On the day of Jackie's burial, Christopher and Silvio are arrested at the cemetery for illegal gambling and are escorted to the District Attorney's office, while Paulie flees through the headstones. Uncle Junior, just arriving for the funeral, witnesses this and promptly runs back to his car, almost leaving Bobby Baccalieri
behind. After the burial, a small group of people return to Rosalie's to comfort her, before proceeding to Vesuvio. At the restaurant parking lot, Paulie encounters Johnny Sack
, and expresses his contempt for Tony's ruling in Ralphie's favor, telling Johnny to offer his services to the New York family boss, Carmine Lupertazzi
. Silvio and Chris are able to make bail quickly enough to meet everyone after the funeral at Vesuvio. Back inside, Junior begins to sing the Italian love song "Core 'ngrato" ("Ungrateful Heart"). Everyone is touched, except for a very drunk Meadow who throws pieces of bread at Junior as he sings. Confronted by her father outside, Meadow tearfully denounces the funeral proceedings as "bullshit" and runs across the street, almost getting hit by traffic as Tony looks on in shock. Tony returns to the dinner, quietly telling Carmela Meadow likely is headed back to school. He then puts his arm around A.J. as the three listen to Uncle Junior continue to croon.
The Sopranos
The Sopranos is an American television drama series created by David Chase that revolves around the New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the often conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal organization he heads...
and was the finale of the show's third season. It was written by David Chase
David Chase
David Chase is an American writer, director, and producer of television series. Chase has worked in television for more than 30 years; he has produced and written for shows as The Rockford Files, I'll Fly Away, and Northern Exposure. He has created two original series; the first, Almost Grown,...
and Lawrence Konner
Lawrence Konner
Lawrence Konner has had a long and distinguished career as an American screenwriter and television writer. In addition, he has produced a number of award winning documentaries.-Career:...
, directed by John Patterson and originally aired on Sunday May 20, 2001.
Guest starring roles
- Sharon AngelaSharon AngelaSharon Angela is an American film, television actress, screenwriter and director. Angela is probably most well known for her portrayal of Rosalie Aprile on the HBO series, The Sopranos....
as Rosalie Aprile - Tobin BellTobin BellTobin Bell is an American film and television character actor. After years of work doing stand-ins and background work on films, he got his first major acting job in Mississippi Burning and went on to star in made-for-television films and guest star in television shows throughout the 1990s.Bell...
as Major Zwingli - Denise Borino as Ginny Sacrimoni
- Jason CerboneJason CerboneJason Cerbone is an actor from Yonkers, New York.He got his start acting at age 4, appearing on a commercial for Sesame Street. He signed with the Ford Modeling Agency in New York City at age 7. Jason later appeared in Bon Jovi's "Silent Night" music video, as well as the title character in...
as Jackie Aprile, Jr.Jackie Aprile, Jr.Giacomo Michael Aprile, Jr. , played by Jason Cerbone, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. In the episode "...To Save Us All From Satan's Power", Cerbone's younger brother Matt played a younger Jackie Jr. in a flashback sequence.-Plot details:Jackie Aprile, Jr. was born into... - Vince CuratolaVince CuratolaVincent Curatola is an American actor and writer. Curatola's best-known role is that of the cold, calculating, chain smoking Johnny Sack from the HBO drama, The Sopranos...
as Johnny SackJohnny SackJohn "Johnny Sack" Sacramoni, played by Vince Curatola, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He was the longtime underboss and later the boss of the powerful Brooklyn-based New York City Lupertazzi crime family... - Joseph R. GannascoliJoseph R. GannascoliJoseph R. Gannascoli is an Italian-American actor and celebrity spokesman most notable for his portrayal of Vito Spatafore on the HBO series, The Sopranos.-Early life:Joseph R. Gannascoli was born and raised in Brooklyn....
as Vito SpataforeVito SpataforeVito Spatafore, Sr., played by Joseph R. Gannascoli, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He was a member of the DiMeo Crime Family and a subordinate of Tony Soprano. He was married to Marie Spatafore with two children, Francesca and Vito, Jr., and was a closeted homosexual... - Lola GlaudiniLola GlaudiniLola Glaudini is an American actress best known for her portrayal of Elle Greenaway on the hit CBS series Criminal Minds, and for her role as Agent Deborah Ciccerone on the award winning HBO series The Sopranos....
as Agent Deborah Ciccerone - Dan GrimaldiDan GrimaldiDaniel "Dan" Grimaldi is an American actor who is known for his roles as twins Philly and Patsy Parisi on the HBO TV series, The Sopranos.-Career:...
as Patsy Parisi - Melissa MarsalaMelissa MarsalaMelissa Marsala is an American actress. Her most notable appearances were in hit shows such as The West Wing and Six Feet Under. She has also appeared in films Mickey Blue Eyes, Bringing Out the Dead and White Oleander.-Filmography:...
as Kelli Aprile - Frank Pando as Agent Grasso
- Frank PellegrinoFrank PellegrinoFrank Pellegrino is an American actor and restaurateur.Born in East Harlem, Pellegrino has often acted in law and gangster-themed film and television productions. He was a member of an early sixties singing group called The Holidaes. There is a rare recording of a song called "Never" that appears...
as Bureau Chief Frank Cubitoso - Matt ServittoMatt ServittoMatt Servitto is an American actor, probably best known for his role on The Sopranos as FBI agent Dwight Harris. He also appeared on all 3 seasons of the Peabody Award-winning series Brotherhood as Rep. Donatello and had a guest appearance on Sex and the City as Carrie Bradshaw's editor...
as Agent Dwight HarrisDwight HarrisSpecial Agent Dwight Harris, played by Matt Servitto, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He is an FBI agent assigned to Tony Soprano's case... - Maureen Van ZandtMaureen Van ZandtMaureen Van Zandt is an Italian-American television actress best known for her small role Gabriella Dante, a close friend to Carmela Soprano on the HBO series, The Sopranos....
as Gabriella Dante - Michael K. WilliamsMichael K. WilliamsMichael Kenneth Williams is an American actor known for his portrayal of Omar Little on the HBO drama series The Wire, and of Albert "Chalky" White on HBO's Boardwalk Empire.-Early life and career:...
as Ray-Ray
Episode recap
Jackie Aprile, Jr.Jackie Aprile, Jr.
Giacomo Michael Aprile, Jr. , played by Jason Cerbone, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. In the episode "...To Save Us All From Satan's Power", Cerbone's younger brother Matt played a younger Jackie Jr. in a flashback sequence.-Plot details:Jackie Aprile, Jr. was born into...
is forced into hiding at a housing project in Boonton
Boonton, New Jersey
Boonton is a town in Morris County, New Jersey that was chartered in 1867. As of the 2010 United States Census, the town population was 8,347. The town was originally called "Boone-Towne" in 1761 in honor of the Colonial Governor Thomas Boone....
shortly after his failed armed robbery at Eugene Pontecorvo's Saturday night card game. As Jackie gets adjusted to living at the projects, he calls Tony Soprano
Tony Soprano
Anthony John "Tony" Soprano, Sr. is an Italian-American fictional character and the protagonist on the HBO television drama series The Sopranos, on which he is portrayed by James Gandolfini. The character was conceived by The Sopranos creator and show runner David Chase, who was also largely...
and tries to tell him where he is so they can settle the matter before it gets even more out of hand. Tony tells him to stay where he is and to talk to Ralph Cifaretto who is making the final call on what will happen. Tony then meets Ralphie, who has been hesitating over his judgment of Jackie, and asks that Ralphie make his decision in a "timely fashion." Ralphie had already dispatched Vito Spatafore
Vito Spatafore
Vito Spatafore, Sr., played by Joseph R. Gannascoli, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He was a member of the DiMeo Crime Family and a subordinate of Tony Soprano. He was married to Marie Spatafore with two children, Francesca and Vito, Jr., and was a closeted homosexual...
to stay near the Boonton projects and find Jackie in case he tries to leave. But after the discussion with Tony, Ralph is forced to act. When Jackie leaves the apartment to get some air, he is shot in the back of the head by Vito and left lying in an isolated patch of snow in his own blood spatter.
Meanwhile, A.J.
Anthony Soprano, Jr.
Anthony John "A.J." Soprano, Jr. , played by Robert Iler, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. Usually just called "A.J.", he is the son of Carmela and Tony Soprano. He is a prototypical underachiever and is a constant source of stress and anxiety for his parents...
and another friend confess to stealing answers to a geometry test after their principal convinces them he has uncovered DNA evidence at the scene, and A.J. is promptly expelled from Verbum Dei, permanently. Tony becomes extremely angered when he hears the news and decides to save A.J. before it is too late. His solution is to send his son to military school. Over dinner, Tony and Carmela
Carmela Soprano
Carmela Soprano née DeAngelis, played by Edie Falco, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. She is the wife of Mafia boss Tony Soprano and the program's most prominent female character.-Character biography:...
mull over school brochures as A.J. nervously awaits his fate. Carmela then receives a phone call from Marie, Rosalie Aprile's sister, informing her that Jackie has been shot and killed by "drug dealers". Carmela hurries over to Rosalie's to comfort her grieving friend.
Paulie Walnuts demands that Tony have a sitdown with Ralphie and him. When the request is finally honored, Paulie states that he gave Ralph valuable information about a job that Ralphie's crew subsequently pulled off, and on Paulie's turf no less, which Paulie feels he is entitled to half of the take ($50,000 out of $100,000). Tony listens to the case and orders that Ralphie turn over $12,000, much to Paulie's shock and dismay. When Paulie tries to convince Tony to reconsider, Silvio Dante
Silvio Dante
Silvio Manfred Dante, often referred to as "Sil", played by Steven Van Zandt, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He is the consigliere to Tony Soprano in the Soprano crime family. Silvio has one of the lowest profiles on the show. He is usually a behind the scenes figure...
intrudes, stating that Tony has made the decision and the sitdown is over.
Uncle Junior
Junior Soprano
Corrado John Soprano, Jr., played by Dominic Chianese, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. Usually referred to as "Junior" or "Uncle Jun", he is the mentor and surrogate father for capo Tony Soprano. A younger Corrado sometimes appears in flashbacks and is played by Rocco...
's cancer is in remission, leaving him physically competent for a RICO
Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, commonly referred to as the RICO Act or simply RICO, is a United States federal law that provides for extended criminal penalties and a civil cause of action for acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization...
trial. By the same token, Junior's house arrest
House arrest
In justice and law, house arrest is a measure by which a person is confined by the authorities to his or her residence. Travel is usually restricted, if allowed at all...
has been cancelled, as he was determined not to be a flight risk. However, the FBI is still intent on bringing down Tony. With Big Pussy Bonpensiero now "MIA
Missing in action
Missing in action is a casualty Category assigned under the Status of Missing to armed services personnel who are reported missing during active service. They may have been killed, wounded, become a prisoner of war, or deserted. If deceased, neither their remains nor grave can be positively...
" (actually deceased), Agent Dwight Harris
Dwight Harris
Special Agent Dwight Harris, played by Matt Servitto, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He is an FBI agent assigned to Tony Soprano's case...
recommends that they look for information via Christopher Moltisanti
Christopher Moltisanti
Christopher "Chris" Moltisanti, played by Michael Imperioli, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He was Tony Soprano's protégé and a Capo in the Soprano crime family.-Biography:...
, who is moving through the ranks ever closer to Tony. Bureau Chief Frank Cubitoso enlists Agent Deborah Ciccerone on an undercover mission to befriend Chris' fiancée, Adriana La Cerva
Adriana La Cerva
Adriana La Cerva played by Drea de Matteo, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. She is the long-time girlfriend and, later, fiancée of Tony Soprano's protégé, Christopher Moltisanti.-Character history:...
, and report back on whatever information she can find.
A.J. is taken to an appointment at the Hudson Military Institute, with the military school's administrator Major Zwingli, who lays out the basic schedule for students at the school. This includes an "0530" wake-up, "2200" lights out, evening study, drills, and no television. A.J. is bemused and unnerved as the major tells him what to expect as a new recruit. Zwingli then has a talk with Tony and Carmela about the rigorous program and how he believes it will benefit their child. Carmela is still concerned since she believes they are training him to be a "professional killer". Tony tries to convince Carmela that their son would be learning discipline and respect, not violence. The disagreement degenerates into a major row with door slamming and yelling and ending with the two sleeping in separate rooms for the night.
At Jackie's wake
Wake (ceremony)
A wake is a ceremony associated with death. Traditionally, a wake takes place in the house of the deceased, with the body present; however, modern wakes are often performed at a funeral home. In the United States and Canada it is synonymous with a viewing...
, Rosalie and daughter Kelli Aprile are extremely emotional. When Meadow
Meadow Soprano
Meadow Mariangela Soprano , played by Jamie-Lynn Sigler, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos.-Character:Meadow is the first-born child of Tony and Carmela Soprano...
sees Jackie lying in his casket, she begins to cry uncontrollably. Tony and Carmela try to comfort her, but are embarrassed when Rosalie notes the low attendance rate; the funeral has coincided with Super Bowl Sunday
Super Bowl Sunday
Super Bowl Sunday, sometimes referred to as Super Sunday, is the Sunday on which the Super Bowl is played. Typically occurring in late January or early February, it is considered a de facto national holiday in the United States. On Super Bowl Sunday many people gather to watch the Super Bowl...
, a busy betting time. When everyone settles down, Carmela views Jackie lying in his casket. That night, Tony and Carm are reconciled and Carmela decides to support Tony's decision to send A.J. to military school.
As A.J. prepares to depart for the military school, he puts on his dress uniform for his proud parents. Tony urges him to put on the military hat that came with the uniform, much to A.J.'s chagrin
Chagrin
Chagrin may refer to:*The Chagrin River*Chagrin Falls, Ohio*Chagrin Falls Township, Cuyahoga County, Ohio*Chagrin Falls High School...
. Tony, agitated at the insubordinant attitude, gets off the sofa and approaches his son menacingly. A.J. complies and puts on the hat, a traditional military shako
Shako
A shako is a tall, cylindrical military cap, usually with a peak or visor and sometimes tapered at the top...
. A.J then looks at himself in the mirror. He turns back and, feeling humiliated and in tears, asks not to be sent away. Tony, disdainful, tells him to stop and reaffirms his decision, saying that "he needs toughening up". To Tony and Carmela's horror, A.J. promptly suffers a panic attack
Panic attack
Panic attacks are periods of intense fear or apprehension that are of sudden onset and of relatively brief duration. Panic attacks usually begin abruptly, reach a peak within 10 minutes, and subside over the next several hours...
and collapses. In therapy, Tony relates his dismay to Dr. Melfi
Jennifer Melfi
Jennifer Melfi, M.D., is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. She is the psychiatrist of Mafia boss Tony Soprano. She is portrayed by Lorraine Bracco.-Character description:...
that A.J. has inherited his psychiatric affliction. He says that he can no longer send his son to military school and begins to lose hope that he can ever rescue his child from disaster.
On the day of Jackie's burial, Christopher and Silvio are arrested at the cemetery for illegal gambling and are escorted to the District Attorney's office, while Paulie flees through the headstones. Uncle Junior, just arriving for the funeral, witnesses this and promptly runs back to his car, almost leaving Bobby Baccalieri
Bobby Baccalieri
Robert "Bobby Bacala" Baccalieri, Jr., played by Steve R. Schirripa, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He was a Capo and later the acting underboss of the DiMeo Crime Family, as well as Tony Soprano's brother-in-law...
behind. After the burial, a small group of people return to Rosalie's to comfort her, before proceeding to Vesuvio. At the restaurant parking lot, Paulie encounters Johnny Sack
Johnny Sack
John "Johnny Sack" Sacramoni, played by Vince Curatola, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He was the longtime underboss and later the boss of the powerful Brooklyn-based New York City Lupertazzi crime family...
, and expresses his contempt for Tony's ruling in Ralphie's favor, telling Johnny to offer his services to the New York family boss, Carmine Lupertazzi
Carmine Lupertazzi
Carmine Lupertazzi, Sr., played by Tony Lip, was the fictional Boss of the Brooklyn-based Lupertazzi crime family on the HBO TV series, The Sopranos.-Biography:...
. Silvio and Chris are able to make bail quickly enough to meet everyone after the funeral at Vesuvio. Back inside, Junior begins to sing the Italian love song "Core 'ngrato" ("Ungrateful Heart"). Everyone is touched, except for a very drunk Meadow who throws pieces of bread at Junior as he sings. Confronted by her father outside, Meadow tearfully denounces the funeral proceedings as "bullshit" and runs across the street, almost getting hit by traffic as Tony looks on in shock. Tony returns to the dinner, quietly telling Carmela Meadow likely is headed back to school. He then puts his arm around A.J. as the three listen to Uncle Junior continue to croon.
First appearance
- Agent Deborah Ciccerone: An F.B.I. agent assigned to go undercover as Adriana's "new best friend".
- Marianucci Gualtieri: Paulie's mother who moves into Green Grove nursing home.
Deceased
- Jackie Aprile, Jr.Jackie Aprile, Jr.Giacomo Michael Aprile, Jr. , played by Jason Cerbone, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. In the episode "...To Save Us All From Satan's Power", Cerbone's younger brother Matt played a younger Jackie Jr. in a flashback sequence.-Plot details:Jackie Aprile, Jr. was born into...
: murdered by Vito SpataforeVito SpataforeVito Spatafore, Sr., played by Joseph R. Gannascoli, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He was a member of the DiMeo Crime Family and a subordinate of Tony Soprano. He was married to Marie Spatafore with two children, Francesca and Vito, Jr., and was a closeted homosexual...
near the Boonton housing projects.
Title reference
- The episode's title was based on Major Zwingli's discussion with Tony about the potential of each student being an "Army of One". The phrase would later become better known as a recruiting slogan for the United States ArmyUnited States ArmyThe United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
, which didn't begin using this slogan until 2002, a full year after it first aired.
Production
- In the original 2001 broadcast, Agent Deborah Ciccerone was played by actress Fairuza BalkFairuza BalkFairuza Alejandra Balk is an American film actress. She made her theatrical film debut as Dorothy Gale in Disney's Return to Oz...
. However due to scheduling conflicts, she was not able to return for season four. For the repeats and DVD releases, Balk was replaced by Lola GlaudiniLola GlaudiniLola Glaudini is an American actress best known for her portrayal of Elle Greenaway on the hit CBS series Criminal Minds, and for her role as Agent Deborah Ciccerone on the award winning HBO series The Sopranos....
, who went on to play the role permanently in 2002. - Although it is never explicitly mentioned in the show, Vito, Jackie, Jr., and Adriana LaCerva are cousins, through Richie AprileRichie AprileRichard 'Richie' Aprile, Sr., played by David Proval, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. Richie was a capo and the older brother of former DiMeo crime family acting boss Jackie Aprile, Sr...
(their uncle). Also, when Bryan Spatafore (Vito's brother) is injured in the episode "Another Toothpick", Jackie, Jr. says that Bryan was his cousin. However, neither Vito nor Jackie, Jr. mentions each other as a relative, nor is the former seen contemplating the murder of a family member.
Reference to other media and events
- At Satriale's, Silvio and Paulie are watching an HBO Sports preview of Super Bowl XXXVSuper Bowl XXXVSuper Bowl XXXV was played on January 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida to decide the National Football League champion following the 2000 regular season. The American Football Conference champion Baltimore Ravens defeated the National Football Conference champion New York...
, which was held on January 28, 2001 in Tampa, FloridaTampa, FloridaTampa is a city in the U.S. state of Florida. It serves as the county seat for Hillsborough County. Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida. The population of Tampa in 2010 was 335,709....
. In addition to a comment at Jackie, Jr.'s funeral, a radio at Jackie's hiding place in Boonton also mentions the Super Bowl.
Music
- During Jackie's wake, Junior's performance of "Core 'ngrato" ("Ungrateful Heart") was actually sung by Dominic ChianeseDominic ChianeseDominic Chianese is an American film, television and theatre actor, perhaps best known for his role as Corrado "Junior" Soprano on the HBO TV series, The Sopranos.-Early life:...
himself. - The French song that follows "Core 'ngrato" ("Ungrateful Heart") is "Parlez-moi d'amourParlez-moi d'amour (song)"Parlez-moi d'amour" is a song written by Jean Lenoir in 1930. An English translation was written by Bruce Sievier and is known as "Speak to Me of Love" or "Tell Me About Love"...
" performed by Lucienne BoyerLucienne BoyerLucienne Boyer was a French diseuse and singer, best known for her song "Parlez-moi d'amour". Her impresario was Bruno Coquatrix.-Early career:...
and written by Jean Lenoir. - The organ music played during Jackie's wake is "Ombra mai fuOmbra mai fu"Ombra mai fu" is the opening aria from the 1738 opera Serse by George Frideric Handel.-Context:The opera was a commercial failure, lasting only five performances in London after its premiere. In the 19th century, however, the aria was rediscovered and became one of Handel's best-known pieces...
" from G.F. Handel'sHANDELHANDEL was the code-name for the UK's National Attack Warning System in the Cold War. It consisted of a small console consisting of two microphones, lights and gauges. The reason behind this was to provide a back-up if anything failed....
operaOperaOpera is an art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work combining text and musical score, usually in a theatrical setting. Opera incorporates many of the elements of spoken theatre, such as acting, scenery, and costumes and sometimes includes dance...
SerseSerseSerse is an opera seria in three acts by George Frideric Handel. It was first performed in London on 15 April 1738. The Italian libretto was adapted by an unknown hand from that by Silvio Stampiglia for an earlier opera of the same name by Giovanni Bononcini in 1694...
. - The song played over the end credits is "#8" (unofficially titled [blur] aka [circles]) by Aphex TwinAphex TwinRichard David James , best known under the pseudonym Aphex Twin, is an Irish-born electronic musician and composer described as "the most inventive and influential figure in contemporary electronic music"...
, from his album, Selected Ambient Works Volume IISelected Ambient Works Volume II-Formatting notes:The cassette version of the album featured six songs on each side, barring side three, which contained seven . The vinyl version featured four songs on each side, excluding side four, which contained five ....
. - As Meadow is tossing bread at Junior, Meadow sings a line from Britney SpearsBritney SpearsBritney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
' song, "Oops!... I Did It AgainOops!... I Did It Again (song)"Oops!... I Did It Again" is a song by American recording artist Britney Spears. The song was written and produced by Max Martin and Rami for Spears' second studio album, Oops!... I Did It Again . It was released on March 27, 2000 by Jive Records, as the first single from the album. "Oops!.....
"; the original recording of that song was previously featured in "Employee of the MonthEmployee of the Month (The Sopranos episode)"Employee of the Month" is the thirtieth episode of the HBO original series The Sopranos and the fourth of the show's third season. It was written by Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess, directed by John Patterson and originally aired on Sunday March 18, 2001....
".