From Where to Eternity (S02E09)
Airdate: March 12th 2000
Written by: Michael Imperioli
Directed by: Henry J. Bronchtein
Running Time: 56 minutes
The Sopranos is a compelling illustration of life imitating art, particularly through the character of Christopher Moltisanti, an aspiring screenwriter portrayed by Michael Imperioli. Notably, Imperioli himself wrote five episodes of the series, with From Where to Eternity marking his debut as a writer.
The episode predominantly centres on Chris Moltisanti, who is recovering from an assassination attempt. It opens with a poignant scene in the hospital, where Chris is flanked by his devastated girlfriend Adriana and his mother Joanne, played by Nancy Cassaro. As Chris battles for his life, suffering cardiac and respiratory arrest, he experiences a near-death moment that profoundly alters his perspective. Upon waking, he recounts a harrowing vision of hell, which has a significant impact on Paulie Gualtieri. Paulie's subsequent nightmares lead him to consult a psychic who claims to communicate with the deceased. This session takes a dark turn when the psychic reveals unsettling truths about Paulie's past victims, including Mikey Palmice. The fallout from this encounter strains Paulie's relationship with Father Felix, a priest he has previously supported, as Paulie grapples with the implications of consulting someone outside the bounds of Catholic doctrine.
Chris's precarious health serves as a catalyst for Carmela's reaffirmation of her Catholic faith; she fervently prays for his recovery. However, Chris's disturbing account of his brush with hell complicates Carmela's spiritual convictions. This turmoil prompts her to confront Tony about his infidelity and suggest he undergo a vasectomy to prevent further complications in their family dynamics. Initially resistant, Tony ultimately agrees but is taken aback when Carmela proposes they consider having another child once Meadow leaves for college. Their reconciliation at the end of the episode signifies a momentary return to harmony amidst their tumultuous relationship.
Meanwhile, Tony is preoccupied with addressing the issue of Chris's would-be assassin, Matt Bevilaqua. Big Pussy Bonpensiero, eager to prove his loyalty and dispel suspicions regarding his own potential as an FBI informant, volunteers to help track down Matt. When they locate him, Tony insists on dealing with the situation personally rather than delegating it to Furio Giunta. The confrontation culminates in a chilling scene where Tony and Pussy interrogate Matt before executing him.
Dr. Melfi's therapy sessions with Tony take a toll on her mental well-being; she confides in Dr. Kupferberg about her reliance on medication and alcohol as coping mechanisms. This subplot underscores the psychological strain that can accompany engagement with such complex characters and their violent world.
From Where to Eternity stands out as an impressive screenwriting debut for Imperioli. He adeptly weaves multiple storylines together while infusing them with personal insights into how Italian-American organised crime intersects with themes of faith and morality. The episode also engages with elements of magical realism, particularly through Paulie's interactions with the psychic. The ambiguity surrounding whether the psychic genuinely communicates with Paulie's victims adds depth to the story, inviting viewers to ponder questions of belief and the afterlife.
The episode opens with Otis Redding’s soulful "My Lover’s Prayer," establishing an emotional tone that resonates throughout its runtime. As Chris navigates his near-death experience and subsequent revelations about hell, viewers are drawn into a meditative exploration of life’s fragility and the moral complexities faced by each character. The juxtaposition of Chris’s brush with death against Tony’s violent world creates a rich tapestry that highlights both existential dread and fleeting moments of connection among characters.
RATING: 7/10 (+++)
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