I always wondered- why Tony threw out the painting- one thing, it proved knowing Masserone, but second thing- legal matter- would it be considered a bribe or a gift of worth, that could serve as evidence for FBI, proving Tony profited off of Masserone scam ? I was glad Adrienna ratted on her "friend". I mean come on. Nobody should b flirting with Chrissy especially right in front of Aide. Turns out they got a look at the guy who did borko, all they know is that he's got a bad limp. The introduction of one of my all time favorite Sopranos characters, Steve Buscemi is an amazing actor. I can't imagine being in this lifestyle and not being able to trust anyone. I'm too paranoid to be a mobster, and would have to go straight like Tonys cousin Tony.
6 Reviews
So what's the difference?
snoozejonc2 November 2022
Tony appears to be threatened by a number of FBI informants, whilst his cousin is released from prison.
This is another very strong episode with great character moments.
A big introduction is the character Tony Blendetto, that is not only given a build up in this and the previous episode, but is played by the great Steve Buscemi. This character feels somewhat forced into the series narrative, as prior to the fifth season he did not exist, but functions well within the dynamic of the established characters. Buscemi and James Gandolfini have a great awkward chemistry that works for the backstory of the characters and the arc of Blundetto.
There are a number of other smaller introductions that nicely lay the foundations for later episodes along with the plot concerning the leadership of the New York family.
For me the strongest scenes involve the continuing tragic arc of Adriana which is looked at from several perspectives. There is the personal trauma she is shown to be suffering, the coldness of Agent Sanseverino, the contempt of Rosalie Aprile, and the comparisons with the other two "rats" featured in the episode. Cleverly though, it ends with a little moment of selfishness that keeps the portrayal balanced.
It is a very cinematic episode with some excellent cinematography that tells the story visually. I particularly like the opening scenes and numerous other moments are captured and edited beautifully.
The standout performance for me is Drea de Matteo, who carries a number of quite emotional scenes fantastically.
This is another very strong episode with great character moments.
A big introduction is the character Tony Blendetto, that is not only given a build up in this and the previous episode, but is played by the great Steve Buscemi. This character feels somewhat forced into the series narrative, as prior to the fifth season he did not exist, but functions well within the dynamic of the established characters. Buscemi and James Gandolfini have a great awkward chemistry that works for the backstory of the characters and the arc of Blundetto.
There are a number of other smaller introductions that nicely lay the foundations for later episodes along with the plot concerning the leadership of the New York family.
For me the strongest scenes involve the continuing tragic arc of Adriana which is looked at from several perspectives. There is the personal trauma she is shown to be suffering, the coldness of Agent Sanseverino, the contempt of Rosalie Aprile, and the comparisons with the other two "rats" featured in the episode. Cleverly though, it ends with a little moment of selfishness that keeps the portrayal balanced.
It is a very cinematic episode with some excellent cinematography that tells the story visually. I particularly like the opening scenes and numerous other moments are captured and edited beautifully.
The standout performance for me is Drea de Matteo, who carries a number of quite emotional scenes fantastically.
Rat Pack (#5.2)
ComedyFan201019 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Tony's cousin Tony (a great addition of Steve Buscemi) is back from jail but he doesn't want to participate in the family business anymore. Adriana is getting ready for the wedding but her maid of honor is making her mad so she tells FBI about the fraud that she does. She is also worried now after a conversation about Pussy.
While it is always great to see Steve Buscemi, Adriana was my highlight of the episode. It seems like this story line is coming to an end since Adriana is starting to freak out and also tells on somebody. I have a bad feeling but still hope for the best as I love the character. The performance was wonderful. I almost cried when she did. She greatly shows the struggles of the character we all love by now.
While it is always great to see Steve Buscemi, Adriana was my highlight of the episode. It seems like this story line is coming to an end since Adriana is starting to freak out and also tells on somebody. I have a bad feeling but still hope for the best as I love the character. The performance was wonderful. I almost cried when she did. She greatly shows the struggles of the character we all love by now.
Enter Tony B.
MaxBorg8914 May 2008
In the fourth ever episode of the show, the passing of Jackie Aprile caused a power struggle between Tony Soprano and his uncle Junior, a fight that was eventually won by the younger mobster. Now, history is about to repeat itself, as Rat Pack starts with the demise of Carmine Lupertazzi (Tony Lip), the unfortunate victim of a heart attack.
The event provokes a major rupture between the old man's son, Little Carmine (Ray Abruzzo), who lives all nice and easy in Miami, and Johnny Sack, whose friendship with both Carmine and Phil Leotardo make him the more ideal successor. As well as handling the stress of this new inconvenience, Tony must deal with yet another informant in his crew (it is revealed there are two more, besides Adriana, who doesn't get caught this time), not to mention the discovery that his beloved cousin Tony Blundetto (Steve Buscemi) intends to leave his crime days behind him and find a straight job.
Though the battle between Little Carmine and Johnny is the one that should be more interesting, especially in regards to laying out the path for the remainder of the series, it is inevitably the Tony B. subplot that comes off as the most memorable, probably because the Soprano family members have always been the strongest contributors to the show's tragic aspect: Uncle Junior, the late Livia, Janice and now Tony Blundetto - a riveting gallery of flawed individuals. Also, given Buscemi directed two episodes of the program prior to appearing as a cast member, he knows exactly what the tone should be and plays his role in a humorous yet darkly foreboding way.
A similar technique is used with Drea de Matteo's work in a couple of scenes that cleverly bring back an old guest star: after appearing in one scene in the fifth episode of Season Three, Vanessa Ferlito reprises her cameo as Tina Francesco, a friend of Ade's who starts to hit on Chris, causing Adriana a lot of jealousy and prompting her to exploit her FBI liaisons. What could have been a waste of screen time is instead employed to perfection to unveil the duplicitous nature of every single person involved in the show's events, even sweet little Adriana, who just wanted to live happily ever after with her now clean fiancé. Of course, she could have picked a more honest guy to live with, but that wouldn't have been as much fun, would it?
The event provokes a major rupture between the old man's son, Little Carmine (Ray Abruzzo), who lives all nice and easy in Miami, and Johnny Sack, whose friendship with both Carmine and Phil Leotardo make him the more ideal successor. As well as handling the stress of this new inconvenience, Tony must deal with yet another informant in his crew (it is revealed there are two more, besides Adriana, who doesn't get caught this time), not to mention the discovery that his beloved cousin Tony Blundetto (Steve Buscemi) intends to leave his crime days behind him and find a straight job.
Though the battle between Little Carmine and Johnny is the one that should be more interesting, especially in regards to laying out the path for the remainder of the series, it is inevitably the Tony B. subplot that comes off as the most memorable, probably because the Soprano family members have always been the strongest contributors to the show's tragic aspect: Uncle Junior, the late Livia, Janice and now Tony Blundetto - a riveting gallery of flawed individuals. Also, given Buscemi directed two episodes of the program prior to appearing as a cast member, he knows exactly what the tone should be and plays his role in a humorous yet darkly foreboding way.
A similar technique is used with Drea de Matteo's work in a couple of scenes that cleverly bring back an old guest star: after appearing in one scene in the fifth episode of Season Three, Vanessa Ferlito reprises her cameo as Tina Francesco, a friend of Ade's who starts to hit on Chris, causing Adriana a lot of jealousy and prompting her to exploit her FBI liaisons. What could have been a waste of screen time is instead employed to perfection to unveil the duplicitous nature of every single person involved in the show's events, even sweet little Adriana, who just wanted to live happily ever after with her now clean fiancé. Of course, she could have picked a more honest guy to live with, but that wouldn't have been as much fun, would it?
Good show overall
jodi-445286 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I'm watching this series about 20 years after it first aired. I was ambivalent about watching it, because I really didn't think I would enjoy it. Pleasantly surprised me that it is well written and interesting. Overall, it's a good watch. I especially like Carmela as a character.
However, some things cheapen the show. Way too much of the F word. I know it's part of the world, but every other word is F. After a certain point, I start tuning out what they're actually saying because of the swearing.
And I do understand the culture of extra women, etc. But I think they over did the sex and nudity. I get it. Tony is a philanderer and is going to have sex with as many women as he wants. But I don't need to see it every episode. Same with the strip club. We know that's where they hang. I don't need to see it.
I want to like Tony, and in certain ways, he is almost a sympathetic character. But the way he treats his wife turns me off of him. She has allowed him a great deal of latitude and I think she wants to be a good person. She is a good wife and mother and I do think she tries to make up for his illegal activities. Yes, she knows what he does, so she does have some culpability. But I do think she believes in her marriage above anything else. Until she finally reaches the breaking point.
I cannot stand Janice, and can't figure out why Tony insisted she come back for their mother's funeral. She is a horrible person to everyone around her. I really hated how she moved in on Bobby and forced him into a marriage. She always has an angle and cannot be trusted. Absolutely hate the scenes she is in.
Despite Tony being a bully, he does have a moral code that can be respected. He does protect those loyal to him, except for his wife. He doesn't respect his marriage or the home she has created for him. That part of the culture I don't understand.
It is interesting how there is always someone plotting and scheming. What a way to live!
However, some things cheapen the show. Way too much of the F word. I know it's part of the world, but every other word is F. After a certain point, I start tuning out what they're actually saying because of the swearing.
And I do understand the culture of extra women, etc. But I think they over did the sex and nudity. I get it. Tony is a philanderer and is going to have sex with as many women as he wants. But I don't need to see it every episode. Same with the strip club. We know that's where they hang. I don't need to see it.
I want to like Tony, and in certain ways, he is almost a sympathetic character. But the way he treats his wife turns me off of him. She has allowed him a great deal of latitude and I think she wants to be a good person. She is a good wife and mother and I do think she tries to make up for his illegal activities. Yes, she knows what he does, so she does have some culpability. But I do think she believes in her marriage above anything else. Until she finally reaches the breaking point.
I cannot stand Janice, and can't figure out why Tony insisted she come back for their mother's funeral. She is a horrible person to everyone around her. I really hated how she moved in on Bobby and forced him into a marriage. She always has an angle and cannot be trusted. Absolutely hate the scenes she is in.
Despite Tony being a bully, he does have a moral code that can be respected. He does protect those loyal to him, except for his wife. He doesn't respect his marriage or the home she has created for him. That part of the culture I don't understand.
It is interesting how there is always someone plotting and scheming. What a way to live!
Rat pack
keshavlamsal2 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
7.9🌟
This is good episode some how i stick to story without being getting bored. The entry of new character Tony best friend & cousin of T. When he make fun of T of fat Tony concerned about his fat body now🤣🤣. He Don't wanted to do that mob type job he just wants to do some new start so he wish to get certified massage license. And fbi is gathering information from Adriana and she nearly tell about it in movie party ti women gang.
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