The Sopranos (season 4)

*The Sopranos*
The Sopranos
Season 4
	Season 4 DVD cover
Starring	James Gandolfini; Lorraine Bracco; Edie Falco; Michael Imperioli; Dominic Chianese; Steven Van Zandt; Tony Sirico; Robert Iler; Jamie-Lynn Sigler; Drea de Matteo; Aida Turturro; John Ventimiglia; Federico Castelluccio; Vincent Curatola; Steve Schirripa; Kathrine Narducci; Joe Pantoliano;
Country of origin	United States
No. of episodes	13
Release
Original network	HBO
Original release	September 15 –; December 8, 2002
Season chronology
	← Previous; Season 3 Next →; Season 5
	List of episodes

The fourth season of the American American crime drama series The Sopranos began airing on HBO on September 15, 2002 and concluded on December 8, 2002, consisting of thirteen episodes. The fourth season was released on DVD in region 1 on October 28, 2003.^[1]

The story of season four focuses on the marriage between Tony and Carmela, as Tony engages in an affair with his uncle's nurse Svetlana and Carmela finds herself infatuated with Furio. The increasing tension between Tony and Ralph Cifaretto comes to a violent head and Uncle Junior is again put on trial for his crimes. Adriana is forced into becoming an FBI informant, while Christopher plunges deeper into heroin addiction.

Cast and characters[]

Main cast[]

James Gandolfini as Anthony Soprano (13 episodes)
Lorraine Bracco as Jennifer Melfi (10 episodes)
Edie Falco as Carmela Soprano (13 episodes)
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti (11 episodes)
Dominic Chianese as Corrado "Junior" Soprano (9 episodes)
Steven Van Zandt as Silvio Dante (12 episodes)
Tony Sirico as Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri (10 episodes)
Robert Iler as Anthony "A. J." Soprano, Jr. (12 episodes)
Jamie-Lynn Sigler as Meadow Soprano (7 episodes)
Drea de Matteo as Adriana La Cerva (9 episodes)
Aida Turturro as Janice Soprano (10 episodes)
Federico Castelluccio as Furio Giunta (10 episodes)
John Ventimiglia as Artie Bucco (6 episodes)
Vincent Curatola as Johnny "Sack" Sacrimoni (8 episodes)
Steven R. Schirripa as Bobby Baccalieri (10 episodes)
Joe Pantoliano as Ralph Cifaretto (10 episodes)
Kathrine Narducci as Charmaine Bucco (2 episodes)

Recurring cast[]

Joseph R. Gannascoli as Vito Spatafore (11 episodes)
Dan Grimaldi as Patsy Parisi (9 episodes)
Sharon Angela as Rosalie Aprile (8 episodes)
Max Casella as Benny Fazio (7 episodes)
Robert Funaro as Eugene Pontecorvo (7 episodes)
Matthew Del Negro as Brian Cammarata (6 episodes)
Tony Lip as Carmine Lupertazzi (6 episodes)
Matt Servitto as Agent Dwight Harris (5 episodes)
Maureen Van Zandt as Gabriella Dante (4 episodes)
Karen Young as Agent Robyn Sanservino (4 episodes)
Lola Glaudini as Agent Deborah Ciccerone/Daniella Ciccollela (4 episodes)
Alla Kliouka Schaffer as Svetlana Kirilenko (4 episodes)
Leslie Bega as Valentina La Paz (3 episodes)
Peter Riegert as Assemblyman Ronald Zellman (3 episodes)
George Loros as Raymond Curto (2 episodes)
Oksana Lada as Irina Peltsin (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)
40	1	"For All Debts Public and Private"	Allen Coulter	David Chase	September 15, 2002 (2002-09-15)	13.43^[2]
Tony lends Uncle Junior a helping hand as legal bills begin to pile up. Carmela wants to learn more about the family finances, though that is privileged information from Tony's point of view. Christopher gets information on the man who probably murdered his father. Adriana continues her "friendship" with an undercover FBI agent.
41	2	"No Show"	John Patterson	Terence Winter and David Chase	September 22, 2002 (2002-09-22)	11.21^[3]
Resentment abounds when Christopher is made acting capo of Paulie's crew. Meadow slips into a depression, announcing that she will be dropping out of school and traveling to Europe. Adriana learns the truth about her new friend Danielle. Tony grows concerned when Janice and Ralph begin a serious relationship.
42	3	"Christopher"	Tim Van Patten	Story by : Michael Imperioli and Maria Laurino Teleplay by : Michael Imperioli	September 29, 2002 (2002-09-29)	10.97^[4]
Sixteen years are on the line when the trial of U.S. v. Corrado John Soprano (Uncle Junior) gets underway. Silvio, intensely proud of his heritage, takes a stand to break up a Native American protest against the annual Columbus Day parade. Bobby Bacala suffers a devastating loss. Ralph's general popularity continues to suffer.
43	4	"The Weight"	Jack Bender	Terence Winter	October 6, 2002 (2002-10-06)	10.67^[5]
Johnny Sack remains furious at Ralph after learning of an off-color remark about Ginny's weight. Carmela finds herself becoming attracted to Furio, who holds a housewarming party. Tony worries that Meadow will abandon the career he hoped for her after she begins volunteering at a legal practice.
44	5	"Pie-O-My"	Henry J. Bronchtein	Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess	October 13, 2002 (2002-10-13)	9.76^[6]
Ralph invests in a race horse to which Tony becomes very attached. After a choice of self-preservation, Adriana meets her new FBI handler, Agent Sanseverino. Carmela's persistence on matters of finance strain her relationship with Tony. Janice strikes up a friendship with Bobby Bacala.
45	6	"Everybody Hurts"	Steve Buscemi	Michael Imperioli	October 20, 2002 (2002-10-20)	10.46^[7]
Christopher's heroin addiction continues to beset his competence. Tony learns of a major development in the life of Gloria Trillo that moves him to a streak of good will. After a situation involving borrowing a large amount of money goes sour, Artie Bucco attempts suicide. A.J. is surprised by his new girlfriend's extraordinary wealth.
46	7	"Watching Too Much Television"	John Patterson	Story by : David Chase and Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess and Terence Winter Teleplay by : Terence Winter and Nick Santora	October 27, 2002 (2002-10-27)	9.72^[8]
After four months of incarceration, Paulie is released, and the family throws him a party at Bada Bing. Tony and Ralph express interest in a plan to scam a government department. Adriana desperately seeks engagement with Christopher, but only so that she could qualify for marital privilege.
47	8	"Mergers and Acquisitions"	Dan Attias	Story by : David Chase and Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess and Terence Winter Teleplay by : Lawrence Konner	November 3, 2002 (2002-11-03)	10.97^[9]
Tony considers starting yet another extramarital relationship, provided he's not breaking his own rules. Paulie is concerned with the welfare of his mother after she moves to Green Grove. Furio looks for counsel on how to deal with his feelings for Carmela.
48	9	"Whoever Did This"	Tim Van Patten	Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess	November 10, 2002 (2002-11-10)	9.83^[10]
Uncle Junior falls upon a possible loophole out of his pending trial. Ralph is cast into despair when his son suffers a life-threatening injury. Tony seeks brutal vengeance after a suspicious stable fire. Christopher becomes involved in engineering a disappearance with Tony.
49	10	"The Strong, Silent Type"	Alan Taylor	Story by : David Chase Teleplay by : Terence Winter and Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess	November 17, 2002 (2002-11-17)	10.68^[11]
Tony plans an intervention to confront Christopher and his addiction. Furio tries to distance himself from Carmela. Johnny Sack tries to get in on the HUD scam.
50	11	"Calling All Cars"	Tim Van Patten	Story by : David Chase and Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess and Terence Winter Teleplay by : David Chase and Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess and David Flebotte	November 24, 2002 (2002-11-24)	11.12^[12]
Tony considers reaction as opposed to proaction after he finds out that Carmine Lupertazzi wants a piece of the HUD scam. Uncle Junior's shot at avoiding trial is eliminated. Janice tries to steer Bobby Bacala away from the grief that continually plagues him. Dr. Melfi may lose a decidedly memorable patient.
51	12	"Eloise"	James Hayman	Terence Winter	December 1, 2002 (2002-12-01)	11.07^[13]
Without notice, Furio moves back to Italy, causing anger for Tony, and heartache for Carmela. Carmine's restaurant falls victim to vandalism. Meadow's annual tea with Carmela becomes confrontational. Paulie and Silvio argue over feelings. Johnny Sack presents a potentially dangerous proposition to Tony.
52	13	"Whitecaps"	John Patterson	Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess and David Chase	December 8, 2002 (2002-12-08)	12.48^[14]
Junior's court case draws to a close. In an attempt to cheer up Carmela, Tony bids on a shore house for the family, but his efforts to save his marriage are swiftly undone. After a change of plans, Christopher is forced to deal with two would-be hitmen. Tony and Carmela finally face off when she finds out he slept with Svetlana.

Reception[]

Critical reviews[]

Rotten Tomatoes reports a 91% approval rating with an average score of 9/10 based on 10 reviews for the show's fourth season, with the following critical consensus: "The war seeps into the Sopranos household in a season of discontent, with each of these artfully rendered devils stewing in a divine comedy of their own making."^[15]

Awards and nominations[]

55th Primetime Emmy Awards

Nomination for Outstanding Drama Series
Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (James Gandolfini) (Episode: "Whitecaps")
Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Edie Falco) (Episode: "Whitecaps")
Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Michael Imperioli) (Episodes: "Whoever Did This" + "The Strong, Silent Type")
Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Joe Pantoliano) (Episodes: "Christopher" + "Whoever Did This")
Nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (John Patterson) (Episode: "Whitecaps")
Nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Timothy Van Patten) (Episode: "Whoever Did This")
Award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Robin Green, Mitchell Burgess, David Chase) (Episode: "Whitecaps")
Nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Robin Green, Mitchell Burgess) (Episode: "Whoever Did This")
Nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Terrence Winter) (Episode: "Eloise")

9th Screen Actors Guild Awards

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

60th Golden Globe Awards

Nomination for Best Drama Series
Nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series (James Gandolfini)
Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series (Edie Falco)
Nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or TV Movie (Michael Imperioli)

Writers Guild of America Awards

Nomination for Best Drama Episode (Mitchell Burgess, Robin Green) (Episode: "Whoever Did This")

Directors Guild of America Awards

Nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Tim Van Patten) (Episode: "Whoever Did This")
Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (John Patterson) (Episode: "Whitecaps")

19th TCA Awards

Nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Drama
Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Drama (Edie Falco)
Nomination for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Drama (James Gandolfini)

References[]

^ "The Sopranos - The Complete 4th Season". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Archived from the original on September 11, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
^ Downey, Kevin (September 25, 2002). "Network race tightens or 18-49 viewers". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on September 18, 2011. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
^ Fitzgerald (October 2, 2002). "Lest we doubt draw of 'Friends'". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on December 5, 2003. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
^ Fitzgerald, Toni (October 9, 2002). "NBC's grip weakens as CBS and ABC rise". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on February 14, 2003. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
^ Fitzgerald, Toni (October 16, 2002). "'Cedric' and 'George' show up their lead-ins". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on October 18, 2002. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
^ Fitzgerald, Toni (October 23, 2002). "UPN=Under a Pile of No-shows". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on October 25, 2002. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
^ Fitzgerald, Toni (October 30, 2002). "Dud series scores in a duller TV week". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on July 24, 2015. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
^ Fitzgerald, Toni (November 6, 2002). "Fox's Sunday night is a sweeps stunner". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on December 21, 2002. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
^ Fitzgerald, Toni (November 13, 2002). "Crazy-quilt Thursday ensures NBC sweeps lead". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on September 8, 2011. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
^ Fitzgerald, Toni (November 20, 2002). "A romantic score for ABC". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on October 31, 2005. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
^ Fitzgerald, Toni (November 27, 2002). "NBC is No. 1 but ABC wins big gains". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on September 20, 2011. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
^ Fitzgerald, Toni (December 4, 2002). "After turkey, nation plops for football". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on November 3, 2005. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
^ Fitzgerald, Toni (December 11, 2002). "The fading of 'Without a Trace'". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on June 22, 2004. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
^ Fitzgerald, Toni (December 18, 2002). "Ho-hum, another 'Survivor' finale". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on November 3, 2005. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
^ "The Sopranos: Season 4 (2002)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved January 13, 2017.

External links[]

Official website
The Sopranos at IMDb

[1] "The Sopranos - The Complete 4th Season". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Archived from the original on September 11, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2015.

[2] Downey, Kevin (September 25, 2002). "Network race tightens or 18-49 viewers". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on September 18, 2011. Retrieved July 7, 2015.

[3] Fitzgerald (October 2, 2002). "Lest we doubt draw of 'Friends'". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on December 5, 2003. Retrieved July 7, 2015.

[4] Fitzgerald, Toni (October 9, 2002). "NBC's grip weakens as CBS and ABC rise". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on February 14, 2003. Retrieved July 7, 2015.

[5] Fitzgerald, Toni (October 16, 2002). "'Cedric' and 'George' show up their lead-ins". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on October 18, 2002. Retrieved July 7, 2015.

[6] Fitzgerald, Toni (October 23, 2002). "UPN=Under a Pile of No-shows". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on October 25, 2002. Retrieved July 7, 2015.

[7] Fitzgerald, Toni (October 30, 2002). "Dud series scores in a duller TV week". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on July 24, 2015. Retrieved July 7, 2015.

[8] Fitzgerald, Toni (November 6, 2002). "Fox's Sunday night is a sweeps stunner". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on December 21, 2002. Retrieved July 7, 2015.

[9] Fitzgerald, Toni (November 13, 2002). "Crazy-quilt Thursday ensures NBC sweeps lead". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on September 8, 2011. Retrieved July 7, 2015.

[10] Fitzgerald, Toni (November 20, 2002). "A romantic score for ABC". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on October 31, 2005. Retrieved July 7, 2015.

[11] Fitzgerald, Toni (November 27, 2002). "NBC is No. 1 but ABC wins big gains". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on September 20, 2011. Retrieved July 7, 2015.

[12] Fitzgerald, Toni (December 4, 2002). "After turkey, nation plops for football". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on November 3, 2005. Retrieved July 7, 2015.

[13] Fitzgerald, Toni (December 11, 2002). "The fading of 'Without a Trace'". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on June 22, 2004. Retrieved July 7, 2015.

[14] Fitzgerald, Toni (December 18, 2002). "Ho-hum, another 'Survivor' finale". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on November 3, 2005. Retrieved July 7, 2015.

[15] "The Sopranos: Season 4 (2002)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved January 13, 2017.

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