Tony Talks To Dr Melfi About His Son - The Sopranos HD

[@danzam40]

“My rotten fuckin putrid genes have infected my kid’s soul. THAT’S my gift to my son!” I always loved that line, the writing is so great on this show.

[@Bretleir]

Can't tell if it's the writing or if it's adlibbed by James. But either way, a memorable line for ages to come. 😊

[@danzam40]

@@Bretleir Sopranos actors have gone on record they pretty much have to stick to the scripts with little to no improv making the cuts. Same with Breaking Bad. Some guys just have a vision for their story and don’t want to deviate which is respectable.

[@aliciapetronio2394]

That's how I think my dad always felt about me 😔

[@sunflowerwulf7536]

I always did too, that line has stuck with me all these years since I first saw it. It rings so true if you know what he means. These genetic curses are no joke.

[@oldcat7]

@@danzam40 Breaking Bad had some improvisation here and there, mostly physical. The Sopranos on the other hand had virtually no improv from what I have read.

[@Micolashcage1]

Every time Tony sees Dr. Melfi: "This therapy thing is a joke, Im done. .. see ya next week."

[@caglioso]

I’ve legit had plenty of patients like that. Usually they move past it after establishing a rapport and become more comfortable in treatment, otherwise they will just request a discharge. But some talk about termination often despite us both knowing they don’t really want that. Often this is when the patient has a strong stigma towards mental health treatment and can’t shake feeling indulgent in some way. There’s a difference between feeling good versus giving yourself the freedom to feel good.

[@caglioso]

@@Furukawaii I suppose that depends on if you want to be a therapist. Is that something you want to do? If so then you have your answer.

[@KidPersepolis]

@@caglioso answered like a true therapist. See you next week.

[@c.a8837]

He said it's a jerk off, not a joke.

[@caglioso]

@@KidPersepolis lol my pleasure

[@boxmad5523]

Gandolfini was a force of nature, amazing actor.

[@anthonyiadarola1201]

The best

[@anthonyiadarola1201]

My opinion he is better than Pacino and deniro because they come off as great actors only , Gandolfini became it especially tony soprano

[@2200Stinger]

@Elon Billy Lmao how cheap

[@ethan8804]

Phenomenal.

[@mrepicmadman1551]

Amazing actor is an extreme understatement. Watching his preformance and his acting never felt like watching someone act. It felt like a camera crew set up cameras in the right angles and we were watching the insight to a real criminal organisation. I have no idea how every actor pulled it off. What they did was create art. Their performances and acting I believe will never be beaten or even come anywhere close to this level. It's still sad how this man lost his life. Imagine all the other projects we could have possibly seen him in. May he rest in peace. Absolute Legend. R. I. P to all the others whom have since past away that played a role on the sopranos. The sopranos set the standard so high. I don't think any show has ever come close. Possibly breaking bad, better call Saul, peaky blinders and Game of Thrones. But they still aren't the sopranos...

[@jedcarr3649]

He should’ve won an Emmy every year for this show

[@jameskim1505]

Did he not?

[@onedayyoumay95]

@@jameskim1505 he won 3 emmys and a golden globe

[@jedcarr3649]

@@jameskim1505 nope. He only won for Seasons 2, 3 and 4

[@jameskim1505]

@@jedcarr3649 what?!! Season 6 Tony was the best !!!!!

[@peteypizzillo1142]

This show got so many awards its insane i watched the award show and they were getting awards for episodes like it was nothing just one after another

[@technomancer5279]

"When they're little and they're sick you'd give anything in the world to switch places with them so they don't have to suffer" that hit me so deep

[@rickyray2794]

Same, I feel that way about my daughter when she is hurt or sick.

[@lessmemorehe136]

Definitely. Reminds me of John 3:16-21 or Romans 5:6-11 that points to the ultimate example of this for all of humanity. Blessings, peace, and grace to you!

[@mr4kgamer]

I feel the exact same for my 3 year old son whenever he is hurt or sick.

[@cedenoanthony45]

This is the closest I ever seen Tony to crying, deep down he really cares about AJ

[@sanjayraju988]

Tony did cry in the pilot, about the ducks.

[@berrafatale25yearsago87]

Tony didnt cry, James did.

[@sergiotorres4926]

Tony cried when his mother died

[@angrym0nkeysh0w]

He cried in the episode his mother died, but with the movie he was watching

[@andrezacarias7352]

He cried for Pie oh My.

[@Amaru19]

"Obviously I'm prone to depression. A certain . . . bleak attitude about the world." Tony doesn't understand himself like this in season 1. so it's not a *complete* jerkoff, people.

[@Aivottaja]

It was a jerkoff. But it was just Tony jerking Melfi off. Therapy doesn't improve the Tonys of the world as people. It makes them better at lying and evading.

[@tfswfan29]

@@Aivottaja While what you say can be true i believe strongly that Tony grows to understand himself way better than in S1 after years of working with Dr. Melfi. he knows why he’s feeling like shit all the time & he prolly would’ve killed himself cause he’s down very bad throughout the show. yup therapy doesn’t cure depression, it gives ppl tools to deal with it

[@Aivottaja]

@@tfswfan29 Yeah, he grew alright. To be a more effective liar and criminal. Tony by the end of the season 6 is worse than he ever was. He's greedier, more callous, more selfish and more ruthless.

[@tfswfan29]

@@Aivottaja right, but also that’s bc of the life that was chosen for him bc he was dragged into the mob, which sealed his fate bc it’s bound to end up in tragedy. therapy def helped him cope with the life given to him and which he later chose willingly cuz he’s such a nihilist

[@Aivottaja]

@@tfswfan29 He wasn't dragged into it. Nothing has been shown of Johnny Boy or Junior dragging him into anything. He chose it. AJ is just as much a mobster's child and he's not doing what Tony was doing at that age. Being nihilist has nothing to do with that. Plenty of people are nihilists without being criminals.

[@stewiegriffin12341]

He sounds like any real parent would sound in a situation like this.

[@geordiejones5618]

I like how earlier in the show you feel like Tony is just like any other dad, but by now I had no sympathy. Tony is a big reason AJ turned out the way he dig because he cares a lot more about money than his own family. Thats pretty clear when he lowballs Carmella.

[@carladaquila8190]

Exactly. Tony cared about his son. He hated to see him so depressed after Blanca dumped him. Like any caring father. I remember my first broken heart and it was equally traumatic for me and I had to deal with it alone.

[@michaelprovost6066]

LMAO, I hope you're joking

[@molasorrosalom4846]

That's true though, the last thing he would want is to pass his mental illness on to his son.

[@molasorrosalom4846]

@@carladaquila8190 It wasn't just from him being dumped though. Throughout the show you discovered that AJ inherited alot from his father. Like the panic attacks

[@patrickmccutcheon8860]

As a person with depression who came from a depressed family, this was heavy.

[@Baresi-Unico-Capitano]

Awww poor youuuu

[@mikerotonda6264]

Feel good roz?? Do you feel better because you have to be a wise ass to someone who says they have depression? Feel better after you make a remark like you did?

[@Baresi-Unico-Capitano]

@@mikerotonda6264 it's one of Livia soprano's lines, dumbass.

[@mikerotonda6264]

Awwww!! Really??? I didn't know that..... JERKOFF FACE

[@mikerotonda6264]

@@cthulhucrews6602 aw.... thanks for caring so much..I will get some, and I will send you the bill since your so concerned

[@TehBellcarl]

2:37 “it’s like..” a hint of the real James Gandolfinis voice.

[@Trollseeder]

good catch

[@JCohen182]

He was probably thinking about his own son michael

[@el34glo59]

Pretty sure he was tapping into something real there

[@boiboh2954]

What’s funny is I’ll bet that if he saw this comment/was made aware of this moment, he would regard it as a flaw and a failing. Guy was a professional and a perfectionist, on top of being a massive talent.

[@OgrePrime430]

I thought the same thing

[@J1mmymadeit]

Part of what makes this scene so good is that it illustrates exactly what was wrong with Tony as a father. He feels empathy for AJ but can't ultimately take responsibility for why AJ ended up the way he is. Tony seems to still blame himself but he's doing it out of his own self-loathing and insecurity (rotten putrid fuckin genes), but he can't fathom the idea that it actually has to do with how good of a father he is. Which is ironic considering how much he perseverates over his own parents actions. Tony can only focus on the fact that he's a product of his environment but he'll never understand that his environment is a product of him and that's what the show is essentially about

[@gaborbanko8373]

well said

[@louwinters508]

Tony loves both his kids. And feels empathy towards his son. But that empathy goes away because of his frustration with him. He would have hit AJ as a kid given the choice but his wife wouldn't let him. I think it is very difficult for parents who have had it rough to show empathy because they did have it way worse. Imagine listening to someone whining because they are so entitled. And you feel you have tried to be nice by giving them everything. Tony didn't know how to effectively discipline. Only tool he had is getting beat and he was not allowed to do that. And became angry because his kid is rude,entitled, spoiled. The anxiety is due to genes. But the way he has learned to handle anxiety is down to his father.

[@jarrodsullivan9230]

Wonderful use of the word perseverates, kudos lmao

[@serendipitousslim1529]

“Tony can only focus on the fact that he’s a product of his environment but he’ll never understand that his environment is a product of him.” That is so fucking true, excellently said

[@paulgreengod]

👎 wrong

[@bls1999]

Can't believe there are no comments here pointing out that he stared at that exact figurine only once before in the series: the pilot's first scene.

[@MoskHotel]

What was the meaning behind that statue? I often think it represents Tony’s sexual problems.

[@jacobfromallstate4963]

@@MoskHotel I think it stems back even further to a lack of self-control and impulsivity.

[@leoexgb3219]

@@MoskHotel @C S From what I see, its a strong, feminine figure so a Madonna of sorts....Tony both times stares at it in contempt I believe because its NOT what he had in his life (a strong mother figure) and of course his mother issues are really the foundation of the series. In the end, AJ inherited basically all the worse traits of Tony and Carmella; Carmella's entitlement, lack of real ambition, and he's even small in stature and frame like the men on Carmella's side (Tony even brings this up in an episode). And of course from Tony's side is the depression and self pity (the features Tony hates most about himself). Gary Cooper AJ is not. He's more like a young male equivalent to Livia especially in the later seasons, except the gas lighting and emotional manipulation. The more I watch and analyze the series over the years the more obvious it becomes to me that there really are no answers. Basically everything here is open to interpretation. Brilliant writing, direction, acting, all of it. So this is just mine.

[@Franco_City]

The statue is provocative and ugly. Kind of like the mafia lifestyle......

[@digitalsapiens1518]

@@MoskHotel it reminds him of his mother

[@tomk7131]

I wanted to say "acting 101" , but this isn't first year shit. this is like a dissertation for a doctorate, PhD type shit. What a tremendous actor.

[@basedbattledroid3507]

Acting 1,000,001

[@hanklesacks]

Next level shit

[@Ar1AnX1x]

he's so good it's like sometimes I notice the other actors in the scene break character for a couple of seconds like they're thinking "jesus christ, this guy is so good at this"

[@speckyhotdog84anderson6]

It's like wow he really went to those places when he was in character very deep & brilliant actor who will forever be missed 👍😪❤

[@MicoJoe]

This shot at 2:15 in incredible. You can vividly tell how deep James Gandolfini got into his own head here, thinking about his son Michael Gandolfini. At 2:37 he’s says “It’s like..” without Tony’s accent and quickly turns it back on. That’s an incredible performance.

[@rasheemthebestfirstone3274]

Now look his son is playing him in movies now

[@TommyCeltic]

@@rasheemthebestfirstone3274 I saw that movie. I thought it was bullshit.

[@Heisenberg-gp1kt]

@@TommyCeltic ok bud

[@tinman96]

@@Heisenberg-gp1kt He's quoting Chrissy, bud.

[@EP_mc]

@@TommyCeltic 😂😂😂

[@Blondie727]

“Is this all there is?” A very similar question that AJ posed to Tony & Carmella when AJ was having an existential crisis. What a genius show.

[@Vanished_Mostly]

Also a very similar question posed by Peggy Lee. It's more fun when she does it.

[@carladaquila8190]

@@Vanished_Mostly Is that all there is? Is one of my favorite old songs by Peggy Lee. She had a tough childhood and had an alcohol problem as an adult and when she sings that song you feel her pain. Incredible singer/ performer.

[@iamthewalrus4998]

My god, his eyes tell the whole story in every scene. Absolutely incredible

[@grinchoi1]

Yes! This is it! This is why David Chase picked him as well

[@skipscala3810]

I like how by the 6th Season the charm of Tony Soprano began to wear away and we saw the miserable, whining, sociopath that he truly was (and to some extent evolved into)

[@colorupro]

Tony Soprano was a monster, and it's the therapy that helped him see it for himself, or at least begin to internalize it. He's not a good man, and it's good to see a bad man humanized in a scene like this. Good and evil both see their resolve tested, it's how we see it dealt with in this show that's part of the reason I love it so much.

[@sergiomendoza4850]

Nah Tony was always this horrible, I’ve always been of the opinion that you can’t get to that point in the mafia and still have some shred of decency. I think it’s just a matter of all the stress of him being boss is what makes him more and more despicable as the series goes on but he was always the horrible person we see him as in the final season.

[@mrjackelbox4418]

I disagree and his not sociopath

[@phuturephunk]

Chase and Co did a really good job in his ultimate story arc and leaving everything bare by the end.

[@dr.roberts4508]

Dr.Melfi was caught up in Tony as a Trance sort of speak. Some way she was very ethical with Tony. Some ways not.

[@michaelsinclair8733]

"It's like when they're little and they get sick...You'd give anything in the world to trade places with them so they don't suffer." People had the impression that Tony hated AJ sometimes but I don't think that was ever the case.

[@faysuxxss]

I mean Tony did tell Melfi he hated his son...

[@Galvatronover]

@@faysuxxss yeah but he didn’t want him dead that’s for sure

[@christopher.saint.christopher]

I think Tony loved AJ because he was his son, but he hated who he was as a person. If AJ had been anyone else’s kid, Tony would’ve seen no value in him. That’s how my mother seemed to feel about me - if I hadn’t been her son, she would’ve written me off as garbage. I can only imagine how confusing that must be for a parent, having a kid that you love but basically hate.

[@faysuxxss]

@@christopher.saint.christopher that was my interpretation of it too

[@LadyMaeloraBeesbury]

Not hated, just massively disappointed in his "male heir."

[@salbrunetto9043]

This is the crux, the keystone of the entire series. Tony’s monologue is basically the reason why there’s a show.

[@paulisthelegend]

easily one of the best scenes of all time

[@costanzauk]

its pretty good.

[@MatchesMalone1183]

The scene where he's coughing blood with a smile on his face after beating up his bodyguard is my personal favourite. It's shortly after he gets back to work after being shot by Junior, and begins to worry the crew are beginning to see him as weak, so proceeds to put his bodyguard in hospital to prove a point.

[@notrekvlt4431]

I swear, people say "bEsT ScEnE" on every sopranos clip. It's not.

[@paulisthelegend]

@@notrekvlt4431 You sound way too upset, bro. I said it was “one of” the best scenes. And no shit you see similar comments everywhere... The show is a masterpiece. Get over it. Go outside.

[@mjremy2605]

What a beautiful scene. Tony sees inside himself and the despair is overwhelming. He trusts Melfi a lot to expose his vulnerabilities like this. He loves both his kids a lot. He sees his own failure in his son. Curiously, he neglects AJ, the same way his own father neglected him, but is unable to change that broken record of habit. All he had to do was spend time with AJ. But he avoids him, preferring to love him from an emotional distance. We see that Tony is not a psychopath devoid of emotion, but a sociopath who has strong emotions of love and nurturing for his kids. Very poignant. Zen in its simplicity of the scene.

[@dhvale9478]

This scene was unreal. If anyone ever doubts Gandolfini as an actor...give them this scene.

[@justinmacdonald321]

If anyone ever expresses doubt about James Gandolfini as an actor, you should knee them square in the ballsack for being an imbecile

[@Big_C_4205]

2:15 the line about trading places with his kids… I wanna cry with him

[@bigduke2140]

No one ever has said he is not a good actor. Get over yourself

[@dhvale9478]

@@bigduke2140 I’m sorry no one ever showed you love as a child.

[@bigduke2140]

@@dhvale9478 Will you show me some??? Nah better still give me your home addresses and I will give you a kiss, a Glasgow one.

[@loganking9735]

RIP James we were lucky to have you in this world. You will always be my favorite Actor

[@BlaiseTighe]

It's crazy how such a barbaric character can make you want to laugh and cry at the same time. Hearing Tony talk about his genetic defects and how it's his "gift" to his son was a beautiful monolog.

[@TheGrumbliestPuppy]

Beautiful and beautifully ironic at the same time. He truly cares about his son, and does feel like the depression is his fault, but he's utterly unable to fathom that it could be caused by his actions and parenting. When he's at fault, he almost always attributes it to something out of his control, like his genes here.

[@joearnold5836]

If it's one thing I've learned in life it's that everyone is human in their own strange, incomprehensible fucked up way. The good doesn't cancel out the bad or vice versa, it just is what it is.

[@nagger8216]

​@@TheGrumbliestPuppyExactly, he's so damn close but never hits the mark

[@speedking7224]

Barbaric? Yeah he's not an upstanding citizen but he's not exactly George Bush now

[@dreal500]

Excellent quote. That is the real dynamic of humanity. Those shades of grey. It's funny how the average human thinks they have nothing in common with a murderer, until you talk about raising kids.

[@ericjohn8466]

The most human Tony has been the whole series. And that couldn't of been done by no one other than James Gandolfini. The man was a gem of an actor and human being.

[@juanairbag]

The guy who played his breathing should’ve won an Emmy.

[@seanraja2980]

"Is this all there is?" Melfi : "I have an half eaten Gabagool sandwich that I can give you"

[@Enkarashaddam]

Tony, defeated and looking down in shame: "....show me the gabagool"

[@bartlebyscriviner6456]

The dream tony has of sil and the others finding him in Melfis office in season one: "heeey, Gabriela sends me down here for the gabagool"

[@davidoconnor1773]

OVA HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERE!!

[@mykmcgrane]

@R Dude I heard he dreamt of it all the way over there.....

[@mykmcgrane]

@R Dude I swear I didn't, but I'll get a new minifridge cuz the door on this one is broke now. I'd talk to Chrissy about it he left in a hurry right before...

[@dakkefernet8585]

The best show ever made

[@limyize]

Breaking bad better

[@peepawthecat]

@@limyize PFFFT no it is not lmao. It was an overhyped series pushed on AMC so it was doomed to just be decent.

[@limyize]

@@peepawthecat doomed to be decent. Biggest cap ever. Watched both twice, breaking bad is better.

[@peepawthecat]

@@limyize "That's just like your opinion man"

[@limyize]

@@peepawthecat "it happens to be a fact"

[@incarnateTheGreat]

What a fucking brilliant scene. "Is this all there is?" Practically every major character at some point in the series asks that question but in a similar form.

[@dewok2706]

more like every single human being at some point his life asks that question

[@MikePDaTruth]

Tony’s voice becomes much more guttural and high-pitched in season 6 as he strays further and further from redemption. And the overall color palette is so bleak and gray. All these little details that makes this series- Season 6 in particular- so fantastic.

[@TheNormal256]

“It’s a jerk off.” “Yes you’ve said that.” I don’t know why but Melfi’s deadpan response cracks me up every time

[@cloudgary7596]

AND IM SAYING IT AGAIN!

[@HiphopFaded]

Lmao she’s basically like …ok cool anyways

[@dark_sunset]

She is maintaining a professional detachment.

[@JM-ql7mh]

That tiny flinch and baring of his teeth at 02:41 is an incredible delicate way of visualising both pain and anger. Such a great scene.

[@kellyyork3898]

“Is this all there is?” I asked the same question of my shrink years ago. His answer was, “The truth may hurt at times, but it’s ALWAYS your friend.” I’ve never forgotten that. And I’m glad I found my friend. I’m never going back. Life is basically suffering with a few joyful, awe filled moments thrown in. Learn to accept it and live it as gracefully as you can. That’s it.

[@Thrillkilled]

Beautiful comment. Very insightful. That comment from your shrink is just amazing.

[@Totallyfizzle]

My shun ish talkin shuishide

[@seanbond6454]

🤣

[@jakep1979]

I fink it's fucking shucks!

[@InnerDness]

Izsh dish all dere izsh?

[@gurpchirp]

jizsh fuckin chrisht, christepheh

[@DrJ-hx7wv]

It's a New Jersey accent, you yokel.

[@stephanielam7363]

the delivery of "So now I'm trapped here forever" gets me every time

[@Despair505]

I know it's normal to hate AJ but I did relate to some of his character traits. 1:40 this whole part feels like what I imagine my father would say to a therapist about me, jesus.

[@sherazuki]

Reminds me of the Jung quote about hating what you hate about yourself.

[@artyomalekseyevich5927]

A lot of parents would say that about their kids, like the therapist says, just because other people look better off than you doesn't mean they are, you don't know their story.

[@MrStephenRGilman]

I've often said that A.J. gets too much hate. He's no more of a dumbass than most teenaged boys, and compared to the psychopaths on this show he's practically St Francis of Assisi.

[@headtheballington]

I'm personally covninced most of the hate for A.J comes from people who see too much of themselves in him and it makes them gosh darn uncomfortable.

[@artyomalekseyevich5927]

@@headtheballington I agree

[@gurpchirp]

jesus christ, what an amazing actor jim was.

[@berrafatale25yearsago87]

James, dummy

[@oldcat7]

@@berrafatale25yearsago87 Close friends and colleagues called him Jim. Watch an interview with the cast sometime.

[@gurpchirp]

@Jocelyn Jigsby golden.

[@ayeyobossman6151]

@@oldcat7 yeah this rando on KZbin is neither

[@TWisM009]

@@citomakaveezly I thought Bryan Cranston as Walter White in Breaking Bad was the greatest performance in a TV series. But rewatching these clips of The Sopranos I forgot how amazing Gandolfini was and his portrayal of Tony Soprano is the greatest performance in a TV series just a shame we lost him too early...

[@andrewvelonis5940]

Tony on the brink of tears.

[@DarkClouds-v8]

James*

[@superawes0meguy151]

Thinking back to the very pilot episode when tony was doing the same thing staring at the statue at 0:03 and now in the final season you can just see any and all joy has left Tony’s life just by his facial expression

[@asawhitemanidjustliketosay]

Melfi never had the makings of a varsity therapist

[@chrismoren1341]

Shyte comment.

[@bruins94laurent85]

@@gerriserenity2726 what???? He literally never told the truth to her

[@jamesthomison4356]

She did the best anyone could have possibly done. A guy like Tony is impossible to treat effectively.

[@mranderson718]

The way Tony is truly devastated and concerned but still a deeply angry sociopath is masterful and Gandolfini made it look effortless. He’s torn up, he blames himself for what’s happening to his son, but at the same time he can never take responsibility for his actions and blames it on his genes then gets angry.

[@pashanoble9359]

What an actor. Bravo. Standing ovation. Great great scene.

[@azmasod7059]

The way he express his parental emotion talking about his son was absolutly real, and when you think this is not real, this is just acting, you feel like oh God! Gandolfini is like a proffesor in acting academy.

[@benkusel3942]

Something I noticed is that Christopher earlier this episode talks on how his alcoholism was passed down from his parents, specifically talking about "the great Dickie moltisanti". Christopher destroys the image of Dickie by painting him as a druggie who passed on a disease to him and I think that is where Tony gets the idea that he passed on his depression to Aj and turns it into self guilt.

[@bcmoney5272]

After he made Chris look crazy by telling him it's stupid 🤣the biggest hypocrite in the show is tony and his bitch wife is next

[@Jposey]

Yep it made the episode come full circle. Tony shot down Chris’s takes on hereditary struggles, addictions, etc and then he came to therapy saying the exact opposite of what he told Chris

[@honkhonk8009]

My dad was hella into alcohol but it didnt pass to me. Weed, Alcohol, Caffeine, everything. Doesnt even make me feel good. I obviously act different on it. But I dont like it unless I see utility, like in my ADHD meds. My mom would talk about how my dad would always be late to work. Im always late to shit. My mom is also a massive autist and loves math and stuff. Horrible performer but excells when work is tied to mania. Same with me. Now im scared its all genetic and Im gonna end up like them. Im litterally AJ though. At my age, my dad met my mom and my dad was working computers that were new to the bank at the time. Me? I litterally cant get shit for a job. Everythings fucked and the world is completely uncaring for anything I do, because the world is totally overpopulated with gorillions of indians and chinese mfs that multiply like bacteria and take every job out there.

[@arrowheadftball]

Fuck James was incredible wasn't he. He was living that scene heart, mind and body. Watching it so many times, and it's always the same. Brilliant, but I don't tear up everytime now for some reason. Rest in power James.

[@mtadams2009]

Some of that Tony said reminded me of how I once felt. My mother was chronically depressed and suicidal. I too suffered from depression from time to time. I was a afraid my kids would get it. I seemed helped and took the advice and it appears to have skipped the next generation. It was not in our DNA or blood but how poorly we were raised. I never dumped my issues ion my kids like my mother did to my siblings and me. My sisters broke the cycle too. The cycle can be broken.

[@jabande1]

"so now im trapped here forever" LOL

[@TraumaER]

That hit hard. 💯

[@chicdolldiaries]

fun fact , this is an example of “all or nothing thinking” typically found in patients with anxiety or depression. CBT is actually something that helps people with this issue and has over a 60 percent success rate. :)

[@stevieavail5773]

As a father with depression... this scene hits very close to home.

[@stevieavail5773]

@MidsPlug Yep, wasn't officially diagnosed until a year after my second kid was born.

[@nanaah4602]

hope u get better

[@vitominiello6561]

man I'm so sorry for that, please always be strong and love yourself, I wish you the best!

[@realironfist]

The therapy scenes are probably the best part of the show

[@Mr.Jtea3]

3:07 I use to hear my dad in the other room asking people how can he help me and he blamed himself. “How can I reach this kid” I had the greatest dad in the world it’s not his fault that I got into what I got into. I miss my old man. I feel like he had these same therapy chats with his doctor.

[@tonysnow1054]

God damn James gandolfini was a top tier actor ,no one can nail the role of Tony saprano like he did ,,,greatest show of all TIME ,,hands down

[@stickykitty]

The question of life itself “Is this all there is”.....

[@enchantertim89]

@Nick Cox Except that there's no magic

[@artyomalekseyevich5927]

@@enchantertim89 Science is like magic in a way

[@peepawthecat]

@Nick Cox It can seem like magic when you aren't exposed to the grim reality all the time. Like I was watching some documentary about FBI/law enforcement that have to watch CP 24/7 to see if they can get a glimpse of the perpetrators and victims. Imagine experiencing that all the time and having happy feelings about the magic of our existence.

[@deathrager2404]

@@enchantertim89 life is magic . 3d magic son. dafuq you talkin about?

[@raderT90]

Haha yeah the FBI do watch CP but I don’t think it’s to find perpetrators. I’ll give you a hint, some of them don’t actually mind that stuff. They didn’t just happen to find TERABYTES laying around for investigative purposes lol.

[@martin13145]

This scene ties neatly with the moment right after Tony saves AJ from his suicide attempt and AJ breaks down sobbing. He comforts him and adresses him as "little baby", because he sees him as a sick small child, not as a 20-year-old

[@cargobob7817]

Tony is like a child in a giant, adult body. I guess you could call that a loose cannon.

[@DKZK21]

Part of unresolved trauma is that it leaves parts of your psyche in a state of arrested development. The part of you that has to failed resolve the trauma quite literally remains "arrested', stuck, in that moment in time, and if it happened during an early stage of your development you may quite literally become childish when those emotions are called forth.

[@jobutajoojoo6931]

This is exactly the way I describe sociopaths, and it's what makes them so dangerous. It's normal for a child to go through those phases because they lack the agency and physical power to usually cause real damage. Bruise a toddler's ego and they thrash around on the floor; bruise a sociopath's ego and they might fucking kill you.

[@10s-d7j]

"So now I'm trapped here forever." Haha! That was hilarious.

[@OneFreemanC17]

Oh that part about your kids being sick. Straight jab to the soul

[@OneFreemanC17]

My youngest daughter is going through a spell of anger and frustration. Something I know all too well. Came back here have some catharsis and to see if I could shed a tear.

[@emalsultani7214]

What a actor RIP miss you !!

[@caribou617]

Gandolfini cycles through about five different emotional states here and it's absolutely mesmerising to watch. For all of Tony's sociopathy his one remaining connection to humanity is love for his kids. When he's tearing up he's not shining Melfi on. He's confronted this implacable problem that he can't intimidate, bully or murder his out of and when the anger disappears the self loathing kicks in. The resigned slump and the 'is this all there is?' and the ambiguity about whether Tony's talking about therapy or life itself.

[@Allagi22]

The Sopranos is the best show of the 21st century and still has not been topped. Not by Breaking Bad, not by The Wire, not by Game of Thrones. The Sopranos still stands alone.

[@abomousa1564]

dont go that far .. i mean yeah it is better than game of thrones and the wire but not breaking bad .. breaking bad season 5 was better than the sopranos whole show .. rewatch breaking bad and you well agree

[@paquitolpm6419]

What about Mad Men? It's a masterpiece.

[@REDEEMERWOLF]

BB is probably the best show ever made, but Sopranos surpasses BB with it's characters imo Also if you want more top-tier television check out Mr. Robot, it has the same quality as breaking bad

[@tfswfan29]

@@paquitolpm6419 honestly have to disagree. Yes Mad men is incredibly well done but it’s literally obnoxious 60s racist misogynists hurting each other & smoking in office spaces. it’s much harder to watch bc it’s literally shot in sets only. Sopranos is exciting while grounded

[@bigg4874]

@@tfswfan29 it’s the same thing as watching mobsters murder cheat and steal from everyone and each other. The characters arnt supposed to be good people. It’s interesting that it’s easier for you to watch actual murder than people be passively racist on screen occasionally.

[@Gweb52]

For everything that Tony has done , and the damage inflicted on him by his life , he still loves his kids . You can see when it comes to AJ and Meadow, he would do anything for them . That’s why I always think there is a hope for them

[@BH-wh2vo]

Meanwhile, he murdered Chris, who was more like a son to him than AJ was. People seem to have trouble with this in shows with villainous protagonists, Breaking Bad gets the same treatment. No matter how much terrible, selfish and outright monstrous behavior, people want to make them out to "still have a shred of good", despite the actual message of the show. Tony doesn't have hope. He's a sociopath, you can't cure sociopathy. The point of him going to Dr. Melfi is to show the real world concept that Dark Triad personalities (psychopaths, socipaths and narcissists) generally get better at being a psychopath, sociopath or narcissist because of therapy. The whole imagery of the bear in the Sopranos' backyard is supposed to make you think of Tony. He has become the bear. The whole point of this show is that the mafioso is not a character to be idolized, they're not cool like in The Godfather. They're boorish thugs with aspirations towards a concept of honor they can't even understand trying to imitate caricatures of people who never really existed that way.

[@Gweb52]

@@BH-wh2vo I understand what your saying , but Christopher was not a son to Tony . While they had a connection up until Ade , Christopher was a fuck up who was constantly on drugs or worried about “Hollywood “ . Even the creators have said the only reason Christopher stayed on the show was cause M.I. Was a great actor . Christopher should have been killed in season 4 or 5 . Don’t get me wrong , I know Tony is a criminal and over all he is evil , but there are parts of him that can be salvaged . What I took from the show was that Tony is stuck in a purgatory of not going fully evil or fully good . Once he starts trying to be “good “ he becomes uncomfortable and unsure of himself because he is self aware and knows he is a mob boss who murders and extorts people ,so he reverts to evil , when he goes too evil , he is self aware enough to know what he is doing is evil and wrong , and so he feels unsure and and uncomfortable (unless he has all ready justified it to himself ) and reverts to the middle or to trying to do good deeds to make up for it . The crux of Tony sopranos character (to me anyways ) is that he is smart enough to be aware of his actions and the consequences, but not strong enough to commit to being fully good or fully evil and finally change . The other gangsters (other then maybe Christopher) all accept who they are generally and are happy with where they are at .

[@louwinters508]

@@BH-wh2vo Chris wasn't more of a son to him. He's not his nephew either. AJ is his son.

[@justinmacdonald321]

3:22 "I know this is difficult, but I'm very glad we're having this discussion." "Really? Cos I gotta be honest-I think this f***kin' SUCKS!!!" Such a genius exchange perfectly delivered by Gandolfini

[@enchantertim89]

"after all that's said and done... is this all there is?" ...and then the scene ends. We don't get an answer. Because like real life, sometimes thing are left unresolved and ambigious. And it is all there is to it. It's a tough pill to swallow. Man I love this show because it is able to hit me like a truck with only small subtle scenes like these.

[@molasorrosalom4846]

This scene always causes me to tear up. Amazing acting, and no music was involved either.

[@clc-gl4jn]

Holy fuckin shit. When James started the crying part, that's probably the pinnacle of any actor's career ever!...

[@Tiresias55]

1:28 "So I suppose now comes the inherant fucking grilin about how I feel about all this." This scene is just wonderfully acted bravo.

[@cabuscus]

with depression, Its brutal knowing that after all the outbursts, crying, 'letting it all out', in the end the only option you have is to suck it up and move on.

[@firstlast542]

"Is this all there is?" No breakthrough, no massive realization, no revelations, just a long dark road ahead. Tony couldve learned some coping mechanisms or started to alter his behavior and attitude but he was expecting a climax. Like his gambling and whoring and business, just waiting for another payout.

[@rtcrump0079]

Only if don't include murder and violence, which Tony has done plenty of, personally and through his orders. There was never hope for him, he choose the life that made his life terrible as it was but loved its money and power too much to realize it before it was too late.

[@aaronbrutus2654]

This is the reason why Tony said his therapy was a jerkoff. He couldn't really change anything about his life, he's a mob boss!

[@tacotwosday47]

“is this all there is?” gets me every single time..

[@nathanielstephenbaue]

Hands down some of his finest acting in the show. Simply incredible.

[@innertubez]

Tony was so human for that moment talking about feeling for when his kids would get sick. He is mostly evil but has these moments of really compelling humanity. That's why The Sopranos is one of my favorite shows ever.

[@patbroadbent8415]

So crazy that his heavy breathing just sets the tone.

[@Dominian1]

When the sad clown stops joking. What a powerful scene, masterfully acted.

[@paulpatane2439]

This scene and when he tells Uncle June he loves him are my two favorite scenes. Amazing acting by all parties.

[@scaIez]

My god this man’s acting is phenomenal…rest in power Mr.Gandolfini

[@Turtle1631991]

"is this all there is?" Shit. I still feel for Tony in this one.

[@NormasWitnesses]

The writing on this show is Shakespearean. Years after its ending, we’re still talking about it.

[@jokerraton8183]

The writing in this scene. The way melfi says "boys"--you're not sure if she's talking about the gangsters or their sons. And then Tony talks about AJ as if he's talking about himself.

[@followingtheroe1952]

Perfect

[@tucko11]

3:35 that wasn’t James Gandolfini that was James Gandolfini being David Chase . Chase saw a therapist in real life before the show and that gave him the idea to write it .

[@Highway-Hobo]

children truly inherit the sins of their parents, be careful what you pass down

[@andresdelarosa8427]

Highway Hobo no they don’t?

[@WhoopsieDayZ]

I mean, they often do. But that is a mistake. It's not right.

[@DrJ-hx7wv]

You can't be careful about what you pass down. Genetics isn't voluntary

[@edwarren4877]

The sins of the father is passed to generations

[@davidthompson184]

Charles Schwaab ova’h hear

[@wolfattitudetvchannel]

JG's acting was such an amazement, the world lost a treasure when he passed. May his soul rest.

[@allanfifield8256]

3:40 Tony: We're both adults here, right? Dr Melfi: No answer

[@mikegleed5842]

😂

[@christianross7731]

Gandolfini was a very good emotional actor, alot of power behind his performances, may God rest his soul.

[@BigBoyMemeZone]

the lack of score in the series really shines through in this scene, all of the emotion being held on the backs of the writers and actors

[@00_00.1]

Very well written

[@person92906]

sometimes less is more

[@shaunk6925]

That's what sets this show apart. Any other series, or movie for that matter, would have sad violin music playing in the background while Tony is talking, but not Sopranos. I know music goes great with film and it's supposed to evoke certain emotions in the viewer, but it's not realistic. In real life, there's no music playing for somber moments like this.

[@leeashford2259]

Some of these scenes I remember watching for the first time and just being in awe. You knew you were watching something special. How can someone act this naturally

[@bartolomeestebanmurillo4459]

I guess the color motif was invoking Tony's transformation from an anti hero in the first season to a full blown villain in the last, the joy had been zapped from the world as the colors began to lose their luster and brightness.

[@bbthompson05]

He's an amazing actor. I felt his pain.

[@JakeTV370]

this scene gets more powerful every time I watch it gandolfini was sooooooooo good :(

[@rahulbhatt3431]

Possibly the most powerful scene in The Sopranos and that’s saying something. Gandolfini was a force of nature. This acting is incredible.

[@Big_C_4205]

2:15 this hits me so hard, I love how he delivers this piece.

[@mikekaatman3194]

An Emmy for this scene alone would be justified.

[@kristinalfc5846]

The fact that they gave the Emmy to James Spader of all people that year still bewilders me

[@mrpinguimninja]

The way Gandolfini switches moods when he goes 'i know i'm prone to depression'. God, such an amazing actor, what a loss

[@pablo_giustiniani]

*"I know this is difficult, but I'm very glad we are having this discussion"* *"Really? Because I gotta be honest, I think it fucking sucks"* This simple exchange summarizes their entire relationship

[@CassiusMorrisOfficial]

One of the greatest scenes

[@KidFresh71]

Powerhouse acting on display by Gandolfini. A master.

[@turner45555]

Tony should be the final boss battle for therapists

[@michaelferrando9405]

The subtlety of how after Tony calls therapy a jerkoff, Melfi closes her legs. Brilliant writing.

[@boppityboopy114]

Whatever happened, this man had genuine love for his son

[@JoeHickey-n9q]

I went through that depression after being put into a place with disabled people it went on for 4 years it took a long time to recover but I got through it believe you me

[@nhjo]

"My son is talkin' suicide. So now I'm trapped here forever." I gotta admit, I laughed my ass off at that line, but I am glad that Tony sees the value in continuing his therapy to get through this fuckin' crisis.

[@paulevans6066]

Tony genuinely loved AJ like he did Meadow, Artie, and Junior....The writers did a great job the first two seasons showing the struggles between Tony and Livia. Tony was just like his mother in relation to how he treated AJ. They were both the same person just like he and Livia were