Even when he wasn't required on-set, Robert Iler (A.J Soprano), sometimes made a point of being there especially to observe scenes between James Gandolfini and Edie Falco (Tony and Carmela Soprano). Iler claimed he learned more about acting just by watching his two co-stars work together than by any other means.
Big Pussy tells Tony about his back problem "this freakin' spondylolisthesis." Spondylolisthesis is a forward displacement of a vertebra usually occurring in the lower back. It is most often a complication of aging or inherited. Even a mild case (grade 1 out of grades 1 to 5) can be very painful and debilitating.
Introduction of character Matthew Bevilacqua played by Lillo Brancato. In 2008, Brancato was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in an attempted burglary that led to the shooting death of an off-duty NYPD officer, Daniel Enchautegui. Brancato was released on parole in 2013 after serving eight years. His co-defendant, who fired the fatal shot, was convicted of murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
First, and only, appearance of mobster Philly Parisi (apart from during a dream sequence in the episode 'Funhouse') played by Dan Grimaldi, one of only three The Sopranos (1999) cast members who plays dual roles in the series--in his case, brother Patsy Parisi, who's introduced 12 episodes later in this season, and who remains as a recurring character.
Cathy Scorsese's first credit on the series as a member of the art department. Scorsese, daughter of director Martin Scorsese, worked on the show for two seasons (2000-2002).