I find it funny that they make AJ visit Livia as part of the "punishment." I know Tony definitely had problems with Livia and Carmella hated her, but they could've been a bit more subtle about it. It's also interesting how much better Livia is with AJ than she is with Tony - Livia might've been the only positive role model in AJ's life, aside from maybe Jr. The flashbacks are among my most favorite scenes in the series! I think another great and important detail (which David chase does so well) too is how Junior is second on the scene when beating up Roco bc he's driving around Johnny Boy... his kid brother. Same thing in satrial's. It's clear that Johnny is the Alfa and powerful leader, where as junior is definitely portrayed as the beta. Tony didn't have the makings of a varsity athlete, He did how ever have the makings of a degenerate gambler despite the lessons his father taught.
12 Reviews
That scene between TONY and his mother when he says "your the real gangster" is classic
Neptune16529 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The Sopranos rewatch - "Down Neck" (contains major spoilers for series as a whole)
jdjc00116 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
To what extent can somebody's actions be blamed on their heritage and upbringing? In "Down Neck", one of the most important episodes of the series, this question is debated but not entirely answered. Given that much of this episode focuses on Tony's horrific upbringing, one could easily come away from the episode assuming that Tony's behaviours and life choices were set in stone by his upbringing. As such, we see A.J. blossoming into a restless and disobedient teenager just as Tony had been, with Tony becoming increasingly defensive of his son during the episode. We may see the final scene of father and son enjoying ice cream together as a sign that Tony is wanting to instill good memories into is son, thus breaking the cycle of torment in the Soprano family. This is misleading optimistic however - when 'White Rabbit' is used once again during this final scene after first being used during Tony's first flashback to his childhood, it appears to signify that nothing has really changed. Indeed, bonding over food is not exactly a healthy behaviour to have, given that the two are already overweight. Just as the narrator of 'White Rabbit' spirals through the temporarily transformative effects of psychedelic drugs, A.J. too will eventually spiral as the illusions of safety he has been fed for all of his life will be shattered, one by one.
Of course, Tony DID have a choice in his life. As Dr. Melfi tells him, not everything that happens is predestined. While the idea of there being a "rotten, putrid Soprano gene" (to quote Tony in 'Army of One') is a tempting justification, this is nullified by the fact that one of Tony's own sisters, Barbara, managed never to get caught up in the mafia world. Tony undoubtedly perpetuates the idea that everything is preordained in order to escape any accountability for his actions. This is not only seen in the way he talks about A.J., but in his conversation with Livia as well. While Livia denying Johnny the opportunity to move to Nevada is one that undoubtedly affected the life of their children, Tony blaming Livia's decision for the trajectory of his and Johnny's lives is oversimplified and also hypocritical, as we see from Tony's own refusal of the opportunity to flee in the final episode of season one. When Livia remarks that Tony's therapy is a way for him to "blame somebody for his life", it is actually not far from the truth at all. This is of course evident by the end of the show, as Dr. Melfi concludes Tony's therapy following the belated realisation that she is only enabling his actions.
Again, this was another terrific episode of a show that is only just beginning. To be honest, the only significant thing keeping me from rating this a 10/10 is the fact that it is rather poorly edited, what with its distracting flash fade transitions and some laughably obvious dubbing.
Of course, Tony DID have a choice in his life. As Dr. Melfi tells him, not everything that happens is predestined. While the idea of there being a "rotten, putrid Soprano gene" (to quote Tony in 'Army of One') is a tempting justification, this is nullified by the fact that one of Tony's own sisters, Barbara, managed never to get caught up in the mafia world. Tony undoubtedly perpetuates the idea that everything is preordained in order to escape any accountability for his actions. This is not only seen in the way he talks about A.J., but in his conversation with Livia as well. While Livia denying Johnny the opportunity to move to Nevada is one that undoubtedly affected the life of their children, Tony blaming Livia's decision for the trajectory of his and Johnny's lives is oversimplified and also hypocritical, as we see from Tony's own refusal of the opportunity to flee in the final episode of season one. When Livia remarks that Tony's therapy is a way for him to "blame somebody for his life", it is actually not far from the truth at all. This is of course evident by the end of the show, as Dr. Melfi concludes Tony's therapy following the belated realisation that she is only enabling his actions.
Again, this was another terrific episode of a show that is only just beginning. To be honest, the only significant thing keeping me from rating this a 10/10 is the fact that it is rather poorly edited, what with its distracting flash fade transitions and some laughably obvious dubbing.
Down Neck (#1.7)
ComedyFan201027 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Anthony is expelled from school for getting drunk with his friends and is also tested for ADD. Tony talks to Dr. Melfi about his childhood and how he compares it to his son. He remembers finding out that his father was a criminal, the events that lead to it, his mothers reaction and how he was proud of it.
Really liked this episode as it goes deeper into the family history. We get to see the strong influence Livia Soprano had,as Tony said if she was born after the feminists she would have been a real gangster. Also it is interesting what he told Dr. Melfi, is he opening up more and more about who he really is? And it was interesting to hear the dialogue on the difference between being predisposed to something and destiny.
Really liked this episode as it goes deeper into the family history. We get to see the strong influence Livia Soprano had,as Tony said if she was born after the feminists she would have been a real gangster. Also it is interesting what he told Dr. Melfi, is he opening up more and more about who he really is? And it was interesting to hear the dialogue on the difference between being predisposed to something and destiny.
Painful memories
MaxBorg8926 February 2008
Warning: Spoilers
"As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.". It's hard not to think of that classic line from Goodfellas when Tony Soprano starts recounting childhood memories to Dr. Melfi: unlike Herny Hill, the New Jersey boss's ambitions were entirely different, but fate decided to intervene.
The source of this reminiscing is a family problem: after being caught drunk in class (he and his friends stole some church wine), A.J. faces expulsion from school, and is punished by his parents by being forced to spend time with his grandmother every afternoon. While discussing the matter with his therapist, Tony recalls his own upbringing: Livia being a huger pain in the ass then than she is now, his dad and Uncle Junior going out regularly to collect money from people, and the old man getting arrested one nice day while having fun at a carnival.
Aside from exposing the parallels between father and son, Down Neck serves another important purpose: to show Livia's firm and authoritarian personality, which will reemerge in later episodes to shocking effect. But this story is also riveting for how it deals with an old stereotype (you join the mafia 'cause you were born into it) without pandering to conventions: Tony may have had it in his DNA (though he concedes in another episode that perhaps he was too lazy to seek a different occupation), but the look on his face when he sees who his father really is indicates everything but happiness or pride. Then again, he might have reconsidered when he learned how much you can earn...
Exceptional
The source of this reminiscing is a family problem: after being caught drunk in class (he and his friends stole some church wine), A.J. faces expulsion from school, and is punished by his parents by being forced to spend time with his grandmother every afternoon. While discussing the matter with his therapist, Tony recalls his own upbringing: Livia being a huger pain in the ass then than she is now, his dad and Uncle Junior going out regularly to collect money from people, and the old man getting arrested one nice day while having fun at a carnival.
Aside from exposing the parallels between father and son, Down Neck serves another important purpose: to show Livia's firm and authoritarian personality, which will reemerge in later episodes to shocking effect. But this story is also riveting for how it deals with an old stereotype (you join the mafia 'cause you were born into it) without pandering to conventions: Tony may have had it in his DNA (though he concedes in another episode that perhaps he was too lazy to seek a different occupation), but the look on his face when he sees who his father really is indicates everything but happiness or pride. Then again, he might have reconsidered when he learned how much you can earn...
Exceptional
What constitutes a fidget?
snoozejonc14 September 2021
Tony and Carmela are called to school to address AJ's behaviour.
This is a brilliant episode with great psychological themes, character development, and performances.
The plot focuses on Tony's anguish over AJ's development and how he might turn out, whilst reflecting heavily on his own childhood memories. In doing so it provides great character history on Tony, Livia, and Johnny-Boy Soprano. There are also some small but important moments crucial to the overarching narrative of the series.
There are strong existential themes tackled by the writers, such as fate and free will, along with the influence of both nature and nurture on characters like Tony and AJ. As always in The Sopranos these topics are done in an entertaining way. Most of it is addressed quite philosophically in the discussions between Tony and Dr Melfi.
As a parent I have the same hang ups as Tony and Carmela about my children and can identify with the worry that goes along with situations like this. The way this is portrayed is not only entertaining but feels very real.
I loved the scenes of Tony and Carmela with the school psychologist which are as funny as they are plausible. There is clear scepticism towards conditions like ADD and it is a subject very much in the firing line of the writers. The family dinner is absolutely hilarious, as they often are with a mixture of such great characters. Also the scenes where Tony and Carmela go to bed reflecting on what's happening with AJ and the noisy morning after, are classic Sopranos moments.
Another great aspect of the episode are the flashback sequences. This transitions fantastically well with the use of 'White Rabbit' and these scenes are well staged and performed. It's not nostalgia for nostalgia sake, but crucial to understanding how Tony was parented, his development as a person, and the relationship he has with Livia.
Visually it's excellent as ever and tells a story with practical cinematography, strong editing, and focus on the interaction of characters like during the ice-cream sundae sequence.
All performances are as top-drawer as ever with James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Nancy Marchand, and Laila Robins standing out for me.
This is a brilliant episode with great psychological themes, character development, and performances.
The plot focuses on Tony's anguish over AJ's development and how he might turn out, whilst reflecting heavily on his own childhood memories. In doing so it provides great character history on Tony, Livia, and Johnny-Boy Soprano. There are also some small but important moments crucial to the overarching narrative of the series.
There are strong existential themes tackled by the writers, such as fate and free will, along with the influence of both nature and nurture on characters like Tony and AJ. As always in The Sopranos these topics are done in an entertaining way. Most of it is addressed quite philosophically in the discussions between Tony and Dr Melfi.
As a parent I have the same hang ups as Tony and Carmela about my children and can identify with the worry that goes along with situations like this. The way this is portrayed is not only entertaining but feels very real.
I loved the scenes of Tony and Carmela with the school psychologist which are as funny as they are plausible. There is clear scepticism towards conditions like ADD and it is a subject very much in the firing line of the writers. The family dinner is absolutely hilarious, as they often are with a mixture of such great characters. Also the scenes where Tony and Carmela go to bed reflecting on what's happening with AJ and the noisy morning after, are classic Sopranos moments.
Another great aspect of the episode are the flashback sequences. This transitions fantastically well with the use of 'White Rabbit' and these scenes are well staged and performed. It's not nostalgia for nostalgia sake, but crucial to understanding how Tony was parented, his development as a person, and the relationship he has with Livia.
Visually it's excellent as ever and tells a story with practical cinematography, strong editing, and focus on the interaction of characters like during the ice-cream sundae sequence.
All performances are as top-drawer as ever with James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Nancy Marchand, and Laila Robins standing out for me.
"He's got a lot on his mind."
edantheman13 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
#'You're papa never told you about right and wrong...' These lyrics to the opening theme bear a special significance this time 'round, with Tony retreating into a nostalgic (and quite lengthy) haze in Dr Melfi's room to the times when he was roughly the same age as his son: his father chasing down debtors and "having coffee" with them as the man/boy himself might say; his mother being possibly even more dramatic and authoritative than she is now; his sister Janice introduced as a typical big sister; Barbara looking a little chubbier and shorter.
The episode's retreat in time is partly brought about by AJ's bad behaviour at school and deals with Tony's actual father instead of paternal figures like Junior and in a way, Jackie. It turns out 'Johnny Boy' Soprano tells lies to protect the people he loves (including himself) just as Tony does, as well as taking a lot of Livia's black poison in but seems less aggressive and more of a family man (although he did have a comare as we will later discover).
T reminisces of how his mother excused his father's crimes by indicating ethnic prejudice on behalf of the Newark Police Department ("They just pick on the Italians"). That's not the only seed she sows in his mind though, when she dramatically implies smothering her children with a pillow as a favourable alternative to Johnny Boy's pipe-dream of setting up a supper club with pal Rocco DiMeo in Nevada. In the present, Tony confronts his mother on this issue; asking her why she offered no support to his unusually ambitious father. She replies with verbal blackmail ("Well, if it bothers you, maybe you better talk to a psychiatrist") after learning the truth from AJ, which he counters by remarking on her ruthlessness ("If you'd been born after those feminists, you woulda been the real gangster").
This was the first 'flashback episode', in which the flashback is triggered by Tony recalling Jefferson Airplane's 'White Rabbit' while he pops his pills in the bathroom mirror. In later seasons these triggers will range from the taste of capicola to the movie 'Beethoven' on TV. This time it is music, but I can't help but feel Jefferson Airplane's other famous track 'Somebody to Love' may have fit just as well.
Tony's antipathy and support for psychiatry are balanced out in this story as his son's fidgeting habit is labelled a symptom of ADD by the school shrink, while at the same time he has one of his best ever appointments with Dr Melfi. In the end, his support beats his antipathy and he chooses to go back to the psychiatrist's after mulling it over with Carmela back home, although his secret won't be safe for long...
The episode's retreat in time is partly brought about by AJ's bad behaviour at school and deals with Tony's actual father instead of paternal figures like Junior and in a way, Jackie. It turns out 'Johnny Boy' Soprano tells lies to protect the people he loves (including himself) just as Tony does, as well as taking a lot of Livia's black poison in but seems less aggressive and more of a family man (although he did have a comare as we will later discover).
T reminisces of how his mother excused his father's crimes by indicating ethnic prejudice on behalf of the Newark Police Department ("They just pick on the Italians"). That's not the only seed she sows in his mind though, when she dramatically implies smothering her children with a pillow as a favourable alternative to Johnny Boy's pipe-dream of setting up a supper club with pal Rocco DiMeo in Nevada. In the present, Tony confronts his mother on this issue; asking her why she offered no support to his unusually ambitious father. She replies with verbal blackmail ("Well, if it bothers you, maybe you better talk to a psychiatrist") after learning the truth from AJ, which he counters by remarking on her ruthlessness ("If you'd been born after those feminists, you woulda been the real gangster").
This was the first 'flashback episode', in which the flashback is triggered by Tony recalling Jefferson Airplane's 'White Rabbit' while he pops his pills in the bathroom mirror. In later seasons these triggers will range from the taste of capicola to the movie 'Beethoven' on TV. This time it is music, but I can't help but feel Jefferson Airplane's other famous track 'Somebody to Love' may have fit just as well.
Tony's antipathy and support for psychiatry are balanced out in this story as his son's fidgeting habit is labelled a symptom of ADD by the school shrink, while at the same time he has one of his best ever appointments with Dr Melfi. In the end, his support beats his antipathy and he chooses to go back to the psychiatrist's after mulling it over with Carmela back home, although his secret won't be safe for long...
Free Will, Masculinity and Determinism
robertmcgarr19 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
"He who doesn't understand history is doomed to repeat it." Unreal jewels dropped in this episode. Is AJ doomed because of his father's persona and his grandfather's past? History suggests that was the case for Tony, he idolised his father and the fear he struck into people. Tony wants his son to see him and be proud of him the same way, powerful and strong, but is it that possible without him turning into Tony? It's a fantastic question. Does AJ really have free will? I think so, but you could argue not.
What constitutes a fidget? Speaks a thousand words. AJ drinking and getting into trouble. Boys will be boys or disability? What's normal for a teenage boy now? Even more relevant in todays age. Has traditional masculine elements been alienated so much that it now constitutes a mental disorder? Is this a good thing? Man this stuff goes deep. Tony getting ridiculed for going therapy too. Not being able to show weakness. Think this episode will be a benchmark for more to come. The psychological and existential themes covered in this episode were so interesting. Superb, absolutely superb.
What constitutes a fidget? Speaks a thousand words. AJ drinking and getting into trouble. Boys will be boys or disability? What's normal for a teenage boy now? Even more relevant in todays age. Has traditional masculine elements been alienated so much that it now constitutes a mental disorder? Is this a good thing? Man this stuff goes deep. Tony getting ridiculed for going therapy too. Not being able to show weakness. Think this episode will be a benchmark for more to come. The psychological and existential themes covered in this episode were so interesting. Superb, absolutely superb.
9.1/10, Amazing
dcdude-2698819 August 2023
Absolutely amazing episode. Brought to much vibes to the real world and how we live. This show is starting to change me, just like Mr. Robot did. I unfortunately have no plans on putting Sopranos above it, but I do for having it in the top 2. Anyways, my favorite characters in this episode were Tony, AJ, and Uncle Junior. My favorite things about this episode were the Protagonist, the storyline, and the dialogue. Now that I think about, I really to wosh that some of these episodes were just a little higher rated. This is starting to become a must-watch, and becoming hard to ask myself, "why does my friend think that On My Block is better than this masterpiece?"
A typically arresting episode.
Hey_Sweden3 April 2021
Anthony Jr. Gets into some fairly serious trouble at school, and while he goes through a series of psychological tests, Tony typically works out his feelings in sessions with Dr. Melfi. Here he recounts pivotal moments from his childhood, when he first saw a different side of his father (Joseph Siravo, "Carlito's Way") and eventually learned what Dad actually did for a living.
This intriguing set-up leads to some particularly sharp writing as the characters and the viewers alike are obliged to ponder the whole idea of free will versus things that may be "preordained". Tony doesn't exactly want his son to end up just like him, knowing that the kid has potential (although the idea that Anthony Jr. Might have ADD is floated a lot throughout this story). Tony is always quick to point out the straight-arrow life that his daughter Meadow is living, as evidence that the circumstances of the parent don't have to dictate what happens with their offspring. Tony admits that sometimes he wonders what might have happened if he hadn't followed his fathers' path in life.
The main asset of 'Down Neck' is some great flashback material, with Bobby Boriello ("Man on the Moon") as the young version of Tony. The casting is right on point, with familiar faces like Rocco Sisto ("Innocent Blood") cast as a younger Uncle Junior, and Laila Robins ("Planes, Trains and Automobiles") cast as a formidable younger vision of Livia. Here we see that Tony's dad did tend to show some preferential treatment to his sister Janice. With the dad a rather fabled figure up to this point, it's nice to see him as a flesh and blood character for the first time.
The father and son scenes are the best in 'Down Neck'. When you get right down to it, you see that Tony *is* a basically good father who wants the best for his children. In fact, the ending moments with Tony and Anthony Jr. Bonding (while Jefferson Airplanes' "White Rabbit" plays on the soundtrack) end the proceedings on a very pleasant note.
Eight out of 10.
This intriguing set-up leads to some particularly sharp writing as the characters and the viewers alike are obliged to ponder the whole idea of free will versus things that may be "preordained". Tony doesn't exactly want his son to end up just like him, knowing that the kid has potential (although the idea that Anthony Jr. Might have ADD is floated a lot throughout this story). Tony is always quick to point out the straight-arrow life that his daughter Meadow is living, as evidence that the circumstances of the parent don't have to dictate what happens with their offspring. Tony admits that sometimes he wonders what might have happened if he hadn't followed his fathers' path in life.
The main asset of 'Down Neck' is some great flashback material, with Bobby Boriello ("Man on the Moon") as the young version of Tony. The casting is right on point, with familiar faces like Rocco Sisto ("Innocent Blood") cast as a younger Uncle Junior, and Laila Robins ("Planes, Trains and Automobiles") cast as a formidable younger vision of Livia. Here we see that Tony's dad did tend to show some preferential treatment to his sister Janice. With the dad a rather fabled figure up to this point, it's nice to see him as a flesh and blood character for the first time.
The father and son scenes are the best in 'Down Neck'. When you get right down to it, you see that Tony *is* a basically good father who wants the best for his children. In fact, the ending moments with Tony and Anthony Jr. Bonding (while Jefferson Airplanes' "White Rabbit" plays on the soundtrack) end the proceedings on a very pleasant note.
Eight out of 10.
Young Tony
AvionPrince169 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
An interesting episode that explore the past of Tony and his father .
We witnessed also a test where the son of Tony need to know what he has . It seem to be a trouBle of attention.
The story of the young Tony was interesting and made us aware that the father of Tony was already implied in illegal business. And that his mother also had hard times with his father .
The Shrink and Tony try to understand and make us realised what the youth of Tony look like .
Tony's son get the results of his test but their parents are not convinced about the results and clearly reject the results .
It was pretty interesting also that Tony is scare that his childrens learn about his dirty business and we can see some worries because maybe of his youth and he discovered himself the business of his own father ? It was really interesting and i found that point pretty believable.
We witnessed also a test where the son of Tony need to know what he has . It seem to be a trouBle of attention.
The story of the young Tony was interesting and made us aware that the father of Tony was already implied in illegal business. And that his mother also had hard times with his father .
The Shrink and Tony try to understand and make us realised what the youth of Tony look like .
Tony's son get the results of his test but their parents are not convinced about the results and clearly reject the results .
It was pretty interesting also that Tony is scare that his childrens learn about his dirty business and we can see some worries because maybe of his youth and he discovered himself the business of his own father ? It was really interesting and i found that point pretty believable.
Flashbacks, Melphie and ADD
ANannyMoose0220 February 2023
If there was ever an episode of Sopranos that should have been thrown in the trash, it's this one. Between having to sit through more than 20 minutes of pointless flashback scenes with non-actors and dealing with Melphie's grating voice for another 15 minutes the episode revolves around the topic of ADD (made up by the pharmaceutical industry). There may have been one 30 second part in this entire episode that wasn't the most uninteresting crap in the world, but I don't remember it.
So, if that weren't enough they decide to play the most annoying song of all time (White Rabbit) not once, but twice. That's just downright intolerable.
So, if that weren't enough they decide to play the most annoying song of all time (White Rabbit) not once, but twice. That's just downright intolerable.
S1E7 'Down Neck'
The-Social-Introvert20 October 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The lyrics "Your papa never told you about right or wrong" are of greater relevance in Down Neck, as Tony retreats into a good couple of interesting flashbacks whilst in Dr Melfi's office. They go back to the times when he was about the same age as his son, and used to watch his dad chase down debt collectors and fall victim of an even more dramatic Livia.
The flashbacks are quite interesting. It's funny seeing Junior when he was in his prime and intriguing to see Tony's parents and his relationship with them. He always felt that his dad showed favouritism to Tony's older sister since they used to go out to the fair regularly. That is until Jonny Boy Soprano is escorted out of the fair in cuffs, and Tony realises the whole thing was a front, and the hoodlums brought their daughters along to cover up their illegal activities that were done at the fairground. We see that Jonny Boy told lies to protect his family and also had to take stick from Livia (in one case, was 'persuaded' by his wife out of a move that would have made the family very rich).
Tony's reminiscent are brought about due to his own son's behaviour at school being questioned by the school staff. It leads to thoughts that Anthony may be ADD (which is just some money-making "bullshit" for the psychiatrics, Tony thinks) which in turn makes Tony evaluate his role as a father by assessing what it was like when he was a son. He remembers how his mother covered up Jonny Boy's crimes by blaming prejudices from the authorities and how she his father back from success. Tony later confronts her about why she never gave his father any support and Livia, who had previously spoken with Anthony Jr after their sub plots intertwined, very cleverly replies with verbal blackmail. "If it bothers you, maybe you better talk to a psychiatrist". Highlighting the fantastic dialogue in this series, Tony counters this by retorting "If you'd been born after those feminists, you woulda been the real gangster".
Tony's opinions on his father's 'work' leaves him slightly confused. He remembers being proud that he had a gangster for a dad but at the same time wonders what it was like if Jonny Boy had been just like any other father. That means he ponders on what life outside the mafia could have been like. And that kind of talk is dangerous. Which just goes to show just how much he has opened up to Dr Melfi. The episode deals with the old stereotype that you join the mafia because you were born into it. Tony considers whether it was just in his DNA, and if it is then fears his son may turn out like him and opposed to simply looking up to him as a father.
The flashbacks are quite interesting. It's funny seeing Junior when he was in his prime and intriguing to see Tony's parents and his relationship with them. He always felt that his dad showed favouritism to Tony's older sister since they used to go out to the fair regularly. That is until Jonny Boy Soprano is escorted out of the fair in cuffs, and Tony realises the whole thing was a front, and the hoodlums brought their daughters along to cover up their illegal activities that were done at the fairground. We see that Jonny Boy told lies to protect his family and also had to take stick from Livia (in one case, was 'persuaded' by his wife out of a move that would have made the family very rich).
Tony's reminiscent are brought about due to his own son's behaviour at school being questioned by the school staff. It leads to thoughts that Anthony may be ADD (which is just some money-making "bullshit" for the psychiatrics, Tony thinks) which in turn makes Tony evaluate his role as a father by assessing what it was like when he was a son. He remembers how his mother covered up Jonny Boy's crimes by blaming prejudices from the authorities and how she his father back from success. Tony later confronts her about why she never gave his father any support and Livia, who had previously spoken with Anthony Jr after their sub plots intertwined, very cleverly replies with verbal blackmail. "If it bothers you, maybe you better talk to a psychiatrist". Highlighting the fantastic dialogue in this series, Tony counters this by retorting "If you'd been born after those feminists, you woulda been the real gangster".
Tony's opinions on his father's 'work' leaves him slightly confused. He remembers being proud that he had a gangster for a dad but at the same time wonders what it was like if Jonny Boy had been just like any other father. That means he ponders on what life outside the mafia could have been like. And that kind of talk is dangerous. Which just goes to show just how much he has opened up to Dr Melfi. The episode deals with the old stereotype that you join the mafia because you were born into it. Tony considers whether it was just in his DNA, and if it is then fears his son may turn out like him and opposed to simply looking up to him as a father.
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