Joining the cast of The Sopranos as Dr. Elliot Kupfenberg proved to be one of the smartest moves of Peter Bogdanovich's career, which had practically sunk after the disappointing experience of Texasville; and though his acting gig in the series is extremely enjoyable, he is best known as a director, which is why it is a particular joy to see him behind the camera again, bringing the sixth episode of Season Five to the screen. Needless to say, like another major guest director, Steve Buscemi, who also took on acting duties on the show, he succeeds beautifully.
With a title like Sentimental Education, the story can't possibly focus on violent crime, and indeed it doesn't: the core of the script is Carmela Soprano's ongoing affair with Robert Wegler (David Strathairn), frowned upon by Father Phil (Paul Sculze, always good) but wholeheartedly enjoyed by the two lovers, at least until Robert has the brilliant idea to ask a teacher of AJ's to be less hard on the kid and, when said request isn't satisfied, takes it out on Carmela.
As a matter of fact, this episode is less The Sopranos, more Sex and the City: cracking characterizations, witty, explicit dialogue and a pay-off to die for. Then again, Bogdanovich has always favored traditional drama over hard-boiled violence, so a departure of sorts from the conventional format isn't totally unpredicted. Of course, this being The Sopranos, something brutal has to happen, and the show doesn't disappoint on those terms, with a hilarious yet shocking change of mind for Buscemi's character, the apparently reformed Tony Blundetto, whose new actions serve as a delicious appetizer for the second half of the season. Yummy.
With a title like Sentimental Education, the story can't possibly focus on violent crime, and indeed it doesn't: the core of the script is Carmela Soprano's ongoing affair with Robert Wegler (David Strathairn), frowned upon by Father Phil (Paul Sculze, always good) but wholeheartedly enjoyed by the two lovers, at least until Robert has the brilliant idea to ask a teacher of AJ's to be less hard on the kid and, when said request isn't satisfied, takes it out on Carmela.
As a matter of fact, this episode is less The Sopranos, more Sex and the City: cracking characterizations, witty, explicit dialogue and a pay-off to die for. Then again, Bogdanovich has always favored traditional drama over hard-boiled violence, so a departure of sorts from the conventional format isn't totally unpredicted. Of course, this being The Sopranos, something brutal has to happen, and the show doesn't disappoint on those terms, with a hilarious yet shocking change of mind for Buscemi's character, the apparently reformed Tony Blundetto, whose new actions serve as a delicious appetizer for the second half of the season. Yummy.