Tony's old school friend digs himself into trouble with his gambling, while Tony's family problems only continue to grow.Tony's old school friend digs himself into trouble with his gambling, while Tony's family problems only continue to grow.Tony's old school friend digs himself into trouble with his gambling, while Tony's family problems only continue to grow.
- Matt Bevilaqua
- (as Lillo Brancato Jr.)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe episode title 'The Happy Wanderer' is also the name of the album by Jonny Lang that Meadow has a poster of in her bedroom in the scene where she is practicing her music.
- GoofsWhen Davey lays down his hand in the poker game against Silvo's three-of-a-kind, he claims to have a flush. He shows a 9 of clubs, 10 of hearts, 5 of hearts, ace of clubs, 9 of hearts, jack of hearts, and a queen of spades. You need five of the same suit to have a flush, e.g. 5 hearts, 5 clubs, etc. Davey only has a pair of 9s.
- Quotes
Silvio Dante: [losing at poker as Matt Bevilaqua tries to sweep up the crumbs under his chair] What the fuck are YOU doing?
Tony Soprano: Sil, take it easy.
Silvio Dante: I'm losing my balls over heeeere! This fuckin' moron's playing Hazel? Get the fuck outta here!
Matt Bevilaqua: I was just trying to sweep the cheese away from...
Silvio Dante: Why? Why NOW? Leave it there!
Matt Bevilaqua: I don't know, I was just...
Silvio Dante: What?
[to Tony]
Silvio Dante: Where do you get these fuckin' idiots, huh? Where do you get 'em? He's sweeping the cheese, I'm trying ta...
[to Matt, shouting]
Silvio Dante: Leave the fuckin' cheese there! All right? I love fuckin' cheese at my feet! I stick motherfuckin' provolone in my socks at night, so they smell like your sister's crotch in the morning! All right? So leave the fuckin' cocksuckin' cheese WHERE IT IS!
[Scoops the rest of the food from his plate onto the floor]
Silvio Dante: Here, here, here! Go ahead. Have a good time!
[Sits back down to make a bet]
Silvio Dante: 800.
Dr. Ira Freid: Call.
Silvio Dante: [to Dr. Fried] And why don't you go fix a fuckin' dick or whatever the fuck it is you do.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The 52nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (2000)
This is a classic episode that has darkly humorous moments, an ironic plot, and interesting psychological themes.
Most of the scenes are either hilariously funny or excruciatingly awkward to watch.
Tony is on top form with both his agitation towards everyone and his reactions to everything he sees and hears. James Gandolfini plays the part brilliantly and he has great material to work with. You see the character's alpha-male tendencies and will to dominate others in full glory.
Robert Patrick's character Davie hurtles down a path of self destruction that gets more and more painful with each scene. The sense of dread surrounding virtually every moment he is on screen is fantastically written and performed.
The characterisations depicted show the corrupt shark-like nature of certain individuals as they prey on weak targets and exploit opportunities for personal gain.
It concludes with a very memorable final scene that has absolutely everything.
Aside from the main plot there are other little moments that help develop some of the ongoing arcs of the overarching series two narrative.
Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Steven Van Sandt, David Proval, and Michael Imperioli all have standout moments, particularly Van Sandt.
As ever the production values are excellent such as the cinematography and editing. The use of music is particularly memorable, especially in the final few moments.
It's a 9.5/10 for me but I round upwards.
- snoozejonc
- Mar 4, 2022
- Permalink
Details
- Runtime51 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1