Until this episode we have seen Tony in a fairly traditional good light. He still calls his mistress before his wife among other flaws but he has been a mobster we can root for. Even the first half of the episode establishes an honest relationship with Meadow. But we see all this undeveloped as Tony's anti-heroic side takes over.
When the rat revealed that he abstained from killing Tony when he had the chance then we expect the main character to show some form of compassion or difficulty in making the kill. But with a shallow response, Tony villainously kills the man.
Carmela's storyline and the college surfing make the episode not too engaging as a whole. I can still appreciate the complex development with Carmela and the priest but it's just not good enough.
Most important episode in terms of Tony and television history - yes, maybe.
Best episode of S1 - definitely not.
When the rat revealed that he abstained from killing Tony when he had the chance then we expect the main character to show some form of compassion or difficulty in making the kill. But with a shallow response, Tony villainously kills the man.
Carmela's storyline and the college surfing make the episode not too engaging as a whole. I can still appreciate the complex development with Carmela and the priest but it's just not good enough.
Most important episode in terms of Tony and television history - yes, maybe.
Best episode of S1 - definitely not.