Tensions rise between Tony and Ralphie until circumstances demand that they resolve their differences. Meadow gets involved with Jackie's...
Plot
Ralph Cifaretto has been generating enormous earnings for Tony's operation -- the HUD housing scam, gambling operations, and other revenue streams have made him the highest earner in the family. Despite this, Tony refuses to promote Ralph to capo of the Aprile crew because of what Ralph did to Tracee. Tony's refusal to make the obvious business decision out of moral revulsion creates a tension between his instincts and his obligations as a boss.
Jackie Aprile Jr. is spending time with Christopher and the crew at Satriale's and the Bada Bing, absorbing mob culture without absorbing any of its discipline. He wants to be made but has none of the patience or seriousness required. Tony watches this without being able to shut it down entirely, because doing so would require telling Meadow something she is not yet ready to hear.
Thanksgiving dinner at the Soprano house is a study in enforced normalcy. Tony eventually relents and promotes Ralph to capo because the business rationale is simply too strong to ignore. He does it without warmth. Ralph accepts it without warmth. Their relationship will never recover from Tracee's death, but they will continue to do business because the alternative is worse.
Credits
Written by: Robin Green, Mitchell Burgess, and Terence Winter
Directed by: Alan Taylor