Jackie Jr and AJ: A Sopranos character comparison

In the first video of the character comparison series, we will be comparing Jackie Jr and AJ. We will examine their similarities and differences, and look into potential reasons for them.

[@JF-vw9lv]

Tony Soprano vs Michael Coreleone

[@bullywhispers9544]

I was debating between him, Nucky Thompson, and Walter White for the first one of those. Lets see if there is a consensus.

[@proudfootz]

Yes, that would be fun.

[@stevekru6518]

It would be like watching a High School football team playing in the NFL. Tony had the makings of a varsity athlete but Michael would earn the Super Bowl ring.

[@RedcoatTrooper]

@@bullywhispers9544 all would be great, I think the Nucky one would be great due to the similar creator's

[@MrGuggisberg]

Tony vs Scarface

[@WhoisShawn]

Jackie Jr. is a head scratching character to me. He literally could’ve focused on school and had the world. Tony and company would’ve respected him more for staying in his lane and not trying to be a wanna be gangster. He would’ve had the mob ties perks and still live a privileged life. There’s a reason why Jackie Sr. didnt want the mob life for him.

[@mrtyrant1680]

JJ was probably a case of admiring all the power his father had and having a glorified idea of what a gangster lifestyle was like.

[@johnv6806]

Jackie was dumb af though

[@bodhi6769]

Every university in the country are full of Jackie jr's

[@manband20]

He really was meant to be the funhouse mirror image of AJ and they even show it because of how Tony coddles him. AJ gets a panic attack at the thought of being in charge, Jackie Jr. takes speed to lead an armed robbery. AJ is afraid of violence and will pay people off to avoid confrontation, Jackie Jr. beats people up to show who's boss. AJ shows absolutely no sign of glorifying or idolizing his father's criminal activity, Jackie Jr. would dig the fucker up just to shove his rotting corpse in someone's face to remind people he is related to the last guy in charge. Jackie Jr. had no inspiration or drive to just be a civilian. That requires work. Jackie Jr. has had a silver spoon in his mouth his entire life. With his father dead, he can't imagine a world without that luxury. He's grown up around rich gangsters in a society that glorifies their activities in every movie and TV show to ever make it to air. Ralphie made his father seem like the greatest thief in history. Jackie's the stereotypical mobster in every movie ever made. Why wouldn't he think he could be the hair apparent when he's attractive, rich, and still a very young man with ties to an entire crime family? And then there's AJ who is admittedly very spoiled and changes his life goals on a whim because he has no real life experience. Whenever he does show signs of actually growing as a person, like with the sudden interest in world politics or recovering from his attempted suicide, Tony ends up belittling him (because he's too much like his own mother and cannot form familial bonds) instead of encouraging him and trying to get him to make something of himself. There was no way in hell AJ Soprano was ever going to become a gangster, but with Tony and Carmella setting a bad example and treating him like crap all the time, he was never going to become a functioning member of society either.

[@Jeff-sp7bg]

They're a glorifi crew

[@Magicpickle5]

I got the impression that AJ relented to peer pressure on the toe situation and was deeply disturbed by the incident; a good parallel might be Tony and the amputation of Mr. Satriale's finger.

[@dmartig1]

I never thought of that parallel before.

[@randyjohnsen346]

That’s what I thought about the acid toe situation as well

[@dylanmcgovern8221]

his suicide attempt was like right after

[@shawnbbunbbbybbb3942]

Why can’t we all just get along 😢

[@bryceh6977]

yeah he looked horrified to me not enjoying one bit

[@ShahPhilLeotardo]

“Jackie Jr was always a dumb f*ck, didn’t he almost drown in three inches of water?”

[@mr.perfectcell3236]

"The Penguin exhibit"

[@jasonwebb5964]

The penguin exhibit. Whatever happened there?

[@Jeff-sp7bg]

Who's speaking? Is somebody speaking?

[@DonSeriously-is9lb]

Compared to the dumb F, like AJ soprano who tried to commit suicide and a pool??

[@painkiller_j3071]

Say what you want but as bad as Carmella is, she saved AJ from being Jackie Jr 2

[@sludgerat666]

@@rensvictor8545 It's implied that tony, Carmela, and Aj were all killed in the diner

[@sludgerat666]

@rensvictor8545 kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHTFZ4KCa7d6r80 great video going in depth on this theory. All speculation though.

[@lifeisstr4nge]

Yeah, he never even made it as a varsity athlete

[@shmackee4129]

@@sludgerat666they were not ALL killed, tony sure, but the mob never killed families at a time. I mean every hit that’s been done in front of people only that single person was killed.

[@stevebrizzle]

You’ve badly misread AJ’s reaction to the toe incident - he was disturbed and repulsed by it, he didn’t like it.

[@cosmicskates7721]

I'm w you yup lol cuz like besides his own dad wailing on him every now & then I figured when he joined the other perps in restraining the victim AJ may have accepted the realistic brutality at a minor level because maybe with his ultra-sensitivity issues he self-protected for as long as he could, I'm no good articulating concepts lol or understanding them damn lol but like his ma Carmela says - Everything comes to an end.

[@CaptainTrips560]

Maybe not right away, but he DEFINITELY felt like absolute dogshit when he saw that kid limping around campus & was repulsed by the other guy’s laughter (can’t remember which one he was hanging out with at the moment). That’s also when he started getting more desperate about trying to find a real career because he saw he was going nowhere. Of all the major characters, I think AJ showed the most *potential* to grow & become more empathetic. That said, who knows if that continues after he watches his dad get shot right in front of him. That’s the sort of thing that will fuck a person up. He’s a spoiled brat w/ a shit personality, but he can’t help how he was raised & he’s not THAT much worse than most people are at that age

[@eriktruchinskas3747]

@@cosmicskates7721 his dad only slapped him once, thats hardly "wailing on him"

[@cosmicskates7721]

@@eriktruchinskas3747 yeah I see what you mean but Tony's hands are mammoth compared to the average bear, A.J. is significantly smaller in stature but wtvr lol it son's matter since my spidey senses are signaling to me that you were prob never beat by an adult as a small person but none of my business lol 😆

[@cosmicskates7721]

@@eriktruchinskas3747 * it don't matter lol my chunky but spunky fingertips jeeez 🤣

[@NotAziel]

AJ doesn’t enjoy the acid toe scene what the fuck?? It literally spirals him back into depression!!

[@MrGuggisberg]

Not that, the African boy they beat up, because he had sympathy for 3rd world.

[@NotAziel]

@@MrGuggisberg it was a combination

[@gwell2118]

I don’t know about that. He was even in on the joking about it later. I honestly do t tho I it bothered him that much.

[@zacharyb2723]

@@gwell2118 do you not get people? People follow pressure, laugh about shit they didnt enjoy - look up 'trauma bonding'

[@gwell2118]

@@zacharyb2723 I get people. Do you not get subtext? And AJ even with incidents of empathy gets over it remarkably quickly once something new catches his fancy (not unlike his father). Its obvious from the scene and followup scenes while he was unused to this level of violence he clearly enjoyed the feeling of comradery that the actions and new friends it afforded him. I mean after his first world guilt wore off and he got his new movie gig he suddenly didn't seem so obsessed with American foreign policy now did he? Much like his father he goes through periods of guilt or empathy that eventually subside when he starts getting what he wants.

[@brendanmuller7301]

I don't think aj is that dumb, certainly not a genius like his father and sister but I'm almost certain he's a little above average. He's just incredibly coddled, depressed, with no motivation. I don't dislike aj like others because I see a lot and I mean a lot of youths nowadays exactly like him.

[@Gamerdude87]

You are not wrong tbh

[@hjer731]

His father was no genius trust me. He was intelligent but short sighted and self destructive - little management of emotions and poor decisions

[@fabybaby]

tony soprano could barely spell. remember that letter he wrote melfi?

[@Guamemala]

@@fabybaby his spelling doesn’t define his intelligence, it just shows his skill with spelling, and I’m almost certain tony never writes.

[@dap4699]

Tony and Meadow are not geniuses either.

[@freelancegeneralist1664]

Jackie Jr. was bipolar, aggravated by the expectations beholden by his father's legacy. Anthony Jr. seemed strangely aware of this and proceeded with depressed caution.

[@lazyraceace9503]

Great post. My reply may seem really random...i'm remembering A.J.'s genuine happy grins during the Cleaver premiere. I bet had Christopher and A.J. shared a much stronger bond, the creative outlet through art may have assisted A.J. with the inevitable challenges young men face, his mental health struggles. Anyway Tony could have had a hand in the deliberate distance between them, idk lol.

[@johnkeros9109]

Aggravated? No. He was happy & over-anxious to fill his dad's shoes. For a few reasons it didn't work out.

[@CaptainTrips560]

@@johnkeros9109 he wasn’t saying aggravated as in “emotionally frustrated” he meant “the problems with being bipolar were exacerbated by his desire to follow his dad’s footsteps”

[@chipwanderlust113]

I think nurture won. The sons had totally privileged upbringings that made them princesses, over riding their anyway mediocre natures. The one with the natural killer instinct was Meadow.

[@vishaansingh1019]

All of this becomes a lot easier if you cut away the bullshit and just say "David Chase has a daughter and not a son"

[@christophersuswal9544]

Meadow is way more like Carmella than she realized. She had all the right instincts and chance to stand up and be the best versions of themselves but they both cowarded out at the worst moments to do what was more comfortable and convenient

[@j.clementec.m.1558]

I remember that scene where Tony tells meadow how he tells folk that she's like Carm but in reality he thinks meadow is more like him.

[@speedking7224]

Meadow was a peculiar duck

[@chipwanderlust113]

@@christophersuswal9544 Carmela is the true coward with no conscience, strong arming principals and university staff. Dragging her friends down, like selfishly persuading Angie to stay in bad marriage and bringing up Rosie's son's death in Paris. Meadow supported hers unselfishly. She helped her friend abused by the coach and the roomate, not for gossip or anything. It's just her love for her father and being unable to accept him for anything else than a great dad that blinded her. Carmela knew Tony better and still stayed. At least as a teenager, she resisted that car taken from her friend and called Tony out.

[@frankiehernandez6232]

You also should have mentioned Pat parisi son because his father wasn't a boss but a captain still high in the food chain, he was smart, polite, emotionally stable, with clear goals, and wasn't a punk for example when he was on a date with Meadow and Coco started getting too close and disrespected her he immediately got up to defend her sure jack would do the same but he would probably say " do you know who my father was" whole Aj in that situation would be a coward.

[@dmartig1]

Parisi was never a captain. Christopher leap-frogged him. Tony considers Pat for captain during the last episode because there is nobody left.

[@Ashw1115]

Lol AJ would’ve started crying and go get his rope and cinderblock.

[@masterzombie161]

A.J should’ve went to the army, even though it’s not the best of solutions, it would at least give him a sense of purpose and maybe a more tactical mind if he ever were to follow Tony’s footsteps.

[@bryaningle6034]

He wouldn't have lasted through basic training.

[@jrob4795]

@@bryaningle6034 My little brother was AJ until he joined the Marines. He came back an asshole, but at least he's not a little bitch anymore...that's something I guess.

[@mr.perfectcell3236]

Plot hole with AJ going to military is he has mental issues which would instantly keep him from service. United States Military is actual very hard to join nowadays.

[@ginao6810]

I think he would have appreciated the structure, the challenge and the camaraderie. And the Soprano name would have meant nothing, he would have to make it on his own merit, which he could never do in NJ.

[@matthewneddeau7993]

@@bryaningle6034 basic training can’t be that bad. I saw remember some weak ass classmates joining the military and they made it.

[@imnothappyaboutthis3596]

The only reason i hate Aj more than Jackie is because he lasted longer…

[@maniac50ae14]

Harsh, AJ wasnt that bad, he just received no real leadership, no real 1on1 time with his dad. Even when he tried to step up and join the army, they stepped in and blocked him. In a way, his parent, like a lot of parents, didnt want him to grow up because it can mean that they have no control anymore or the child grows up in a way that they disagree with.

[@munstrumridcully]

@@maniac50ae14 for the most part, both Jackie Jr and AJ were kept away from the Mob side of their families-- Jackie really thought of himself as some kind of tough guy or criminal or something. In my opinion, neither of them with cutout for it as Jackie Jr was kind of an idiot and AJ was too soft. No I don't know if AJ was was soft because of nature or nurture or both oh, but he definitely was too soft to be a murdering Thug which is required to be a made man. With Jackie Jr, Ralphie really didn't help-- what with letting him have a foot into the mob stuff when Tony absolutely forbade it because of his promise to Jackie senior. That said Jackie Jr really botched that card game robbery and should have known once he shot Furio that he was SOL, son of a mob "legend" or not! Furio was a made guy and you can't touch him a guy let alone shoot him and not face serious repercussions. I guess Jackie Jr never watched what happened to Joe Pesci's character in Goodfellas Karma LOL

[@maniac50ae14]

@@munstrumridcully im just talking about aj as a person, not whether or not he'd make it in the mob. With Aj, there was NO nurture, no tutelage or anything... people say he was spoiled, but what did he actually get of value, that he could take into the real world?

[@jeremygunther9403]

The way AJ looks at Tony at Jackie Aprile's funeral, although a nice moment on the surface, always disturbed me in a way. That moment is a loss of AJ's innocence in a way.

[@christianyepez1016]

"Your mama's on Crack rock!", I'm not gonna lie that was kinda catchy.

[@nathanjordan8291]

"Capital of Canada., ehhhh look at this kid!!" - Only in America man

[@Braila2000]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@michaeldiekmann6494]

I dont get it

[@HookedonChronics]

@@michaeldiekmann6494 knowing the capital of Canada, especially since its the neighboring country, is not very impressive

[@michaeldiekmann6494]

It is... for americans

[@kendallperry9247]

4:18 idk bro I don't think this is a 'i like this' face. Furthermore, what is Aj to do to help this person when his other large group of psychopathic friends are literally pouring acid on someone's foot? I personally think this incident exacerbated his depression/suicide attempt via AJ experiencing a profound example of how heartless and cruel the whole world (especially including whats close to him) can be, and being powerless to stop it, with the thought that it could happen to him too.

[@jessicasevin1870]

Aj nature was too gentle I think he felt boxed in by his father's world of violence

[@CaptainTrips560]

Yeah, the scene is a combination of the bystander effect and AJ seriously underestimated what they were going to do & it never occurred to him that they would burn a guy’s foot off with fucking sulphuric acid. Wasn’t the kid they did that too also a buddy of AJ’s and then he had to face that kid the next day?

[@bodhi6769]

He was laughing about him having his toes amputated. He didn't have any problems until the Nigerian was attacked

[@TheDanteOxalis]

I wish there were more scenes with Jackie Jr and AJ. Despite his flaws, JJ was like a big brother to AJ in many regards, and may have been the sibling AJ needed

[@plasticine1999]

There's a difference between coddling (JJ) & babying (AJ), partly explained by the difference in their mothers. Ro's realistic & satisfied with the life they all chose -- she was so thrilled Meadow was dating JJ she was already picturing the grandkids. Carm's ambivalent to the point of self-loathing, & infantilizes AJ (see @1:39) to the point that he's useless to both the underworld & legit world & can only fantasize about being a party planner or such.

[@kendallperry9247]

Additionally, I believe Aj's lack of ambition is a symptom of depression that Chase was trying to paint into Aj's character, both earlier in foreshadowing, and acutely like we see in season-6. I disagree that it was as a result of being coddled. On the other hand too, Jackie Jr was coddled as well, and seems to be very motivated.

[@hellofaname]

AJ had teen angst/depression, mostly brought on from the fact that he knows his dad is a mobster. Whereas Jackie Jr was some high school jock pretty boy who feels entitled because "my father".

[@brennanc4321]

The first instance of this was when that bully wouldn't fight him because of his dad.

[@smileyent.3055]

@@brennanc4321 do you think missing the chance to stand up for himself, made Aj the way he is now?

[@thomasstone3480]

aj lives in an emotional void nearly as brutal as the one tony grew up in- he's 'coddled' materially but he's deprived of real love and affection. mead and carm have a close connection, but while carmella isn't the cruel manipulator livia was towards tony, she doesn't seem to have any real bond with aj, just a sort of generic awareness that he's her son and she should act to protect him. tony simply doesn't know what to do with him, and yaws wildly between wanting him to be more and less like himself, punishing him emotionally for both. tony's whole family seems to be prone to severe emotional problems and personality disorders, so aj likely has some genetic disposition towards depression as well. i think aj was a kid who just didn't have any sense of what people are supposed to do with their lives. mead had a pretty clear path- civilian attache to the mob- and she was smart and pretty and confident. aj couldn't be a prince, he didn't know how to be a commoner, and he didn't have anyone to guide him. of course he's all fucked up lol

[@roymunson1]

Rewatching the sopranos for a 10th time and I'm in season 2. AJ was a brilliant character. I really think the writers had in some way made the choice not let AJ grow into enjoying anti social behavior as he got older. I think they wasted his potential in the show big time.

[@dtraversodt]

Tony was totally wrong for the vasectomy line to AJ ..he sees hints of Carmella(going in the fridge; always taking, spoiled) and Livia in AJ ...ironically Tony acted like Livia to AJ much like she did to him.

[@darkbaypilotz3886]

I was expecting this to be a dull video but surprisingly edutaining instead. Great content bro. One was an idiot and the other stuck in his complex, i wonder how they'd do if they had to share power as mob bosses. I can see jackie killing aj in that scenario

[@CaptainTrips560]

I absolutely think Jackie would TRY to have AJ clipped, but I think AJ was still smart enough to see that coming. A LOT would have to go differently (basically rewriting half the show, especially S3 and S5/6) I’m probably overthinking the joke in your comment but it got me thinking & this would actually be a very interesting story imo (because it would basically just be a slightly different version of the show we got). The way I see it going down is like this: Chris turns into Tony, AJ turns into Chris. Furio turns into Silvio, Benny turns into Big Pussy, & Jackie turns into Paulie. So basically all of the “idiot” characters were young guys. So let’s say they get smarter & more mature as they age. neither Jackie nor AJ are getting in unless Tony is gone , so to keep it simple. Let’s say Artie shoots Tony over the restaurant thing & Chris doesn’t have Tony sabotaging his addiction (and that Chris also got his stripes as part of T’s legacy or he sobered up enough to earn his way in by his own merit). Let’s also say Jackie’s card game bullshit actually worked… So, Jackie & AJ don’t have Tony keeping them out of the family. In fact, AJ in particular now has Chris, because Chris starts treating AJ how Tony treated Chris. Hell, if Tony’s gone than Furio probably also is still there, probably married to Carmella. So at that point, AJ has guys like Chris, Furio, Sil, Meadow & Pat Jr (mob lawyers & older sister/bro-in-law), Johnny Sack (at least until the cancer) and maybe even Paulie & Hesh if they’re still kicking around. With that kind of mentorship, AJ has every advantage in the world to succeed. Jackie Jr would have some of those same advantages, but because he’s less introspective & shows less business acumen, he’d just be a lackey, whereas AJ would be more likely to be groomed for capo. This would destroy AJ, much like how Tony destroyed Christopher. But having battled addiction himself & lost a father at a young age, I think Chris would have more empathy for AJ than Tony did for Chris. He would unintentionally destroy AJ, not maliciously.

[@therougenecropolis7772]

Interesting hypotheticals brother but if Toni goes AJ is not automatically going to be placed at the head or even close, but if he chose that life he would be fast tracked to the top like Toni was due to his father's status. The mob belongs to the family and not just one family and like Toni once said to Melfi "he would never survive in this life" when they were discussing AJ. But u do have a point though, if the family have to choose between AJ and Jackie I think they would choose AJ as he is more open to mentoring and reasoning, he still would have to earn his name though, after all a crime family isn't that much different from a pirate ship

[@CaptainTrips560]

@@therougenecropolis7772 oh no, I didn’t mean to imply that AJ wouldn’t have had to earn his way to the top. Tony & Chris we’re both given extraordinary help climbing their way up. The difference is that Tony had the focus & determination to achieve a name for himself in his own right, Chris was coasting on Tony & Dickie I also don’t think AJ would’ve immediately gotten into crime (he’d actually probably go pretty anti-mob for awhile) but I think overtime he might drift his way back in

[@CaptainTrips560]

@@therougenecropolis7772 and I think you’re spot on about AJ being more open to mentoring & reasoning. If he’d had more time with either Ralph or Richie, I feel like he might’ve gotten fed up with them for not helping him out more & then he would’ve done something REALLY fucking stupid

[@cynicaltheastrocreep4504]

I love your videos and you have really interesting concepts that aren't the same breakdowns and "theories" as so many other channels. Keep it up, I'll be here. I think the Tony vs AJ comparison should be next. You already made hints to their similarities/differences and it would be the perfect follow-up, as well as in (especially) Tony's character core. He hates himself and he sees a lot of himself in AJ only less successful, so by the end of the series he almost can't stand AJ and is extremely disappointed in him. Goes well into the nature and nurture discussion.

[@dustincongello5802]

Do a video on AGENT HARRIS. Guy went from bugging Tony's house to helping him win the war with new york and was genuinely excited when he hears Tony won..

[@glenatkinson1230]

That is a real parallel to FBI Agent Lin Devecchio during the Colombo War on the early 90s involving Greg Scarpa.

[@dustincongello5802]

@@glenatkinson1230 Harris didn't quite reached that level..but I get what your saying ..Harris was slowly getting there..he didn't .the agent that handled big Pussy was closer to delvecchio then Harris . Pretty much letting go the murder of Matthew bevilaqua Tony and pussy did together so pussy could keep getting information

[@glenatkinson1230]

@@dustincongello5802 yes you're quite correct. However DelVecchio was the one who coined the phrase "Were going to win this thing" uttered by Harris after Leonardo got clipped.

[@jessicasevin1870]

Oh I bet NY FBI and NJ FBI Definetly rooted for their sides and kept score cards

[@jasonryan2555]

Agent Harris became disillusioned with his career after 911. FBI shifted focus from organized crime to global Terrorism. This resulted in Harris' marriage falling apart from being away from home and him suffering from a serious illness from his travels.

[@DaveSCameron]

I love these uploads and thank you once again for your hard work sharing them with us. Keep sound*

[@FoolishFlock]

awesome can't wait for more of these kinda uploads!!...

[@rickierosso221]

I love your channel! Keep up the good work (:

[@Argos-xb8ek]

Unlike AJ Jackie could've lived like a prince all he had to do was go with the "flow" and screwed it up big time.

[@AlarmingGeneral]

I think that the way both of them were nutured enhanced their nature of being themselves. Not being challenged, neither of them were shown how to work on their issues and overcome them. They were left to their own devices which aren't that great on their own, but could have been molded into something greater.

[@subhanamjad8787]

My first time watching a video on your channel and it just so happens to be the start of your comparison series! A good video sir, I liked how you mentioned the changing times and schools and the impact this may have had on AJ. Maybe you could have explored differences between Tony and Jackie Sr to help understand the differences between their sons even further. With regards to the next one, I say Jackie Jr and Janice, only because I'm interested into as to WHY you decided to compare these 2 (it's obvious why you chose to compare Jackie Jr to AJ and are looking at comparing AJ to his father). If you have seen the Many Saints of Newark, I think you should do an episode comparing Dickie and Tony. Loads of material to work with.

[@MomMom4Cubs]

5 days and not one dislike. That speaks to the quality content of this channel! } Please keep it up, right up!!!!

[@bigboyblue7181]

Years ago I went to my local video store and rented the entire series and sat there for days watching it until the end. I never had such insite for it until now.

[@ShaunHopkinsAVFC]

You should do both of those videos! This one was excellent

[@gerainedoss7123]

“You’re momas on crack rock!” Had me rollin’ lol. Earned my sub! 😂👏👏

[@youtubeman2001]

Growing up in the 80s is a good point as to why Jackie Jr was tougher than AJ. I don’t think Jackie was coddled and spoiled like AJ but he was definitely sheltered

[@bentencho]

I think Jackie Jr wasn't as dumb as AJ. When he was motivated and subconsciously trying to help his sick father by trying to get into medical school..... he probably could have done it. His grade started to slide once his "fawtha" passed away.

[@Dakotastx]

Idk about this one…I think AJ was definitely dumber than say…Meadow, but I don’t think he was ever at the level of Jackie Jr. AJ flunked out of college because he never even really went, Jackie was failing even when he was going because he didn’t understand “nucleotides and shit”. Jackie was only ever passing classes when Meadow was writing papers for him

[@tricky92x]

One word... "oblique"

[@jasonryan2555]

Just watch the scene where Jackie Jr is playing Meadow in Scrabble. All if his words are 3 letters. Meadow notices this and she begins to have doubts about Jackie Jr.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

@@jasonryan2555 Also "ass" was his idea of a Scrabble combination. That was a classic scene.

[@annecraig8257]

AJ relieved of his eyebrows is still one of the most hilarious sequences of the series !!

[@enak413]

Especially when Tony can't quite figure out why AJ looks so weird ... and then Carmella says "Jesus Christ Tony he's got no eyebrows ! "

[@annecraig8257]

@@enak413 I cannot imagine how many takes it took to print those scenes LOL!

[@enak413]

@@annecraig8257 Imagine James Gandolfini doing The God Father line : "Look how they massacred my boy" Lol

[@damienbutler7601]

In my opinion I'm going to take a metaphor from Michael Franzese.. now I don't care for either character Jackie on his worst day is better than AJ on his best, Jackie did try he had some level of balls- he actually tried to plan things out. ( He failed miserably) What killed it for me with AJ was the attempted Corrado Soprano assassination no planning, nothing. Jackie had friends because they actually were cool with him. AJ only had friends only because of who his father is.

[@christophersuswal9544]

So timeline wise, I'm the same age/ generation as A.J. I've always believed we were the last line of Gen X mentality, even though according to those who math it out we're technically millennials. School was filled with the bully culture and tough guy bravado. Video games and general isolation was kicking in but we spent the majority of our free time playing sports outside. I think we overrate how kids turn out like it's some sort of big mystery. Give them everything, and they'll always expect it, and lack the desire to go out and get their own

[@kentvesser9484]

I think a factor as well is whether the majority of your siblings are in the prior generation, the same one, or the next one and whether they are the same gender as you or a different one. Elder or younger siblings and their gender can play a huge role developmentally kind of dragging you into their generation in attitude or leaving a disconnect between you due to a large age gap or gender meaning you don't hang out or play together that much growing up.

[@masterace1677]

in the future, please do soprano and wire character comparison.

[@luishenriquetrotta6578]

What a great channel. Congratulations

[@maniac50ae14]

AJs problem, kids like AJ in general, they benefit from being given adult responsibilities off the bat. We have to send kids to school nowadays but these type of children really need to be out with adult males learning how the world works instead of being left to their own devices and the myriad of childrens entertainment

[@kendallperry9247]

Meh, this is oversimplifying it. A more involved and real relationship with Tony and Carmella like Meadow had, + a more mindful environment with people in their family getting proper treatment for their destructive personality disorders/mental conditions, would've done charms for AJ. Sure it doesn't hurt to build work ethic, but your brain's gotta work properly first. Or else you'll just get the same results, or someone like Christopher who numbs themselves with drugs.

[@kendallperry9247]

Sometimes Conservative elders aren't as well read as they say they are.

[@maniac50ae14]

@@kendallperry9247 I'm not talking about work ethic and ADHD brains aren't defective or mental disorders, they're functional traits that serve little purpose in a world where abstraction and sitting for extended periods of the day are more common than it has ever been in the entirety of our evolution. Brains like his thrive from relevant physical experience and interaction, seeing immediate effect of his action or at least being able to work on things that he understands what the immediate response/reward will be. The reward for standard schooling is too far down the line and the process is too slow and monotonous for these children. He'd thrive better with a hands on apprenticeship in trade or even business. The military was a good fit for him but his parents talked him out of it and Tony did little to assist him in the party promoting that he was doing

[@kendallperry9247]

@@maniac50ae14 my bad. you have a point.

[@user-ld7uw1ir7l]

I appreciate the length of "the clip" lol I almost died 😂

[@Alpha1200]

I have quite a different take on why Jackie Jr. is courageous and AJ is not. Jackie Jr. grew up being told he could do whatever the fuck he wanted and being praised for being smart by his father. There's also no evidence that his father ever laid a finger on him (that I can recall). AJ grew up being told "this is my offspring?" and with a father who would punish him (sometimes with violence) for any disagreement. As a result Jackie was overly confident to the point where he would do "courageous" stuff just because he never thought about failing, whereas AJ was no courageous because he was always told how worthless he was and any attempt at standing up for himself was punished in the past.

[@Alpha1200]

I also want to point out that, just like Tony, AJ is genetically prediposed towards depression whereas there's no reason to think that Jackie Jr. was. Edit: This was mentioned later in the video after I wrote this comment.

[@skibiditoiletbrainrot_]

I agree with you

[@stevekaczynski3793]

I see AJ as being smart enough to factor in the possibility that "if I do A, something bad may happen". Jackie did not have those smarts.

[@roscoedash6673]

There’s nothing inherently wrong with AJ, he just had horrible parents who taught him virtually nothing about life. They did nothing to instill discipline, self confidence, ambition, or really any positive traits in the kid. They have AJ material possessions and comfort but provided no guidance, just expecting him to figure everything out. It always made me wonder how Meadow turned out the way she did, but then again we don’t see how they patented a young Meadow before the show starts. We also don’t really see much about Jackie Jr’s upbringing but it seems like his parents were soft on him as well.

[@YUYUxHAKUSHO]

Neither of them had the makings of a varsity athlete

[@maniac50ae14]

The difference between aj and jackie is that jackie thought he was a smart and a tough guy. Aj wasnt nearly as pretentious as jackie, and aj wasnt nearly as over confident

[@travismiles5885]

Left a comment just because you played a clip from Yo Mama smoke Crack Rock. I had totally forgotten about that song! 😂

[@downsyndromehitler5697]

Do one on that Felch yamamma guy

[@boneznyg7347]

Feech Lamanna and Richie Aprile comparison!

[@mrmac123]

Janice and Jackie Jr. It's different, that's why I want to see you views. This was a good video!

[@Chinchilla2310]

You should do a comparison between Meadow and Carmella, too.

[@djbuck4948]

Bro I'm a new subscriber so I'm a little late and trying to catch up on the episodes. You should do a comparison video of all the captains of the Aprile crew. Start with Jackie then Richie Gigi Ralph Vito Carlo and then finally Paulie walnuts. Maybe not so much a comparison than the different leadership qualities/ defects of the doomed and cursed crew

[@kasiahroy2082]

I can’t believe you pulled Yo mama’s on crack rock out!!! 😂 I’m dying!!! I thought that was just a Miami thing! 😂 😂😂😂

[@GriffinatorOriginal]

“Ya mommas on crack rock” will be in my head for years now. Thanks.

[@rohitrajputltd]

Tony Soprano vs Vito Corleone could be interesting but for the proposed ideas, Tony vs AJ :)

[@jackstrand5341]

Vito would own Tony no question

[@15allnite]

I think you’re giving Tony way too much credit. I don’t think Tony would’ve outshined Johnny Sac, if Johnny had lasted as boss.

[@officialthomasjames]

AJ was clearly disturbed by the toe incident.

[@MisterTutor2010]

The used to say "He likes this." is hilarious.

[@georgewilliamsiii3445]

Aj friends like Jason and also Jason Kinda remind me of slick and Mario from a Bronx tale

[@RaVisions]

Yeah especially when they beat up a black kid and call him racial slurs

[@fathertedczynski]

I honestly don't get the hate for AJ, and when I see spoiled kids I think ill of the parents rather than the child. After all, how can you expect a child to be grateful for a life when they have no feelings of struggle to compare it to? Handing things to your child on a silver platter is not something to be proud of, it's not teaching your child anything besides laziness and entitlement. And so it's no surprise that AJ - like the rest of the world's children right now - are falling to depression; they don't know the value of struggling to achieve things of worth, namely meaningful relationships, self love, and a successful career. Instead, they're taught the easy path is the most valuable in life, so they curl into a ball of self-medication.

[@petermj1098]

Imo: AJ is Tony if he didn’t become a gangster. Meadow is Carmela if she didn’t marry a gangster. Tony would be struggling with his identity and self-respect like AJ if he didn’t become a gangster. Carmela would be a successful person with a legitimate life like Meadow if she didn’t become Tony’s wife.

[@stevencoffin328]

Suggestion for future video: Vito Spatafore and real life mafia member John D'Amato

[@urstillaklown0843]

Jackie Jr was entitled, as was AJ. Difference is AJ wasn't aiming to be in the family business, sorta like Tony before Dickies death, which was the event that helps make up his mind. Maybe seeing his father killed in front of him and his mom and sister pushes him in the same way. I'd like to see how he came out after that... Jr would rather be in the life even though he had a straight path to walk. Jr couldn't, wouldn't make it in the life even if given a real chance. AJ I believe would have

[@brennanc4321]

The move towards coddling, or like helicopter parenting was a result of the job market. Parents had to be more or less risk assessment consultants due to how competitive things were becoming.

[@smileyent.3055]

And look at the results

[@JimmyG415]

02:55 That isn't Jason Cerbone right here. They brought in his little brother in RL, for this one flashback scene.

[@erics362]

I don't know if I like how he did then end run.

[@peteyprimo7173]

I’d like to see a comparison between Vito and Geno

[@billbrasky7540]

Jackie Jr/Janice comparison! I've seen a few Tony/AJ comparison

[@juancortez3955]

Another big factor is presence of the father. Jr lost his dad and through that he idealizes him, and wants to be like him. Tony being a good man tries to steer him away from the street life, but Jr just wants to be like pops, can you blame him? His father showed him tons of love.

[@brennanc4321]

Its also the classic "you don't want any part in this" while having a mansion, cars and so on.

[@KyleFRx]

+1 for Tony + AJ comparison

[@mattmolloy636]

6:09 wtf how am I just seeing this for the first time now? In a Sopranos KZbin character comparison video of all places…

[@maniac50ae14]

HOLY SHITT!!!! I forgot all about that video Crack rock video. And anti bullying wasnt a thing when aj was in school, it was something else that had changed in america but it wasnt anti bullying or heli parents yet, but we were getting softer

[@dustincongello5802]

Wasn't AJ bothered after the acid thing

[@nickjohnson6368]

Machiavellian Monday?

[@GothamKnight84661]

Both AJ. and Jackie Jr never had the makings of a varsity athlete.

[@johnkeros9109]

So you're apologizing?

[@gustavoalmanza2673]

At Jackie Jr.’s funeral there’s a photo of him in a football jersey and he seemed to be physically fit. It pains me to say this but it would appear he did have the makings of a varsity athlete

[@phoenixmodellingphotography]

Does anyone know why AJ made that angry face into his phone?

[@mtb5431]

Is it messed up that I find Jackie Jr more enduring and sympathetic then Aj? Lol

[@murraykelm5691]

Aj used the Soprano name to act like a big shot in the New York club's, but he quickly found out that his so called friends were only using him.

[@darkservantofheaven]

Never Forget Larusso was the real Bully

[@eriktruchinskas3747]

AJ needed a nanny or a live in tutor, not to be left alone to his own devices thinking it would work because it did for meadow

[@crazyjoedavola5430]

Good vid....great edits. It's a total toss up....

[@pearcefitzpatrickodonovan480]

Jackie and aj both seem to give up too easily, I wonder if AJ went down a similar path to Jackie after Tony's death

[@latte2797]

Really cannot believe you thought AJ enjoyed the acid scene.

[@AquarianAgeApostle]

Jessy (Breaking Bad) v Christopher Moltisanti

[@CaptainTrips560]

AJ looks like Tommy Wiseau in the thumbnail

[@joemckim1183]

Both AJ and Jackie Jr both almost drowned. Jackie at the penguin exhibit and AJ when he jumped into the pool tied to a cinder block..

[@hastur3201]

So what's the capital of Canada?

[@brobsty1856]

AJ was in high school around the same time I was in the late 90s.. there was definitely no anti-bullying movement lol

[@cletusjones9411]

I always thought Tony should have taken Jackie Jr. under his wing, despite his promise to Jackie Sr.

[@DevinRyanVitek]

Jackie Jr? He almost drowned in the penguin exhibit.

[@Bruno-bb9er]

I'll give AJ this: At least he didn't pull the "You know who my fawtha is?" card.

[@mind-numbingtasks1575]

I believe that AJ failed because he was only a faint echo of Tony just like Tony was a faint echo of his own father. You can only skate on the reputation of someone else's hard work and outstanding character for so long. Tony obviously failed in the end and AJ was the most pathetic, weak character because he never once attempted to be his own man.

[@goldenage]

Ralphie is not a reliable resource when it comes to Jackie Jr as he essentially wanted him out of the way. He influenced Jackie to pursue a life of crime, then made the final decision to kill him.

[@Dakotastx]

I actually disagree with this. I think Ralph thought he was schooling Jackie Jr the best way he knew how, but he underestimated how dumb Jackie was and how literally he would take the Feech card game example. In the end, he only whacked him to protect his own reputation (he was a psychopath at the end of the day)

[@kendallperry9247]

Do Phil Leotardo house version VS Ercole Soprano

[@EatShitanddieRicky]

It's nurture. I always go towards nurture

[@talkingstraightwithnate]

This one almost seems like a half arsed suggestion(so obvious) Johnnie Sacks & John Gotti

[@shanekajohnson1320]

The biggest difference is their mother. Carmela 🐅 mom, Rosalee total push over

[@LaddRusso91]

I think because his fadah died, he started getting into dumb shit.

[@stronzo.617]

Jackie was way better than AJ. I still don’t really like him however. It would have been cool to see what would’ve happened if tony let Jackie join the mafia.

[@bullywhispers9544]

Wouldve been interesting for sure

[@jeremygunther9403]

@@bullywhispers9544 He definitely had a chance. Strong, ambitious and had no desire to live a regular life

[@MrGuggisberg]

Comparison of a chihuahua and AJ: both cannot survive in nature without nurture

[@andrejanikolic7462]

Do a comparison of Bobby Bacala and Meadow 😂

[@hl8642]

Do Christopher Vs Jesse pinkman