The Sopranos (season 2)

*The Sopranos*
The Sopranos
Season 2
	Region 1 DVD cover art
Starring	James Gandolfini; Lorraine Bracco; Edie Falco; Michael Imperioli; Dominic Chianese; Vincent Pastore; Steven Van Zandt; Tony Sirico; Robert Iler; Jamie-Lynn Sigler; Nancy Marchand; Drea de Matteo; David Proval; Aida Turturro;
Country of origin	United States
No. of episodes	13
Release
Original network	HBO
Original release	January 16 –; April 9, 2000
Season chronology
	← Previous; Season 1 Next →; Season 3
	List of episodes

The second season of the American crime drama series The Sopranos aired on HBO from January 16 to April 9, 2000. The second season was released on DVD in region 1 on November 6, 2001.^[1]

The story of the season focuses on Tony's growing mistrust of one of his closest friends Big Pussy Bonpensiero, who is revealed to be an FBI informant. Dr. Melfi continues meeting with Tony despite her growing disgust of his actions and contemplates the nature of their relationship. Tony's sister Janice also returns to New Jersey, and their collectively strained relationship with their mother Livia and each other continues. Meadow is accepted into college, but her personal life intersects with Tony's crime life for the first time. Uncle Junior gets sent to prison again for his crimes. Tony introduces his new enforcer straight from Italy, Furio. Former boss Jackie Aprile's brother Richie is released from prison and causes trouble for Tony and his business.

Main cast[]

Cast[]

James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano (13 episodes)
Lorraine Bracco as Jennifer Melfi (11 episodes)
Edie Falco as Carmela Soprano (13 episodes)
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti (12 episodes)
Dominic Chianese as Corrado "Junior" Soprano, Jr. (11 episodes)
Vincent Pastore as Sal "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero (12 episodes)
Steven Van Zandt as Silvio Dante (11 episodes)
Tony Sirico as Paul "Paulie Walnuts" Gualtieri (11 episodes)
Robert Iler as Anthony Soprano, Jr. (10 episodes)
Jamie-Lynn Sigler as Meadow Soprano (11 episodes)
Nancy Marchand as Livia Soprano (9 episodes)
Drea de Matteo as Adriana La Cerva (9 episodes)
David Proval as Richie Aprile (9 episodes)
Aida Turturro as Janice Soprano (12 episodes)

Recurring cast[]

Louis Lombardi as Agent Skip Lipari (8 episodes)
Federico Castelluccio as Furio Giunta (8 episodes)
Lillo Brancato, Jr. as Matthew Bevilaqua (6 episodes)
Steven R. Schirripa as Bobby Baccalieri (6 episodes)
Jerry Adler as Herman "Hesh" Rabkin (5 episodes)
Chris Tardio as Sean Gismonte (4 episodes)
Peter Bogdanovich as Dr. Elliot Kupferberg (4 episodes)
John Ventimiglia as Artie Bucco (4 episodes)
Toni Kalem as Angie Bonpensiero (4 episodes)
Vincent Curatola as Johnny Sack (3 episodes)
Oksana Lada as Irina Peltsin (3 episodes)
Tom Aldredge as Hugo "Hugh" DeAngelis (3 episodes)
Suzanne Shepherd as Mary Pellegrino DeAngelis (3 episodes)
Robert Patrick as David Scatino (3 episodes)
Sharon Angela as Rosalie Aprile (3 episodes)
Nicole Burdette as Barbara Soprano Giglione (2 episodes)
Joseph R. Gannascoli as Vito Spatafore (2 episodes)
Dan Grimaldi as Phillip "Philly Spoons" Parisi (2 episodes)
Sofia Milos as Annalisa Zucca (2 episodes)
Frank Pellegrino as Agent Frank Cubitoso (2 episodes)

Episodes[]

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (millions)
14	1	"Guy Walks into a Psychiatrist's Office..."	Allen Coulter	Jason Cahill	January 16, 2000 (2000-01-16)	7.64^[2]
Several months in the aftermath of the season 1 finale, Tony has assumed de facto control of the DiMeo crime family. As suddenly as he vanished, Pussy returns. Junior is in prison and Livia is recovering from her stroke. Dr. Melfi has gone on the lam at Tony's request. Tony's sister Janice arrives to stay at Tony's house.
15	2	"Do Not Resuscitate"	Martin Bruestle	Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess and Frank Renzulli	January 23, 2000 (2000-01-23)	5.33^[3]
Tony tries to settle a construction protest involving the former assets of Uncle Junior. Junior's lawyer manages to get him released from prison, though on house arrest. Pussy's true loyalties are revealed. Janice and Tony discuss the possibility of a DNR order for Livia.
16	3	"Toodle-Fucking-Oo"	Lee Tamahori	Frank Renzulli	January 30, 2000 (2000-01-30)	5.60^[4]
After a 10-year stint in prison, Richie Aprile, older brother to the late Jackie Aprile, Sr., is released from jail and re-enters the family business. His lack of understanding of how things work since he went to prison causes friction between him and Tony. Meadow trashes her grandmother's house, and her subsequent punishment ignites a major argument between Carmela and Janice.
17	4	"Commendatori"	Tim Van Patten	David Chase	February 6, 2000 (2000-02-06)	7.16^[5]
Tony, Paulie, and Christopher take a business trip to Italy. Her husband gone, Carmela ponders the nature of their marriage. In Italy, Tony strikes a deal with his female counterpart. Angie Bonpensiero confides in Carmela that she wants a divorce from Pussy.
18	5	"Big Girls Don't Cry"	Tim Van Patten	Terence Winter	February 13, 2000 (2000-02-13)	5.34^[6]
As part of Tony's deal, Neapolitan enforcer Furio Giunta arrives in the U.S. as the newest addition to Tony's crew. Christopher enrolls in an "Acting for Screen Writers" class. Pussy shows open hostility to the new arrival. Dr. Melfi decides to resume therapy sessions with Tony.
19	6	"The Happy Wanderer"	John Patterson	Frank Renzulli	February 20, 2000 (2000-02-20)	5.83^[7]
Tony discusses with Dr. Melfi people who make him "miserable". Sean Gismonte and Matthew Bevilaqua begin to work the "Executive Game" poker sessions (with Frank Sinatra Jr. in attendance). An old high school classmate of Tony's wants in on the "Executive Game". Janice makes an attempt to manipulate Richie.
20	7	"D-Girl"	Allen Coulter	Todd A. Kessler	February 27, 2000 (2000-02-27)	6.66^[8]
A.J. presents an affront to his parents' authority and refuses to be confirmed as a Catholic. Christopher develops romantic and professional involvements when resurrecting his interest in moviemaking. Pussy is pressured to wear a wire. Tony forces confirmation upon A.J. and, having learned that Christopher has written a screenplay, presents him with an ultimatum.
21	8	"Full Leather Jacket"	Allen Coulter	Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess	March 5, 2000 (2000-03-05)	6.29^[9]
Anxious about Meadow's upcoming college applications, Carmela looks to secure a favor from Jeannie Cusamano's sister, a Georgetown alumnus. Richie tries to gain Tony's respect. Matthew and Sean formulate an ill-fated plan to win respect. Christopher's life is seriously threatened.
22	9	"From Where to Eternity"	Henry J. Bronchtein	Michael Imperioli	March 12, 2000 (2000-03-12)	7.18^[10]
Christopher claims to witness a foreboding glimpse of the afterlife. Paulie grows worried that he is being haunted by those who he has killed. Tony seeks revenge, and brings Pussy along for the ride. Dr. Melfi finds trouble in coping with her disgust for Tony's "business."
23	10	"Bust Out"	John Patterson	Frank Renzulli and Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess	March 19, 2000 (2000-03-19)	7.62^[11]
Tony begins to panic when he learns of an eyewitness of a major crime. Pussy feeds the FBI false information. Richie, spurred by a manipulative Janice, tries to get Uncle Junior's support in finding a way to usurp Tony. Carmela shares an awkward moment with Scatino's brother in law.
24	11	"House Arrest"	Tim Van Patten	Terence Winter	March 26, 2000 (2000-03-26)	5.51^[12]
At the request of his lawyer, Tony spends time in his legitimate waste management career. Richie and Junior take risks to sustain a profitable cocaine network. Tony's health declines, as does the health of Dr. Melfi. Junior reunites with an old girlfriend while under house arrest.
25	12	"The Knight in White Satin Armor"	Allen Coulter	Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess	April 2, 2000 (2000-04-02)	5.44^[13]
Richie continues his insubordination to Tony, though he is engaged to Janice. When Tony tries to break off his relationship with his "goomah" Irina, she attempts to commit suicide. A minor domestic dispute turns violent, though it provides Tony with a resolution to his problems with Richie and Janice.
26	13	"Funhouse"	John Patterson	David Chase and Todd A. Kessler	April 9, 2000 (2000-04-09)	8.97^[2]
Tony gets food poisoning the day before Meadow's graduation; while trying to recover, his dreams lead him to resurrect old suspicions about an old friend. The FBI executes a search warrant, and arrests Tony.

Reception[]

Critical response[]

The second season of The Sopranos received universal acclaim from critics—garnering a 97 out of 100 on Metacritic,^[14] and a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The latter aggregator reports a critical consensus of "The Sopranos' strong cast and solid writing add depth to the show's occasionally unlikable characters and their repellent deeds, making for thought-provoking, consistently compelling viewing."^[15] Ed Bark of Dallas Morning News wrote, "[It] could be the best TV series of our times. Not for everyone, no. But for what it is, The Sopranos is near magical."^[14] Steve Johnson of the Chicago Tribune praised the series for accurately portraying human communication, observing how the show reveals "matters of the greatest consequence stem from misunderstandings and misinterpretations."^[14] Eric Mink of The New York Times wrote of the show's unique writing and multifaceted characters: "The Sopranos remains a showcase for ferociously distinctive writing, inventive direction and brilliant portrayals of surprisingly, even disturbingly, sympathetic multilayered characters by a perfectly cast group of actors who hold back nothing."^[16]

Awards and nominations[]

52nd Primetime Emmy Awards

Nomination for Outstanding Drama Series
Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (James Gandolfini) (Episode: "The Happy Wanderer")
Nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Lorraine Bracco) (Episode: "Big Girls Don't Cry")
Nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Edie Falco) (Episode: "Full Leather Jacket")
Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Dominic Chianese)
Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Nancy Marchand) (Episodes: "Do Not Resuscitate" + "Funhouse")
Nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Allen Coulter) (Episode: "The Knight in White Satin Armor")
Nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (John Patterson) (Episode: "Funhouse")
Nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (David Chase, Todd A. Kessler) (Episode: "Funhouse")
Nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Robin Green, Mitchell Burgess) (Episode: "The Knight in White Satin Armor")

7th Screen Actors Guild Awards

Nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (Entire Cast)
Nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series (James Gandolfini)
Nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series (Edie Falco)

58th Golden Globe Awards

Nomination for Best Drama Series
Nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series (James Gandolfini)
Nomination for Best Actress in a Drama Series (Lorraine Bracco)
Nomination for Best Actress in a Drama Series (Edie Falco)

5th Golden Satellite Awards

Nomination for Best Drama Series
Nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series (James Gandolfini)
Nomination for Best Actress in a Drama Series (Edie Falco)

Writers Guild of America Awards 2000

Nomination for Best Drama Episode (Mitchell Burgess, Robin Green) (Episode: "The Knight in White Satin Armor")
Nomination for Best Drama Episode (Terence Winter) (Episode: "Big Girls Don't Cry")

Directors Guild of America Awards

Nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Henry J. Bronchtein) (Episode: "From Where to Eternity")
Nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Allen Coulter) (Episode: "The Knight in White Satin Armor")
Nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (John Patterson) (Episode: "Funhouse")

16th TCA Awards

Nomination for Program of the Year
Nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Drama
Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Drama (James Gandolfini)

References[]

^ "The Sopranos - The Complete 2nd Season". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Archived from the original on January 28, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
^ ^a ^b "The Comeback". The Chicago Tribune. March 14, 2006. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
^ Brownfield, Paul (January 26, 2000). "'Millionaire' Outshines Golden Globes, Streisand". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
^ Lowry, Brian (February 2, 2000). "Super Bowl, 'Millionaire' Put ABC in Lofty Position". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
^ Lowry, Brian (February 9, 2000). "'Millionaire,' 'Practice' Give ABC Early Sweeps Lead". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
^ Lowry, Brian (February 16, 2000). "Sweeps Programs Give Networks Memorable Sunday". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
^ Lowry, Brian (February 24, 2000). "'ER' Loses a Character, Earns High Ratings". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
^ Lowry, Brian (March 1, 2000). "Grammys, 'Perfect' Boost CBS; ABC Sweeps February". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
^ Brownfield, Paul (March 8, 2000). "'Millionaire,' 'Carey' Help Give ABC Another Win". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
^ Lowry, Brian (March 15, 2000). "'Millionaire's' Roll Keeps ABC's Streak Going". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
^ Brownfield, Paul (March 22, 2000). "Walters' Interview of Ramseys Gives ABC Added Boost". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
^ Lowry, Brian (March 29, 2000). "Oscar Programming, 'Millionaire' Give ABC Honors". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
^ Lowry, Brian (April 5, 2000). "New Spring Series, Basketball Missing Their Shots". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
^ ^a ^b ^c "The Sopranos: Season 2". Metacritic. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
^ "The Sopranos: Season 2 (2000)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
^ James, Caryn (January 14, 2000). "TV WEEKEND; The Ziti's in the Oven and the Matriarch's Still Not Dead". The New York Times. Retrieved January 23, 2017.

External links[]

Official website
The Sopranos at IMDb

[1] "The Sopranos - The Complete 2nd Season". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Archived from the original on January 28, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2015.

[premiereandfinale-2] "The Comeback". The Chicago Tribune. March 14, 2006. Retrieved March 11, 2016.

[3] Brownfield, Paul (January 26, 2000). "'Millionaire' Outshines Golden Globes, Streisand". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 11, 2016.

[4] Lowry, Brian (February 2, 2000). "Super Bowl, 'Millionaire' Put ABC in Lofty Position". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 12, 2016.

[5] Lowry, Brian (February 9, 2000). "'Millionaire,' 'Practice' Give ABC Early Sweeps Lead". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 11, 2016.

[6] Lowry, Brian (February 16, 2000). "Sweeps Programs Give Networks Memorable Sunday". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 11, 2016.

[7] Lowry, Brian (February 24, 2000). "'ER' Loses a Character, Earns High Ratings". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 11, 2016.

[8] Lowry, Brian (March 1, 2000). "Grammys, 'Perfect' Boost CBS; ABC Sweeps February". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 11, 2016.

[9] Brownfield, Paul (March 8, 2000). "'Millionaire,' 'Carey' Help Give ABC Another Win". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 11, 2016.

[10] Lowry, Brian (March 15, 2000). "'Millionaire's' Roll Keeps ABC's Streak Going". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 11, 2016.

[11] Brownfield, Paul (March 22, 2000). "Walters' Interview of Ramseys Gives ABC Added Boost". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 11, 2016.

[12] Lowry, Brian (March 29, 2000). "Oscar Programming, 'Millionaire' Give ABC Honors". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 1, 2020.

[13] Lowry, Brian (April 5, 2000). "New Spring Series, Basketball Missing Their Shots". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 11, 2016.

[metacritic-14] "The Sopranos: Season 2". Metacritic. Retrieved January 13, 2017.

[15] "The Sopranos: Season 2 (2000)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved January 13, 2017.

[16] James, Caryn (January 14, 2000). "TV WEEKEND; The Ziti's in the Oven and the Matriarch's Still Not Dead". The New York Times. Retrieved January 23, 2017.

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