My review/recap of the January 30, 2000 episode after I try doorknobs until I hit the jackpot.
After last weeks "slower" episode, this one comes with a bang. This episode may also be the best episode that introduces a new character in Richie Aprile (David Proval).
Richie, who is Jackie Aprile's brother, is released from prison on parole after 10 years. As soon as he gets out, he causes problems for his old acquaintances. The first person he visits is Beansie Gaeta (Paul Herman), a pizzeria owner who used to do business with Richie. Richie tells Beansie that he wants respect and what is owed to him. Beansie tells him not to threaten him, and that he won't be shaken down. Richie gets upset, and smashes a coffee pot into Beansie's face, throws a chair at him, and hits him multiple times, breaking his cheek bone.
Tony has to pick up Meadow and Hunter, after he finds out that they had a party at Livia's house. The house is trashed by the party. At home Carmela demands an explanation, but Meadow just runs upstairs and goes to sleep. Tony and Carmela discuss punishments, but realize that the law is not on their side, and almost any punishment that they received as children would be considered child abuse in today's society. The next morning Meadow comes clean and says her punishment should be that her parents take away her Discover Card for three weeks (which she knows is not that bad of a punishment).
Melfi is eating at a fancy restaurant with her friends, when she runs into Tony and his crew. She nervously asks how he has been. Tony says he has been fine and tells her that they shouldn't make small talk. While leaving, Melfi says "Toodle-oo." At her own therapy session she says she is annoyed at the way she behaved in front of Tony. That night she has a dream of Tony getting into an accident after passing out from a panic attack because he doesn't have anymore Prozac.
Tony throws Richie a welcome-home party at the Bada Bing. All of Richie's associates pay their respects with envelops of money, except for Beansie. After the party, Richie tracks down Beansie and beats him up for not showing respect. It culminates with Richie running over Beansie with his car. Tony visits Beansie in the hospital where he learns that Beansie will probably never walk again.
Tony meets Richie in a mall and tells him about Beansie. Richie has no remorse for what he did. Tony becomes mad at Richie, and reminds him that he is the one who calls the shots. Tony tells him that if he doesn't respect him, then there will be consequences.
Tony then goes to his mother's house to have the locks changed when he sees Meadow inside, trying to clean up the mess that her party made.
Funniest parts of the episode:
- Any part with AJ, mainly him wanting to see the fight when Meadow gets home drunk.
- Livia's roommate in the hospital
Sign of the times: Meadow getting by with $10 a week for gas
What an introduction for Richie. David Proval is a scary-looking man. He certainly adds another problem for Tony. It certainly won't help if he and Janice get back together. Also, I'm proud of Christopher for behaving himself after Richie yelled at him for hitting Adriana (who is Richie's niece). Tony never has any peaceful downtime in his life. Certainly not a life anyone should want to live.
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