The Sopranos, "All Time Favorite Episode" - The Finals

[Detective Hunt]

Given that we wish to keep the forum alive following the final episode of The Sopranos, one of the activities planned is to run a "Sweet Sixteen" tournament to determine the all time favorite episode. There was some discussion of the concept in this thread (http://www.thechaselounge.net/showthread.php?t=1575) so head over there to comment on the structure and read through what's been said already.

In coming up with the episodes that would compete, I have picked the winner in each of the various season polls, the runner up for those polls and in two cases, the third highest vote getter (if it received a higher percentage over other third place finishers and had more total votes.) For the second half of season 6, I picked two of the three 10s that have been rewarded through garthman's polls. This last is due to season 6 as a whole having more entries than other seasons, and having more total episodes. I thought it fair to have 4 of 20 episodes (not counting the finale.) In the finale's case, I felt that we should exclude it for a couple of reasons. One, to get a fair idea of where it ranks, we would need to wait at least a week to get a sample size equal to the other 6b episodes, and that many might automatically give it a 10 since it is the final episode ever. I struggled with this as I wanted each and every episode to compete, but in the end, decided that for many, the last ever episode might hold a special place in their hearts and minds and thus to proceed to see where the rest of them place.

In doing so, I have arrived at this list (seeded according to their votes and percentages):

1. The Blue Comet (a 10 receiving 96 total votes and 61% of the vote)
2. Pine Barrens (#1 for season 3 with 54% of vote)
3. Funhouse (#1 for season 2 with 48% of vote)
4. Whitecaps (#1 for season 4 with 47% of vote)
5. The Test Dream (tied for #1 for season 5 with 36% of vote)
6. Long Term Parking (tied for #1 for season 5 with 36% of vote)
7. Members Only (#1 for season 6a with 29% of vote)
8. College (#1 for season 1 with 23% of vote)
9. Join the Club (#2 for season 6a with 21% of vote)
10. The Sopranos, The Pilot (#2 for season 1 with 21% of vote)
11. Whoever Did This (#2 for season 4 with 19% of vote)
12. Employee of the Month (#2 for season 3 with 14% of vote)
13. From Where to Eternity (#2 for season 2 with 13% of vote)
14. Kennedy and Heidi (a 10 receiving 35 total votes and 31% of the vote)
15. Isabella (#3 for season 1 with 13% of vote)
16. Proshai, Livushka (#3 for season 3 with 11% of vote)

Note that Kennedy and Heidi is the fourth episode from season 6 and thus placed in the order it is to provide some fairness for the other seasons. As well, ties have been structured such that no episode can compete with another from its same season in the initial sweet sixteen. With the above, we have a great collection of episodes that can go toe to toe with any episode of any program in the history of television. Our job over the next few weeks is to whittle those down to one all time favorite for this forum.

(And a special note to lurkers - don't be afraid to sign up and vote. We'd love to hear your opinions. :smile:)

Follow Link for Round 1 (http://www.thechaselounge.net/showthread.php?p=18865#post18865)
Follow Link for Round 2 (http://www.thechaselounge.net/showthread.php?p=20580#post20580)
Follow Link for Semi-Finals (http://www.thechaselounge.net/showthread.php?p=21076#post21076)
Follow Link for Finals (http://www.thechaselounge.net/showthread.php?p=21287#post21287)

[Detective Hunt]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/cozby69/SopranosBracketsRound1.jpg

* * *

The Sopranos – Sweet Sixteen:

Bracket A: #1 The Blue Comet (season 6b) vs. #16 Proshai, Livushka (season 3)

Bracket B: #3 Funhouse (season 2) vs. # 14 Kennedy and Heidi (season 6b)

Bracket C: #5 The Test Dream (season 5) vs. #12 Employee of the Month (season 3)

Bracket D: #7 Members Only (season 6a) vs. #10 The Pilot (season 1)


Bracket E: #2 Pines Barrens (season 3) vs. #15 Isabella (season 1)

Bracket F: #4 Whitecaps (season 4) vs. #13 From Where to Eternity (season 2)

Bracket G: #6 Long Term Parking (season 5) vs. #11 Whoever Did This (season 4)

Bracket H: #8 College (season 1) vs. #9 Join the Club (season 6a)


* * *

Choose one from each of the above brackets listing the episode name next to the corresponding bracket letter. This 1st round will last until Saturday, June 16th when I will compile the votes and begin the 2nd round.

Happy voting and enjoy.

[Detective Hunt]

To get the voting started, I'll offer my two boxes of ziti:


Bracket A: #1 The Blue Comet

Bracket B: #3 Funhouse

Bracket C: #5 The Test Dream

Bracket D: #10 The Pilot


Bracket E: #15 Isabella

Bracket F: #4 Whitecaps

Bracket G: #11 Whoever Did This

Bracket H: #9 Join the Club

[Garth]

What a great set-up, DH!!! Thanks so much for this! Looks amazing. As I was glancing over the pair-ups, I was having a hard time deciding, between many of the contenders, which is a credit to your brackets! Ok, here goes...

Bracket A: The Blue Comet

Bracket B: Funhouse

Bracket C: Employee of the Month

Bracket D: The Pilot

Bracket E: Pine Barrens

Bracket F: Whitecaps

Bracket G: Longterm Parking

Bracket H: Join the Club

[billymac]

DH: Great Idea, Great Look and Great Matchups:

Bracket A: The Blue Comet
Bracket B: Funhouse
Bracket C: The Test Dream
Bracket D: The Pilot
Bracket E: Pine Barrens
Bracket F: From Where to Eternity
Bracket G: Long Term Parking
Bracket H: College

Although there are many tough matchups here, for me the hardest choice was Bracket H (College v. Join the Club)

[bobC]

The Sopranos – Sweet Sixteen:

Bracket A: The Blue Comet
Bracket B: Kennedy and Heidi
Bracket C: Employee of the Month
Bracket D: Members Only
Bracket E: Isabella
Bracket F: Whitecaps
Bracket G: Long Term Parking
Bracket H: College

[AJColossal]

Those were some TOUGH choices, and it's only going to get harder next round!

A-The Blue Comet
B-Kennedy & Heidi
C-Employee of the Month
D-The Pilot
E-Isabella
F-From Where to Eternity
G-Whoever Did This
H-Join the Club

[billymac]

Also, is there no chance that Made In America could be considered as the best episode? No way for it to get on the ballot?

If Made in America becomes an instant classic then maybe there can be a second tier of "Sweet 16", like the NIT with the Overall winner from the 1st round meeting the overall winner from the 2nd round for honors as the best episode ever!

[PFloyd69]

A: Blue Comet
B: Funhouse
C: Employee of the Month
D: The Pilot
E: Isabella
F: Whitecaps
G: Whoever Did This
H: College

C,E,F, and G were close ones.

[PFloyd69]

If Made in America becomes an instant classic then maybe there can be a second tier of "Sweet 16", like the NIT with the Overall winner form the 1st round meeting the overall winner from the 2nd round for honors as the best episode ever!

I might as well use this opportunity to give a shoutout to some of my favorite eps that didn't make the final 16.


Pax Soprana(1)
Big Girls Don't Cry(2)
The Knight in White Satin Armor(2)
For All Debts Public and Private (4)
The Weight(4)
Stage 5(6)
Walk Like a Man(6)

[Testa de Merda]

The Sopranos – Sweet Sixteen: My votes

Bracket A: #1 The Blue Comet (season 6b)

Bracket B: #3 Funhouse (season 2)

Bracket C: #5 The Test Dream (season 5)

Bracket D: #10 The Pilot (season 1)

Bracket E: #2 Pines Barrens (season 3)

Bracket F: #13 From Where to Eternity (season 2)

Bracket G: #6 Long Term Parking (season 5)

Bracket H: #8 College (season 1)

[madribub]

Questions before I vote:

Can we opt to not vote for a particular bracket, or does that throw things off? Also, does the fact that less time has passed between S6 and now give the other seasons a leg up? It almost doesn't seem fair to S6 or the other season's eps. Hope I'm not breaking the flow of voting.

[Detective Hunt]

Questions before I vote:

Can we opt to not vote for a particular bracket, or does that throw things off? Also, does the fact that less time has passed between S6 and now give the other seasons a leg up? It almost doesn't seem fair to S6 or the other season's eps. Hope I'm not breaking the flow of voting.
I suppose if you don't want to vote for a bracket, you don't have to. I know some are tough choices, but that's the fun - trying to pick just one. :smile: As for time, it can't be helped, unfortunately. We wanted to make sure and run this as close to the finale as possible so plenty of members see it.

[FlyOnMelfisWall]

I copied the brackets and have put my choices in orange. I have to say brackets A and C broke my heart. I feel like Sophie in Sophie's Choice:icon_sad::

Bracket A: #1 The Blue Comet (season 6b) vs. #16 Proshai, Livushka (season 3)

Bracket B: #3 Funhouse (season 2) vs. # 14 Kennedy and Heidi (season 6b)

Bracket C: #5 The Test Dream (season 5) vs. #12 Employee of the Month (season 3)

Bracket D: #7 Members Only (season 6a) vs. #10 The Pilot (season 1)


Bracket E: #2 Pines Barrens (season 3) vs. #15 Isabella (season 1)

Bracket F: #4 Whitecaps (season 4) vs. #13 From Where to Eternity (season 2)

Bracket G: #6 Long Term Parking (season 5) vs. #11 Whoever Did This (season 4)

Bracket H: #8 College (season 1) vs. #9 Join the Club (season 6a)

[tomahawk]

A: The Blue Comet
B: Funhouse (tough call!)
C: The Test Dream
D: Members Only
E: Pine Barrens
F: Whitecaps
G: Long Term Parking
H: College

Best episode not listed - I Dream of Jeanie Cusomano - season 1

[dad1153]

No to be a party pooper, but shouldn't we be doing this AFTER "Made in America" is over? It could still turn out to be an outstanding show worth putting ahead of "The Blue Comet."

[Detective Hunt]

No to be a party pooper, but shouldn't we be doing this AFTER "Made in America" is over? It could still turn out to be an outstanding show worth putting ahead of "The Blue Comet."
I mentioned that in the first post. :smile:

[Pork Store]

Bracket A: The Blue Comet
Bracket B: Funhouse
Bracket C:Employee of the Month (I'm so sorry Test Dream! I still love you.)
Bracket D:The Pilot
Bracket E: Pines Barrens
Bracket F: From Where to Eternity
Bracket G:Long Term Parking
Bracket H:Join the Club

[Splishak]

Bracket A: The Blue Comet
Bracket B: Kennedy and Heidi
Bracket C: Abstain
Bracket D: Members Only
Bracket E: Isabella
Bracket F: Whitecaps
Bracket G: Whoever Did This
Bracket H: Made in America

Sorry. But when it comes to Bracket H, I have to reject both "College" and "Join the Club" in favor of a "ballot write-in" for "Made In America". You certainly have my permission to change my vote in Bracket H to "Abstain" if you are unable to handle my attempt to "write in" "Made In America."

[bacala2258]

Bracket A: The Blue Comet
Bracket B: Funhouse
Bracket C: Test Dream
Bracket D: Members Only
Bracket E: Pines Barrens
Bracket F: Whitecaps
Bracket G: Long Term Parking
Bracket H: College

[cob]

Bracket A: The Blue Comet

Bracket B: Funhouse

Bracket C: The Test Dream

Bracket D:Members Only


Bracket E: Pines Barrens

Bracket F: Whitecaps

Bracket G: Long Term Parking

Bracket H: Join the Club

[madribub]

A: Proshai, Livushka
B: Funhouse
C: Test Dream
D: Pilot
E: Isabella
F: From Where to Eternity
G: Long Term Parking
H: College

Goodness, goodness, that was tough, especially between Long Term Parking and Whoever Did This. That was the only one I couldn't go with an objective point of view on when my subjective reactions were toe to toe.

[MrMojok]

A: The Blue Comet (very difficult as PL is also a favorite of mine)
B: Funhouse
C: Employee of the Month
D: Pilot
E: Pine Barrens
F: From Where to Eternity
G: Long Term Parking
H: College

[jouster]

Bracket A: The Blue Comet
Bracket B: Funhouse
Bracket C: The Test Dream
Bracket D: The Pilot
Bracket E: Isabella
Bracket F: Whitecaps
Bracket G: Long Term Parking
Bracket H: Join the Club

[josh22]

Bracket A: The Blue Comet
Bracket B: Funhouse
Bracket C: The Test Dream
Bracket D: The Pilot
Bracket E: Pine Barrens
Bracket F: Whitecaps
Bracket G: Long Term Parking
Bracket H: College

Pine Barrens a definite based on it's portrayal and development of the hilarious relationship between Christopher and Paulie. :icon_biggrin:

However, the flipside was the never-ending speculation over the return of the Russian which came from it! :icon_neutral:

[JonnySoprano]

First of all great work, this is a top-notch thread and DH i must say thanks for creating it. My vote is:

The Blue Comet (season 6b)

Funhouse (season 2)

Employee of the Month (season 3)

The Pilot (season 1)


Pines Barrens (season 3)

From Where to Eternity (season 2)

Whoever Did This (season 4)

College (season 1)

[terrencewintersolstice]

I can't believe you put Long Term Parking and Whoever Did this against each other. Probably my too favorite episodes.


The Sopranos – Sweet Sixteen:

Bracket A: #1 The Blue Comet (season 6b)

Bracket B: #3 Funhouse (season 2)
Bracket C: #5 The Test Dream (season 5)

Bracket D: #7 Members Only (season 6a)


Bracket E: #15 Isabella (season 1)

Bracket F: #4 Whitecaps (season 4)

Bracket G: #6 Long Term Parking (season 5)

Bracket H: #8 College (season 1)

[madribub]

If Made in America becomes an instant classic then maybe there can be a second tier of "Sweet 16", like the NIT with the Overall winner form the 1st round meeting the overall winner from the 2nd round for honors as the best episode ever!

I might as well use this opportunity to give a shoutout to some of my favorite eps that didn't make the final 16.


Pax Soprana(1)
Big Girls Don't Cry(2)
The Knight in White Satin Armor(2)
For All Debts Public and Private (4)
The Weight(4)
Stage 5(6)
Walk Like a Man(6)

Here are my faves that didn't make the list.

Legend Of Tennessee Molitisanti
Boca
Commendatori
D-Girl
Knight in White Satin Armor
Fortunate Son
University
The Telltale Moozadell
Amour Fou
Army of One
No Show
The Weight
Pie O My
Everybody Hurts
Mergers and Acquisitions
Eloise
Irregular Around the Margins
Cold Cuts
All Due Respect
(Hell almost every single episode from S5)

[sopranology]

great idea:icon_mrgreen:

Bracket A: #1 The Blue Comet (season 6b)
Bracket B: #3 Funhouse (season 2)
Bracket C: #5 The Test Dream (season 5)
Bracket D: #10 The Sopranos (season 1)
Bracket E: #2 Pines Barrens (season 3)
Bracket F: #4 Whitecaps (season 4)
Bracket G: #6 Long Term Parking (season 5)
Bracket H: #8 College (season 1)


Bracket G turned out to be the battle of the whacks, Ralphie vs. Adrianna

[WhistlingInTheWheatfield]

A) The Blue Comet over Proshai Livushka

B) Funhouse over Kennedy and Heidi

C) The Test Dream over Employee Of The Month- (Tough Choice!)

D) The Pilot over Members Only

E) Isabella over Pine Barrens- (Great ep, but I got tired of hearing about the Russian)

F) From Where To Eternity over WhiteCaps

G) Long Term Parking over Whoever Did This- (Ohh what a tough match-up, both eps rank in my top 3 favorite eps, didn't think I would have to chose between them this soon!)

H) College over Join The Club

[Universal Polymath]

Man, this one took awhile, all are excellent choices!


Bracket A: The Blue Comet

Bracket B: Funhouse

Bracket C: The Test Dream

Bracket D: The Pilot

Bracket E: Pine Barrens

Bracket F: Whitecaps

Bracket G: Long Term Parking

Bracket H: Join the Club

[The Russian]

Bracket A: The Blue Comet
Bracket B: Funhouse
Bracket C: The Test Dream
Bracket D: The Pilot
Bracket E: Pine Barrens
Bracket F: Whitecaps
Bracket G: Long Term Parking
Bracket H: College

[lordroad]

Bracket A: Proshai, Livushka

Bracket B: Funhouse

Bracket C: The Test Dream

Bracket D: The Pilot

Bracket E: Pines Barrens

Bracket F: From Where to Eternity

Bracket G: Whoever Did This

Bracket H: College

[rover96]

Bracket A: The Blue Comet

Bracket B: Kennedy and Heidi

Bracket C: The Test Dream

Bracket D: Members Only

Bracket E: Pine Barrens

Bracket F: Whitecaps

Bracket G: Long Term Parking

Bracket H: Join the Club

[c2h5oh]

A) The Blue Comet
B) Funhouse
C) The Test Dream
D) Members Only
E) Pine Barrens
F) From Where To Eternity
G) Whoever Did This
H) College

I am missing "Unidentified Black Males"

[patriquem]

A - The Blue Comet
B - Kennedy and Heidi
C - The Test Dream
D - Members Only
E - Pine Barrens
F - Whitecaps
G - Whoever Did This
H - Join the Club

[Rike]

Bracket A: #1 The Blue Comet

Bracket B: #3 Funhouse

Bracket C: #5 The Test Dream

Bracket D: #7 Members Only


Bracket E: #2 Pines Barrens

Bracket F: #4 Whitecaps

Bracket G: #6 Long Term Parking

Bracket H: #8 College

[Monny]

Bracket A: The Blue Comet
Bracket B: Funhouse
Bracket C: The Test Dream
Bracket D: Members Only
Bracket E: Pine Barrens
Bracket F: Whitecaps
Bracket G: Whoever Did This
Bracket H: Join the Club

[Unique]

The Sopranos – Sweet Sixteen:

Bracket A: #1 The Blue Comet (season 6b)

Bracket B: # 14 Kennedy and Heidi (season 6b)

Bracket C: #5 The Test Dream (season 5)

Bracket D: #10 The Pilot (season 1)

Bracket E: #2 Pines Barrens (season 3)

Bracket F: #4 Whitecaps (season 4)

Bracket G: #6 Long Term Parking (season 5)

Bracket H: #8 College (season 1)


PS. Why isn't "Made in America" included in the brackets?:confused: :eek:

[elliott]

Hi DH,

I've been a lurker here for some time now - I've thoroughly enjoyed spending time here, it's a fantastic community of fans.

Thank you for your gracious invitation to participate in the "all time favorites" round!

Bracket A: #1 The Blue Comet (season 6b)
Bracket B: #3 Funhouse (season 2)
Bracket C: #5 The Test Dream (season 5)
Bracket D: #10 The Pilot (season 1)
Bracket E: #2 Pine Barrens (season 3)
Bracket F: #4 Whitecaps (season 4)
Bracket G: #6 Long Term Parking (season 5)
Bracket H: #8 College (season 1)

Man, some of these were really tough choices, most notably Brackets C, D, and E -- Employee of the Month, Isabella, and Members Only are such fantastic episodes! It was heartbreaking to cast a vote against a one of 'em, I tell ya.

[Detective Hunt]

PS. Why isn't "Made in America" included in the brackets?:confused: :eek:
Explained in the first post of this thread.

[cold x]

Bracket A: #1 The Blue Comet
Bracket B: #3 Funhouse
Bracket C: #5 The Test Dream (season 5)
Bracket D: #7 Members Only (season 6a)
Bracket E: #2 Isabella
Bracket F: #4 Whitecaps
Bracket G: #6 Long Term Parking (season 5)
Bracket H: #9 Join the Club (season 6a)

Bracket E was very tough., along with several others. Went with Isabella as a fine eg of the style and tone of the first season. But nealy went with Pine Barrens if for nothing else than my initial response to seeing Steve Buscemi's name in the credids of my favourite show.

[Rob]

Bracket A: Proshai Livushka
Bracket B: Funhouse
Bracket C: The Test Dream
Bracket D: The Pilot
Bracket E: Pine Barrens
Bracket F: Whitecaps
Bracket G: Long Term Parking
Bracket H: College

[Detective Hunt]

Great voting numbers folks!

A reminder - there is just about 24 more hours to get your votes in for round 1. At around noon tomorrow, I will close this thread in order to count the votes and set up round 2. And then on Sunday the 17th we'll debut the brackets and reopen the thread for voting. I figured it would be nice to honor Sopranos Sundays. :icon_biggrin:

So get those last minute votes in. And there are still some close brackets so each and evey vote is improtant.

[Detective Hunt]

Only 3 more hours to vote. Get them in while you still can. :icon_mrgreen:

As a reminder, here are the brackets:

The Sopranos – Sweet Sixteen:

Bracket A: #1 The Blue Comet (season 6b) vs. #16 Proshai, Livushka (season 3)

Bracket B: #3 Funhouse (season 2) vs. # 14 Kennedy and Heidi (season 6b)

Bracket C: #5 The Test Dream (season 5) vs. #12 Employee of the Month (season 3)

Bracket D: #7 Members Only (season 6a) vs. #10 The Pilot (season 1)


Bracket E: #2 Pines Barrens (season 3) vs. #15 Isabella (season 1)

Bracket F: #4 Whitecaps (season 4) vs. #13 From Where to Eternity (season 2)

Bracket G: #6 Long Term Parking (season 5) vs. #11 Whoever Did This (season 4)

Bracket H: #8 College (season 1) vs. #9 Join the Club (season 6a)

[Detective Hunt]

OK, voting closed. Stay tuned for Sopranos Sunday when we debut round 2. :icon_biggrin:

[Detective Hunt]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/cozby69/SopranosBracketsRound2.jpg

The Sopranos – Eight Excellent Episodes

Bracket A: The Blue Comet (season 6b) vs. Funhouse (season 2)

Bracket B: The Test Dream (season 5) vs. The Sopranos Pilot (season 1)

Bracket C: Pine Barrens (season 3) vs. Whitecaps (season 4)

Bracket D: Long Term Parking (season 5) vs. College (season 1)

* * *

[Detective Hunt]

Bracket A:

The Blue Comet (season 6b) vs. Funhouse (season 2)

The Blue Comet (Dir: Alan Taylor; Writers: David Chase and Matthew Weiner)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/cozby69/TheBlueComet.jpg

The allegiance of those closest to Tony is put to the test when Phil asks some of Tony's men to switch sides in preparation for the coming war. A case of mistaken identity has serious ramifications as war erupts between New York and New Jersey.


Funhouse (season 2) (Dir: John Patterson; Writers: David Chase and Todd A. Kessler)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/cozby69/Funhouse.jpg

Tony gets food poisoning the day before Meadow's graduation; while trying to recover, his dreams lead him to resurrect old suspicions about an old friend. The FBI executes a search warrant, and arrests Tony.

* * *

Bracket B:

The Test Dream (season 5) vs. The Sopranos Pilot (season 1)


The Test Dream (Dir: Allen Coulter; Writers: David Chase and Matthew Weiner)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/cozby69/TheTestDream.jpg

Tony checks into The Plaza Hotel for rest and relaxation but suffers from one of his recurring nightmares. Tony Blundetto takes unauthorized action, threatening to drag Jersey into the New York conflict.


The Sopranos Pilot (Dir: David Chase, Writer: David Chase)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/cozby69/ThePilot.jpg

Anthony Soprano, a capo in the DiMeo Crime Family, begins therapy with Dr. Jennifer Melfi after having anxiety attacks. His mother, Livia, refuses to move to a nursing home. Tony's Uncle Junior wants to use Tony's friend's restaurant as a location for a murder, but Tony prevents this by having the restaurant blown up. Christopher Moltisanti, Tony's nephew, murders the representative of a Czech mob that was trying to move in on the family waste management company.

* * *

[Detective Hunt]

Bracket C:

Pine Barrens (season 3) vs. Whitecaps (season 4)

Pine Barrens (Dir: Steve Buscemi; Writers: Terence Winter-teleplay, Tim Van Patten and Terence Winter-story)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/cozby69/PineBarrens.jpg

A standard collection goes horribly awry for Paulie and Christopher as they end up lost in the snowy Pine Barrens of South Jersey. Tony's relationship with Gloria starts to go south, as does that of Meadow and Jackie Jr.


Whitecaps (Dir: John Patterson; Writers: David Chase, Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/cozby69/Whitecaps.jpg

Junior's court case draws to a close. In an attempt to cheer up Carmela, Tony bids on a shore house for the family, but his efforts to save his marriage are swiftly undone. After a change of plans, Christopher is forced to deal with two would-be hitmen.

* * *

Bracket D:

Long Term Parking (season 5) vs. College (season 1)

Long Term Parking (Dir: Tim Van Patten; Writer: Terence Winter)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/cozby69/LongTermParking.jpg

After she tries to cover up a murder, Adriana is met with increasing demands from the FBI, with tragic consequences; Tony reconciles with Carmela. When calls for an absent Tony Blundetto’s blood are made, Tony makes a final stand for his cousin.


College (Dir: Allen Coulter; Writers: David Chase and Jim Manos, Jr.)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/cozby69/College.jpg

Tony and Meadow travel to Maine to visit colleges; and they discuss the nature of Tony's "business". Carmela fights the flu, and seeks comfort from Father Intintola after finding out that Tony's secret therapist is female. Tony comes across an old associate who has joined the Witness Protection Program and tracks him down for "business" purposes.

* * *

[Detective Hunt]

Voting is now open once again for Round 2 - Eight Excellent Episodes. This round will last until June 23rd when we will close the voting again and cont the votes and on June 24th, we will debut the semi-finals.

There were some good voting numbers this past week, no doubt assisted by the finale bringing so many people to the forum. 33 people voted in all and the only lopsided contest was sadly between The Blue Comet and Proshai, Livushka. The former took the contest 30 votes to 3 (and I say sad only because Proshai, Livushka is a favorite of mine.)

The closest races were strangely enough between season 6a and season 1 episodes. College took Join the Club with a 20 to 12 victory (and one abstain) and The Pilot episode pulled the only upset over Members Only with 21 votes to 12. This time season 1 tries to tackle season five. I dare say they'll both have a more difficult time of it.

As before, please list the bracket letter and the episode title next to that. And enjoy the week! Happy voting. :icon_mrgreen:

[josh22]

Bracket A: Funhouse

Bracket B: The Sopranos Pilot

Bracket C: Pine Barrens

Bracket D: Long Term Parking

[cob]

Bracket A: Funhouse

Bracket B: The Test Dream

Bracket C: Pine Barrens

Bracket D: Long Term Parking

[PFloyd69]

A: Blue Comet
B: The Pilot
C: Pine Barrens
D: College

[FlyOnMelfisWall]

Bracket A: Funhouse (season 2)

Bracket B: The Test Dream (season 5)

Bracket C: Whitecaps (season 4)

Bracket D: College (season 1)


Very sorry to see Join the Club lose in the first round, as it would have been very hard for me to vote any in the lower half bracket ahead of it.:icon_sad:

[bobC]

Bracket A: The Blue Comet

Bracket B: The Sopranos Pilot

Bracket C: Pine Barrens

Bracket D: Long Term Parking

[PFloyd69]

Very sorry to see Join the Club lose in the first round, as it would have been very hard for me to vote any in the lower half bracket ahead of it.

I don't feel the same way about "Join the Club" as some people do. I like all Sopranos episodes and Join the Club is no exception.

I just feel that when Tony first came out of the coma with his new lease on life, Join the Club could have been a "show changing" episode. Tony finally has redemption and see the drawbacks of a life of crime and greed. Obviously (unless I'm missing a bigger picture here) this life changing experience ended up being temporary and in the end proved that Tony, like most characters on this show, will not change.

In that sense it kind of makes it a big tease. I almost think that the eps. where Tony reverts BACK to his old ways are more telling because that reveals, to me, the real truth of this show-That these people, Tony in particular, are who they are. Do not, as a fan, expect a fairy tale happy ending.

I think that Joing the Club teased that fairy tale ending but it was not to be. So all in all, I guess I'm saying that i don't look back at the coma eps. as being as important because they ultimately didn't change anything. It was just a more drawn out tease that Tony would leave the life.


Now it was a well acted episode (By Gandolfini and Falco) but they all are IMO. It doesn't stand out to me as much knowing now how the show ended. Just my two cents and I obviously respect other people's different opinions on the ep.

I'll personally take Isabella and Blue Comet as my favorites.

[JonnySoprano]

My choices:

Funhouse (really difficult as in years to come this could be different. The blue comet was sheer briliance but im staying loyal to funhouse as it's one of my favourites)

The Pilot

Pine barrens

Long term parking (again really tough, just pips College purely down to the fact of the pivotal Adriana death)

[Universal Polymath]

Bracket A: The Blue Comet

Bracket B: The Pilot

Bracket C: Whitecaps

Bracket D: College

[sopranology]

DH, in round 2, you have #1 vs #3, #2 vs #4, #5 vs # 10, #6 vs # 8

Had we continued in bracket form, as is tradition, continuing the advantage to the higher seeds, (see this example (http://www.ncaasports.com/basketball/mens/brackets/viewable/2007))
the second round would've been:

#1 (Blue Comet) vs #8 (College), #2 (Pine Barrens) v #10( The Sopranos - winner of the 7-10 game), #3 (Funhouse) vs #6 (Long Term Parking), and #4 (Whitecaps) vs #5 (Test Dream)


Therefore, my choices would have been
A Blue Comet
B Pine Barrens
C Funhouse
D Whitecaps


Oh well, given the bracket choices you've given us, my choices are

A Funhouse
B The Sopranos
C Pine Barrens
D Long Term Parking

[Rob]

I was disappointed to see Proshai Livushka go down in the first round. It's one of my favorites of all time.

With that said, here are my remaining picks.....

Bracket A: Funhouse

Bracket B: The Pilot

Bracket C: Pine Barrens

Bracket D: Long Term Parking

Bracket D was a real tough call, between Long Term Parking and College.

[Garth]

Bracket A: Funhouse

Bracket B: The Pilot

Bracket C: Whitecaps

Bracket D: Longterm Parking

[chaunceey]

Bracket A - Funhouse

Bracket B - The Test Dream

Bracket C - Whitecaps

Bracket D - Long Term Parking

[cold x]

Bracket A: Funhouse (season 2)

Bracket B: The Test Dream (season 5)

Bracket C:Whitecaps (season 4)

Bracket D: Long Term Parking (season 5)

[Rike]

Bracket A: Funhouse (season 2)

Bracket B: The Sopranos Pilot (season 1)

Bracket C: Pine Barrens (season 3)

Bracket D: Long Term Parking (season 5)

[tomahawk]

A: Funhouse

B: The Test Dream

C: Whitecaps

D: Long Term Parking

I was very surprised that Member's Only didn't win. I thought that might win the whole banana.

[Detective Hunt]

DH, in round 2, you have #1 vs #3, #2 vs #4, #5 vs # 10, #6 vs # 8

Had we continued in bracket form, as is tradition, continuing the advantage to the higher seeds, (see this example (http://www.ncaasports.com/basketball/mens/brackets/viewable/2007))
the second round would've been:

#1 (Blue Comet) vs #8 (College), #2 (Pine Barrens) v #10( The Sopranos - winner of the 7-10 game), #3 (Funhouse) vs #6 (Long Term Parking), and #4 (Whitecaps) vs #5 (Test Dream)
I know next to nothing about basketball (unlike our fearless leader) and further, little about the bracket structure they use. I see the point of providing advantage, but at this point all eight episodes are of such high quality, I doubt seriously that any need the help of being seeded once again. Just my take. :smile:

[c2h5oh]

Funhouse
The Test Dream
Pine Barrens
Long Term Parking

[patriquem]

A - The Blue Comet
B - The Test Dream
C - Pine Barrens
D - Long Term Parking

[prof_d_boiz]

Bracket A: Blue Comet

Bracket B: Pilot

Bracket C: Whitecaps

Bracket D: College

[Philosopher's Muse]

Bracket A: Funhouse
Bracket B: The Sopranos Pilot
Bracket C: Pine Barrens
Bracket D: Long Term Parking

[AJColossal]

A. The Blue Comet

B. The Pilot

C. Whitecaps

D. Long Term Parking

[MrMojok]

A) Funhouse
B) Pilot
C) Whitecaps
D) College

[WhistlingInTheWheatfield]

A) THE BLUE COMET over FUNHOUSE- Tough call but the Bobby and Sil characters meant more to the series then Big Pussy, so Blue Comet is a more impactful ep.

B) THE PILOT over THE TEST DREAM- I love Test Dream, but the original episode is the one that kick started it all. Everything was so new and fresh.

C) WHITECAPS over PINE BARRENS- Pine is an awesome episode, probably the funniest ever, but it lost some luster because people wouldn't stop asking about the Russian Valery. Besides Whitecaps is a more powerful episode with Tony/Carm and would Tony help Johnny Sac take out Carmine or not which to me was a great underated storyline in season 4.

D) LONG TERM PARKING over COLLEGE- No knock against College, the first episode we see the dark side of Tony by killing someone, but "Parking" is one of the greatest episodes in the series highlighted by the amazing Adriana/ Christopher confession scene.

[gribber]

Bracket A: The Blue Comet
Bracket B: The Test Dream
Bracket C: Whitecaps
Bracket D: Long Term Parking

[Splishak]

A The Blue Comet

B The Test Dream

C Whitecaps

D Long Term Parking

[Detective Hunt]

Just a reminder - voting for round 2 will close tomorrow (I have not determined the exact time, but I think we can keep it open until later in the day while still allowing for me to take care of the admin stuff and have the next round ready for Sunday.)

I'll give an idea on what time the voting will close tomorrow morning. Once closed, stay tuned for our own Sopranos Sunday and the debut of the semi-finals on Sunday June 24th. :icon_biggrin:

[billymac]

1. Blue Comet
2. The Pilot
3. Pine Barrens
4. College

[Detective Hunt]

I can't believe I haven't voted myself. :icon_redface: Hmmm...tough choices all...

Bracket A: The Blue Comet (season 6b) vs. Funhouse (season 2)

Bracket B: The Test Dream (season 5) vs. The Sopranos Pilot (season 1)

Bracket C: Pine Barrens (season 3) vs. Whitecaps (season 4)

Bracket D: Long Term Parking (season 5) vs. College (season 1)

Choices in orange. :smile:

EDIT - Voting will close in ~12 hours.

[janicezany]

A - Blue Comet

B - Sopranos Pilot

C -White Caps

D - Long Term Parking

[Detective Hunt]

Wasting this post # so the Semi-Finals appears at the top of the next page.

[Detective Hunt]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/cozby69/SopranosBracketsSemiFinals.jpg

The Sopranos - The Final Four


Bracket A: Funhouse (season 2) vs. The Sopranos, Pilot (season 1)


Bracket B: Whitecaps (season 4) vs. Long Term Parking (season 5)

* * *

[Detective Hunt]

Bracket A:

Funhouse (season 2) vs. The Sopranos, Pilot (season 1)

Funhouse (season 2) (Dir: John Patterson; Writers: David Chase and Todd A. Kessler)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/cozby69/Funhouse.jpg

Tony gets food poisoning the day before Meadow's graduation; while trying to recover, his dreams lead him to resurrect old suspicions about an old friend. The FBI executes a search warrant, and arrests Tony.


The Sopranos Pilot (Dir: David Chase, Writer: David Chase)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/cozby69/ThePilot.jpg

Anthony Soprano, a capo in the DiMeo Crime Family, begins therapy with Dr. Jennifer Melfi after having anxiety attacks. His mother, Livia, refuses to move to a nursing home. Tony's Uncle Junior wants to use Tony's friend's restaurant as a location for a murder, but Tony prevents this by having the restaurant blown up. Christopher Moltisanti, Tony's nephew, murders the representative of a Czech mob that was trying to move in on the family waste management company.

* * *

Bracket B:

Whitecaps (season 4) vs. Long Term Parking (season 5)

Whitecaps (Dir: John Patterson; Writers: David Chase, Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/cozby69/Whitecaps.jpg

Junior's court case draws to a close. In an attempt to cheer up Carmela, Tony bids on a shore house for the family, but his efforts to save his marriage are swiftly undone. After a change of plans, Christopher is forced to deal with two would-be hitmen.

Long Term Parking (Dir: Tim Van Patten; Writer: Terence Winter)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/cozby69/LongTermParking.jpg

After she tries to cover up a murder, Adriana is met with increasing demands from the FBI, with tragic consequences; Tony reconciles with Carmela. When calls for an absent Tony Blundetto’s blood are made, Tony makes a final stand for his cousin.

* * *

[Detective Hunt]

Round 2 saw some close contests and 26 total voters. The most exciting race was between Pine Barrens and Whitecaps, the later coming from behind to win in the final moments. Brackets A & B were both competitive with Funhouse making a strong showing and besting The Blue Comet 15 votes to 10 and the Pilot episode continuing its magic run beating The Test Dream 16 to 10. Finally, Long Term Parking seems to have no competition at is easily beat College 20 votes to 6. I dare say that is about to change. :icon_wink:

Voting now resumes for the semi-finals and will last until Saturday, June 30th. At such time, I will count the votes once more and on Sopranos Sunday, July 1st, I'll reveal the final two episodes going toe to toe for the tops on the forum.

Remember to list the bracket and then the episode title of your winner, and most of all - remember to have fun and feel free to discuss. Enjoy. :icon_mrgreen:

[josh22]

Bracket A: The Sopranos, Pilot

Bracket B: Long Term Parking

Ahh so disappointed to see 'Pine Barrens' pipped at the finish line!

In Bracket A, I loved 'Funhouse' but the 'Pilot' marginally edges it.

Bracket B, 'Long Term Parking' all the way...:icon_wink:

[JonnySoprano]

My choices are:

Funhouse

Long Term Parking

Two of my favourites. Goodness knows how im gonna pick one out if this is the final.

[Rob]

Bracket A: Funhouse

Bracket B: Long Term Parking

[jouster]

Bracket A: Funhouse
Bracket B: Whitecaps

[Garth]

Bracket A: Funhouse

Bracket B: Longterm Parking

Ok, bracket B is just too hard. Wow, SOOO difficult. The hardest decision so far. Really both episodes are so amazing, picking one was just brutal. And if I were to go back and think about it tomorrow night, I would probably switch to Whitecaps, but then tomorrow afternoon I would flop back onto Longterm Parking. I really wouldn't be surprised if these two completely tied.

[Rike]

Bracket A: Funhouse
Bracket B: Whitecaps

[Universal Polymath]

Bracket A: The Pilot
Bracket B: Long Term Parking


Funhouse was an excellent episode, certainly one of my all-time favorites. The Pilot, though, is held in a special place for me that few episodes could surpass - and Funhouse just isn't one of those few.


My vote in the second bracket was, again, based on an initial reaction. I tried not to think about the choices too much, or make choosing any harder for myself. Though as garthman said, my vote for favorite of the two is entirely subject to change, based on my mood and the most recently watched episode. Either episode is deserving of the "favorite episode" label, they're both excellent.

[prof_d_boiz]

Bracket A: The Pilot

Bracket B: Whitecaps

[FlyOnMelfisWall]

Bracket A: Funhouse

Bracket B: Whitecaps

First bracket was especially tough, but I think both Chase and the actors had a better handle on the characters by Funhouse.

[c2h5oh]

Bracket A: Funhouse
Bracket B: Long Term Parking

[patriquem]

Bracket A: Funhouse
Bracket B: Long Term Parking

[sopranology]

I didn't like the paring of Whitecaps v. Pine Barrens in the last round, or the outcome. That would have been my final two with Pine Barrens being my favorite. Moving on

A Funhouse
B Whitecaps

The last scene in Whitecaps with the guys still blasting Dean Martin Live in Vegas over Tony's speakers on the boat was worth the price of admission.

[cold x]

Bracket A: Funhouse (season 2)


Bracket B: Whitecaps (season 4)

[tomahawk]

Funhouse - dreams, Pussy getting discovered and whacked, what more could you ask for? I will always think of this episode when I see a Billy Bass.

Long Term Parking - Wondering how many dead people's cars show up at airport long term parking? (Whitecaps was also a big favorite.)

[Splishak]

Bracket A: Funhouse

Bracket B: Long Term Parking

[AJColossal]

A: The Pilot
B: Whitecaps

I think it's a testament to the amzing consistency of the show that so many episodes could qualify as best episode ever.

As tremendous as these final four episodes are, I don't think they are necessarily head and shoulders above the rest. In my book there are easily 20-30 other episodes that are on par with any of the best.

[Detective Hunt]

I think it's a testament to the amzing consistency of the show that so many episodes could qualify as best episode ever.

As tremendous as these final four episodes are, I don't think they are necessarily head and shoulders above the rest. In my book there are easily 20-30 other episodes that are on par with any of the best.
This is indeed true. We could conceivably do another sweet sixteen with 16 completely different episodes and the competition would remain as strong as it has been with these.