Least Favourite Episode?

[johnnyboym]

The Sopranos is unquestionably my favourite TV show ever, but as Americans like to say, "no-one bats 1.000" and in amidst all that wheat, there are a few grains of chaff. Anyway, here is my 5 least favourite episodes ever (but I just want to reiterate that I think the series as a whole is brilliant!)

1. University (Series 3) - Utterly sordid and repellant from beginning to end
2. Employee of the Month (Series 3) - is that scene with the attack on Melfi REALLY necessary?
3. Christopher (Series 4)- just really, really....silly
4. Test Dream (Series 4) - Dream sequences are like whiskey ...great but only in moderation
5. Join the Club (Series 6) - see comment above

[AJColossal]

I really liked Employee of the Month and University but they are brutal episodes and very difficult to watch in parts, so I can understand certain people's distate for them.

Good thread. My least favorites in no particular order:

Do Not Resucitate- The whole plotline with Tony working with the corrupt civil rights activist was too episodic television for my tastes, and you knew it wasn't going to have any consequence of any sort while it was happening.

To Save Us All from Satan's Power- I was looking forward to this flashback episode, but it really didn't have much of a plot, other than to show the characters with bad wigs and dye jobs.

Christopher- This episode wasn't as bad as many made it out to be, but the storyline seemed so forced. Chase has always been perplexed about Italian-American groups protesting the show, and this is the episode he used to address that.

Provai, Livushka- The episode, as a whole, is really a classic, but the decision to use a digital recreation of Nancy Marchand was the most egregious misstep on The Sopranos.

Kaisha- I've defended 6a to a lot of people, and really believe it's an undervalued and misundertood group of episodes. With that said, Kaisha didn't really help my case. Granted it's not a bad episode, but it was questionable judgment to have such an uneventful episode be the last one before a nearly year-long break.

[Splishak]

I can't connect the episodes you describe with the name of the episode. Perhaps if you give a one sentence summary as to what the epi was about, it would help identify to which epi you refer. The title of the epi should be enough, but I just don't have a list handy that gives a brief overview of the epi for each title.

One epi that comes to my mind as being "least favorite" was the one that centered around the feds trying to plant the bug in the basement. It just didn't seem to advance the story line at all and provided little or no entertainment.

In general, most epis that have a lot of Janice tend to make me hit the fast forward. IMO, the character she portrays is very repulsive. Her voice is repulsive and I'd like to see a lot less of her character, in general. My reasons? We learned very quickly that Janice is a very selfish character but not clever enough to disguise her grasping from others. So, many of her attempts to manipulate others just fall flat. We see right through them and they tend to be boring as well as ineffective. After the first few times that happens, the entertainment value just disappears and it gets very boring very quickly. I realize that is just a generalization. But i think it is also the truth.

[AJColossal]

Wow, I really disagree about Janice. I think Aida Turturro is fabulous on the show.

When people say they hate people like AJ, Meadow, and Janice, you have to remember the characters they are depicting. They all do a good job of portyaying people who have enjoyed certain fringe benefits of the mafia lifestyle, so they are naturally going to be selfish and spoiled.

I think it wouldn't be realistic to portray them really any other way.

[WhoeverDidThis1130]

Wow the differences of opinions by fans of the show amazes me.

Personally, not only do I think Adia Turturro as Janice is one of the best actresses on the show (you're supposed to hate her, that means she's doing an excellent job), but 4 of the 5 episodes JOHNNYBOYM put on his hate list are some of my favorites. (Although I am partial to the dream sequences on the Sopranos so that's why I LOVE Test Dream and Employee and Join the Club, and I also think University is a fabulous episode). But hey, at least we all agree that Sopranos amazing.

Personally, I think "Full Leather Jacket" is one of my least favorite episodes, even though I still think it's pretty damn good (Proval as Richie is great and Christopher getting shot at the end is intense).

Also, "In Camelot" comes to mind simply because I thought that Johnny Boy's old comare was quite creepy (I know she's supposed to be, but it's still weird). Even though Buschemi directed it (I believe) and I really like the Tony flashbacks to when he was a teenager.


All in all, it's extremely hard to pick the "worst" episodes of such an amazing show. I would like more imput because I'm trying to find episodes that I haven't seen in a while because I watch Sopranos wayyy too much.

[WhistlingInTheWheatfield]

This thread is tough, but interesting. I love so many episodes in the series run, I can only think of a couple that I didn't find some entertainment value out of.

"In Camelot"- Season 5- I love season 5, but to me this episode was a stinker. It was already posted, about how creepy Johnny Boy's old goomar was. The whole story was uninteresting to me and is the only thing I can recall from memory about this episode. Proving my theory that it took away any other shining moments that may have existed in this episode. There was however one good/memorable thing that came out of this episode. When Tony found out from her about money that Phil was still making off the land that Johnny once owned that Tony never knew about. This led to the first bad blood that developed between Tony and Phil and led to Tony running Phil off the road, injuring his neck and damaging his car. If the series comes down to NJ (Tony) vs NY (Phil), it would be interesting because this is the episode where it all started with these two. So even when The Sopranos aren't that good, you still get something important out of it, go figure.

"Kaisha"- Season 6A- I'm not the type that needs to see someone get clipped to think an episode is great, I appreciate the show for a lot more reasons than that. The humor, family stuff, therapy sessions, anticipation that anything can happen, great writing and character development, attention to detail. All of those things make the show great in addition to a well placed "hit" at the right time, but in "Kaisha" they owed us something more. This was by all extents a season finale, as it was the last episode for almost a year and nothing happened. I understand the scene at the end was supposed to signify peace, almost like a calm before the storm of what will probably come, but the scene of Tony Soprano in a beret, around the Christmas Tree is probably one I could have done without. It would have been an okay episode in the middle of the season, but for a finale it was kind of weak.

[billyp]

Not one particular episode, but the storyline of Vito going to New Hampshire was like taking a character of minor importance and giving him his own spin-off. I think it plays little importance in the series as a whole. The fact that Vito is gay and causes a rift between NY & NJ is important, but could have been simplified. I think Chase was stretching his storyline to accommodate one more season. (or 1/2 season).

[Splishak]

I have to agree with WITWF about Camelot. I found the whole story boring - except for the scene with Tony and Phil.

Has anyone ever posted about the connection between the name "Kaisha" in season 6 and an episode back in season 4 when Chris has two black guys whacked because they were going to hit Johnny Sac? Just before the hit, Chris gave them their money and cancelled the hit. One of them turned to the other and said, "Better tell Kaisha".

Any chance that could be the same Kaisha in season 6? It was said, again, by some black guy who said something about his gf Kaisha.

[WhistlingInTheWheatfield]

Has anyone ever posted about the connection between the name "Kaisha" in season 6 and an episode back in season 4 when Chris has two black guys whacked because they were going to hit Johnny Sac? Just before the hit, Chris gave them their money and cancelled the hit. One of them turned to the other and said, "Better tell Kaisha".

Any chance that could be the same Kaisha in season 6? It was said, again, by some black guy who said something about his gf Kaisha.[/QUOTE]

I bet that is the backstory for how Christopher came up with the name for his made up goomar, so Tony wouldn't know about Julianna.

[m6c3]

Love all of them, but if I had to pick my least favorite I would probably go with Sentimental Education. Focused a lot on Carm and Wegler, instead of on T...

[khope07]

In Camelot and Marco Polo

[Junior]

The one where Tony's in a coma & has too many flashbacks...no likey.

[Splishak]

Darn! There are so many threads for which I'd like to just change the concept a little. Like this one, for example. I'd like to either change it to "Least Favorite Scenes" or maybe have a new thread for that. But, it just don't seem right to start a new thread for every tiny little difference between an existing thread and one that I'd like.

So, let me say this here and perhaps if people feel strongly about it, maybe someone will start a new thread for "Least Favorite Scenes".

Many of my least favorite scenes involve Meadow. Scenes between Meadow and Finn are one example. I think they are just so boring. Remember the scene in Unidentified Black Males where Finn brought out a suitcase and Meadow started to howl and wail about it? It seems to me there were several scenes between the two of them in that episode and I found them all very boring.

I can't say the entire episode is one of my least favorites though because I enjoyed the sub-plot about Tony B and his limp and the conflict between Tony S. and Johnny Sac. Johnny Sac's performance in this episode is one of his best ever and that is saying a whole lot - considering that he is one of the very best actors in this entire show. Besides, a great many people whose opinions I very much respect have said this is one of their favorite episodes. So, I need to see it another time or two before making up my mind.

In general, any episode in which Johnny Sac has a significant role is bound to be one of my favorites. Vincent Curatola has such a believable Mafia-like presence, I just buy whatever he's selling - hook, line and sinker!

[m6c3]

Nice idea about a seperate thread for least favorite scenes!! Maybe have one for favorite scenes too?? I disagree with you about Meadow. I feel as though she is Tony's favorite person, which I think makes her interesting just for that reason... Those 2 have shared a lot of great scenes. One of them is (season 2?) when she comes in late one night and he is sitting at the kitchen table. T's drunk, and they have a talk. He asks her if she knows that he loves her. And T tells her that he tells people that she takes after Carm, but really she's all him... I always loved that scene. Another interesting one is when Meadow throws that party at Livia's house, then he goes over later to get the locks changed, and she was on her hands and knees scrubbing the floor... In the Pilot when they were in the church together was a good one. On the college trip, lots of good stuff with her. The blowup scene she had with T, when he told her he didn't want her to go to Europe. Her talk with AJ, after Livia dies, helping him with the Robert Frost homework.

[AJColossal]

Good idea about least favorite scenes. My leats favorite scenes I felt were when a moment rang false on the show.

* CGI Livia-by far my least favorite scene in the entire series. 'Nuff said.

* The scenes where Silvio made a stink about the Columbus Day protests.

*The flashback Christmas episode scene where the kid says "fuck you, Santa!" A lot of that episode seemed forced to me.

That's all for now.

[HitmanFurio]

Not one particular episode, but the storyline of Vito going to New Hampshire was like taking a character of minor importance and giving him his own spin-off. I think it plays little importance in the series as a whole. The fact that Vito is gay and causes a rift between NY & NJ is important, but could have been simplified. I think Chase was stretching his storyline to accommodate one more season. (or 1/2 season).

I agree.
They gave Vito all that time.
I would have preferred seeing
a more in depth look at Sil or Paulie.
I just didn't like the Vito character at all.

[Garth]

I have to agree with WITWF about Camelot. I found the whole story boring - except for the scene with Tony and Phil.

I wouldn't say Camelot was my LEAST favorite episode ever...I think i might need to think on that question a bit longer. But to comment on "In Camelot", I am not a hug fan of the episode, but I absolutely love how the episode leaves Tony...sitting in the Bing surrounded by the guys after lying to their face about the kind of woman Johnny's goomar was. The camera closes in on Tony's face, and you see the cracks in Johnny's foundation start to take their toll on T's psyche, as he takes a shot of his drink and puffs his cigar. Just beautiful and tragic at the same time. This is a theme which is now being explored quite a bit in the most recent episodes, so I think it is important for that reason alone. Doesn't mean it couldn't have been improved on, just means, it has it's moment to shine, imo.

[Garth]

I agree.
They gave Vito all that time.
I would have preferred seeing
a more in depth look at Sil or Paulie.
I just didn't like the Vito character at all.

Well, if you think about it, they gave Vito all thatsolo time, which they have never even given any other character on the show. The closest I can think of is Chris's movie project, but (despite my feelings on that) even that is somewhat interesting. Vito's story was not. It was poorly acted, written, and executed. I just knew the whole time he was going to be killed at some point. It definitely seemed like filler. Vito isn't bad as a background character, but solo screen time? Not my idea of Sopranos. And it has nothing to do with the gay revelation. For the record, "Unidentified Black Males" is one of my favorite episodes. I just didn't like how far they felt like they needed to push that storyline. All very forced.

[AJColossal]

re-posted accidentally

[HitmanFurio]

Well, if you think about it, they gave Vito all thatsolo time, which they have never even given any other character on the show. The closest I can think of is Chris's movie project, but (despite my feelings on that) even that is somewhat interesting. Vito's story was not. It was poorly acted, written, and executed. I just knew the whole time he was going to be killed at some point. It definitely seemed like filler. Vito isn't bad as a background character, but solo screen time? Not my idea of Sopranos. And it has nothing to do with the gay revelation. For the record, "Unidentified Black Males" is one of my favorite episodes. I just didn't like how far they felt like they needed to push that storyline. All very forced.

I agree.

Other than Tony,
and possibly Chris-
Vito was given the most screen time.
And it's not a gay issue,
I just didn't find Vito charismatic.
I would have loved to have seen
Paulie or Sil fleshed out more
with the time devoted to Vito.

[AJColossal]

If we're talking about storylines, the Vito storyline wasn't necessarily my favorite, but I thought it was better acted and presented than something like the Jackie jr. storyline.

A lot of the Vito storyline hate comes from it being introduced in the last group of episodes and people not expecting that kind of drawn-out storyline with a minor character so late in the series. And I'm not saying it happened in these parts, but the fact that it was a gay storyline turned off a lot of the neanderthal types that watch the show, which to me was worth the price of admission right there. :icon_rolleyes:

I also really don't get why people say it was "filler". Filler is something you do that's safe and bland to pad things, but there was nothing safe about it. They knew it was going to be controversial. Whether you think he completely succeeded or not, introducing a gay storyline into a mafia show was probably one of the bravest things Chase ever attempted.

Plus, when it's all said and done, I think the series as a whole will be stronger for attempting something different like the Vito storyline, as opposed to introducing something the series had already done before, like a new baddy for Tony to butt heads with.

[Shawerma]

one of the worst episodes ever was the first episode of season 3 it was very bad this was the one where the fbi are bugging the sopranos house.It was very lame.

[Murasaki]

In the whole run of the show, I thought there were only maybe two or so episodes that I didn't think were good. The one that comes to my mind at the moment is Legend of Tennessee Moltisante. Seriously, when I saw that I thought they must have brought in some horrible guest writer. I was very surprised when I saw that it was by Frank Renzulli and David Chase, who are usually so brilliant. Between Chris's screenplay and Melfi's dinner, the whole episode came off to me as far too self-referential. Don't get me wrong, I think self-reference can be a good tool in certain contexts, but only if it's both funny and put in a show that doesn't take itself seriously enough for it to be jarring. Plus the whole thing with Melfi confronting the moral ambiguities of treating her patient could have been really interesting, but they way they did it was just so contrived. "Don't use offensive language." "Oh, my God! You must be treating someone in the Mafia!"

To be fair, there was one scene in that episode I really liked - the one with Tony and Christopher in the car. But, to me, that was its one redeeming factor.

[pezzanovante]

No one mentioned "A Hit is a Hit"? Wow

[richjcrouch]

I really like 'A hit is a hit'.

For quite a few reasons, but mainly for the scene where Chris and Ade have just got home after the party, and she undresses and dances to Bon Jovi!

I know it's not as deep as most reasons to love episodes, but I cannot lie, I enjoyed seeing Adrianna wearing very little! :icon_biggrin:

[biker2]

I agree.
They gave Vito all that time.
I would have preferred seeing
a more in depth look at Sil or Paulie.
I just didn't like the Vito character at all.

I have been re-watching all the Vito saga and I must agree that it was overly extended, perhaps to fulfill a contract or make sure the season had enough episodes. On the other hand, I think the writing remained true to the quality we expected, viz. Vito shooting the other accident driver, showing that he continues to have no scruples at all (recall he shot Jackie Jr)...the gossiping amongst the crew and Carmela and Ro...Phil "coming out" of the closet before the beating...extended, yes. But not a waste!

[Jpit]

Something like this:

"Boca" (Season 1)
"A Hit Is A Hit" (Season 1)
"Calling All Cars" (Season 4)
"Rat Pack" (Season 5)
"In Camelot" (Season 5)
"Chasing It" (Season 6B)
"Made In America" (Season 6B)

...and almost the whole Season 6A.

[JLTucker]

A Hit is a Hit is a ghastly episode. It is so boring.