Episodes
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The Many Saints of Newark Review
Did we like? Did we not? What stood out? What did we want? All these questions will be answered.
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The Many Saints of Newark Trailer Review
The trailer for the Sopranos movie has dropped! Gavin and Hannibal do their thing.
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Bonus - Our Favorite Lines
Gavin and Hannibal share their all time favorite lines of Sopranos dialogue, in a special bonus episode of ‘The Sopranos Show!’ Going season by season, your hosts break down the reasons for their picks, and relive some of the series’ greatest moments.
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S6B:E21 - Made In America
The series finale of The Sopranos keeps things pretty simple... until it doesn’t. Gavin and Hannibal (and Maureen Van Zandt) explain what they think did or did not happen in the diner and why. Though ‘Made in America’ is the final episode of The Sopranos, this is probably not the final episode of...
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S6B:E20 - The Blue Comet
Gavin and Hannibal agree that ‘The Blue Comet’ truly is the ‘ultimate penultimate’ Sopranos story. Your hosts discuss the deeply troubling yet decisive showdown between Tony and Melfi, Baccala’s operatic and unforgettable final scene, and the many ways in which the episode perfectly positions all...
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S6B:E19 - The Second Coming
With just a couple episodes until the end of the series, things are getting emotionally apocalyptic on The Sopranos. Gavin and Hannibal talk Livia callbacks, gut wrenching suicide attempts, and the guilty pleasures of watching a well earned curb stomping. ‘The Second Coming’ dramatically ups the...
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S6B:E18 - Kennedy and Heidi
With ‘Kennedy and Heidi,’ the makers of The Sopranos pull off one of the most shocking and memorable major character death scenes ever devised for television. Gavin and Hannibal explain what makes the scene in question quintessential ‘David Chase,’ and how the episode as a whole offers rich…
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S6B:E17 - Walk Like A Man
Writer Terence Winter directs his first and only episode of ‘The Sopranos,’ further proving why he’s one of the series’ greatest storytellers. Gavin and Hannibal consider ‘Walk Like a Man’ to be yet another masterful final season episode. The highly emotional Melfi session, the arcs of Chris and...
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S6B:E16 - Chasing It
As far as Gavin and Hannibal are concerned, this is maybe the weirdest episode of The Sopranos ever. Not bad... just weird. Your hosts explain how odd it is that the filmmakers for one episode only, decided to go fully handheld with the camera, resulting in lens and composition choices that are...
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S6B:E15 - Remember When
This is the second Season 6B episode in a row that makes use of a single, overriding, theme to an all encompassing and ultimately tragic effect. ‘Remember When’ is about the pain of the past. Gavin and Hannibal note how that theme is woven into the arc of Junior’s ill-fated new friendship, as…
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S6B:E14 - Stage 5
Gavin and Hannibal bid a fond farewell to Johnny Sack in their discussion of the magnificent ‘Stage 5.’ Your hosts agree that everything about this episode works: from Vincent Curatola’s beautiful performance, to the surprisingly consequential fallout of the ‘Cleaver’ screening, to the story’s...
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S6B:E13 - Soprano Home Movies
Gavin and Hannibal arrive at the beginning of the end! ‘Soprano Home Movies’ is one of the greats, blending flashbacks, callbacks, bad karaoke, and the most unexpected fist fight of all time, from a script that would make Edward Albee proud. Your hosts examine the ways in which Livia manages to...
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S6A:E12 - Kaisha
Once you realize what the title of this episode references, it’s hard not to see it as the funniest title of the series. Gavin and Hannibal wrap up Season 6A with a discussion that touches upon the successes and failures of the season overall, the plausibility of AJ’s new romance, and why Tony’s...
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S6A:E11 - Cold Stones
‘Cold Stones’ is a fitting penultimate chapter for Season 6A which is both great, and at times, not so great. Gavin and Hannibal explain what makes the traditional late season main character death not all that surprising, and dig into the intriguing subtext of Carmela’s Paris trip. Your hosts…
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S6A:E10 - Moe n' Joe
Moe n’ Joe has Gavin n’ Hannibal confused about a couple things... like the meaning of the title itself, or what Jim sees in Vito. Still, the episode has its high points: Chris’ sole scene is hilarious, Melfi does a great job leading Tony to an important epiphany about Janice, and a snowy murder...
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S6A:E9 - The Ride
There are many rides in ‘The Ride,’ both literal and metaphorical. Gavin and Hannibal examine Chris’ reasons for falling off the wagon yet again, Tony’s war against boredom, and the events that push Paulie to look deep into himself as never before. Plus Gavin explains why he now views this…
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S6A:E8 - Johnny Cakes
Your hosts have mixed feelings about ‘Johnny Cakes.’ On one hand it contains profound and powerful scenes that rank amongst the series’ best. On the other hand, are several scenes so cliche ridden and implausible, they’re unintentionally hilarious. Gavin and Hannibal discuss the unsavory nature…
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S6A:E7 - Luxury Lounge
Gavin and Hannibal agree that ‘Luxury Lounge’ ranks very high on the ‘funniest Sopranos episodes’ list. It makes hilarious use of cameos (‘Sir Ben’ Kingsley, ‘Betty’ Bacall) to lampoon Hollywood culture, and does a great job updating dilemmas previously established in Seasons 2 & 4. Plus, Gavin...
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S6A:E6 - Live Free or Die
Gavin and Hannibal can’t quite figure out how a Chase-Winter-Green-Burgess script directed by Tim Van Patten, winds up being one of the more mediocre Sopranos episodes, but they have some theories. Though ‘Live Free or Die’ just never quite comes together, your hosts single out the quality…
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S6A:E5 - Mr. & Mrs. John Sacrimoni Request...
In honor of this nuptially inclined episode, Gavin and Hannibal grapple with the age old question; when is it ok for a grown man to cry? From Johnny Sack’s tears, to Vito’s outing, to Tony’s fear of being thought weak, mob society’s rigid definition of masculinity presents major dilemmas for the...
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S6A:E4 - The Fleshy Part Of The Thigh
Though this episode has its faults, (one too many philosophical discussions, an implausible Bobby Baccala subplot), Gavin and Hannibal agree that Tony Sirico is in top form, impressively revealing a vulnerable new side of Paulie Walnuts. Your hosts also point out how ‘The Fleshy Part of the…
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S6A:E3 - Mayham (feat. Maureen Van Zandt!)
The intentionally misspelled title is a hint that this laugh filled episode is a wild ride. Gavin and Hannibal point out what makes the explosive ‘Scarface’ style opening such an entertaining change of pace, and describe how this relatively Tony-light story depicts what the show might have been...
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S6A:E2 - Join The Club
Gavin and Hannibal join Tony in “Finnertyland,” discussing an episode that propels The Sopranos to dramatic new heights of symbolism and poignancy. Your hosts focus on the not-exactly-a-dream sequence that gives James Gandolfini the opportunity to portray a Clark Kent version of Tony journeying...
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S6A:E1 - Members Only
The premiere of Season Six throws a LOT at the audience and climaxes with one of the most shocking moments in series history. It can’t be a surprise then, that it takes Gavin and Hannibal nearly 90 minutes to unpack it all. Your hosts hone in on the themes of health, aging and misplaced trust…
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S5:E13 - All Due Respect
Gavin and Hannibal agree that ‘All Due Respect’ is a fitting and fulfilling conclusion to Season 5. This finale manages to do an incredible job of bringing Season 5 full circle, and in typically understated fashion, sets up the climactic seasons to come. Your hosts describe how this episode...
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S5:E11 - The Test Dream
Dream analysis is always tricky, especially in “The Test Dream” - one of the more experimental episodes of “The Sopranos” ever produced. Gavin and Hannibal do their best to identify and explain the many symbols, cameos and references that make this story such a trippy and meta journey into Tony’s...
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S5:E10 - Cold Cuts
‘Cold Cuts’ is an unnerving exploration of how little things change over time. Gavin and Hannibal cover an episode that presents Tony at his most unlikable, and note the unexpected sympathy felt towards the traditionally unlikable Chris and Janice. Also explored: the occasionally unorthodox...
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S5:E9 - Unidentified Black Males
When writers Matthew Weiner and Terence Winter join forces, the outcome is about as monumental as you’d expect. Gavin and Hannibal unpack the revelatory ‘Unidentified Black Males.’ This episode is filled with shocking developments, social commentary, the most powerful Tony-Melfi scene yet, and…
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S5:E8 - Marco Polo
‘Marco Polo’ is the last of five scripts Michael Imperioli wrote for ‘The Sopranos,’ and he definitely ends his run on a high note. Gavin and Hannibal examine the factors that push Tony B past the point of no return, and Carmela and Tony S into the pool. Plus your hosts point out how this great...
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S5:E7 - In Camelot
The past looms large ‘In Camelot.’ Gavin and Hannibal focus on Tony’s inability to forgive Livia, and Chris’ Tony-like Scorpion-Frog dynamic with a civilian. Featuring the creepiest rendition of ‘Happy Birthday Mr. President’ ever performed, and the most deaths of any Sopranos episode ever...
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S5:E6 - Sentimental Education (Feat. Allen Coulter!)
It’s another special episode of ‘The Sopranos Show!’ Gavin and Hannibal have a fascinating chat about all things Sopranos with Allen Coulter, director of such legendary episodes as ‘College,’ ‘The Night in White Satin Armor,’ and many more! Plus your hosts delve into ‘Sentimental Education’ which...
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S5:E5 - Irregular Around The Margins
It’s easy to see why this one got both Michael Imperioli and Drea de Matteo Emmys. Writers Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess also shine with their first contribution to Season 5, the extremely intense, ‘Irregular Around the Margins.’ Gavin and Hannibal explain what makes this episode ‘irregular’...
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S5:E4 - All Happy Families...
‘All Happy Families...’ continues Season 5’s streak of near perfection. Gavin and Hannibal talk popularity contests, AJ at his worst, and share a ‘conspiracy theory’ about actor Robert Loggia. Also discussed is what The Sopranos has in common with other huge series like ‘Game of Thrones’ and...
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S5:E3 - Where's Johnny?
Uncle Junior takes center stage in this, funny, tragic, and unexpectedly moving episode. Gavin and Hannibal spot the key callback to the series pilot and examine its outsized impact on Tony. Also discussed? Paulie’s hilarious application of ‘The Art of War,’ the trouble with having Janice as a...
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S5:E2 - Rat Pack
There are many ways to interpret the title of this episode, which focuses on the many rats employed by the Feds, to bring Tony down. Gavin and Hannibal discuss the series acting debut of Sopranos directing vet Steve Buscemi, and the highly emotional way his character, Tony B, seems to affect…
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S5:E1 - Two Tonys
‘Two Tonys’ arrived in 2004 after an extremely lengthy hiatus following the Season 4 finale. The creators of the show ensured the wait was worth it with an episode that wastes no time setting very high stakes. Gavin and Hannibal explore Tony’s difficulties with facing rejection, the evolution of...
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Interview - Frank Renzulli (Writer/Producer)
Today, Gavin and Hannibal host a truly special episode of The Sopranos Show, in which they interview former Sopranos staff writer and executive producer, Frank Renzulli! Frank is responsible for penning some of the greatest episodes from the first three seasons including ‘Nobody Knows Anything,’...
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S4:E13 - Whitecaps
‘Whitecaps’ is the longest episode of The Sopranos. Is it the greatest episode of the series up to this point? Probably. Gavin and Hannibal focus on James Gandolfini and Edie Falco, whose Emmy winning performances in this Season 4 finale, raise the bar for what can be achieved in the medium of...
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S4:E12 - Eloise
Gavin and Hannibal interpret this episode as a story of heartbreak... and its consequences. Carmela without warning loses the love of someone very close, and Paulie unexpectedly finds that a friendship he depended on isn’t quite what he thought it was. Your hosts call attention to the many funny,...
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S4:E11 - Calling All Cars
‘Calling All Cars’ is bookended with ominous dream sequences that suggest Tony is in greater danger than he knows. Gavin and Hannibal examine the symbols in this tension heavy, occasionally hilarious, and somewhat spooky episode. Plus your hosts explain why this is the worst time for Tony to quit...
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S4:E10 - The Strong, Silent Type
It’s not easy to be “the strong, silent type” if you’re Tony, Christopher or Furio. Gavin and Hannibal address Tony’s emotionally complex dynamic with cute animals, Chris at rock bottom, and Furio’s increasingly risky forbidden love. Plus your hosts get caught up in the logistics of one legged…
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S4:E9 - Whoever Did This
‘Whoever Did This’ is one of the best episodes The Sopranos ever did. Of course, Gavin and Hannibal spend much of their time praising Joe Pantoliano’s Emmy winning performance, which convincingly reveals a side of Ralph Cifaretto never before displayed. Plus, Burgess and Green’s flawless script...
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S4:E8 - Mergers and Acquisitions
‘Mergers and Acquisitions’ is a great example of how The Sopranos often finds hilarity in unexpected places. The various funny dilemmas in this episode keep Gavin and Hannibal laughing - from Paulie’s response to senior citizen bullying, to Tony’s investigation of Ralphie’s sex life in the hopes…
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S4:E7 - Watching Too Much Television
Gavin and Hannibal tackle ‘Watching Too Much Television,’ discussing the desperation that leads Adriana to fast track her marriage for all the wrong reasons, and the unexpected emotional fallout that results when Tony and his business partners join forces on what should be a straightforward real...
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S4:E6 - Everybody Hurts
Michael Imperioli once again pulls double duty, delivering what Gavin and Hannibal agree, is his best Sopranos script yet. In this episode, Tony, Artie, AJ and Carmela have plenty to be “hurt” about, and your hosts delve into the various sources of their pain. This story has a lot to say about...
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S4:E5 - Pie-O-My (Featuring Maureen Van Zandt!)
Today, we literally interrupt your regularly scheduled The Sopranos Show to bring you Gavin and Hannibal’s quick chat with Maureen Van Zandt, who portrayed Silvio Dante’s wife Gabriella! A huge thank you to Mrs. Van Zandt for a fun, and fascinating glimpse into the making of The Sopranos, and her...
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S4:E4 - The Weight
Gavin and Hannibal view ‘The Weight’ as a highly entertaining return to the urgent and emotional high stakes storytelling that makes The Sopranos what it is. Terence Winter’s script convincingly depicts how the fallout from a single mean joke can escalate to a near bloodbath, while giving Vincent...
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S4:E3 - Christopher
‘Christopher,’ is the widely agreed upon fan ‘least favorite,’ of the series. Gavin and Hannibal attempt to get to the root of just what exactly went wrong here. Low dramatic stakes, a misleading title, and a few too many cheesy jokes make ‘Christopher’ infamous, though it’s not a complete loss!...
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S4:E2 - No-Show
Gavin and Hannibal examine the many well written and acted confrontations of “No Show,” an episode which culminates in one of the more powerful scenes ever performed between James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, and Jamie-Lynn Sigler. Your hosts also discuss the implications of the choices made by…
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S4:E1 - For All Debts Public and Private
“Everything comes to an end,” Carmela declares in the fourth season premiere of The Sopranos. Gavin and Hannibal discuss the weighty implications of that statement, as well as the episode’s gripping focus on security and vengeance, in a post 9/11 America. Your hosts also delve into the chillingly...
About this show
Gavin and Hannibal are best friends since Kindergarten who really love The Sopranos. Join them as they recap all 86 classic episodes in order, on a weekly podcast which salutes and celebrates the greatest TV drama of all time.
Hosted by
Gavin Bowen & Hannibal Deiz