Do Not Resuscitate (S02E02)
Airdate: January 23rd 2000
Written by: Robin Green, Mitchell Burgess & Frank Renzulli
Directed by: Martin Bruestle
Running Time: 50 minutes
The second episode of Season 2 of The Sopranos, titled Do Not Resuscitate, intricately explores the themes of old age, frailty, and human transience. These themes resonate deeply within both the family and professional spheres of Tony Soprano's life, illustrating how personal and familial relationships are affected by the inevitability of decline and death.
The title "Do Not Resuscitate" refers to a medical directive that indicates a patient's wish to forego cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac arrest. The purpose of this practice is to spare families the emotional turmoil associated with witnessing a loved one suffer in a comatose state.
Ironically, Livia Soprano emerges as the primary candidate for a DNR order, despite not being particularly loved by her children. The episode opens with Livia recuperating from a stroke in hospital, where she is visited by her daughter Janice. Janice's attempts to reconnect with her mother are marked by desperation and self-interest; she employs advice from Meadow, who still harbours affection for Livia, by playing her old songs. However, when Livia chokes during one of these sessions, a nurse (played by Tertia Lynch) suggests that Janice consider a DNR for her mother. This suggestion, when forwarded by Janice, prompts Tony to rethink his plans regarding their family home; instead of selling it, he decides to allow both Janice and Livia to reside there. The situation becomes even more complicated when A.J., in his innocence, misinterprets DNR as DNA during a conversation he overhears between Tony and Janice. This misunderstanding leads Livia to suspect that Janice's interest is purely financial, and that she might even kill her in order to get her hands on inheritance. In order to give Janice incentive to keep her alive, she apparently invents story about large stash of money.
While Tony revels in his new position as boss of the DiMeo crime family, he strategically maintains the façade that Uncle Junior remains in control to mislead the FBI. To uphold this illusion, he visits Junior in prison and offers him financial support for legal expenses. Junior's eventual release on health grounds leads him into house arrest with an electronic monitoring device. During this time, Bobby Bacalieri (played by Steven R. Schirripa) serves as both Junior’s messenger and Tony’s subordinate. Despite their tumultuous history—Junior once attempted to have Tony killed—there is an underlying nostalgia in their relationship that complicates Tony's feelings towards his uncle. When Junior implores Tony to reconcile with Livia, Tony dismisses the idea vehemently, asserting that she is "dead to him." The episode takes a darker turn when Junior mentions Fred Capuano, owner of retirement home who allegedly spread unfounded rumours about him and Livia; this prompts Tony to have Capuano disappeared.
Simultaneously, Junior’s former crew finds itself embroiled in a conflict involving Massarone Brothers Construction and African American activists led by Rev. James Jr. (played by Gregalan Williams), who demand fair hiring practices for black workers. James Massarone (played by Robert Desiderio) seeks Tony's assistance in quelling the protests against his company, which escalates into violent confrontations. In an unexpected twist, Tony visits Rev. James Sr., an 83-year-old World War II veteran whose presence leaves a significant impression on him. The reverend’s death later reveals that both he and his son had been complicit in orchestrating the labour dispute for financial gain.
A pivotal revelation occurs concerning Salvatore "Pussy" Bonpensiero, who is exposed as an FBI informant after having cooperated since 1998. His handler, Agent Skip Lipari (played by Louis Lombardi) expresses concern that Pussy, like many informants, might try to play both sides against each other. This doubt proves justified when Pussy neglects to disclose his meeting with Tony.
Do Not Resuscitate stands out as a well-crafted episode that deals with the practicalities surrounding old age, succession planning, and inheritance with both realism and depth. While certain subplots—such as those involving Capuano—may feel somewhat contrived or superfluous, they are offset by the short but impactful performance of Bill Cobb as Rev. James Sr., whose regal presence aligns seamlessly with the episode's overarching themes.
RATING: 7/10 (+++)
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