Members Only

Its hard to filter through all the crap we seem to be force fed these days television-wise, although there are some exceptions.

After waiting patiently for two years the show we all know and love is finally back, and with a vengeance I might add.

When we last left Tony trudging through the snow covered back yards of North Caldwell, NJ to the sounds of Van Morrison, we were all left scratching our heads wondering, "What could David Chase possibly have in store for our hero in the seasons to come?" Well, who had any idea that we would be blessed with so many great new one-liners and story lines in just one episode? "Members Only", delivers on so many levels all the way to the closing credits. I don't like ruining anything for late bloomer viewers and absolutely despise those who choose to do so.

But I will say this, if you thought that the magic may have died way back when in the, "Pine Barrens", era then think again. The Sopranos are back on track and after seeing, "Members Only", you'll be hooked all over again.

~ PM

I'm starting to wonder why this show was such a big deal. Introducing new characters out of nowhere. Am I expected to care about them? Some of the laziest writing in this episode. Borderline sitcom style transitions like it's a high school play. I thought 4 and 5 had issues. 6 is off to a terrible start.

Wow! very emotional episode , with too much reality in it, First God solve a problem for Tony then another problem solve it self. the writing is perfect, well done job with a deserved Emmy.

Life seems to be going well for Tony, whilst Gene Pontecorvo is facing a lot of pressure.

This quite a hard hitting episode that sets the scene very well for series 6.

The plot is full of irony and typical Sopranos dark humour. Tony's home and business lives are in focus and the writers do a brilliant job of contrasting how content he is, whilst various potentially threatening situations are going on in the background. It all builds towards two key scenes that are quite shocking and brutally portrayed by the filmmakers.

Typical Sopranos themes such as consumer excess, "regularness" of life, contrasting lives between characters and parental relationships are all quite prevalent.

As ever, James Gandolfini leads it brilliantly and is supported well by the rest of the cast, with Robert Funaro standing out.

It contains excellent filmmaking throughout, but the two big visual sequences towards the end as so well done the stay with you.

"Members Only," the first episode of The Sopranos Season 6, directed by Timothy Van Patten sets a striking and intense tone for the final season by intertwining themes of mortality, loyalty, family tension, and existential dread. The episode expertly blends the unpredictable brutality of mob life with intimate psychological drama, opening with some of the season's most impactful moments.

The narrative begins with a shocking and tragic turn of events surrounding Eugene Pontecorvo, a long-time character burdened by his unfulfilled desire to escape the mob life and start anew with his family in Florida. When Tony refuses to grant Eugene permission for this withdrawal, at considerable risk, Eugene ultimately takes his own life, marking one of the series' most harrowing and sobering moments. This sets a grim tone and emphasizes the constrained choices faced by those caught in the mafia's grip.

Simultaneously, the episode explores Junior Soprano's deteriorating mental state, culminating in a shocking scene where he shoots Tony in the abdomen, mistaking him for a threat. This act triggers a cascade of tension and vulnerability, exposing the fragility beneath Tony's hard exterior and the escalating dangers within the Soprano family itself. Tony's survival now hangs in the balance, reflecting the precariousness of his power and control.

The episode also delves into narcotics relapse within Tony's immediate circle as Christopher Moltisanti struggles with heroin addiction, a burden threatening to unravel both his personal life and standing within the mob. Meanwhile, developed tensions between Tony and his sister Janice reverberate as they negotiate the care and fate of Junior, highlighting the show's ongoing focus on fractured family ties and competing loyalties.

Timothy Van Patten's direction is both intimate and visceral, balancing moments of quiet psychological depth with explosive violence and tension. The use of lighting effectively contrasts the cold menace of crime scenes with warmer, domestic spaces, underscoring the episode's thematic dualities. The pacing skillfully draws viewers into the emotional realities of the characters while maintaining narrative urgency.

Cinematographically, "Members Only" uses a muted color scheme, enhancing the bleak, foreboding atmosphere. The close-up shots and deliberate framing highlight characters' emotional turmoil and vulnerability. Editing interweaves the multiple narrative strands seamlessly, ensuring tension and clarity. The episode's sound design alongside the carefully selected soundtrack underscore emotional beats, enhancing viewer engagement.

The performances are a standout element. James Gandolfini's portrayal of Tony grapples masterfully with physical pain and psychological turmoil. Dominic Chianese delivers a haunting turn as the confused and dangerous Uncle Junior, evoking both pathos and menace. Supporting performances, including Michael Imperioli's Christopher and Aida Turturro's Janice, enrich the narrative with authenticity and emotional complexity.

Thematically, the episode explores the precarious nature of power, the weight of familial obligation, and the suffocating bonds of loyalty and tradition that constrain the characters' desires for freedom. It raises profound questions about mortality, identity, and the possibility of change within a world defined by violence and betrayal.

Culturally, "Members Only" continues The Sopranos' incisive examination of Italian-American identity, blending celebrations and critiques of tradition with timeless human struggles.

While the episode's heavy themes and unpredictable violence may challenge some viewers, its narrative strength and emotional depth affirm its status as an essential and compelling part of the series' finale arc.

"Members Only" is a powerful and evocative season opener that reinvigorates The Sopranos with raw emotion and narrative momentum. Timothy Van Patten's commanding direction, combined with stellar performances and incisive writing, crafts a narrative exploring the fragile human spirit amid relentless brutality, setting the stage for a profound final season.