Why Didn't Tony Whack Paulie On The Boat? - The Sopranos Explained

[@CineRanter]

*Please note: You may notice one or two awkward cuts in this video. This is because I have had to trim some segments of the video due to copyright. You can see the full version here:* www.patreon.com/posts/why-didnt-tony-114565567?Link&

[@BarstoolCEO]

“It’s over for the little guy”

[@shirihotep3741]

@@BarstoolCEO Patsi 🤣🤣🤣

[@pepesilvia3827]

"Due to copyright" Nah bro just goofed

[@WingsOfAgeOfConsent]

My favorite part of the episode is when Paulie gets carmela the new coffee machine as a thanks for Tony not killing him 😂

[@dagda61]

A two thousand dollar expresso machine

[@mooganify]

A wings troll channel in a soprano video 😭💀 mattafact, ban Paulie for sneak dissing hawnestly

[@jakefuller685]

@@mooganify”mods ban anyone who says I didn’t do 20 years in the can.”

[@krsnavigliotti4611]

My favorite part is when Paulie walnuts said “OH WALNUTS” and walnutted everywhere 😂😂

[@skatemobster]

And all Carmella can say is "God what is wrong with that man?"

[@NWAWskeptic]

Forgot to mention how when Tony was in his coma, when Paulie would visit and ramble on and on, Tony internalized it as an a neighbor with an annoyingly loud television that was driving him crazy.

[@gustavosanches3454]

That was one of the funniest scenes in the series. Paulie comes in, everyone tells him he must talk only positive things, he starts yapping about random shit; then Tony within the coma interprets that as an annoying neighbor with a loud TV and Tony outside immediately starts to fucking DIE.

[@prepaidtrash5552]

He literally killed him lmao

[@prepaidtrash5552]

Hmm funny you say that bc that’s when Tony died, wonder if that is supposed to foreshadow that Paulie kills Tony at the end

[@matthewriley7826]

Makes us wonder if Paulie knew exactly what he was doing without getting his hands dirty…

[@willmercury]

​@@prepaidtrash5552 Tell Tony and Paulie 3 o'clock.

[@Floridaburg-]

Paulie is one of the most hated character committing heinous crimes like the killing of an elderly lady While he’s also the most loved and comedic characters like when he killed the elderly lady

[@sean5558]

She was such a nasty bitter woman bullying his ma it was almost satisfying seeing the pillow used , but still doesn’t cover the fact she’s just an old lady that wasn’t a criminal or thug herself so he still killed an old lady for her money

[@Floridaburg-]

@@sean5558 it was still hilarious, that ooohhh noooo yell was the chefs kiss

[@derekschmitt9994]

@@Floridaburg-I would love to see bloopers of that, I can’t imagine keeping a straight face hearing that

[@maff1989]

You were always a little bastard

[@patsmith3894]

​@sean5558 Isn't killing innocent people for money integral to the mob? Would it be any better if Paulie murdered a fit young man for money? The mob typically murders people through cowardly ambushes, not through some kind of fair competition between worthy rivals. From the perspective of these cockroaches, what is wrong with wacking an old bag for her purse?

[@grantwilliams2650]

It’s so funny he’s pretty much the only character to survive to the end

[@courtneyshannon2621]

Even Paulie is surprised by it. The scene at the repass after Bobby's funeral, Paulie looks shocked as he realizes nobody is left except for the kids' generation, so he sits with them at their table.

[@matthewbond375]

He survived the 70's by the skin of his nuts! Uncle Paulie doesn't die so easy.

[@sasky306]

Patsy makes it too .

[@ccampbell02yt]

I would imagine being ultra paranoid in that type of situation serves you pretty well.

[@matthewriley7826]

Instinct. Paulie’s been in a few mafia wars,he’s a survivor.

[@maxpower2511]

The part where Paulie was laughing at the TV show was similar to Tony watching AJ giggling while on the computer.

[@gocanuckurself1]

My thoughts exactly 😂

[@erikknight6653]

Never made that connection, good catch! Then again, when it comes to comparisons, no one knows anything really.

[@josephgana5746]

Three's Company FUNNY SHOW Paulie knows good television

[@josephnicolino8529]

Good point

[@CR-vj6vv]

Tony can’t stand watching someone experience joy.

[@westnile21]

Tony didn’t kill Paulie because he realized “Remember When” isn’t the lowest form of conversation considering the fact that for the majority of the series all Tony did was talk about the old days and people like “Gary Cooper”.

[@dirtdealer6813]

Remeber When was all he did with Melfi. Wonder why he said that.

[@Gotham1230]

I may be giving Paulie too much credit but I think he stood up and walked to the fishing pole, eyes off of Tony, to essentially say “Okay. If you’re gonna do it, do it.” Before Tony chucks the bottle at him, he slaps the pillar out of his frustration because he just couldn’t bring himself to do it. Wanted to, but couldn’t. Because he loves Paulie. It’s really as simple as that.

[@ps2vhs223]

no you’re right. remember his dream where he says “when my time comes, tell me… will i stand up?” theres your answer. he stands up in possibly his closest brush with death, looking content with his fate despite his full awareness of what is happening.

[@Ar1AnX1x]

that's one side of it, personally I thought it was mostly because Tony kinda gave up trying to have full control over his family, specially in the second part of the last season he just seems like he accepts his fate, and giving up on Chrissy is a example of that despite Christopher being his main guy, specially since in the mob, mob bosses would try to have their family members because they can only trust them for the most part, he was like "it is what it is" plus taking Paulie on the boat ride is kinda stupid and badly planned out(since they both know last time they were on a boat what happened), its like he didn't have energy to actually plan things out

[@charlesstilesmysterydinersfn]

Loves him like a brother in law.

[@ascendant95]

Paulie is and always has been a safer bet than Chrissy.........................whatever happened there.

[@CGoody564]

​@@ascendant95 hard to say when Paulie was never picked on like Chris was. He was the one doing the picking, and was too volatile to accept even slight transgressions, for better or worse. Chris never got the respect Pauly got, I imagine in part because of his age, being an actual blood relative to Tony (that's a double-edged sword), and because Pauly came from the generation prior and already had a reputation built. Deep down, they are similar regarding insecurity, but Chris internalized it all and suffered for it, as opposed to Pauly who reacted immediately and caused suffering to others. Chris was his own worst enemy. The road to hell is paved with good intent.

[@Camcolito]

Notice also that Tony is wearing a multi-colored shirt, symbolizing his indecision about what color shirt to wear.

[@JvalTheIcon]

😂😂😂

[@salmansengul]

Haha good one 😂

[@dylanmonstrum1538]

Lmao

[@ColinoDeani]

That Glorified crew couldn't afford to lose anymore people, they were dropping like flies lol

[@ProtomanButCallMeBlues]

By the end at least. We don't know why they never replenished their ranks, but we never even saw most of the Barese crew, which on paper was supposedly the largest and strongest crew in the family. By the end Tony, the boss, is out doing every errand

[@robinluck2922]

Yeah, flies on a toy train track...

[@tomz5704]

​@@ProtomanButCallMeBluesthe barese crew, whatever happened there. Indeed, what happened there?

[@sabataskull9661]

​@@tomz5704 WHATEEVER HAPPENED THERE !!! . I tell you what HAPPENED there, that POS of Tony fucked that pigmy thing in Jersey. No sword on table, no fucking manners only fuckfacitis.

[@feralproductions9445]

There's no knife and gun on the table....

[@eaglewinnings8003]

He caused so much dysentery in the ranks you couldn’t find an unclogged pishadool at The Bing for weeks

[@bradjohnson482]

Even if you had to take a wicked dump!

[@dawatchng]

Now we know what happened to Gigi!

[@apstrike]

In addition to Paulie being weird to hang out with and the embodiment of daddy issues for Tony, Paulie is also a daily reminder that the Sopranos are really just a glorified crew, and that the people Tony has working for him are just not at the same level of professionalism and competence as the families in New York. With the exception of Furio and possibly Ralph, Tony just doesn't have people who can do a job quickly and cleanly, and who don't have red flags in their personal life that will get them outted or killed. Tony cannot be feeling very good about the fact that he's had to look up to Paulie since childhood, yet this is the same dude from the pine barrens fiasco who let a helpless captive escape.

[@wyldhowl2821]

Or just the fact that Paulie's choleric temper caused that situation, which irritates him.

[@IrishYobbo07]

Very well said

[@MrBmick79]

and ruined his romantic dinner with Gloria

[@leehogarth1615]

Don't forget Vito, he was a real come-from-behind kinda guy.

[@NehemiahDC]

That "Come on, you told John about that joke, right?" gave me anxiety because he wasn't letting it go. He came out here for a reason.

[@Spaghetto7]

Tony didn’t whack Paulie because of the implication

[@john1-29_aka_LHT-LFA]

"Hahaha! That seems really dark, though!"

[@johnthomson5816]

😂

[@BossIsLucky]

@@john1-29_aka_LHT-LFAI think you’re misunderstanding him bro

[@GorgeouslyStupidThing]

​​@@BossIsLuckyNah,you misunderstood the Sunny in Philly references with both comments.

[@thatnandosguy]

@@BossIsLuckyyou’re the one misunderstanding lol

[@christopherknowles]

Paulie is a 1:1 depiction of how Italians actually are.

[@R3TR0--93]

Tony Sirico who played Paulie was in fact a actual mobster back in his youthful days and served time for his crimes. He was perfect for his role practically playing himself.

[@DaisyChain3339.]

Funny. I'm from Italy and I don't know anyone like that.

[@christopherknowles]

@@DaisyChain3339. commendatore.

[@PAlt-p6y]

​@@christopherknowlesHow do they say gravy in Italian?

[@Samosiris1988]

Like a commander. I like that.

[@Mr_Oggie]

Paulie was such a loyal soldier that I'd think if Tony put a hit out on Paulie, Paulie would be the first to volunteer to take the job...

[@boylibrary3533]

That’s interesting because I always imagine Paulie was the guy who told them where Tony would be. I always seen the end as Paulie telling Patsy in the end he was stepping back and NJ was Patsy’s now. Then more than likely giving up Tony to Patsy and Patsy passing the info to New York. Basically New York came to the table to get Tony to calm down when they had already decided to off him and put someone like Patsy (after Paulie turns it down) as their figure head for Jersey. I think Paulie knew Tony’s pride was ruining the whole thing and would eventually get him killed.

[@2hi2dye]

Tonys behaviors in the scene on the boat definitely did insinuate that he was considering killing Pauly. Tony was being sarcasticly hostile and they even panned the camera over to the axe

[@thedarknate08]

He definitely wanted him to confess and then he was going to whack him!

[@glowing571]

Paulie's terrible nature is brilliantly shown in what happens with Sal Vitro. When Feech moves in on him, what does Paulie's friendly intervention on Sal's behalf result in? Sal Vitro still loses half his work patch, has to kick up a "token" amount to Paulie (a couple of percent will probably end up being 10%) and has to mow a bunch of mob guy lawns for free. On top of that he steals half of his $1000 "compensation" for his busted arm. With friends like Paulie....

[@sopranofan6118]

Thats when i fell in love with paulli. The minute that shovel got picked up 😂

[@michaelharrison3602]

Paulie would definitely turn informer if it benefited him😅

[@sasky306]

He came after him with a chainsaw !

[@brandonsalisbury7182]

@@michaelharrison3602that I disagree with! obviously we know Paulie is not against giving up info to N Y but with his image as a wise guy being all he had I think he was completely against ever making deals with the feds!

[@RasOneLVNV]

​@@michaelharrison3602 Tony Sirico rip had it written in his contract that no matter what happened to the character he could never be a Rat because Tony Sirico was connected in real life. It's well documented

[@FunkyTruester]

This was actually a masterful breakdown, and I honestly never even really considered the aspect about Tony regretting being pulled into 'the life,' and how that served as a sort of conflict with his father vis a vis Paulie. That's a brilliant take IMO and makes so much sense. Like you said, Tony's inner conflict and relationship with Paulie was so layered and complicated, and there were a host of motivations for considering whacking him, but it's the more nuanced human side that can be easy to overlook, especially with a sociopath like Tony. Also loved the film analysis part about the meaningful imagery of Tony's head bobbing up and down with the waves signifying his weighing Paulie's life in the balance.

[@thorman638]

Difference is Paulie could fuckin sell it If Tony tried wacking him, Paulie would die from the betrayal alone

[@fastone136]

Telling Johnny Sack about the ginny sack 50 pound mole joke that ralph told everyone was it.When Ginny Sack goes camping the bears hide there food.i still laugh at this.

[@davidkane8573]

I always liked Sil’s “She’s so Fat her blood type is Ragu”

[@noahsmith9025]

90 lb mole sir! It was a NINETY POUND MOLE REMOVED FROM HER ASS!

[@generaljames1000]

My fave was “when she hauls ass, she has to make two trips!”😂

[@satorified1612]

"Going on a boat with Tony Soprano is a dangerous business.". Understatement....

[@wyldhowl2821]

Tony's killed more people on boats than Blackbeard.

[@satorified1612]

@@wyldhowl2821 Definitely isn't The Love Boat....

[@brianmontgomery580]

​@@wyldhowl2821besides pussy who else did he kill?

[@SpannyShot]

Tony Soprano and Dexter Morgan are two people you don't wanna be on a boat with

[@remimk]

I think sil and Paulie are the two best gangsters in the show. Paulie being a simple, arrogant and instinctive type and Sil being the thinking type.

[@kainlives7958]

Silvio: strong, loyal and manneristic Paulie: spiteful, witty and uncaring

[@STONESGAM]

I think he didn't want to but Pauly was really getting on his nerves on their road trip where they were supposed to by lying low. He was talking so much he was starting to see Pauly as a liability even though he had been one of his top guys for years. If Pauly had admitted to telling Johnny Sack about the joke I think he possibly would have went through with it either on the boat or at a later time. I think he realized though that if Pauly suddenly disappeared when everyone knew they were on the lamb together the other guys probably would be suspicious and lose morale if Tony could get rid of one of his oldest and closest guys.Then it could happen to them and they'd have less reason to be loyal to his organization. I think in the end he realized he was going to have to stick with Pauly despite his quirks and annoying behavior at times. He went all the way back to his father's crew. As he told Carmela "it's guys like him who allowed them to live their lifestyle".

[@MensaGiraffe]

Tony's thoughts of killing Paulie petered out. Died on the vine.

[@sopranofan6118]

Oh It died on the vine huh? Frankly..im depressed and ashamed

[@jackeaston8700]

@@sopranofan6118 I don’t want to hear about the economy

[@casperislamicus]

The guy...he moved or somethin'

[@babylonian.captivity]

Paulie also expresses his happy wandererism with Chris ("Where's my arc, Paulie?"). Paulie's like, "I was born, I went to to the army, did some time in the can, and here I am, a half a wise guy."

[@michaelharrison3602]

You knew who had an arc?Noah😅

[@KCCC326]

You ever think nothing good will ever happen to you? Nothing did, so what

[@babylonian.captivity]

@@KCCC326 Exactly. So what? And that's everything. (What sweet relief it must be to sail through life like that!)

[@KCCC326]

@@babylonian.captivity I think he had an arc, it wasn't a redemptive one though. He went from a connected but lowly soldier who kept his ego afloat with Hollywood ambitions, to a captain and a boss amongst made men. Of course in the end his weaknesses doomed him, but whose weaknesses don't doom them eventually? You see him get comfortable in his position and who he was for a brief time. That was the crest of his arc

[@DaDrillSergeant]

Lmaoo the way you slipped in parade float at the end deserves both a Pulitzer and a Grammy

[@homielander5924]

Also notice tony is half bald, representing he isn’t sure if he should kill Paulie or not. He’s half and half

[@falloutfreak111]

“And the parade float” 😂😂😂 I freaking love you, man

[@StuUngar]

That Sopranos had such a profound scene with Tony having a discussion with a shopping cart just goes to show the tremendous writing on this series. Bravo Vince!

[@tigerleoneinc.9282]

I thought "Bravo Vince!" was a Breaking Bad reference...

[@sansman9093]

Jesus loves you God bless

[@markoutwithmark]

All of you: LOG OFF! That cookie shit makes me nervous.

[@discobassgroove]

Imagining Tony jumping and paulie going flying off the boat is so funny 😂😂😂

[@criticman123]

Got me too 😂

[@kagemand7774]

I'm Fucking dying over ! ! ! 🤣🤣🤣

[@RedShogun13]

When I watched it in real time I thought there’s no shot Tony would actually whack Paulie who’s been loyal since his father’s day. Later when I saw how absolutely cold and callously he murders Christopher in cold blood I went back and realized I didn’t understand how close Paulie was to getting killed in that episode.

[@listrahtes]

But that's the point the show makes. Paulie being loyal was just a front. Paulie had caused tremendous damage to Tony for years. Tony now realized that and looked for proof but didn't get it. Paulie would betray anyone that was the shows synopsis.

[@westonstevens3239]

I figured the main reason Tony decided not to kill Paulie was simply because he could see the writing on the wall, that the mob as a whole is getting weaker and smaller, that he'd lost so many soldiers and captains and he needed all he could get at that point. Killing another one of his men out of spite or irritation is a luxury he could ill afford at that point, especially one with as much seniority as Paulie. Also true loyalty doesn't exist in the mob, you are only looking out for #1 and your fellow mobsters are just a means to that end. This is why Paulie did what he did but this also applies to Tony as well. Tony's not even loyal to his uncle, his wife, his mother, or any of his men - he's loyal to himself and his kids and whatever furthers those. And he's fully aware of that fact, so he can't really blame Paulie.

[@Ben-zr4ho]

Tony also has an element of resentment towards Paulie. He represents Tonys father and Tony being drawn into this life when he knows he was a smart guy who had potential. That he could have done something on the straight world. Oh you mentioned that... Great minds. Lol. Anyway its all manufactured justification with Tony. Like with Hesh. "Take the vig." "I dont want to take vig from you." "Naw its only right. Even I should have to pay my debts on time." "Nah. Forget about it." "Come on." "Well..." "Here." "Okay." "I cant believe that greedy Jew is making ME pay vig." But Paulie just didn't give him enough of a reason to assuage his conscience.

[@JohnMoog-ug6bk]

Johnny Boy didn’t force Tony into the life. Tony tried Seton Hall but didn’t have the makings of an honest citizen.

[@jca4la]

Nor a varsity athlete

[@NeroLucife666]

And Tony claimed that the players at Senton Hall were 7 feet tall. Lol Seeing as that most Offensive Linemen aren’t no where near 7 feet tall is laughable. There’s probably one lineman in the NFL that’s 6’10 I can think of.

[@casperislamicus]

He did learn about the Potsdam conference though...

[@number1headband]

"If your opponent is of choleric temper, irritate him"

[@mladen5140]

This is a great analysis and had a lot of perspectives I didn't consider

[@csc4781]

The conversation with Beansie saved Paulie from getting whacked by Tony

[@RichardPonsford-kv2uy]

Yep.

[@csc4781]

@@RichardPonsford-kv2uy by the skin of his nuts hehe

[@csc4781]

@@RichardPonsford-kv2uy Paulie survived by the skin of his nuts just like when the Colombo’s were going at it hehe

[@dster5570]

He had to hoof it back to the excelsior to take that wicked sh*t

[@casperislamicus]

Yeah, you could even say Beansie stood up for him.

[@bolejonny]

I really like the points you made about Tony ultimately resenting his father and father figures for bringing him into this lifestyle. As far as the women in his life, I believe he has similar feelings against Carmella. There is so much bitterness towards her from Tony throughout the show. I think that he believes that if he managed to keep a relationship with Charmaine when he was a teenager he would have potentially ended up selling patio furniture or something. This is shown in the test dream episode where he talks to his old coach who says that he surround himself with bad apples and that Artie was the biggest bum of all. In addition to it being Charmaine’s voice that he hears on the phone in the coma dream episode when he speak to his wife. That’s not even mentioning all the times in the show when Carmella is head over heels excited over Tony’s expensive gifts, whereas Charmaine wont allow a hint of blood money into her life. My favorite part of the many saints of Newark movie was the scene where Tony and Artie steal the ice cream truck. It is clearly shown that artie was the driving force behind the theft. Which solidifies the idea that he might actually been wilder than Tony at some point, but got steered to the right path. While Tony didn’t, due to his inherent need to please his father, mother and Carmella

[@terryphelps24]

I thought him and Tony b stole that truck

[@bolejonny]

@@terryphelps24 pretty sure it was Artie, Tony B is not credited in the movie.

[@krinkle7695]

As yappy loud mouth Paulie is, i dont think he would ever rat to the feds. I do think hes too old school, not afraid of jail, and doesn't have family other than his mom (aunt). Like Beanse said Tony and the guys os all hes really got

[@kristofvandycke6687]

Tony Sirico actually told David Chase that he would do anything he was asked to, except being portrayed as a rat/informant. He was very adamant about that, and simply didn’t want the world to see him as a rat.

[@NeroLucife666]

Paulie probably would kill himself before actually doing time. He literally told Feech that you get points for staying out the can.

[@dukedematteo1995]

I think it's rather straightforward... Any love and respect Tony had for his friends was gone by this point. He just saw all of them as potential liabilities that would flip. In his now completely criminal mentality devoid of sentimentality, he weighed the options of taking out what he felt were his biggest liabilities....be it Paulie, Chrissy, Carlo, Hesh, etc.

[@numba2bvi]

I think the last explaination you bring up is really the thesis of the whole episode. Tony's loss of innocence/no choice due to Paulie who represents this in real life flesh and blood

[@ericspero996]

In considering a fight between Tony vs Paulie, you forgot to consider that Tony once bench pressed over 300lbs, WITH a head cold!

[@cyrilgigee4630]

This episode for me also highlights that Tony is not the genius leader able to ignore his emotions and choose only the smartest tactical move, like he sometimes fantasizes about himself being. Killing one of his most loyal and profitable soldiers on a whim is *not* the smartest tactical move, and it is in fact primarily motivated by emotion.

[@mikep9312]

I never thought I would see something as visually offensive as the Livia cgi at 4:40, the still frame makes Tony Sirico look like something you'd see out an old 50's horror movie, the angles of his face all melt into each other and his expression is just haunting.

[@tiffybnTN]

There was a moment of satisfaction when Tony ALMOST killed him… Pauly was finally SCARED!!!!

[@bindig1]

Tony almost did Kill Paulie out on the boat but was torn. Beansie pretty much saved Paulie's life

[@tristizzy]

To me, Paulie sending the coffee machine isn't about thanking Tony for not killing him. I think it was more of admitting to Tony that it was in fact him and his way of making it right with Tony. This episode is full of symbolism throughout. The whole thing about Paulie being a stand up guy when it comes to talking to the feds is proven here.

[@arthurdent358]

I think it was to avoid suspicion in the coming hit on Tony that Paulie was aware of..

[@johnforhan7087]

You make great insightful points in all your videos. I loved this one!

[@kristofvandycke6687]

Yep. The writers of this episode really made this storyline subtle yet powerful. And Gandolfini and Sirico nailed it. I really like this sort of drama, where we, as the public, have to pay attention and interpret the many layers of these wonderful scenes. If this were some inferior show/movie, it’d be all yelling and fighting and theatrics. Sopranos did it realistically and low-key on how mafia murders are the result of a complex web of lies, deceit and betrayal. In the words of Henry Hill: “I was in fear of my life every second of the day when I was around those guys”; and this fictional show portrays that kind of tension with the utmost accuracy. There’s a reason why so many people choose The Sopranos to be the best TV-show ever made: because the audience isn’t treated as little children, needing to be held by the hand to follow the plot. Simply genius.

[@inoshikachokonoyarobakayar2493]

Paulie was on a cliffs edge. Had he said or done just one more thing that got to Tony, he'd have been *"swimmin' wit the fishes."*

[@Bpaynes]

He was on the precipice of an enormous gulf my friend.

[@TheNeonRabbit]

Tony was prepared to do it should he decide he needed to. The boat trip was just to feel him out to decide if it was necessary. If Paulie admitted to retelling the joke he wouldn't have made it back

[@theunconventionalenglishman]

This is an excellent analytical video mate: I started watching a few from your channel and it prompted me to watch the series a third time through. There were so many strands I didn't consider here - great work!

[@Paceasanatateamanituieacerseta]

I think that in the end Paulie had such long roots in the family and also luck that he always managed to get himself out of trouble.

[@dominicbeller8700]

I’m at a fun point in my relationship with Sopranos where I’m starting to forget some of the lines. I hear you say things like “dysentery in the ranks” and I have to take a minute to think “did I hear this mf right?” Then it comes back to me lol

[@Cazz8203]

I always wondered what was up with Paulie lifting weights at the end of the episode like that. I just thought it was anxiety from the boat scene. Never once did I think it was Paulie gearing up for a possible fight, or maybe even trying to prove to Tony that he was still the tough guy that Tony always looked at him as.

[@jpmnky]

The more time that passes the more I’m convinced Paulie and Parissi set up Tony. And maybe Sil and Bobby as well. And I’m pretty sure nobody blames either one of them.

[@toptenguy1]

He kept "plausible deniability" by NOT falling for Tony's trap. It saved his life.

[@enigma7310]

*Honestly Tony did a bad move inviting Paulie on that boat trip, i mean he must know that he was theyre when they killed Puss, i feel like he should had knew he would feel intimidated and knew not to tell on himself talking to much like Puss did in a sence, i feel like Tony should had invited Paulie to a fancy hotel apartment with them together for the night get him drunk and say some jokes and get him real comfortable maybe he would had told on himself accidently...I just felt like Tony was to hasty in this episode...*

[@varicosevaynes]

I remember somebody brought up a while back how another little detail is when Paulie spits. He doesn’t spit directly in the ocean, he spits in his hand. He doesn’t wanna disrespect the place that they dumped BP’s body, because anybody could really end up getting whacked and sinking towards the bottom of the ocean, including him or even Tony. The ocean is often seen as vast and near infinite, sorta similarly to the concept of the afterlife itself. I don’t really think that had any bearing on Tony’s decision to not kill him, but it’s still a cool little detail somebody pointed out.

[@pamew]

I want to take a second to appreciate that Beansie was a decent dude who was always reasonable and got absolutely screwed for it, yet deservedly gets one of the better endings on the show.

[@Bob-rd9vd]

My favorite character was Bobby. He was a good decent man caught up in a bad situation. That pretty much describes most good decent men in America today.

[@Commie_Safari1979]

Paulie is the best character in the show, he's the real deal the reality. I'd bet he (Paulie) stood on that boat ready to fight to the end to survive. He's the definition of survival. That's a part you kinda glossed over, notice he lifts weights after the dream about Puss, he is consciously preparing himself for a fight just in case the coffee maker gesture isn't enough. That's just my thoughts and opinion though.

[@datbtrue]

He's a pussyee! FEECH stood up to him and Pauly ran off like a little Girl!

[@kainlives7958]

3rd best behind both Tony & Silvio

[@monsieurcondottiero2685]

Good catch, I wondered why he would lift weights right after that dream

[@personreanimation]

I loved Paulie. The dude was so good in his role.

[@loungelizard3922]

If Tony had killed Paulie, Paulie wouldn't have been around to betray him to New York in the final episode, so yeah, in hindsight, Tony should have killed Paulie. It would have made him even more twisted and lonely, and spending the rest of his life behind bars, but he'd be alive.

[@CrazySailor1637]

“Causing major dysentery in the ranks” is such a good Lil Carmine-ism

[@jenspyck]

The problem with Tony was that he never had the makings of a varsity athlete

[@thedarknate08]

😂😂😂

[@Ben-zr4ho]

Christ... Original comment there. You didn't even put a spin on it. It doesnt even make sense in this context.

[@pathutchison7688]

I think Tony is pretty positive that Pauly told the joke. But in this case, he’s trying to see if Pauly will fold under the pressure that Tony’s applying. When he sees that Pauly won’t collapse under interrogation, that’s good enough for Tony.

[@erickennedy8534]

Tony could not kill Paulie, because Paulie is Tony big homie. Tony had to test Pauline, and he passed. Tony wants to because he knows he told the joke, and lots of people got killed indirectly , or directly about the joke.

[@Dusty_Bottoms_]

Well done analysis, a pleasure to watch

[@kciN1221]

And the parade float 🤣 Silvio: "hes gay?... Gary Cooper?? Tony: Noooooo!!

[@gocanuckurself1]

These Sopranos videos are fantastic. Salute 🥂

[@TOAD-uw4mh]

I feel killing Big Puss would take a far greater toll on Tony as that was his friend, Paulie was inherited from his father. While they do have a relationship and bond, it isn't comparable to the relationship Tony had with Puss.

[@Commie_Safari1979]

Thanks!

[@CineRanter]

Thank you!

[@wellguesswhatIthink]

I think this speaks for the entire second half of the show. Things are going well for Tony, he gets rid of Ralphie Cifaretto who he can't stand, all his capos are steady earning and no more panic attacks. Then Tony B gets out of jail and whacks the brother of a New York capo. Tony knows he let guilt cloud his judgement and New York might kill him. That's why he's such a hardass in season 6, fighting with Chris, Paulie, Bobby, Carmella, AJ etc. He didn't whack Paulie but he probably should've

[@licmir3663]

Paulie clearly knew that Tony considered killing him there, which is why he stood up. At the end, when he sees Pussy’s ghost, he asks whether he’ll stand when he dies. This shows that he knows what was Tony’s intention, especially after the questions concerning whether Paulie told Johnny Sac the jokes about Gilly or not. He knew Tony questioned his loyalty. Which is why once he came back alive, he sought to appease Tony and show his loyalty. In the case of Tony, he simply wasn’t 100% certain that Paulie had told the joke to Johnny Sac. If he were certain, Paulie would have joined the FBI witness program or some other lie that Tony would tell the others.

[@supersanity2298]

So insightful!! Excellent video, thank you. I’m going to watch it again. I have to say, though, it’s not an oversight that Pauline is one of the few to get out of this series unscathed.

[@dannigro8794]

Maybe Tony considered it but probably realized that would be too far. Sometimes his anger gets the better of him, and he takes it out on people who don’t necessarily deserve it.

[@cdubbs19891]

dude do you script these out entirely solo? your puns are legendary.

[@VAHOSS]

I don't think there's any comparisons between this situation and the Hesh situation. Tony genuinely contemplated killing Paulie, but the Hesh saga was sort of a bait and switch. It was intended to make us think that Tony was going to kill Hesh over money, but Tony really loved Hesh and Hesh love for money ruined their relationship. That's why Hesh's final scene showed him sitting there with a bag of money and no friends. Tony went to bat for Hesh against Junior out of love, but when Hesh helped Tony, his fear of not getting his money back made him pushy and insecure. Tony was genuinely confused when Hesh wouldn't go out with him and Bobby for a day because Tony truly wanted to be his friend.....it was Hesh who read that situation wrong. Also it was Bobby that suggested that Tony blow Hesh off and not pay him back, but Tony said that a boss can't do that. Other than some late payments, Tony really didn't do anything wrong. Hesh's love for money ruined their true friendship

[@shirihotep3741]

I've re-watched this so many times and I never the connection between Tony's latent resentment for being in the life and for the Mafioso oldies he once looked up that 'raised' him in it. Really excellent break down! Thanks.

[@MrBjanders]

I think this is some of the best Sopranos analysis I've seen on KZbin. Good insights based on an understanding you can only get from attentively watching the series through many times. Also, I can't express my admiration enough for the actors in this show. James Galdnofini and Tony Sirico made these characters so real. I'm still surprised all these years later by little things they did that reveal insights into their minds in any given moment.

[@felipebrito4656]

This might be my favorite video of yours. Really good analysis about Tony's realization that the old days weren't so bright. Gary Cooper wasn't so strong or so silent, as you put it.

[@mooganify]

Paulie will live forever, can’t imagine Tony whacking him

[@CaracalServal]

Great video. I loved the analysis

[@mmanzanox]

Outstanding analysis. Thanx for the upload

[@tiffybnTN]

This was great! Right again I’m sure!

[@RonPro-u1t]

Him and Jr had the best lines of all time.

[@CrookedSkew]

Great commentary, thanks!

[@garrymartin7327]

Great video the deeper meanings of this episode, I had no clue, just the surface level, Cinranter u are goat of this analysis thing

[@lilyeastersmom]

Fabulous commentary!!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@shinz84]

👌👍🙂

[@Indiana-Yonez]

Bro you dissect these videos and deep meanings perfectly 👌🏻

[@TheOriginalDJMrVee]

Good analysis.

[@davidpridmore2496]

Fabulous analysis, yet again. Surprised this one took so long to be honest, one of my favourite episodes absolutely stacked with hidden meanings

[@CallofFreaky]

I was probably too invested in the show when I watched this episode. Too invested in the scene on the boat to realise his annoyance with Paulie’s big mouth lead to him pressing him on the boat

[@The_Com-Mentor]

It's a matter of whether or not everyone else would understand. Not everybody was onboard with Tony wacking Ralph. The difference? Ralph had earning skills, Paulie had management skills. One of those things is more expendable than the other. Give Paulie a crew and he can make money, give Ralphie oxygen and he's gonna make money. Paulie can go.

[@jca4la]

The chances of Paulie stabbing Tony in the back are far less than Ralphie. With Ralphie, it's pretty much a guarantee if he would ever get the window to act.

[@The_Com-Mentor]

@@jca4la yea but as a boss making an executive decision, which one is more justifiable? Wack Paulie and ur left with his rackets, wack Ralph and ur left wondering..

[@jca4la]

@@The_Com-Mentor As the boss, I prefer loyalty over a bit more business. Will put someone else in Ralphie's place, may not make as much, but will still be collecting and breathing as opposed to swimming with the fishes.

[@The_Com-Mentor]

@@jca4la that's the whole point, Paulie wasn't loyal, he told Johnny Sack about the joke that set bad blood in motion between NY and NJ...some ppl were meant to be #2.

[@jca4la]

@The_Com-Mentor You are correct, Paulie ran his mouth, learned a hard lesson. He also was embarrassed when approached Carmine, learned another lesson. Ralph disrespected the Bing, but didn't learn the lesson. Whined to John and got shut down, didn't learn. Passed over in favor Gigi for head of the Aprile crew. Still didn't learn. Promoted after Gigi's death. Still bounced around like Rambo without a jockstrap. In that life, you only get so many chances to screw the pooch. Ralphie ran a freaking kennel and finally the bill came due.

[@CallofFreaky]

4:02 my favourite part of the sopranos community is quoting the characters casually. I love it

[@allow433]

I love when you said "parade float" LMAO.

[@dawatchng]

7:39 No more weight remarks Cineranter, they're hurtful, and they're destructive.

[@srf8788]

But we love them ton😔

[@datbtrue]

Ohhh, I Agreee

[@craigfin3222]

Why? 2 reasons, one Tony needed to be 100% sure, no shred of doubt could exist. Two, Paulie is one of Tony's most capable enforcer, even if not earner.