My friend Gina wants to look into “The Sopranos,” but probably not watch every single episode. As a start, what ten episodes would you recommend? I think “Pine Barrens,” for sure, but other than that I’m not sure.
I liked the episode where the Fibbies are trying to bug Tony’s house. The remix of Peter Gunn and Every Breath You Take is worth watching it alone.
Personally I think that if one is going to watch the Sopranos (or any of the other excellent HBO serial dramas) you should do it in series order. Otherwise you’ll miss the overall story and character development, which is where these shows really shine. I like to watch at least two or three of the first episodes before deciding if I am going to get into the show, as I typically find the pilot episodes the least entertaining (they have to setup all the characters, which is important, but not as entertaining).
Having said that, the episode where they’re tracking the Russian dude through the winter forest is one of my favorites.
Pine Barrens came to my mind first, followed closely by “Whitecaps”, “Long Term Parking”, “Funhouse” and “Whoever Did This”. You may want to have them view episodes prior to these, just so they have some context.
“Pine Barrens” came to my mind first, followed closely by “Whitecaps”, “Long Term Parking”, “Funhouse” and “Whoever Did This”. You may want to have them view episodes prior to these, just so they have some context.
“College” is probably the place to start.
Anyone know the title for this one?
Oh, that would be on my list as well! “College,” and then “Nobody Knows Anything” which is the one where Tony first starts to suspect Pussy of turning state’s evidence. I think both of those really set up the personalities and motivations of the characters.
I love “Pine Barrens” but I would never suggest it to someone who was new to the Sopranos, because I think the whole reason the episode works so well is that we know Paulie and Christopher. It’s also neat because it is a little break from the typical Sopranos episode – but that would all be lost if you don’t know what is typical for the Sopranos to begin with.
I think the finales of the first two seasons should be on this list, too.
Pine Barrens might be okay if it’s not the first episode you show your friend.
The title of the third-season opener is “Mr. Ruggerio’s Neighborhood” and I agree it’s one of the best. In fact most of my favorite episodes were from the third season, including “Proshai, Livushka” and “University.” “University” still gives me nightmares because of Ralphie’s brutal murder of that stripper.
I don’t think “Long-Term Parking” should be shown to someone who’s only watching ten episodes, just in case she decides to watch the whole series. The slow build-up of tension in Adriana’s storyline is marvelous.
I’m currently watching series 3 for the second time around.
Employee of the Month showed a few days ago featuring the Melfi rape plot. I loved the ending in which Tony asks her if she wants to tell him something. I’m sending her telepathic messages to elicit an affirmative from her but, of course, its better that she declines.
I agree about University.
Mr Ruggerio’s Neighborhood, Episode 1 of Season 3. The first episode of The Sopranos I saw.
I would recommend starting from the beginning. The first 2 individual DVDs [8 episodes] is a good way to start if you are getting them from Netflix.
I also think it’s best to watch from the very beginning.
But my own nomination for the Top Ten would be “Soprano Home Movies” from season six part two.
I agree with Chefguy’s selection, along with the “Pine Barrens” episode.
VCNJ~
I really liked tyhe Columbus Day episode “Chrostopher”. It cracked me up! Also the one where they have the intervention for Chris “The Strong, Silent Type”, if only for the intervention scene itself.
I’m only a little of the way into season 5 now.
Another vote on just doing the whole darn thing. If it’s only 10? Well…
Season 1
Pilot
College
Season 2
Full Leather Jacket
Season 3
Mr. Ruggerio’s Neighborhood*
Season 4
Whitecaps
Season 5
Two Tonys
Unidentified Black Males
Season 6
Members Only
Mr. & Mrs. John Sacrimoni Request
Soprano Home Movies
Stage 5
I know…it’s 11 episodes, but you have to show the pilot, right? So I figure it’s 10 eps after that.
- If you are going to just show one, this is a good one to start with. My personal favorite.
“Pine Barrens” was my favorite so far, too! It was funny, violent and tragic all wrapped up into one.
I’m only through S. 4. I’m waiting for a nice stretch of time to do a “Sopranos” marathon. I’ll cast a vote for my other favorites once I finish the series.
Buy the music; it grows on you. “Is it time for me to get down - on my muthafuckin’ knees?”
To combine many of the unique angels the show pulled off, you have to watch the episode where Vito is caught at a construction site, taking care of someone in a car.
I don’t know the name, but in one fell swoop, you get mob life, beatings, layman fear and a gay Capo all in one viewing.
This episode also put The Sopranos into an even brighter spot light, as it started the series down one heck of an interesting set of plot lines, to say the least. Definitely a milestone in the series.