User Reviews

Of all the embarrassing moments the characters of this series have experienced, none can have been more shameful than the discovery that Vito Spatafore, one of Tony's most loyal men, is gay. As you might remember, the fat hoodlum was in a gay bar in the previous episode, wearing an all too obvious leather outfit, and got caught by two low-level crooks.

Now, word is out on the streets, and the reaction is practically unanimous: the poor son of a b*tch should get clipped. Tony disagrees, and with good reason: not only is it the 21st century, a period in which these things are more common every day, Vito also happens to be his top earner (much like Ralphie Cifaretto two seasons ago; that one didn't end well either). Besides, he claims, there's no actual proof, aside from the two guys' testimony, that Vito really is homosexual (Chris's response: "What, we actually have to see him take it in the ass?"). However, once Meadow's fiancé Finn, in the episode's most painfully hilarious scene, tells the crew what he saw back in Season Five (the infamous BJ on a security guard), there is no doubt anymore, and Phil Leotardo insists, with particular enthusiasm (Vito married his cousin), that the mess be settled with old-school methods.

Unfortunately, Vito is nowhere to be found: sensing the gathering storm, he has fled to New Hampshire, leaving his cell phone behind and preparing to start a new, fake life. That life will be the focus of the next few episodes, and the fact that this bloodless subplot works is all due to Gannascoli, whose careful performance is miles away from the overblown "gay gangster" caricatures seen in Guy Ritchie's films. Having stayed in the shadows since Season 2 (plus the cameo in Season 1 as a completely different character), he has been promoted to a series regular in Season Six, Part One, proving he has the same dramatic strength as the rest of the cast.

Okay, so there's pretty much no violence in the episode, or any disturbing moments. But who cares? The subtle writing and expert acting (not to mention a few merciless gay jokes) make it as worthwhile as any other story of the show.

Now that Vito's homosexuality was discovered many want him dead, Tony wants more proof. This comes from Meadow's boyfriend Finn. Vito runs away and spends a night in a bed and breakfast in a small town where he walks around next day. Tony still doesn't want him to get killed but have another chance.

Interesting story about homosexuality. Sad to see such attitude by the characters I like so much but not surprising at all.Funny how they call it a sin considering that most that they do is a sin. This is a great look at the attitude people have that doesn't fit their religion.

The scene of Vito driving at night when the tree falls was extremely scary, looked like a horror movie to me. Wonderful catching of the mood Vito must have.

As the introduction of Sopranos was playing, I was looking at the executive producers and writers. I thought to myself, 'Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess haven't written an episode in a long time', and then what do you know? They are writing the episode WITH David Chase AND Tim Van Patten.

That's the dream team.

I believe this episode showcases EXACTLY why The Sopranos is one of the greatest shows of all time. The funny, clever dialouge, the harsh, complex physochological side of humans, and the accessibility of the show.

Tony's mini monolouge filled with cynicism (at Dr. Melfi's office), Vito's storyline, Meadow's character arc, it all ties up beautifully.

'Let's take this in the back.' 'Yeah, that's what Vito did!'

Fantastic.

Written by: David Chase & Terence Winter and Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess

Directed by: Tim Van Patten

In what is the best episode of the season thus far, Vito is finally outed. And the wise guy's response? Kill that fat braciole sucker, except for Tony who while homophobic still realizes Vito is his top earner and also realizes it's the 21st century, and mobsters maybe should let these things slide. Paulie wants Vito's head on a silver platter (for other reasons added to him being gay) and Phil Leotardo is shocked that his sister would marry a wise guy who is light in the loafers. Vito realizes he's been outed and floors it to a bed and breakfast in New Hampshire, where a lot of comedic genius that the show is subtely known for comes to life. The story switches from Vito in New Hampshire, then back to the family dealing with this issue. This episode features some outstanding dialogue that is constantly riveting, and perhaps one of the most hilarious scenes in Sopranos history where Finn (Meadow's wimpy wannabe dentist fiancée) testifies that Vito mouth-a-fied a security's guard's Italian sausage in the construction site parking lot. Many have not liked this episode, but I can't disagree more. It was different and new and original, but it also was true to the spirit of 'The Sopranos' and captured that stone-cold mobster essence every episode should have. Not the best episode, but it's one hell of a ride. My Rating: 9/10.

HOW I RANKED OTHER SOPRANOS EPISODES THIS SEASON: Episode 70: 'Mr. and Mrs. John Sacrimoni's Request' - 8.5/10; Episode 69: 'The Fleshy Part of the Thigh' - 8/10; Episode 68: 'Mayham' - 9/10; Episode 67: 'Join the Club' - 7.5/10; Episode 66: 'Members Only' - 8.5/10.

When Paulie yells, "WHAAAT" at the table, after Fin says it was the other way around, that's one of my favorite moments from him. I've rewound that so many times over the years. Always interpreted meadow telling Carmela (and ultimately Tony) about Finn and Vito to be kind of a way to get revenge for Finn ( and maybe even Jackie Jr in some way). I know it sounds far fetch, but meadow had to have known about what the mob would do to Vito when they found out. Meadow signed Vito's death warrant with her conversation with Ro and Carmela. Gotta hand it to Vito's wife she stood by her man even with Phil telling her about his years in the can. I've said it once, I'll say it again. One of the greatest ever recorded on film. It's interesting that Vito is the one who killed Jackie Jr. Back in season 3 and then it is Meadow who confirms Vito's bad thing, effectively marking him for death. It's almost like a revenge for killing her ex she didn't even know she was getting. Tony's opinion about Vito might be tied to his attempt at "redemption". And so Vito's exploits in his off-time might not be a big deal to him... at this point. But "regular" Tony would have him killed immediately.