Grid Effect

Just one last Sopranos post (save for the recap on Friday, of course) to cover up some loose ends that may have gone overlooked in lieu of the flummoxing conclusion.

-I really thought we had seen the last of Junior, but I guess a confrontation between him and Tony was necessary. After all, Jun is his uncle and did attempt to murder him. Twice (once lucid and once senile). Tony’s look of dismay walking away from their encounter spoke to the core of Tony’s concerns about aging. The realization that Junior had no recollection of anything he had done (with the exception of some deeply embedded family affairs) reminded me of Tony’s experience as Kevin Finnerty and his diagnosis with Alzheimers. Though I believe Tony still holds Junior responsible for shooting him, as he said to Melfi, “I know all too much about the subconscious”. Whether or not that is a valid application in these circumstances, it’s probably how Tony would feel.

-Speaking of which, Tony probably never would have went to visit Junior had his sister not attempted to steal money from Bobby’s kids. A vile bitch till the bitter end. Even Tony, as superficial and unfounded as he may be, occasionally exudes some signs of humanitarianism. Janice? No such luck. Even in the wake of her husbands death Janice’s primary concern is unlimited Klondike bars in the freezer.

-And finally, Paulie. Probably the funniest, and, ironically enough, the most sadistic character this side of Richie Aprile, Ralph Cifaretto and the aforementioned Janice Soprano (whom dated the other two). Can you imagine what happens to the Jersey faction of La Cosa Nostra should Paulie be the default leader? I feel like the irrelevant would be stressed, such as mandatory hairstyles and shoe wear. At the very least we know that cat will meet its demise in the most unsavory manner. For the most part, he had a suitable ending. Or as suitable as it could be not involving death. He gets a promotion, is talked out of his phobia(s) and intimidates everyone not named Soprano.
It actually has been speculated on the internets about Paulie ratting to the feds, hence his worrisome nature about the cat (It’s symbolic, people). This seems like a stretch, especially since nothing else was explained, but anything is possible, even a stray cat exposing the insecurities of a mobster. In all honesty, I’m not sure of the significance of the cat, I’ve heard theories but none of them sound plausible in The Sopranos metaphorical lexicon. So we’ll just leave it be and see if we can concoct something before the recap is posted on Friday.

With that said, I think I’ve bled this episode dry. Links and a possible Rescue Me quasi-preview coming tomorrow.

Anyhow, we will try not to comment again on “Made In America” until Friday, but I’m making no such promises.