Mr. Ruggiero’s Neighborhood (S03E01)
Airdate: March 4th 2001
Written by: David Chase
Directed by: Tim Van Patten
Running Time: 60 minutes
Season 3 of The Sopranos marks a pivotal moment in the series, necessitated by both the tragic death of a key cast member and the natural evolution of the narrative. The season opener, Mr. Ruggiero's Neighborhood, employs an innovative storytelling technique that offers viewers a fresh perspective on the main characters while cleverly illustrating how their lives have shifted over the past year.
A significant change in this episode is the disappearance of Paulie "Pussy" Bonpensiero. Despite his reluctance to fully embrace his position of an informant for the FBI , Pussy was a crucial source of intelligence for FBI regarding the DiMeo crime family and Tony Soprano. In his absence, Agent Frank Cubitoso leads a new initiative to gather information by installing hidden microphones in Tony's basement. This operation requires meticulous planning to ensure that no members of the Soprano family or their associates are present during the installation. Although complications arise during this complex surveillance operation, the FBI ultimately succeeds in gaining access to intimate conversations within Tony's home, marking a significant shift in their approach to monitoring his activities.
Written by David Chase, Mr. Ruggiero's Neighborhood stands out as an atypical season premiere due to its lack of high-stakes action or dramatic plot twists. Instead, it adopts a "day in the life" format that allows viewers to see Tony Soprano's world from the perspective of those who seek to imprison him. This narrative choice not only provides insight into the workings of law enforcement but also injects moments of humour and character development.
Character exposition is particularly focused on Tony's children. Meadow is now attending Columbia University, residing in a dormitory that highlights her serious dedication to her studies, especially when contrasted with her less motivated roommate, Caitlin Rucker, portrayed by Ari Graynor. Meanwhile, A.J. is depicted as going through puberty, showcasing rebellious behaviour such as skipping classes and smoking—reflecting Robert Iler's own going through puberty during filming.
The episode also features Liliana Wosilius, a Polish immigrant working as a maid for the Sopranos. Her storyline intersects with that of her husband Stanislaus (played by Albert Makhtsier), who is disillusioned with life in America compared to his previous status as a high-ranking engineer in Poland. Their attendance at English classes for citizenship becomes a critical plot point that enables the FBI to execute their surveillance plan at the Soprano residence. A malfunctioning water heater in the Sopranos' basement allows Stanislaus to utilise his engineering skills, providing him with a moment of pride amidst his struggles.
Carmela's foray into tennis lessons alongside Adriana offers a segment designed to appeal to male viewers. The dynamic between Carmela and her new coach Birgit Olafsdottir (played by Erica Leerhsen), who acts like lesbian and visibly attracted to Adriana, adds an unexpected layer of tension and humour. The visual spectacle of two attractive women in revealing attire becomes an object of obvious enjoyment for one of the FBI agents monitoring them.
Another subplot revolves around Patsy Parisi, who continues to grieve for his twin brother Philly while harbouring resentment towards Tony for allegedly orchestrating his death. His attempts to cope through alcohol lead him to confront Tony at their home with violent intentions; however, he ultimately resorts to minor vandalism instead. This incident serves as a reminder of Patsy's loyalty and internal conflict, particularly after an emotional conversation with Tony that reinforces their familial ties.
The absence of Livia Soprano, following Nancy Marchand's death, is handled with remarkable subtlety by David Chase. Rather than addressing this loss head-on in the season opener, he allows both the episode and series to maintain a sense of realism that deviates from conventional television narratives.
Musically, Mr. Ruggiero's Neighborhood features an intriguing mashup of Henry Mancini’s “Peter Gunn” and “Every Breath You Take” by The Police. This selection serves as an ironic commentary on the FBI’s surveillance efforts while adding depth to the episode’s atmosphere.
While viewers unfamiliar with Mister Rogers' Neighborhood may find little significance in the title, it nonetheless encapsulates an episode that upholds the high standards set by its predecessors in Seasons 1 and 2. "Mr. Ruggiero's Neighborhood" successfully blends character exploration with humour and tension while advancing key plotlines that will resonate throughout Season 3.
RATING: 7/10 (+++)
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