A wise guy walks into a psychiatrist’s office.” It’s a simple, funny, intriguing enough elevator pitch, and 25 years ago, on January 10, 1999, to be precise, the world got to see just what creator David Chase & Co. could do with it.
Twenty-five years have passed, but what remains impressive is how The Sopranos revolutionized television and how it continues to outshine its successors.
Despite the influx of phenomenal shows it inspired, none have entirely captured the essence of The Sopranos. While firmly rooted in its era, the show’s themes remain strikingly pertinent in present times.
Top 15 “The Sopranos” Episodes of All Time
Let’s dive into the best Sopranos episodes to remember the iconic show on its 25th Anniversary.
15“College”
Season 1, Episode 5 (1999)
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
Season 1’s “College” episode of The Sopranos is undeniably one of the most impactful in the series, despite lacking traditional plot twists or significant character deaths.
This installment subverted expectations and pushed the boundaries, as it depicted protagonist Tony Soprano committing a brutal murder without remorse, a taboo rarely seen on TV. It was a bold move, considering this happened in 1999. (Yes, Game of Thrones was not first)
The episode revolves around Tony taking his daughter, Meadow, to see various colleges she might attend one day, only for him to spot an ex-associate who went into hiding after snitching on Tony and his crew.
Due to the mafia’s no-tolerance policy of such people, Tony has to find the time to kill this man, all the while doing so without his daughter noticing.
14“Army of One”
Season 3, Episode 13 (2001)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
The Sopranos had mastered the art of delivering season finales that left the viewers on the edge of their seats. Season 3 was no exception, and the episode “Army of One” is a prime example.
The tension and drama building over the past 12 episodes reaches a boiling point as the season ends. We see the devastating downfall of Jackie Jr., a character who has always been engulfed in turmoil. And as if that wasn’t enough, the threat from the FBI intensified as they zeroed in on Adriana, setting the stage for events that had repercussions in seasons 4 and 5.
13 “Isabella”
Season 1, Episode 12 (1999)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Tony Soprano had always grappled with anger and stress, and James Gandolfini was an actor who always rose to the occasion when acting out such emotions.
“Isabella” is an episode that pushes Tony further into such negative states, with it being the penultimate episode of the first season and marking a point where things get truly dangerous for Tony and his crew.
The intense season finale of “Isabella” sets the stage for a satisfying conclusion to “The Sopranos” and solidifies its status as a groundbreaking classic. With his uncle and mother plotting his demise, the leading character faces a constant stream of stress that heightens the episode’s intensity.
“Isabella” is a prime example of the show’s ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, earning its title as an instant TV hit in its first season.
12The Sopranos
Season 1, Episode 1
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
This was the episode that changed TV forever. Although hardcore Sopranos fans tend to prefer the episodes after the pilot, this was an incredibly effective setup for the show. It introduced Tony and his family, as well as his debilitating panic attacks that led him to seek therapy from Dr. Melfi.
The Sopranos also took the time to establish Tony’s strained relationships with both his uncle, Corrado Soprano, Jr. (Dominic Chianese), and his mother, Livia Soprano (Nancy Marchand), both of which came to a head at the end of the first season.
The plot itself could have worked as a self-contained story, but The Sopranos wouldn’t have had the same impact if it had simply been a movie.
11“The Second Coming”
Season 6, Episode 19 (2007)
The third and final episode of The Sopranos, “The Second Coming,” focuses on the tension between Tony and the increasingly angry and unstable Phil.
It also shines a light on Tony’s son, AJ, and his intense battle with depression, which is something Tony has been dealing with for all six seasons of the show.
In The Sopranos’s gripping and poignant final season, Tony and his comrades find themselves in a downward spiral. As the grueling battle between the New Jersey and New York factions takes center stage in the last episodes, AJ’s journey truly captivates viewers in “The Second Coming.”
While AJ may divide audiences, his portrayal in this episode evokes genuine empathy. Watching Tony, a kingpin in the organized crime world, desperately trying to shield his son from the very fate that has consumed his existence is utterly gut-wrenching.
It is a testament to the powerful and heartbreaking nature of this show.
10“I Dream of Jeannie Cusamano”
Season 1, Episode 13 (1999)
IMDb Rating: 9.2/10
From its first season, The Sopranos captivated audiences with its masterful season endings, exemplified in the unforgettable finale “I Dream of Jeannie Cusamano.”
The intense rivalry between Tony and Uncle Junior finally comes to a head, resulting in devastating losses, the aftermath of an assassination attempt on Tony, and Uncle Junior’s ultimate arrest, solidifying Tony’s position as the leader of the New Jersey crew.
This episode is essential for concluding the first season and nudging the story in a direction that would lead to more high-stakes drama in later seasons, being a vital episode for the show’s overall 86-episode run.
9“The Knight in White Satin Armor”
Season 2, Episode 12 (2000)
IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
In the hit series The Sopranos, the second to last installment of season 2, “The Knight in White Satin Armor,” is influential. Despite previous occurrences of supporting characters meeting their demise, none have been quite as shocking as Richie’s brutal and unexpected downfall.
This turn of events also marks the first time a prominent cast member has been written off the show, leaving viewers stunned and engrossed until the end.
8“Funhouse”
Season 2, Episode 13 (2000)
IMDb Rating: 9.4/10
“Funhouse” shows Tony suffering from intense food poisoning while also grappling with what to do about Salvatore’ Big Pussy’ Bonpensiero, one of his closest friends and work associates, who Tony discovers has been an informant for the FBI.
The episode is an immersive and jarring experience, enveloped in haunting and twisted visuals, both in Tony’s hallucinations and the “reality” scenes. Within the show’s world, snitching is viewed as the ultimate disloyalty and carries a fatal consequence.
This truth applies to Big Pussy as well, leading to an intense and gut-wrenching sequence on a perpetually swaying boat, undoubtedly one of the standout moments in The Sopranos.
7“Whoever Did This”
Season 4, Episode 9 (2002)
IMDb Rating 9.3/10
Ralph Cifaretto was undoubtedly one of the most reviled figures in the hit TV series The Sopranos. And with a slew of characters who possess traits of resentment, pettiness, avarice, and criminal tendencies, to single out Ralph as the worst speaks volumes.
In “Whoever Did This, ” we witness Ralph’s ultimate demise after two seasons of constant turmoil and tension within Tony’s circle.
Ralph’s death may offer a sense of release, and the bizarre, unsettling, and hilariously twisted journey undertaken by Tony and Christopher to conceal his body is a truly remarkable series of events.
However, in true Sopranos style, “Whoever Did This” also allows Ralph a glimpse of redemption when one of his children faces a life-threatening situation… but just when viewers begin to sympathize with him, he meets a violent end. One thing is sure: The Sopranos excelled at keeping its audience captivated and guessing.
6“Whitecaps”
Season 4, Episode 13 (2002)
IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
Season 4 ends with “Whitecaps,” which is perhaps the least (traditionally) explosive and violent season finale The Sopranos ever did. But what it lacks (or doesn’t focus on) when it comes to crime-related violence, it makes up for with tense, hard-hitting, and harrowing family/relationship drama.
In the riveting episode “Whitecaps,” we witness the tumultuous separation of Tony and Carmela: not permanently, but certainly for a significant period. When things appear on the mend, Tony’s transgressions resurface and threaten to break Carmela’s resolve.
Portrayed by the exceptional James Gandolfini and Edie Falco, these characters reach new intensity levels in their dynamic performances. The fiery confrontations between Tony and Carmela in this episode demonstrate the pinnacle of acting in the entire series.
Season 6, Episode 21 (2007)
IMDb Rating: 9.4/10
A series finale that endures as a classic – though some would say it lives on in infamy – “Made in America” was the 86th and final episode of The Sopranos. It ties up many loose ends, sending off various supporting characters before getting to the legendary (and still passionately discussed) final scene.
What happened after that cut to black has inspired much debate, and the show’s creator, David Chase, is still asked about it. Perhaps Tony died. Perhaps he didn’t. Maybe he’ll never feel happy or safe again, and that’s the natural “death” implied by the show’s final shot. It’s a bold and challenging ending, making the audience come to their conclusions.
4“All Due Respect”
Season 5, Episode 13 (2004)
IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
The show’s fifth season culminates in its explosive final episode, “All Due Respect.” However, this thrilling conclusion is overshadowed by the sad events of the previous episode.
As viewers brace themselves for another heart-wrenching loss on the hit HBO series, the unresolved tensions between Tony’s cousin and Phil Leotardo, an influential figure in the New York crew, come to a head in “All Due Respect.”
Although Steve Buscemi’s character, Tony B., only appeared in one season, bidding farewell is always challenging. Tony’s decision to intervene prevents immediate disasters among the crews, yet the tension lingers and escalates throughout the show’s intense sixth and final season.
3 “The Blue Comet”
Season 6, Episode 20 (2007)
IMDb Rating: 9.6/10
Undeniably among the best Sopranos episodes, in “The Blue Comet,” the long-building conflict between the New Jersey and New York crew explodes into an all-out war.
It’s perhaps The Sopranos’ most fierce and deadly episode, with numerous casualties; Tony’s crew is permanently devastated by Bobby’s death and Silvio being plunged into a coma he may not wake up from.
As the penultimate episode of The Sopranos, it makes sense that “The Blue Comet” is as earth-shattering as it is. There’s a heaviness and sense of finality to it all, and it deserves to be included among The Sopranos’ best episodes.
2“Pine Barrens” (2001)
Season 3, Episode 11
IMDb Rating: 9.7/10
Personally, my favorite Sopranos Episode of all time!!
While The Sopranos primarily revolved around crime, it had a surprising knack for delivering comedic moments.
One of the series’ most memorable and highly rated episodes was “Pine Barrens” from its third season, earning a stellar 9.7/10 rating on IMDb. It was a hilariously entertaining episode and solidified its place as one of the top episodes in The Sopranos’ history.
The chemistry between Paulie and Christopher constantly kept audiences returning for more in this show. So it was pure entertainment when they found themselves stranded in the unforgiving woods, freezing and facing a messed-up hit.
The episode was a well-crafted combination of humor and expertise, showcasing one of the show’s finest moments. It may not indicate the show’s leading tone or vibe, but it stands out as one of its standout episodes.
1“Long-Term Parking”
Season 5, Episode 12 (2004)
IMDb Rating: 9.7/10
“Long Term Parking” is the penultimate episode of the show’s penultimate season. It’s unsurprising why it’s earned a 9.6/10 rating on IMDb, as it perhaps delivers the most shocking and emotionally devastating death of a main character for the show.
Despite the audience knowing that Adrianna, whom the FBI forced to become an informant, will likely meet a violent fate, they continue to hope that she will break free from the mob lifestyle. The episode hints at the possibility before plunging Adriana and the viewers back into the harsh reality of her tragic fate.
About The Sopranos
The story revolves around a New Jersey crime family boss Tony Soprano. He seeks help from a psychologist for his increasing panic attacks. Modern organized crime isn’t just about gambling, prostitution, and labor unions but also involves health-care scams and junk bonds.
Surrounded by bitter family members and old rivals, Tony realizes that his best years of crime were long gone before he succeeded to the head of the family.
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