# Sopranos Season Opener **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 9, 2007, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241 "2007-04-09T00:37:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Push\_You\_Down](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/push_you_down/32/9095_2.png) [@Push\_You\_Down](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Push_You_Down)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/61 "2007-04-10T18:40:18Z")
[QUOTE=What Exit?] [SPoiler]DUCK: Early on Tony had a Duck and Babies in his pool and he was really touched by them and mentioned them to Melfi several times/ got a girl that Tony wanted. So he is slow brewing over it. [/spoiler] [/QUOTE] Last season stuff but just incase… I don’t think Tony knows… that Christopher is with Dr. ER woman. When did he find out? I think Tony’s problem with Christopher is that Chris is unreliable, fell off the wagon and is pursuing the movie thing still. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/62 "2007-04-10T18:42:39Z")
[QUOTE=McNew] I loved how, after the fight when Carm is helping Tony stumble away, he still has a hotel stuck to his cheek. And she flicks it off- doink! [/QUOTE] Yeah, that’s what bugged me. It had the shape of a hotel but the color green of a house. I’m just catching up with the show through the A&E eps. But HBO has a free preview this week so it was nice to see the new ep unexpurgated and free to use swear words! ---
**Author:** ![D\_Odds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/d_odds/32/2882_2.png) [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/63 "2007-04-10T18:51:57Z")
[QUOTE=Caridwen] I really hope that whatever happens at the end, (and we know that Tony will either die or go to jail) they’ll take all of their money and Carmela will have to get a job at Walmart. [/QUOTE] Carmela’s not qualified for Walmart. Janice is smarter than her, but Janice has too much Soprano in her blood. Someone mentioned dropping the gun earlier - assuming Bobby was smart enough buy a new gun and to tape up the handle (was he wearing gloves?), it is the best thing he can do. The pistol shouldn’t be able to be traced back to him. ---
**Author:** ![descamisado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@descamisado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/descamisado)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/64 "2007-04-10T18:55:10Z")
[QUOTE=Push You Down] Last season stuff but just incase… I don’t think Tony knows… that Christopher is with Dr. ER woman. When did he find out? I think Tony’s problem with Christopher is that Chris is unreliable, fell off the wagon and is pursuing the movie thing still. [/QUOTE] Tony knows. Christopher told him. ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/65 "2007-04-10T19:29:42Z")
[QUOTE=D\_Odds] Someone mentioned dropping the gun earlier - assuming Bobby was smart enough buy a new gun and to tape up the handle (was he wearing gloves?), it is the best thing he can do. The pistol shouldn’t be able to be traced back to him. [/QUOTE] I didn’t see any gloves. Bobby’s bare hands caught my eye when he dropped the gun; it seemed very sloppy. I’m thinking…so Bobby’s prints aren’t in any system? And even if they aren’t, any booking in the future will connect him to this murder weapon. ---
**Author:** ![fiddlesticks](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiddlesticks/32/18129_2.png) [@fiddlesticks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fiddlesticks)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/66 "2007-04-10T19:59:45Z")
[QUOTE=D\_Odds] Carmela’s not qualified for Walmart. Janice is smarter than her, but Janice has too much Soprano in her blood. [/QUOTE] Don’t forget the horror Carmela had when she saw Pussy’s wife Angie giving away samples at the grocery store after Pussy “disappeared”. Carm pressed Tony to help Angie out and she ended up with control of Pussy’s old body shop. As we saw last season, she is now quite successful on her own, causing no end of jealousy on Carm’s part. As long as the money Tony set up for Carm a season or two ago is untouchable by the feds she shouldn’t have to work at Wal-Mart or the local Shop-Rite if Tony goes away. But no doubt whatever her standard of living would be, she’ll still seethe at having to “make do”… As for Janice if Bobby goes away, I’m sure she would simply find the next wise guy in line… 🙂 I can’t imagine Carm ever remarrying… ---
**Author:** ![Argent\_Towers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e8c25b/32.png) [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/67 "2007-04-10T20:06:02Z")
[QUOTE=5-4-Fighting] It’s might be because, if I remember correctly, Chissie tried to make a break for Hollywood stardom as a writer for the second time last season (the Luxury Lounge episode). The first time (Season 2, I think – D-Girl), Tony had already given him an ultimatum – disappear forever or decide his loyalty was with Tony and the “family” from then on. Or because he found out Chris was banging someone he had the hots for – Julianna, the real estate agent (Kaisha). Or because Christopher is using again, a path down which Tony, in his passive-aggressive way, helped push him (The Ride). Or all of these or none of these. [/QUOTE] Or because Christopher called him a day after his birthday instead of on his birthday, despite being one of his closest acquaintances and a relative besides. ---
**Author:** ![CapnPitt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/edb3f5/32.png) [@CapnPitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CapnPitt)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/68 "2007-04-10T20:08:24Z")
[QUOTE=What Exit?] [SPoiler]DUCK: Early on Tony had a Duck and Babies in his pool and he was really touched by them and mentioned them to Melfi several times/ Christopher got a girl that Tony wanted. So he is slow brewing over it. [/spoiler] [/QUOTE] Also: DUCK: There’s been lots of discussion about the symbolism of the family of ducks since the beginning of the series. Tony was really bothered when the ducks flew away (been a long time, but I think it might have been part of what brought on the anxiety attacks). I’ve long thought that the family of ducks symbolized the peaceful, idealized family for Tony…the family he wanted but could never have (which I think I ripped off from somebody else). It’s also why I think Tony and his immediate family will go the witness protection route and “fly away.” But David Chase is a right bastard, so that’s unlikely to happen. ---
**Author:** ![corkboard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9bcb4/32.png) [@corkboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/corkboard)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/69 "2007-04-10T20:08:30Z")
Wait- I didn’t think Chrissy was with Juliana Margulies, I thought he married that minor character brunette chick after she told him she was preggers, they bought a house, and at the end of the last ep last season he brought her over to Tony’s house for dinner w/the family. I thought the Juliana thing was a mid-season story and it played out. I don’t think he’s mad at Chrissy, he just had his little scene as sort of comic relief and to fulfill a contract obligation. ---
**Author:** ![Argent\_Towers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e8c25b/32.png) [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/70 "2007-04-10T20:09:28Z")
[QUOTE=Caridwen] I really hope that whatever happens at the end, **(and we know that Tony will either die or go to jail)** they’ll take all of their money and Carmela will have to get a job at Walmart. [/QUOTE] How do we know this? Everyone always says it, but we should consider the fact that David Chase always aims to do what we’re not expecting. Chase has to be aware of this common perception among the fans that Tony simply _has_ to be punished in the end because…because…because that’s what always happens…he just _has_ to get his comeuppance because crime never pays - and knowing this, he just might do something contrary, and avoid the now-cliched Scorsese-esque man-on-top-of-the-world’s-tragic-downfall. ---
**Author:** ![CapnPitt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/edb3f5/32.png) [@CapnPitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CapnPitt)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/71 "2007-04-10T20:11:59Z")
[QUOTE=fiddlesticks] As for Janice if Bobby goes away, I’m sure she would simply find the next wise guy in line… 🙂 [/QUOTE] Agreed. She even made reference in this episode to her boyfriend she blew her top on…the late Richie Aprile. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/72 "2007-04-10T20:12:01Z")
What’s the usual fate for mid-level crime bosses? Do they successfully retire, or die, or end up in prison? Anybody know? ---
**Author:** ![Caridwen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c89c15/32.png) [@Caridwen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caridwen)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/73 "2007-04-10T20:19:09Z")
We don’t know this but it’s a good guess if you follow the lives of any real life mob guys. It’s a favorite pastime for most people in NJ and David Chase is from NJ. Not too many mob guys that are followed around by the FBI die of old age. I guess it could happen, but it wouldn’t make good TV. Give an ending that you think would make sense. Keep in mind that his friends aren’t exactly criminal masterminds. ---
**Author:** ![Caridwen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c89c15/32.png) [@Caridwen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caridwen)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/74 "2007-04-10T20:23:32Z")
[QUOTE=AuntiePam] What’s the usual fate for mid-level crime bosses? Do they successfully retire, or die, or end up in prison? Anybody know? [/QUOTE] > **[Nicodemo Scarfo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemo_Scarfo)** > > Nicodemo Domenico Scarfo Sr. (March 8, 1929 – January 13, 2017) also known as "Little Nicky", was a figure in the Italian-American mafia who was the boss of the Philadelphia crime family between 1981 and 1990. Infamous for his violent tendencies, Scarfo led the family through its bloodiest period until his conviction. During his criminal career, Scarfo engaged in organized crime activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, racketeering and illegal gambling. In 1988 he was convicted of multip... > **[Joey Merlino](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skinny_Joey)** > > Joseph Salvatore "Skinny Joey" Merlino (born March 13, 1962) is an American businessman, restaurant owner and former mobster who was the reputed boss of the Philadelphia crime family from the 1990s until 2024. He rose to power and seized control of the organization in the mid-nineties after he fought against the John Stanfa faction of the family. He has led the crime family in gambling, loan sharking, drug trafficking, and extortion. In comparison to other traditional mob bosses wh With the help ... > **[John Gotti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gotti)** > > John Joseph Gotti Jr.\[note 1\] (/ˈɡɒti/ GOT-ee, .mw-parser-output .IPA-label-small{font-size:85%}.mw-parser-output .references .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .infobox .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .navbox .IPA-label-small{font-size:100%}Italian: \[ˈɡɔtti\]; October 27, 1940 – June 10, 2002) was an American mafioso and boss of the Gambino crime family in New York City. He ordered and helped to orchestrate the murder of Gambino boss Paul Castellano in December 1985 and took over the family... ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/75 "2007-04-10T20:28:03Z")
[QUOTE=McNew] Wait- I didn’t think Chrissy was with Juliana Margulies, I thought he married that minor character brunette chick after she told him she was preggers, they bought a house, and at the end of the last ep last season he brought her over to Tony’s house for dinner w/the family. I thought the Juliana thing was a mid-season story and it played out. I don’t think he’s mad at Chrissy, he just had his little scene as sort of comic relief and to fulfill a contract obligation. [/QUOTE] In the episode that just aired, he hinted to Bobby that he needed a new intermediate as Chris was disappointing him. Chris was already cheating on the new wife with the Juliana Margulies character. These wise guys are scummy this way. They all seem to be on the show. It is part of the tradition and lifted well from Goodfellows. **AuntiePam** , I agree with \*\*Caridwen \*\* as far as the newer generation, but in the past, many mid-level guys successfully retired to Florida or Long Branch. I knew one in LB and I was related to two that retired right in the Bronx. These mid-level or below Capo and not made men were not wealthy. The were pretty much middle-class. I am happy to say I knew no one that I would suspect of being made man. Jim ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/76 "2007-04-10T20:29:48Z")
[QUOTE=Caridwen] > **[Nicodemo Scarfo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemo_Scarfo)** > > Nicodemo Domenico Scarfo Sr. (March 8, 1929 – January 13, 2017) also known as "Little Nicky", was a figure in the Italian-American mafia who was the boss of the Philadelphia crime family between 1981 and 1990. Infamous for his violent tendencies, Scarfo led the family through its bloodiest period until his conviction. During his criminal career, Scarfo engaged in organized crime activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, racketeering and illegal gambling. In 1988 he was convicted of multip... > **[Joey Merlino](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skinny_Joey)** > > Joseph Salvatore "Skinny Joey" Merlino (born March 13, 1962) is an American businessman, restaurant owner and former mobster who was the reputed boss of the Philadelphia crime family from the 1990s until 2024. He rose to power and seized control of the organization in the mid-nineties after he fought against the John Stanfa faction of the family. He has led the crime family in gambling, loan sharking, drug trafficking, and extortion. In comparison to other traditional mob bosses wh With the help ... > **[John Gotti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gotti)** > > John Joseph Gotti Jr.\[note 1\] (/ˈɡɒti/ GOT-ee, .mw-parser-output .IPA-label-small{font-size:85%}.mw-parser-output .references .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .infobox .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .navbox .IPA-label-small{font-size:100%}Italian: \[ˈɡɔtti\]; October 27, 1940 – June 10, 2002) was an American mafioso and boss of the Gambino crime family in New York City. He ordered and helped to orchestrate the murder of Gambino boss Paul Castellano in December 1985 and took over the family... [/QUOTE] Gotti was not a mid-level boss or I am confused. I do not believe Scarfo was either. Is **AuntiePam** talking about Tony Soprano level or Bobby B level? Jim ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/77 "2007-04-10T20:49:34Z")
[QUOTE=CapnPitt] Agreed. She even made reference in this episode to her boyfriend she blew her top on…the late Richie Aprile. [/QUOTE] !! I totally didn’t associate that (and kinda forgot about it - it’s been a long time now) and thought she was talking about somebody we never even met! How could I have forgotten that?! ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/78 "2007-04-10T20:53:33Z")
[QUOTE=fiddlesticks] As long as the money Tony set up for Carm a season or two ago is untouchable by the feds she shouldn’t have to work at Wal-Mart or the local Shop-Rite if Tony goes away. But no doubt whatever her standard of living would be, she’ll still seethe at having to “make do”… [/QUOTE] Was it only $400K or am I mixing something up? This was the money he gave the lawyer to give out to Carm as a weekly allowance, right? Also, I saw a clip of Tony banging the psychiatrist on her desk. Has that already happened or would it have been a preview for the new “season”? ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/79 "2007-04-10T21:01:27Z")
[QUOTE=gigi] Also, I saw a clip of Tony banging the psychiatrist on her desk. Has that already happened or would it have been a preview for the new “season”? [/QUOTE] Aargh. I hope not. I’ve never thought Melfi was physically attracted to Tony, but maybe that’s me projecting. (I like balding fat guys, even married one, but not Tony.) So what level **is** Tony? He controls northern New Jersey – isn’t that about it? Aren’t there at least two levels above him? ---
**Author:** ![diku](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4af34b/32.png) [@diku](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/diku)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2007, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241/80 "2007-04-10T21:20:59Z")
[QUOTE=robby] I didn’t see any gloves. Bobby’s bare hands caught my eye when he dropped the gun; it seemed very sloppy. I’m thinking…so Bobby’s prints aren’t in any system? And even if they aren’t, any booking in the future will connect him to this murder weapon. [/QUOTE] He’s got gloves on. Kinda baggy latex gloves, but I noticed the white of the glove right as he turns to head out the door. So no big deal on dropping the gun. And Tony is acting boss of his family. So he’s tops in his area. He’s on the same level as Johnny Sack and Phil, even though they think he isn’t. You notice the face Phil gave when the guys were making fun of Tony. Same when they were wanting to kill Tony B. a couple of years ago. Phil got into it with Tony, Tony reminded him that he was a boss, and Phil backed off. He’s not mid-level, he’s tops for his family. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-season-opener/399241.md?page=5)