Two Tonys - Season 5 Episode Guide

Two Tonys (S05E01) - Some of the old guards are released from prison and want to get back in the action. Chris and Paulie are at each other's throats over... — Some of the old guards are released from prison and want to get back in the action. Chris and Paulie are at each other's throats over...

Plot

The season premiere picks up immediately after the chaotic events of "Funhouse." Tony Soprano is still reeling from the revelation that Junior was the one who burned down his house, a secret he has kept buried deep within his own psyche. The episode opens with Tony in a state of high alert, suspicious of everyone around him. This paranoia isn't just about the house fire; it's a general sense that the world is closing in on him, a feeling amplified by the fact that his mother, Livia, is now living in New Jersey and is fully aware of Junior's treachery. Tony spends a significant amount of time trying to manage this new dynamic. He visits Carmela, who is struggling with her own guilt regarding the house fire. She tries to rationalize it as an accident caused by Junior, but Tony knows better. The tension between them is palpable; she wants to be good and absolve herself of any wrongdoing, while he knows that the line between right and wrong in their marriage has become increasingly blurry. A major subplot involves Paulie Gualtieri. Tony is still angry about Paulie's loyalty to Junior during the fire incident. He feels betrayed by a man he once considered part of the family, even though they have no blood relation. Tony makes it clear that if Paulie ever crosses him again or puts his own interests above The Family's, there will be consequences. This sets the stage for the ongoing friction between Tony and Paulie, which would eventually lead to significant drama later in the series. Another key interaction occurs with Dr. Jennifer Merskin, Tony's new therapist. She is trying to build a rapport with him, but Tony remains guarded. He pushes her away when she tries to get too close, revealing his deep-seated fear of intimacy and vulnerability. This dynamic highlights one of the central themes of the show: Tony's struggle to connect with others while simultaneously pushing them away. The episode also features a visit from Ralph Cifaretto, who is still dealing with his own issues, including his relationship with his girlfriend, Jackie Aprile Jr.'s mother. Ralph is trying to navigate his place in the family hierarchy and is seeking validation from Tony. Their interactions are tense, with Tony testing Ralph's loyalty and Ralph trying to prove himself as a reliable lieutenant. Throughout the episode, there are moments of dark humor and absurdity that characterize The Sopranos. For instance, Tony's internal monologue often reveals his quirky thoughts about everyday things, such as his obsession with the concept of "faggotry" or his fascination with the idea of being wired. These moments provide a contrast to the serious drama unfolding around him, adding depth and complexity to his character. In one particularly memorable scene, Tony visits a strip club where he encounters a woman who is clearly not what she seems. This encounter serves as a metaphor for Tony's own duplicity and his ability to read people better than they realize. It also highlights his tendency to project his own insecurities onto others. The episode concludes with Tony reflecting on his life and the choices he has made. He contemplates the possibility of changing his ways, but ultimately decides that he cannot let go of his past. This decision sets the stage for the rest of the season, as Tony continues to navigate the treacherous waters of organized crime while trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy in his personal life.

Credits

James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano Edie Falco as Carmela Soprano Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti Lorraine Bracco as Dr. Jennifer Merskin Jamie-Lynn Sigler as Meadow Soprano Tony Sirico as Paulie Gualtieri Steven Van Zandt as Silvio Dante Drea de Matteo as Adriana La Cerva Robert Iler as A.J. Soprano Mike Romano as Junior Soprano Vinny Vella as Ralphie Cifaretto Dominic Chianese as Corrado "Junior" Soprano

Music

"Moonlight Serenade" by Glenn Miller "Take Five" by Dave Brubeck "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra "Blue Moon" by The Four Freshmen "Sing Sing Sing" by Benny Goodman "In a Sentimental Mood" by Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong "Autumn in New York" by Andy Kirk "Body and Soul" by Nat King Cole "Stardust" by Hoagy Carmichael "Lazy River" by Glenn Miller "Sweet Georgia Brown" by Jimmy Dorsey "Cherokee" by Benny Goodman "Sing Sing Sing" by The Modern Jazz Quartet

Analysis

Two Tonys marks a pivotal moment in the series, serving as a bridge between the show's early seasons and its darker, more complex middle ground. The title itself is a nod to Tony's dual nature: the man who wants to be a good father and husband versus the mob boss who operates outside the law. This duality is evident from the very first scene, where Tony is already grappling with the fallout of Junior's betrayal. One of the most striking aspects of this episode is how it establishes the new normal for Tony Soprano. He has moved into his own house, a symbol of his desire to have a family life separate from his criminal activities. However, as the episode progresses, it becomes clear that this separation is an illusion. The trauma of the house fire and Junior's involvement have left Tony with deep-seated insecurities that he can't shake. He is constantly looking over his shoulder, wondering who might be next to turn against him. The relationship between Tony and Carmela takes on new dimensions in this episode. Carmela's guilt over the house fire is a major plot point, and her attempts to absolve herself of any wrongdoing are met with skepticism by Tony. He knows that she is not as innocent as she claims, and this knowledge creates a rift between them. Their conversations are often tense, with both parties struggling to find common ground. This dynamic foreshadows the marital troubles that will plague their relationship throughout the series. Another important aspect of this episode is the introduction of Dr. Jennifer Merskin. She is a new therapist, and her interactions with Tony reveal his deep-seated fear of intimacy. He pushes her away when she tries to get too close, revealing his inability to connect with others on an emotional level. This dynamic highlights one of the central themes of the show: Tony's struggle to balance his desire for connection with his need for isolation. The episode also features some of the show's most memorable moments of dark humor and absurdity. For instance, Tony's internal mon