Calling All Cars

Calling All Cars isn't what one would conventionally describe as a great episode, especially if compared to the sheer emotional weight of the two shows preceding it, but it is an artful mood-setter, and deserves as much recognition as any other ep because of a single sequence.

The sequence in question is of course Tony's eerie dream, which features both Ralphie and Gloria, two people united by the fact that the New Jersey boss had a role in their deaths. The dream is elusive, even to the viewer, and when Tony asks Dr. Melfi for an explanation, he finds it unsatisfactory. Further disappointments are bound to follow, as his dealings with Johnny Sack and Carmine Lupertazzi don't go as expected.

There isn't much going on in this episode, perhaps because events are lining up for the imminent season finale, but the dream scene will keep everyone up for a long time: whereas all other similar moments were quite simple to interpret, the key event of Calling All Cars is shockingly beautiful for the very reason that it has no immediate significance. It's a haunting, daringly ambiguous sequence: the series in a nutshell.

Yes I'm a latecomer to The Sopranos. But let me tell you this, this is one of the best series I've watched, memorable scenes I won't forget, and how the characters all have a development throughout the series gives a sense of attachment. I never thought I could hate an old lady as much as Tony Soprano's mother the late Nancy Marchand. That just shows how amazing she plays Tony's distressed and troubled mother.

This is a must watch and something binge-worthy if you like your crime and drama series. This is easily one of the best series to date. Up there with The Wire and Breaking Bad, if not, past it.

Watch The Sopranos.

Janice pushes Bobby to move on from Karen's death, whilst Tony makes a decision about psychotherapy.

This is a very strong reflective episode with great character insight.

Livia's lasting legacy on the Soprano family looms quite largely over an episode that portrays some fairly diabolical behaviour from Janice and a pretty poor show from AJ.

There are some very well made Tony dream sequences with lots of imagery to interpret. These are some of the best aspects of the episode and leaving them unexplained is the major strength. They link back to past episodes and characters brilliantly. The final one in particular has an incredible sense of foreboding after the decision Tony makes regarding Dr Melfi.

Other aspects of the overarching season narrative slow burns well, with the New Jersey mob's relationship with New York starting to heat up, along with the suspicion of Paulie, and Corrado's trial.

Visually it is quite brilliant at times, especially the final scene which includes a wonderful location reveal.