How BARRY Writes Men | Video Essay

[@nemesisa-type6721]

I just love when the music stops, the jokes cut out, and the violence is shown for what it is. Not power, glory, just violence.

[@lukekline9513]

That reminds me of what Bill Hader said he had to tell the stunt team. Being a Hollywood stunt team, they were trying to play it up a bit when they were shot and stuff. Hader and Co. told them to just fall, to just go limp. Undramatically, unceremoniously, just die. That's one of the reasons this show sticks out so much for me

[@PatrickHogan]

Like when the Marines get shot when trying to ambush the Bolivians. Fucking *haunting*

[@nemesisa-type6721]

@@PatrickHogan One of my favorite scenes in the entire show. Along with Chris’s death.

[@davemcintyre4799]

Yes. Exactly. Even the action scenes that are exhilarating to watch don’t have “hero fantasy”

[@willyjf6193]

@@PatrickHogan that wasnt much of a "ambush" but ya lmao

[@shadowthehedgehog7442]

Fuckin love Barry. I love how season 3 shows how awful he is and how he’s becoming the thing he desperately tried to not become

[@lugebeatzz8747]

@@4-a-e Barry doesn't like his job but at the same time it's the thing he knows the best, he even uses it to solve every kind of problem he has, the same way some people use blackmailing, bribing and other ways of solving their problems.... Barry doesn't dwell in the violence he commits, he execute people with 0 emotions.... I think he'll have to choose either he kills people he love or he pay for his crimes, if he is brave enough he'll take the punishment but currently he is dodging his dark side.... Barry has a tragic end written all over it.... People want Men to be violent on things they can get away with, like an army leader ordering an assassination.... Some even consider those men heroes!!! Barry is just caught up in the civilian world practicing warfare stuff

[@josefkun7466]

What do you mean? Did it come out already?

[@ruairimcgreevy8670]

@@josefkun7466 season three has been out for a month today

[@jillian102]

And how he’s becoming what Sally never wanted again but doesn’t realize it!!!!

[@shadowthehedgehog7442]

@@jillian102 for real!!

[@theforgetfulalchemist]

I've been rewatching Breaking Bad with my partner and he remarked "You hate Walt earlier every time you watch it"

[@HovercraftEDM]

as you undoubtedly should

[@meinkraft501]

I still like him. Compelling character expertly played by one of the best actors of his generation. If anything pinkman can get a bit annoying sometimes but Aaron Paul usually nails it in the end so it's all good. Also Gus was such a great antagonist, I loved him but I think Lalo is even better

[@BishopWalters12]

I disagree

[@AZ-ty7ub]

Same. My last rewatch you could see from the first season the kind of man Walt was all along and how the seeds were already planted- prideful but emasculated and insecure from the very beginning.

[@kostajovanovic3711]

@@BishopWalters12 of corse you do, you've been the contrarian in the C's this entire time

[@jenna4519]

Bill Hader directed episode 2x05, and he had this to say about how he wanted the camera to be positioned during Barry and Ronny's fight scene: "I asked our director of photography, Paula Huidobro, 'How do we do this so it doesn’t look cool?' The camera is almost judging what’s happening. It’s coming from the point of view of: 'Guys, what are you doing? Come on. Stop.'"

[@johnthomason9980]

Yeah, Hader said in an interview once that he actively wanted to avoid making the violence in the show look cool. He was surprised and disappointed when he saw how people reacted to Barry shooting the car in S1E1, because people were talking about how cool and sexy it was

[@Tsudkyk]

I love this scene. The fight scene isn’t dramatic and intense, it feels slow, awkward and tiring. The scene is quiet so you hear the heavy breathing and exhaustion that is a real fight. Then the energy picks up when lily comes home, that fight scene is over the top and ridiculous. The juxtaposition is brilliant

[@beepboop756]

@@johnthomason9980 i'm guilty of feeling that way! deep down i want so badly for the hitman to be cool, collected, and stealthy. I love how bill hader frequently shows just how uncool the types of violence in the show are. Keeps you from leaning into the romanticized violence and focus on the reality of someone who can do the things he's done.

[@akulahirpada1993]

That was fully inspired by Taxi Driver. He talked about watching that movie made him realize how you can give the camera a "subjective" point of view.

[@brocksrocks9012]

@@beepboop756 See I could never get into that kind of approach to action, it's really just not for me, fictional violence on screen especially one in a context of a hitman thriller is by nature so ingrained in my mind as an exhilarating thrill-ride that's supposed to help you escape from a relatively boring and tame real life that most live, that Barry's perspective on the "action" and the overall presentation of its tone just really turns me off and not always in the way that frustrates me that it doesn't deliver the things I want it to the way I want it to but rather in a way that surprises me in how efficiently it executes that task from a creative standpoint, be it with the camerawork that's very voyeuristic and static or the editing which is often time very abrupt and obtuse, to the performances where nothing is glorified in terms of falls or moves or reaction to gunshots. I admire it, but I'm just not a fan of it.

[@Zoroasterisk]

S1 E7 - "I mean, whatever you did tonight to get to that place, that's your new process, OK? All you have to do is do that every time" - absolutely s l a y e d me. Hit so hard, on so many levels. Such a great show

[@gregvs.theworld451]

Yeah, I definitely took an A Bomb of weapons grade Ooftonium right to the face after hearing that line for sure.

[@Selektor_Flopped]

NoHo Hank is one of the best television characters of the last decade. He effortlessly exudes cool, charisma and charm, (all the while being iconic & fab) definitely needs a spin-off. Love how they subvert expectations of the typical gay relationships (and man, by extension) by offering deeply relatable characters, warts and all.

[@tonygordon7571]

What? I understand liking him but...what? He's mostly comedic relief...still better written than a lot of characters on shitty shows but calling him 'one of the best television characters of the last decade' seems insane to me. I haven't watched the third season yet but, even if he goes through some major character development, the first two seasons exist so...

[@taynestreet8877]

Brothers young enough to do a sequal or a prequal too

[@rixx46]

NoHo is FAR more interesting than Barry

[@ArcAngle1117]

Hank is also objectively an amazing friend to Barry. Him and Gene go through as much bs for Barry as the rest of the cast combined. He is constantly saving Barry's ass even when he really should just let Barry live with the consequences of his actions.

[@meinkraft501]

@@tonygordon7571 we live in a society. Jokes aren't allowed to be funny if they get away from THE MESSAGE. NoHo isn't allowed to be funny because so brave. So brave! Don't you see? Braaaaaaave! So effin brave it hurts and inspires me to be a psychotic murderer but it's ok cos I am Gay! It's the Kevin Spacey defense all over again

[@IkomaTanomori]

It's just honest about violence. Violence is in reality fundamentally boring. It enables the stupidity of "do what I say and shut up, or I'll hurt you." The worst possible argument, but nobody wants to be hurt.

[@justinwatson1510]

The working class should start applying those techniques to the ruling class.

[@mofogie]

This video made this way too much about gender, when it so obviously talks the most about disconnected Hollywood and dehumanizing military. A lot of the gender stuff are side jokes.

[@meinkraft501]

Borings not the word I'd use when my papas less were mushed into the tarmac of the sidewalk when a big wheeler truck slided off-road and drove on top of them. I was only 8 but that was certainly not a boring memory

[@olmeno]

@@justinwatson1510 the working class is already full of violent people who can easily be manipulated through their ignorance to be a militia of some charismatic leader like Lenin or Mussolini,Hitler

[@Nobody-tu5wt]

Boring is a poor choice of word m8

[@ArcAngle1117]

Too me the character trait that most defines Barry is cowardice. He is the worst kind of coward, the one so terrified of the consequences of his actions that he will destroy dozens if not hundreds of lives in order to run from them. He uses any excuse available to run, deflect, and evade any responsibility for his actions and his biggest fear is people seeing him as the monster he is. If Barry truly desired redemption he would have turned himself in by now.

[@greyfells2829]

Oh yea the legal system is where redemption is

[@MaRyaYTOfficial]

That and face things like a person, not just kill tough situations

[@Billsbob]

It's almost as if his character is a critique of morality and not a commentary about "men" and other trendy nonsense. This skip intro fella is wasting a lot of time ignoring what the show states outright, while trying to find some silly deeper meaning.

[@ArcAngle1117]

@@greyfells2829 I pretty clearly empathized the fact that he needs to actually have consequences for his actions. Gene hating him is litterally the first time he's had to face permanent irreversible consequences for his actions. Him going to prison is quite litterally the only way for him to have deserved consequences for his actions outside of just getting killed.

[@pawneraser9022]

@@ArcAngle1117 Deserved punishment and redeption are not the same thing. So no, not so clearly.

[@johnsonartchive8826]

One of the most dangerous, yet childlike traits in Barry (and Gene) is that he doesn't understand that you can't decide how (or if) you do right by others. There are several instances in the show where he apologizes for a murder or violent outburst, and nearly all of his proposed solutions allow him to stay out of prison, preserve a relationship, or keep his acting career, when the only real way to atone is to distance himself from them, turn himself in, or simply die. Him getting off as easily as he did in The Marines is most likely what sparked this behavior

[@pendafen7405]

galaxy brain observation

[@danielbrown8812]

It is nice that they didn't just make Sally some blank slate good person to help display how broken Barry is. She constantly says things that surprised me with how self centered she is. She may not murder people but you cant escape how with her everything is always for or about her. She tells barry she was married but she doesn't like to talk about it, then goes on to say she has literally told everyone in the acting class. Kinda had to wonder at that scene at the fact she had waited even that long to tell him. To her the acting class is nothing but a tool to make HER dreams come true. She throws one epic tantrum because she wannna play Macbeth for the talent scout. It honestly gets to the point where i imagined her just saying "me me, me me me, me, me me." Whenever she spoke. And that was really a nice addition. It added to the realism for me because she is a real flawed person too. And that goes for other cast as well. I forget his name but the teacher is awesome too. I mean, besides sometimes maybe drifting too close to seeming like satire the way he portrays the egotistical actor stereotype.

[@warhawk9566]

I think the acting coach is supposed to be satirical but there's still something real about it. He is a satire of an acting coach on the surface but under that he really does care about his students and wants to teach them to be the best actors they possibly can be. He also seems to be a role model for Barry, he's the man Barry wants to be. He's made mistakes in the past (i believe he's mentioned drug problems and fights with his son. Nowhere near as bad as Barry but still.) but in his later years he's reinvented himself and has worked to be a better person. He seems to be leading a happy life now and even mentions that him and his son are repairing their relationship. And I think up until the season 2 finale he saw some of himself in Barry.

[@residenteuph]

I think she is really insecure. She has to work hard make sure she gets these roles because she thinks she is not good enough otherwise, something she probably internalized from her abusive relationship. Season 3 she is still definitely self centered, like she still looks down on her best friend/assistant and needs everything to go her way, but episode 2 really made me feel bad for her. Like Sally shutting down and disassociating when Barry yelled at her and then apologizing to Barry because of that instance. I think sally is set up for a lot of really great character development in to becoming a more selfless person, like yeah it sucks that her show got cancelled, but becoming a writer will help her work more cooperatively.

[@bluntdetto]

well, this comment didn't age well

[@maud2739]

@@bluntdetto Sally is more damaged than we thought. I wonder if we’ll find out about her daughter in Season 4.

[@sarroumarbeu6810]

I totally agree with this.... she's a shitty person with flaws and Barry can't see it because he doesn't know what healthy relationships look like ... it's miles more entertaining than just giving the mc a MPDG

[@looney1023]

I think it says a lot that by far the most popular character in Barry, Noho Hank, is the one who is least capable of committing violence or destroying lives and is the least traditionally masculine of all the regulars

[@joshuadoty4682]

i know i present myself as iceman… but this is lie

[@looney1023]

@@joshuadoty4682 I should be manager of hotel

[@blazzinga595]

Barry is the most popular character in barry.

[@ryanoneal8480]

Completely agree, nobody could hate Hank

[@DeeDos1484]

I think Noho Hank enjoys the popularity he does because he's a very enjoyable take on the trope, that isn't handled as well, especially at how little the trope is played as little more than a background character or comic relief.

[@WildwoodClaire1]

The most recent Barry, entitled "Crazytimesh*tshow," features what may be the greatest moment of the series so far, as Barry's attempt to "reveal" who he is to Sally goes badly wrong as it merely reveals how deeply twisted he is. The slowly emerging look of horror playing across Sarah Goldberg's face is wonderful.

[@KSmithwick1989]

Yeah it's pretty dark. What he described was East German "decomposition" tactics. Where the targeted person is gaslighted into questioning their sanity. I was surprised the writers went there.

[@gatesunn]

yeah, she's realizing just how badly she misjudged him. and realizing that if he's willing to do all that stuff FOR her when he thinks it'll get her back, he's probably willing to do it TO her if he flips back to being enraged at her. every time he touched her face I flinched.

[@adhirg]

they kinda backpedaled on that by having her go to Barry and ask him to torment her old assistant for stealing her show.

[@thomasjenks659]

Certainly a part of it was built up tension from being a punching bag, but it was a harsh scene.

[@jrbawse]

@@adhirg not at all. That's her character evolution as a toxic white woman. Learning behaviors from someone one rung up the ladder to shit on people you view as below you

[@se9865]

I never thought that all of those shows and movies (Fight Club, Breaking Bad) showed violence as an escape, I always read it as being the illusion of escape that just let to another prison.

[@mOnStErSonfilm]

That is the point in most. His statement on Dexter ( a outlier) alone shows that he is only seeing what he wants and not what is there.

[@joshuadoty4682]

usually those are the points, but what the video is addressing is all of those men that miss the point entirely and say stuff like “oh walter white is so badass”

[@samaraisnt]

@@joshuadoty4682 100%. Men who watch those & get that think violence would be an escape from their own problems. (Mass shooter type logic)

[@lisavandenhoven5672]

It feels like the demonstration of violence as a drug. A problem masquerading as a solution, that just feeds into itself.

[@joshuadoty4682]

@K.C-2049 yeah that’s definitely true

[@rynthorn1551]

BARRY IS SO GOOD. I'm just excited to see people talking about this show. It does not get enough love imo.

[@meinkraft501]

Me too 😊

[@looney1023]

Agreed! It always seemed like that niche show that critics and the Academy loved and just didn't have high viewership, but it seems like it's starting to get more public awareness (beyond just the Bill Hader stans, god love 'em!).

[@hoopmooy3543]

@@looney1023 "critics and the Academy loved" That probably didn't help its case, tbh.

[@KingNexusMOCs]

Doesn't get enough love? People won't shut up about it.

[@christophergongora7885]

It’s because it’s on HBO it’s same w Cinemax’s Warrior slept on streaming television if it was Netflix would be a different thing their advertising is weak

[@alecwhitmore3722]

This isn't really important or anything, but that quote about Tony becoming a better mobster and not a better man is directly in the text of the show and the reason why Melfi stops working with him in the final season.

[@siphillis]

Which is also based in reality. Studies that observed the effort of psychiatry on sociopaths found they overwhelmingly used it as a means to hone their ability to disguise their true predatory instincts, not as a way to achieve a sense of betterment. Chase and his writing staff just so happened to correctly guess the result of Tony’s therapy.

[@kaimee_]

@@siphillis that was literally a scene in the show, I don’t think they guessed that

[@siphillis]

@@kaimee_ they were made aware of the research while writing the final season after attending a ceremony held by therapists around the country. But Melfi realizing Tony was incurable was also the final conclusion of her character arc.

[@epileptictrees5213]

@@siphillis Seems like saneist nonsense.

[@meinkraft501]

How do you guess something you've written?

[@billdipperly6435]

The shows honest about violence. It's a means to an end, nobody wants it and those who do are normally idiots who are posturing. As a guy who is all too familiar with violence, going from poverty, to the military, it's interesting when it happens, you can make little of it, but you shouldn't want it.

[@billdipperly6435]

@@RandoLePerson hey rando, Im not trying to convince anybody. Have a great day. I dont need to prove my life to anyone.

[@mssonoma1]

This makes even more sense with season 3 and the outcome of that mother and son. Like dang

[@sv32099]

Yeah I realized the same thing when fuches had that botched job in the hotel with the safe. Everything just went to shit so quickly and everyone was an idiot

[@billdipperly6435]

@@sv32099 that's something else they get right is just how fast something goes to shit. The stash house scene with Taylor and the vehicle scene when they try to take out christobal are absolutely perfect in their depictions.

[@YungM.D.]

Barry, for a comedy, rivals The Sopranos as an example of complex character writing. We empathize with Barry, like Tony, but also see the darkness he possesses that makes him something of a deluded villain. Sally, like Carmela, is more empathetic but possesses her own major character flaws and often can be quite hypocritical and self-centered. Now, Barry and Sally are a bit more empathetic than Tony or Carmela because Barry seems more emotionally upset by killing and Sally isn’t complicit in criminal activity like Carmela and suffered abuse by her ex and sexism from studio execs (Carmela and Tony’s marriage is abusive and but kind of mutually toxic and she suffers sexism as well, but is sort of a “traditionalist” herself in many ways), but the show doesn’t paint these characters as perfect or even the most likable people. They’re just human.

[@curranfrank2854]

I think Barry is given too much sympathy to be honest, and I personally don't think he's too compelling after an episode or two. He's a HITMAN. I don't particularly care he's "conflicted" about killing he still does it pretty damn easily. Plus we learn later he killed innocent civilians, which is why he got removed from the military and why Fuches has influence over him. He's a failed soldier who's responsible for war crimes who transitions to being paid to kill people. Tony is written to be a terrible person from the start, he gets some sympathy from other people being worse like his black hole of a mother, but he's never held up as a particularly sympathetic person. I HATED Tony by the end of the show, which I think was intentional, and while I also hate Barry I don't think I'm supposed to based on the show's framing and writing

[@meinkraft501]

The sopranos was a borderline comedy too

[@BishopWalters12]

Barry is nowhere near the Sopranos in writing or acting.

[@warhawk9566]

@@curranfrank2854 he is a hitman but he's realized a passion for acting that he never knew he had and is trying to abandon being a hitman to pursue an acting career and give it up. But his past actions keep catching up with him and despite trying to be decent he doesn't really know another way of life by this point. You're right to not feel sorry for him but I think he's a compelling character because he's trying so hard for a redemption but always finds a reason to kill again. Barry is not trying to tell you he's a good person or convince the audience that feeling sorry for the harm you caused is enough. That's not the point, the point is, can you really escape your past?

[@firstnamelastname816]

No. No no. It absolutely does not. I'm sorry. Watch more TV.

[@freegadflyathome]

This season really seems to be following Sally's story quite a bit... I'm so glad they fleshed her out from the first season.

[@meinkraft501]

She's still such a YAAAAAS QUEEN edit: huh so KZbin filters out the c word now with that. Interesting

[@Devon.with.an.i]

Sally was annoying in the first two seasons, but they really stepped her up a few levels. She’s unbelievably inconsiderate and egotistical as soon as she gets an ounce of fame. She’s one of those characters that you love to hate

[@meinkraft501]

@@Devon.with.an.i as long as they actually run with this characterization as flawed. I'm already seeing people considering her so amazing ala Walter or Tony in these comments. Huh, maybe men and women ain't so different....

[@willyjf6193]

@@meinkraft501 Dude you see the latest episode? Sally gets some karma lol

[@meinkraft501]

@@willyjf6193 I'm a few episodes behind, gonna binge it when I get the chance.

[@elliot2331]

Hank and Cristobal aren't just implied to be in a couple, they're confirmed to be a couple in season 3.

[@josh043p6]

I hope it doesn't end like Romeo and Juliet😥

[@sarroumarbeu6810]

@@josh043p6 I mean....what are the chances of it being wholesome? The show gets really dark regularly x)

[@tingypingy3644]

@@sarroumarbeu6810 it’s hank. knowing the writers they’ll hopefully give us that little bit of peace to hold onto in the madness

[@threeholepunchmike3549]

the creator literally said they werent talking about s3 which is why they said implied

[@joannelee5574]

Genuinely just want a happy ending for them but that s3 finale was so heavy, I literally held my breath. That tiger scene was terrifying

[@lisasimpson8895]

"you don't have to be a violent monster to be a man, but it does seem that men are encouraged to be violent by our society." it doesn't just seem like it - it is. if you're not violent and desperate for sex 24/7, you're not considered a real man. i've met men whose sexual orientation was questioned simply because they were shy. since when is being shy a defining factor in sexual orientation??? it's unbelievably ridiculous. also, i love hank.

[@rc59191]

That's more prevalent in high school than it is day to day life once you hit your 20s. All I wanted to do was fight and get laid but once I got to college I chilled out a lot and my attitude changed.

[@meinkraft501]

Lisa, go to your room!

[@ericeverettpearson3980]

lisa, you're grounded

[@BishopWalters12]

Tell that to women, most men aren't toxic around each other and mostly get along. It's women that say men need to man up or we want a man to protect us.

[@pogo8050]

@@BishopWalters12 absolute bullshit. Don’t try to blame your behavior and simping on other people

[@scottfremin7850]

What’s weird is that Barry’s horrifying plan about gaslighting the producer is basically a major subplot of the incredibly cute and wholesome Amelie - right down to switching up the shoe sizes.

[@LoLo1k2k3k]

i love when creators finally just make people gay and not make it a big deal (i mean this in a “i’m queer and i’m tired of half assed, almost queer, performative, token characters” way). I LOVE YOU HANK

[@johnthomason9980]

Same here. I'm tired of a lot of gay characters, where they tend to be written as a spectacle, either by straight writers going "Look at this gay person! Aren't they BRAVE?! It's SO hard being gay!", or by gay writers going "this character is AGGRESSIVELY gay and that's all I care about so this shit is going to get OBNOXIOUS", it's all Too Much for me. I like characters like Hank, where they're Literally Just A Guy. That's the kind of character I can actually see myself in.

[@Fallen4theFallen2]

@@johnthomason9980 what is an example of an aggressively gay character?

[@t.m.m.8137]

​@@Fallen4theFallen2 I can give one. The gay kid in Freaky.

[@sarroumarbeu6810]

Our Flag Means Death does this perfectly....you should check it out

[@DomR1997]

You didn't have to clarify how you mean that, everyone is entitled to their own opinion regardless of how they mean it.

[@Zephirite.]

“Humor makes truth more palatable.” Subverting the ‘coolness’ of violence (through humor) and the ‘rewards’ of killing (family leaving you, feeling alone, no way out of that career) is a great way to affect the audience, who likely chose the show expecting the opposite.

[@CannonRaw]

18:50 "people want the truth they want to hear." To me that one sentence is why Barry is a great show. It highlights a lot of the hypocrisy that exists in our culture. That and it just shows the dynamics people inadvertently put themselves in. Great video essay really liked the breakdown of masculinity shown on the small screen for the last 15 odd years.

[@siphillis]

It's so telling that male characters like Tony Soprano and Don Draper, men who were overtly miserable and pathetic, are being held up as non-ironic role-models. Even being beat over the head with the fallout of toxic masculinity, a lot of men can't get the message.

[@damianalejandro6959]

Its the same thing that happened with The northman. People see what they want to see

[@CrusaderDom3]

Ha useses toxic masculinity unironically.

[@Radjhitoocool]

Like over zealous joker fans

[@yahhah3027]

A lot of people are dumb. Don’t know why this is a man vs woman thing. There are a lot of girls who see Harley Quinn as a role model.

[@sammykent5752]

@@yahhah3027 THIS!!!

[@kaseypierce3854]

I love how Barry dose not fully realize how fucked up he is but I think as he starts to realize who he is he might just become more violet not less which has been shown in season 3 pretty well.

[@9Niner]

I have been watching season 3 and thinking how well its avoiding Barry falling into the aspirational trap of "troubled male leads" So I'm really happy to see a video about the topic

[@Zephirite.]

This is fantastic. I’d *love* to see you analyze HBO’s newest period comedy, “Our Flag Means Death,” from a similar angle. It subverts genre expectations by mixing heartfelt moments and violence characters with unexpectedly graphic violence, humor, and comedic plot armor in a similar subversion to Barry.

[@pappar2669]

such a good show. Loved both of them. the ending tho :'(

[@Zephirite.]

@@pappar2669 Agreed. Hopefully spreading the word will get us closer to renewal. We’ve gotta see how this goes!!

[@daeguboy8136]

Omg I love both shows so much

[@willyjf6193]

Bruh that show had me dying lolol

[@Zephirite.]

@@willyjf6193 Agreed. An “out of context” complication got me laughing more at the show’s humor than the trailer did.

[@nathanielleguizamo409]

Can't wait for your follow-up about the character of Sally: Toxic Women

[@Awwscrewit]

I loved how Barry ended. On top of the character arcs, we got one last black laugh at the very tropes the show undercut.

[@colleenthecat_]

noho hank is one of the best characters on television change my mind

[@Chlo255]

I would never try to change your mind because you're right

[@dylanwesley3964]

Lalo salamanca is one of the best on TV right now also.

[@diegoroca100]

Barry is on its way to become the best TV show of this decade. The evolution from a black comedy to the restless drama of the last season is incredible. It feels like a subversion of breaking bad in a lot of ways, and the way that it uses the acting scenes to reflect the psyche of the characters is amazing. I hope it can keep up the quality after the bomb that was the Season 3 ending.

[@hgfdgfbxcfw3169]

"to reflect the psyche of the characters" You should watch some interview about Bill Hader explaining how he wrote this show. You'll understand a lot of things.

[@ghjhty7]

SPOILERS: They need to give Bill Hader an Emmy for that performance in the field with Albert in the finale because holy fuck. Everything Barry did up to that point in the show, facing him right there in one moment.

[@ntravis88]

I'm so happy to see the upsurge in Barry video essays on this show recently. This one you've done was fantastic.

[@sonorasgirl]

I forgot how much I love NoHo Hank until watching this. Every time he’s on even in clips I’m just rolling

[@flyingcactus747]

Amazon’s Patriot show goes into so much of what you talk about, the corruption and systematic issues also showing the psychological effects of violence while also being really comedic

[@BOTC201]

I wish that show didn't end prematurely

[@flyingcactus747]

@@BOTC201 yes, but it did have somewhat of a conclusion

[@MrSnuffer93]

@@BOTC201 watch Perpetual Grace LTD and Ultra City Smiths!

[@andrewroache3517]

Patriot was such a fantastic show, it’s a shame how underrated it was

[@MrDarthbono]

Patriot is an underrated gem. The idea of a high stakes spy story framed as a mumblecore indie flick is just so good.

[@greasybumpkin1661]

I feel like I'm the only one who noticed how Barry's retelling of "goat fucker" is how while men like him are encouraged to be violent, the people who often condemn or wouldn't sully their hands are happy to fetishize and feed off his experiences (and also Sally's as a victim). I think that's the primary reason the show plays violence with humour and mundanity is because too many shows trying to be "gritty & realistic" are really just exploiting other people's trauma.

[@ryanbesco8067]

The hardest I laughed watching this show is when the guy Barry shot in the arm, exact same spot as Hank gets shot during the parking lot HQ raid. He comes out of one of the tents and says don’t shoot and is immediately shot in the exact same spot before he can finish speaking. I honestly thought I was going to have a heart attack lmao

[@chancemartin4737]

I love your commentary. Barry is an ugly character trying to justify his actions to varying degrees of success. He wants change without really committing to it. I also like how the show draws comparisons to Hollywood. Both Gene and Sally do horrible things and try to justify them. Everyone is selfish. Everyone is superficial. Barry is the extreme but there is ugliness and self deception in every one. People lie to themselves and others to make themselves feel better. To feel superior. Barry is the worst, but Sally and Gene both use others to get what they want. Sally manipulates Barry like Fuches does and Gene leeches of his class for money and glory. The show demonstrates the bad in all of us. Sally's ex abused her. And she manipulates other. Fuches is terrible to Barry. But both characters make decisions to hurt others. It is a deep character study of how violence leads to violence.

[@epicdog69]

I really liked this analysis of Barry a lot and how a lot of popular shows in the past 20 years with an anti-hero lead,unintentionally glorify toxic masculine behavavior, putting these monstrous characters on pedalstals within our culture. However, I think the Ozarks, has done a very good job avoiding this. Marty, similar to barry, has been in crime before the show even starts. His character like Barry wants to keep his surbaban lifestyle in the first season. In fact I think Wendy plays the Walter White character becoming increasingly greedy and power-hungry, in fear that when its all over she'll become paralysed again, like when she was a stay a stay at home mom, like when she was when she was abused as a teenager. Even towards the end of the show, Marty is visibly uncomfortable to extreme violence and consoles in his daughter that he did something horrible. Something I don't think Walt or any of the characters you talk about are capable of doing.

[@ravenwhiteduck6460]

Marty's a bad example, in the end of it he failed miserably at his goal, his family isn't out, their in it forever and worst of all he gave the okay for his son to murder a guy

[@thejudgmentalcat]

I gotta watch "Barry" it looks like something I'd like after decades of manly men being manly

[@richardwright4809]

It’s amazing I couldn’t recommend it enough

[@bl00dvv1tch3]

You'll love how deep the characters are written especially with someone like NoHo Hank.

[@meinkraft501]

Careful, there's still gross disgusting men playing roles in this, my jedgemental queen

[@ryth1441]

@Ornithocheirus can you give me some recommendations?

[@7ylerD]

Tbf, take any love people have for characters like Don Draper and Tony Soprano and multiply it by 100, and you’ve got a portion of the way people treat the characters from Peaky Blinders. It’s… a lot, honestly. I get that Thomas Shelby is all cool and reserved and all, but damn.

[@ddoober]

one of the reasons i had to dip on blinders

[@keldencowan]

The windbag letting the wind out of a bag at 19:00 had me dying.

[@williamminerva9171]

I agree with his view on Barry and how it deals with masculinity. Still, for me, the examples of how that violent masculinity is shown in other shows are pretty misleading, principally putting breaking bad and Sopranos on that cold-antihero-badass-man troupe, I would guess that 95% of people don't think Tony or Walter are "badass", both shows make it pretty clear that they are not good people, and showing that they have good intentions is not an excuse of those shows, is just a fact, people do awful things thinking it is good, and viewers sympathizing with those characters in some moments is not that big of a deal.

[@robotdowney]

In English comments it seems like people get it but in Russian speaking Fandom there were like at least 70% people thinking Walter's wife is an awful person and Walter is smart misunderstood unlucky genius who's praised for skills and strategies

[@richfoster4369]

@@robotdowney yes culture difference, really shows how different people can become due to what they where taught and experienced, everyone is brainwashed to some degree

[@the_julia_fair]

@@robotdowney Interesting, I experienced something totally different in my area of the English-speaking world. I remember when Breaking Bad was still new, and at least where I am from in the US, way too many guys in my life (at least 70%, like you said) still saw Walt as misunderstood, excusable, and worthy of idolation even by the end. Only years after the show has ended have I seen more recognition that Walt is not a character to model yourself after or idolize.

[@MrHGravity]

My father was a huge impact on what a man should be for me (go figure). He was intimidating and prideful, he very often held complete control of any room he was in. I've only seen the results of his violence once as he told me to leave before it went down (black eye). But as I grew it took me a long time to realize how much more often he was loving and kind, he was fun and reliable. He used violence like a tool and only to protect his family and himself. He never threatened violence against me, not even subtly when I was going through my prick phase. What I learned from him is that, violence is like a piece of glass. It's fragile and if used improperly can leave things in a way they can't be put back together and hurt anyone in the vicinity. But it can protect and insulate your home and provide structure in your life. Violence is a result of many many years of our need to fight food to be food. I don't think we'll ever get rid of it. But my time here on earth is growing considerable. I haven't yet found a reason to be violent once I had left my teenage school years behind.

[@aceanarchy5554]

One of my favorite things in shows is when suddenly all the humor and music stops for a moment and it shows the violence for what it is. I just love that moment where it's so blatant that "hey this isn't a good person, just a reminder" its something i eat up every single time

[@raymondanderson1010]

I hate myself. I have never been Barry but the things I had to do growing up, endure and except to just feel "normal". The blood and scars on my knuckles, the hidden tears and feelings. The men I love tear themselves apart because society never allowed them the tools to heal. The love I never had.because my father wasnt there even when he was. The time we never get back because the endless loop of this existential.masculine nightmare plays out in our heads every waking moment. I hate myself because I see a terrible reflection in a broken mirror.

[@adamazzalino5247]

I think with Barry, you can have empathy for his desire Barry has to leave his life, but there's NO doubt he's a bad person.

[@Johnny-vi7oq]

If anything the mustache and the pink head band join together to form a powerful message: I have the 80's tied up in my basement and they will NOT escape.

[@Effective_tool_of_Satan]

I think Dexter is something different. He is a psychopath, he does what he does because he cannot control his urge. That said, he is no exactly an example of traditional toxic masculinity.

[@Wendydarling420]

your analysing a caricature of masculinity written by people who are overtly trying to show masculinity as negative. then saying, whats with masculinity being so negative. it is portrayed negatively on purpose, that is the purpose of the media.

[@TheDancerMacabre]

I think it's also necessary to point out that in S1 and S2, Barry was on the receiving end of an abusive relationship. Sally only showed interest when she had power over him and kept pushing him to be violent and angry for her own gain. (Her career) This shows that behavior is learned and people who are in toxic relationships can have lasting effects. When Barry has a manic breakdown in S3, she reverts back to that abused subservient state, calling around for his favorite food, saying she loves him only for Barry to completely ignore her. Spoiler for the most recent episode: she does leave him as it's a red flag of Barry's worsening mental state. In fact S3 seems to be leaning into all the tropes it was subverting but simply inverting the expected result.

[@scottfremin7850]

“Leaning into all the tropes it was subverting” thank you for explaining to me why I just haven’t been liking this season. I really couldn’t put my finger on it, but that’s 100% it.

[@FrakkinToasterLuvva]

Um, no. Barry was/is a victim of an abusive relationship- with Fuches. Not with Sally. When exactly did she encourage Barry, a hitman, to be violent? I think by your last sentence you actually mean, "I fooled myself into thinking the violent serial murderer is a poor little mew mew and the ambitions self-absorbed woman is the real villain, so I hate the fact that the show is making it clearer I was wrong".

[@TheDancerMacabre]

​@@FrakkinToasterLuvva Barry is a not-good person capable of being manipulated by a lot of people. Fuches, Gene, Sally: they all take advantage of him in some way. It doesn't absolve Barry. Barry is delusional in believing that "Nah, I'm a good person who just does bad things on occasion!" Again, these are really complex characters. Also, worth mentioning, Sally's actress, Sarah Goldberg, wanted her character to be a bigger bitch, as she was tired of the blonde, small town girl, being this bubbly light in someone's life.

[@LoudAngryJerk]

I see a lot of what you're talking about in the audience's relationship to characters like Joel from The last of Us. It's less evident in the show, partially due to the fact that they tend to move along very quickly when it comes to expressing what a bad guy Joel is. In the games though, they make it pretty clear that Joel is not a good person- though obviously not clear enough just some who lamented his fate in the opening act of the second game. Joel in that case thoroughly deserved what he got. He murdered people, knowingly going against what Ellie wanted, not because he wanted to save her life, but because he didn't want to lose her. He doomed the rest of humanity for his own selfishness. And yet people look at him, they cry about how the second game did him wrong, when in reality he got what he deserved.

[@1Hawkears1]

I haven't seen the video yet but I have been LOVING this season of Barry, its so fucking good holy shit

[@1Hawkears1]

Idk how they've been able to have me really like his character so much while still thinking he's being awful and not cutting him slack about certain things.

[@garasunonamida]

This is excellent! Especially the points about how humor is used to subvert the "coolness" of masculine violence

[@meinkraft501]

And then it resubverts it back to be awesome again!

[@stedgeHENDERSOn]

If someone watched Tony Soprano and thought 'is he a truly evil person, or a man stuck in an impossible situation - y'know, a guy being a guy' that says 1000000x more about the viewer than the show itself

[@jakecastillo6731]

While I inherently disagree with the idea that violence should not be associated with men as I do believe there is a such thing as good violence when applied for good purposes (another subject that is based upon one’s morals typically places by society ) this video reminds me of the quote “The society that separates its scholars from its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting by fools.” and explores the latter side of this argument. I agree masculinity can be toxic when violence is not applied properly and is not harnessed for the greater good and the reason why it is glorified as such is because men aren’t in touch with their darker side as much as they should be to control it. Basically it takes a psychopath to spot a psychopath and hopefully you use that info for good. Overall I like your ideas.

[@Gargarks]

Best comment here and I wish I didn't have to scroll so far to see it.

[@bonestheclown9995]

I would personally love an update on this show for how it all panned out, some time has passed and the ending was hella wild but I would love someone to really take a deep dive into wtf they were going for in that last season. Doesn't need to be plot or anything, just a continual idea like this one throughout the series, I have not seen anyone make any great arguments for the shows meaning now that it is done.

[@demonictowtoe7983]

Its toxicity in general too, every relationship has been toxic, he never is even in a relationship. Most of the time he is getting abuse so when he finally snaps its sad but expected. You don't want him to be a bad person but he is.

[@roughpatmusic]

He’s in a relationship with Sally in the later seasons.

[@Randomname3498]

So true

[@subtlefire7256]

A great look at the way this show portrays its characters and the Acts of violence they commit. I started watching Barry because it sounded like my kind of weird, dark humour (and it is), but then got unexpectedly sucked in by the storytelling, the acting, everything. I just love how this show is done. There is a complexety to it that I didn't expect going in. I love how it never lets you forget that what Barry does is bad. Even in a situation like when Barry goes to kill Sam, Sally's abusive ex, it's immediately undercut by him almost shooting Sally instead. Neither Barry nor the audience ever gets to experience the violence on the show as cathartic or empowering. Also I loved the editing in this video, very fun to watch. 👌👍

[@Snatchystashy]

"The world needs bad men, it keeps the other bad men from the door."- Rust Cohle True Detective

[@thegingerbreadboy629]

I really love Barry’s character. He is so used to taking orders and lacking direction and that shows in every relationship he’s in. Killing is his purpose and he’s trying so desperately to leave that but can’t, it’s so tragic and I don’t believe Barry is truly “evil.” He constantly expresses how he doesn’t like to kill, but he feels it’s the only thing he’s good at and as such constantly falls back to it, because the violence is all people have ever wanted him for.

[@karmacollector7404]

The interesting thing about these shows is that they show us that, in the characters bid for power and dominance, it becomes an unescapable addiction. They can say whatever they want, they can give whatever reason behind why they did something they believe was justified but in the end it ends in violence, blood and death for someone or even themselves. It's a power trip, a fantasy that comes crashing down on you hard when the consequences come around to bite your throat out. Barry season 3 is coming up and I can't wait to see what happens!

[@notednuance]

I agree with much of your take, I also think that part of the goal is making the characters more relatable in current times. Less folk would relate to a stoic hyper old-fashioned masculine hit man, Mad Men even the last episode was 7 years ago depicting men from the 60s and even with more room to grow and expand what masculinity could mean... it has changed... and folk grapple with those changes and I think Barry reflects that struggle rather than just subverting expectations... he is an example of current expectations? Violence being a part of his past because it was expected and now he struggles to put it away with the expectation that he be a more emotional (and less murdery) person. Also I think your pink bandana looks great.

[@sea_triscuit7980]

As a veteran of the American marine corps, this show hits hard haha 😅 I'm a family man now but there's still that side to me that's Screaming at everyone.

[@bobbyb4024]

Maybe you should fix that, its never too late to improve yourself

[@mingus444_gaming]

@@bobbyb4024 it's not something that should be fixed

[@richardwright4809]

I’m glad you’re bringing more awareness to this show. It’s too good.

[@couragecoachsam]

Violence as liberating expression. Barry is bored of violence like an artist gets bored of a particular style or medium

[@RedRabbitEntertainment]

Aged like fine wine with season 4

[@MacheteSquad]

This is the first of this channel I've seen, and I really appreciate this essay. It is not a perspective of Barry that I picked up but can't help but see it on my current rewatch, and it's all the more salient in how the latest season plays out. Thank you for this.

[@mochasucculent]

Fantastic essay, you put into words much of what I've been trying to figure out about why Barry stands out so much. It has a lot of tropes that I've typically not enjoyed much in past media, but it has something new and potent to say about these roles, and fresh means of delivering that message, like its comedy. Thanks for sharing!

[@phillip8132]

Nice job dude! You took a great show and made it even more enjoyable with this analysis. Haven't sat through a full youtube video in a while but this one was riveting.

[@dwc1964]

_Barry_ 's take on hitman-as-a-job reminds me a bit of _Grosse Pointe Blank_

[@meinkraft501]

Great movie

[@mojrimibnharb4584]

I'd never heard of this show and now I have to watch it. Thank you.

[@shanefoster2132]

Wait, there's new Barry!? Thanks for the good news.

[@annajoy1349]

I genuinely love your analysis so much. Its so cool to be able to watch a fantastic show that has fantastic viewers who are passionate about the show and express it/the analysis in such an intelligent, comprehensible way /gen

[@heyreallygiger]

Though I know it was just a bullet point in what is a fantastic essay, I just want to point out that fight club’s message is not simply “violence liberates men”

[@ddoober]

the ozark clips are so perfectly placed

[@rudeboy6627]

The thing is we all are inherently violent… doesn’t matter who and it’s all really quite simple. If we go back in time, as a hunter gather community, the men had to go out hunt and kill. Yes another animal but also when protecting one’s tribe as a means of survival and then dominance when the killing got good and the Ego takes over. It’s in our DNA we can’t escape it no matter how much of a spin or funny we try to make it. The show just really seems to channel dark humor almost poetically surrounding death and violence. I think what a lot of people are missing too is Barry’s experience as a combat veteran in a warzone where the bonding from killing another person between infantryman is almost indescribable. It’s truly what they’re trained for as their sole purpose to achieve a mission or is the mission itself as the case in attrition but a lot of times it’s because of survival surviving in a warzone because obviously other people want to kill you. A good book on this subject is “On killing” by Dave grossman which explores this subject on a deeper level explaining killing in military culture. Another good one is a documentary called “First kill” by Coco Schrijber, which explores what Vietnam veterans experienced when killing the enemy and what their first one felt like. True masterpiece.

[@Renan_PS-zt8lm]

I started watching Barry as a fun show with short episodes that I could watch in my short breaks and then it slowly turned out to be in the Top 3 shows I have ever watched.

[@AP31544]

I don’t think fight club really works in this concept. From what I recall fight club was a synthesis of the reality that modern men face at a young age of having no true or real purpose. The fighting was the catalyst, the starting point of giving men purpose, it was not the violence or fighting necessarily, the men wanted, it was the community even or later as the film progresses a purpose. Correct if I am factually incorrect

[@askog1900]

Barry was is evil guy but he went past the line of redemption when he killed out those people in the monetary. He bonded with some of them and yet his rage took over and he killed people who he bonded with

[@Chlo255]

God this video essay combined w tonight's episode made me realize where I think Gene Cousineau's arc is going. Spoilers for 3x4: Gene's career is having a resurgence now because of how he "helped a veteran succeed in the acting industry". Barry also paid him and let him/his son go. Gene could go to the cops and expose Barry for who he really is, but that would mean undermining his new career. This totally follows this patriarchal violence theme that you're talking about: even though Gene is a "good guy" in the audience's eyes, he may end up letting Barry get away with his behavior for the sake of his own career.

[@angelcanez4426]

The evil joke is my favorite line in the whole show

[@ninskdesign]

I’ve gone to check if the new season of Barry was out at least two dozen times in the past 2 years. It’s such a brilliant collection of mismatched preconceptions that you have to experience it to understand why it works… which unfortunately makes it a hard ‘sell’ as a recommendation but I still try because it is one of my favorites! I know you probably have a novel of recommendations already but hearing your commentary on this made me think of a series that is similar in terms of comedy and how it deals with trauma and the performance of masculinity but also falls into the copaganda genre- one of FX’s first original series, Rescue Me. I’d love to hear your thoughts on that series, as it’s one that gives you whiplash with how quickly it can turn, but it is an investment with 7 seasons so I’d understand if it didn’t make the cut.

[@AdrenolinFlux]

Haven't seen this yet but the bald character seems mad interesting lol

[@josephmatthews7698]

All those characters KNOW they are evil. Its the audience that gets confused and thats worrying.

[@colechristensen1909]

Your videos are as refreshingly wonderful as Barry. Keep up the great work.

[@kobe323]

having a beer with you would be a nightmare

[@Shakenmike117]

“Time is a fricking acid trip”

[@dannythetwo]

Just wanna say this was such a fantastic video. Great job all around.

[@Joawlisdoingfine]

The reason I watched Barry and the sopranos was because I hoped both people would get bettter. These killers and monsters could be redeemed. Yet, as the series went on I realised how wrong I was

[@alejandrosanchez9721]

This was an amazing analysis. I'll be honest, masculinity in Barry wasn't something that even crossed my mind. But the amount of examples and thought you put into this, that you were able to present to a wide audience really showed me that this show had more to present than just shock factor and violence. Thank you for your work!

[@jamaalsmith5626]

It's a hit piece you lowborn illiterate!

[@a.r.e.j.1693]

Great video! Many of the things you mentioned Barry is doing right reminded me of Our Flag Means Death, another show that is deconstructing masculinity in a great way.

[@picvegita]

Great video, I remember the first time I watched Mad Men & Sopranos I was just enjoying the story I thought Don and Tony were cool tough guys. When I watched again with a more mature and critical eye I realized what manipulative monsters they were.

[@meinkraft501]

Great characters tho

[@dereklong2072]

From just that first clip. It's more powerful than you can imagine. Most often "Evil" people don't understand or realize why they are "evil" people. They are the heroes of their own story, just like all of us.

[@shepherdsson]

No way dude just said getting revenge for your wife cheating is toxic masculinity💀

[@lordnokia4222]

Revenge by ending another's life, instead of confronting his wife for consensually cheating? Pretty toxic to me, use your brain instead of your murder boner.

[@richardking420]

Would love to see a follow up to this essay covering seasons 3 and 4. Great video!!

[@BBAERSTANCE1]

This video is incorrect. The show writes everyone doing bad things, Cristobal wife does violence, Sally is verbally abusive. I think this guy is making up what he wants

[@len518]

I’ve seen season three but the fact that you steered clear of it is still amazing

[@cartman2586]

These types of characters, more than portraying "toxic masculinity", they represent how men have been exposed more often throughout history to degrees of physicality that have shaped the way we have given ourselves the roles we play in society, but also to ourselves. Tony Soprano always wanted to be a man of value, be a provider, and to be seen and recognized as such. He wanted to be able to be vulnerable to those around him, but still to be seeing as a provider and role model to those around him. Barry just continues what these characters portray, which is that we as men, have had to take positions of great distress throughout history, but at the core of it, is the need and desire to be recognized, but also to build something with love, where you could find comfort in those around you. Tony's most comforting escape was his family, he dies having a regular dinner with them, not being really in the realms of violence and herarchy he resided in. Barry and Tony Soprano are basically the same character, with the difference that Barry exists in a time where he could get what he wants without exposing himself to violance and rage, yet he is imprisoned to that role, as many other men throughout history. These shows are not to show "toxic masculinity", but rather to expose how men throughout history have taken roles that expose them to violance and distress, and that is okay for us to have experienced such, and yet find novelty and nobility in wanting just to be a provider, a good partner, and an overall respectable human being, but still having the ability to defend yourself and those around you from violence, by knowing what actual violence looks and feels like, and not using such rage to get what you what, but rather to be a protector of what is worth to us from it

[@Hothouseflowersss]

….isn’t that…. Literally what toxic masculinity is….

[@cartman2586]

@@Hothouseflowersss not really. For one, things like rage and violance are not inherent to men, yet we are the ones being exposed to it the most. A man who doesn't understand violance, not only is defenseless to himself, but to those around him. You can't just ignore violance and rage just because they are undesireable, but it takes strenght to defend things from violance, without still being swallowed by hatred or weakness. These men portray that in the path towards strenght, not only we must be familiar to violance, but how with real strenght you can fight for what is worth, and build something with love that lasts. For such thing to be seeing as "toxic", the root of such causes along with the long term implications that they develop, would have to be inherently incoherent to human purposes, yet it is not. These characters represent the struggle of the being who faces rage and violance, but in order not to succumb to it, they must realize that their strenght comes from service to others, and that we not only need diversity, love, companionship, knowledge and understandment of others and the world alike, but that also it takes real strenght to fight evil and to still know what's right.

[@cartman2586]

@@Hothouseflowersss i think for us to impose terms of "toxicity" towards this concept, undermines the suffering and injustice men have gone throughout history in the service of others. And that we just look away when such recognitions are presented to us. These characters portray their own vulnerability and anti hero antics so that the audience can experience the process of growth in moral, ethical, and literal strenght that it takes for a person to be exposed to the violance and hatred of the world, and still defend what is right, in a world that not only makes you bleed, but that unrecognizes the sacrifices that we must bear in order to keep this whole machinery that we can civilization working, and functioning for the right reasons

[@macstrong1284]

If you actually think the writers of these shows framed their characters as “noble”, you’ve got to have some kind of maladjustment because the painfully obvious purpose of these stories are to depict the kind of hell, both personal and for everyone involved, that these characters create for themselves through their immoral deeds. Their self-perceived nobility is just that- perceived. In reality, men like Tony Soprano and Barry rationalize (or hide behind) their violence with traditionally male motivations (like providing for the family or the desire to have one)

[@cartman2586]

@@macstrong1284 i didn't say that they are "good people". But even if someone is "bad", they can still have novelty and nobility to them. Tony's whole journey was for him to realize that all that he ever needed was in front of him, just like Barry. And that his opportunity to live the rest of his life seen for what he actually wanted to be (provider, lover, father, safe space), but everything was slipping away due to his double life. His whole arc, is for him to recognize that he still wanted to provide, but he took short cuts and an easy life. Being a provider and the head of a family is not an easy task at all. Characters like Artie Bucco (chef and tony's friend), served to express the image of the noble man, and how the small and noble man is constantly being threathed by a hostile and demanding world, but that him staying the man that he was, and not taking short cuts, would serve him to be seen for what he truly was, and be able to see what he had built for the rest of his life. Tony's anxiety was the personification of his fear of death, which he knew was lingering around him for the type of life he chose. This takes him in his journey to discover what he is even fighting for, why fight at all, and what will remaim after everything is done. He might have chosen such life under the pretenses of being a provider, but he realizes through his fear of death and losing his family that his real worth was in the service of his family, and now his dilemma is how can he change for better in a hostile world, whose hostility he participated in. He overcomes his anxiety, becomes a more loving and understanding father, a better friend, and a better person to himself through the realizations i mentioned. The catch is, that no one gets away with anything. His days on earth were counted, but he realized that we could be more than the rage he felt and resided in. And that in the aftermath of his death, what would go on are the things he put both his love and rage into, in order to give meaning to his own suffering. Tony is not a good man avoiding goodness and wholeness, but rather the man who has seen rage and violance, and now has to figure out why is it even worth at all being a good person, which is to preserve the things he treasures the most, those things that will last forever. Love, his companionship and advice to others, and his competence to build a safe space for those who he loves. We can judge people who have been the product of violance and who are cursed to see the hatred and sins of the world with their own eyes, but the truth is, their journey represents the battle of profound morality and human purpose. Why defend a world so drowned in hatred and violance, and even more if nothing has any inherent meaning to them at all, and moreover, any genuinily good act that can be done, will most likely go unnoticed. Tony's and Barry's journey is the same one. The man who has to find meaning in what feels like a meaningless and violent world, and what is the worth of being good at all, when the game sometimes seems rigged.