S05E10 ยท aired 2004-05-09

Cold Cuts

Episode guide - plot, credits, music, and analysis.

Plot

Tony and Janice take a trip upstate to Bobby Baccalieri's cabin, accompanied by Bobby as Janice's partner. Tony and Janice have never been able to spend extended time together without their old sibling dynamics reasserting themselves. Tony, trapped in proximity with his sister, begins working to get under her skin in deliberate and calculated ways.

Tony's strategy is specific: he brings up their shared childhood, particularly their mother's behavior and the things Livia said and did that damaged them both. Tony knows that Janice has built her adult identity around therapy, self-improvement, and the performance of recovered mental health. He also knows exactly where her defenses are thin. He pushes methodically until Janice explodes -- throwing furniture, screaming, reverting completely to the person she claims to have moved past.

Tony returns to New Jersey satisfied. His goal was achieved: he reminded himself and Janice that she is not who she says she is. Bobby is somewhat bewildered by what happened but tends to Janice with the patient good nature that makes him such an unlikely fit as her partner. Tony Blundetto's situation with New York is becoming critical. Phil Leotardo is not going to wait much longer.

Credits

Written by: Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess
Directed by: Mike Figgis