While I don't usually like any "dream" segments from this show, I had my eyes peeled for the killed-off characters. I think that was Adriana walking by as the waitress.
A.J. failing school and promising to shoot Uncle Junior seems like his character is gearing up for a life in the family business. Also, things don't look good for Vito, either.
Overall, I liked the show. Nice to see Carmella without her hair done, sans make-up and very dressed-down.
The last shot of Tony sitting on his hotel bed with the light on the right was a nice echo of his EKG in the hospital room. I also liked Iler in this episode, which is a first ever. I've never liked AJ in ANY episode and keep waiting for him to get his ass kicked with anticipation. AJ was suprisingly strong last night.
"Oh, I'm a sad little man? I've thrown a bloody kettle over a pub...what have you done?"
Maybe they are setting up AJ "joining the family business". I liked the episode, but hope they don't drag out this coma storyline, too many hospital scenes can become a bit melodramatic.
A little late - I had to catch the replay tonight - but I have to say that I'd be hard pressed to think of a more stellar television performance than the one Edie Falco gave in this episode. I tend to be more interested in watching characters get whacked, but she really had me engaged for the full hour.
"Those of you who think you know everything are annoying to those of us who do." David Brent, The Office
"Oedipus ruined a great sex life by asking too many questions." Stephen Colbert, The Colbert Report
Masturbatory performance by Falco in the middle of an episode where most of the characters marked time badly.
Ponder that we've seen Falco run through all of these emotions before in the same circumstances. Consider whether her suddenly forgetting all the times Tony cheated on her or belittled her showed heartwarming compassion or stomach turning sentimentality.
Carmela's circular journey of non-discovery is reminiscent of Sipowicz' battles with the bottle on NYPD Blue. Even before Tony was shot, Carmela had reverted to sucking up to him to try to get as much cash (and stuff) as possible so that she could lord it over her supposed friends.
Uhhh... that's where Carmela was back in Season Fucking One.
Did Pam just wake up and find old Carmela in the shower, or are fans of this show so in love with the characters that they no longer expect character development?
Wait... judging by this thread, many fans have cast their ballots by ignoring the new season. Now that the free preview weekend is over, I'll happily join them in that.
Frank
(Silvio has reverted to the Honky Tonk Man answer to Al Pacino that he portrayed back in Season One. He must have had difficulty getting back into character because clearly he ended up leaning heavily on his physical schtick with his shoulders hunched unnaturally and his lip stuck out. He looks like a parody of himself in recent seasons.)
"Maybe he's a homo and just doesn't know how to tell anyone about it."
Now, not that it was funny, but not 2 minutes before he said that I had asked the missus I wonder what they're planning on doing with Vito, they showed him during the early morning at the construction site, and hadn't said anymore about it. I hit the floor laughing.
I don't think we're seeing the Rick becoming the Governor. Yet. But it does bolster Michonne's new assertiveness to lead the group. He's not turning heel, but his head is swimming with the potential to have stability and security for this family.