The Sopranos (season 5)

*The Sopranos*
The Sopranos
Season 5
	Region 1 DVD cover art
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; Vincent Curatola; Steve Schirripa; Kathrine Narducci; Steve Buscemi;
Country of origin	United States
No. of episodes	13
Release
Original network	HBO
Original release	March 7 –; June 6, 2004
Season chronology
	← Previous; Season 4 Next →; Season 6
	List of episodes

The fifth season of the American crime drama series The Sopranos aired on HBO from March 7 to June 6, 2004. The fifth season was released on DVD in region 1 on June 7, 2005.^[1]

The story of season five focuses on the return of two prominent members of the DiMeo family, Tony Blundetto and Feech La Manna, who are released from lengthy stays in prison and struggle to reintegrate themselves back within the family and the life of crime. Several prominent members of the Lupertazzi family also return from prison, most notably Phil Leotardo, and the subsequent power vacuum caused by the death of Boss Carmine creates a growing rift between the New York and New Jersey crime families. Tony and Carmela adjust to their new lives and each other following their separation, which greatly affects their son, A.J. Uncle Junior's mental health starts to deteriorate, and Adriana's guilt over her role as an FBI informant grows.

Cast[]

Main cast[]

James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano (13 episodes)
Lorraine Bracco as Jennifer Melfi (8 episodes)
Edie Falco as Carmela Soprano (12 episodes)
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti (13 episodes)
Dominic Chianese as Corrado "Junior" Soprano, Jr. (7 episodes)
Steven Van Zandt as Silvio Dante (11 episodes)
Tony Sirico as Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri (11 episodes)
Robert Iler as Anthony Soprano, Jr. (12 episodes)
Jamie-Lynn DiScala as Meadow Soprano (10 episodes)
Drea de Matteo as Adriana La Cerva (10 episodes)
Aida Turturro as Janice Soprano (6 episodes)
Steven R. Schirripa as Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri (10 episodes)
John Ventimiglia as Artie Bucco (8 episodes)
Kathrine Narducci as Charmaine Bucco (5 episodes)
Vincent Curatola as John "Johnny Sack" Sacramoni (9 episodes)
Steve Buscemi as Tony Blundetto (12 episodes)

Recurring cast[]

Dan Grimaldi as Patsy Parisi (9 episodes)
Sharon Angela as Rosalie Aprile (4 episodes)
Joseph R. Gannascoli as Vito Spatafore (11 episodes)
Frank Vincent as Phil Leotardo (11 episodes)
Robert Funaro as Eugene Pontecorvo (7 episodes)
Max Casella as Benny Fazio (7 episodes)
Carl Capotorto as Little Paulie Germani (7 episodes)
Ray Abruzzo as Little Carmine Lupertazzi (6 episodes)
Jerry Adler as Herman "Hesh" Rabkin (5 episodes)

Episodes[]

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (millions)
53	1	"Two Tonys"	Tim Van Patten	Terence Winter and David Chase	March 7, 2004 (2004-03-07)	12.14^[2]
Tony tries to show Dr. Melfi his other side, but is rebuffed; Carmela and A.J. experience wildlife in their yard. Christopher and Paulie have a brief falling out when the "Pine Barrens incident" is re-mentioned. A possible power struggle within the New York Mafia arises.
54	2	"Rat Pack"	Alan Taylor	Matthew Weiner	March 14, 2004 (2004-03-14)	9.97^[3]
Mafiosi from both the New York and New Jersey crews imprisoned in the 80s are released, among them is Tony's cousin Tony Blundetto; a reunion party is thrown for him. Further unrest stirs for the New York Mafia after the death of their powerful leader.
55	3	"Where's Johnny?"	John Patterson	Michael Caleo	March 21, 2004 (2004-03-21)	10.11^[4]
An ailing Uncle Junior goes looking for the deceased. Tony's powersharing plan for New York does not sit well with Johnny Sack. Paulie and Feech La Manna collide over territory for lawn mowing.
56	4	"All Happy Families..."	Rodrigo García	Toni Kalem	March 28, 2004 (2004-03-28)	9.69^[5]
A.J. has a night to remember in New York which causes Carmela to temporarily give Tony custody of A.J.; after a series of infractions, Tony handles the Feech La Manna problem. On orders from Johnny Sack, first blood is shed in New York.
57	5	"Irregular Around the Margins"	Allen Coulter	Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess	April 4, 2004 (2004-04-04)	9.75^[6]
While Christopher is away on business, a single-car accident involving Tony and Adriana causes members of the Soprano crew to play a game of telephone. Tensions mount until Tony Blundetto offers a solution that saves face for all involved.
58	6	"Sentimental Education"	Peter Bogdanovich	Matthew Weiner	April 11, 2004 (2004-04-11)	9.93^[7]
Carmela sets ground rules for A.J.'s return to her residence while starting a relationship with a school counselor, leading her to face some uncomfortable revelations; Tony Blundetto's attempt at going straight goes sour.
59	7	"In Camelot"	Steve Buscemi	Terence Winter	April 18, 2004 (2004-04-18)	9.08^[8]
Tony meets his late father's mistress and learns some troublesome details about his father and a childhood pet. Uncle Junior slips into depression after attending several funerals while under house arrest. Christopher 'helps out' his AA sponsor, with predictable results.
60	8	"Marco Polo"	John Patterson	Michael Imperioli	April 25, 2004 (2004-04-25)	9.99^[9]
Carmela throws a 75th birthday party for her father, Hugh, and has a reunion with Tony; as the conflict in New York escalates, Tony Blundetto is courted by an old ally.
61	9	"Unidentified Black Males"	Tim Van Patten	Matthew Weiner and Terence Winter	May 2, 2004 (2004-05-02)	8.96^[10]
Meadow lands her boyfriend a job which later backfires; Tony admits to Dr. Melfi the truth about his cousin's arrest. Tony and Carmela receive surprising news.
62	10	"Cold Cuts"	Mike Figgis	Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess	May 9, 2004 (2004-05-09)	8.48^[11]
Janice enters anger management after an incident with another parent at Sophia's soccer game. Tony Blundetto and Christopher visit their uncle's farm to dig up dead bodies, bringing back unwelcome childhood memories.
63	11	"The Test Dream"	Allen Coulter	David Chase and Matthew Weiner	May 16, 2004 (2004-05-16)	8.81^[12]
Tony checks into the Plaza Hotel for rest and relaxation but suffers from one of his recurring nightmares. Tony Blundetto heads off to avenge the death of his good friend, but his actions threaten to bring serious consequences.
64	12	"Long Term Parking"	Tim Van Patten	Terence Winter	May 23, 2004 (2004-05-23)	9.53^[13]
Adriana finally pays the ultimate price for becoming an FBI informant. Tony reconciles with Carmela. When calls for Tony Blundetto's blood are made, Tony makes a final stand for his now absent cousin.
65	13	"All Due Respect"	John Patterson	David Chase and Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess	June 6, 2004 (2004-06-06)	10.98^[14]
With pressure from within and without, Tony is forced to make a difficult decision in order to appease all involved. A.J. develops his business acumen. Carmela counts her blessings. The New York power struggle ends, but a surprise still awaits the victor.

Reception[]

Critical reviews[]

The show's fifth season has a 92% approval rating with an average score of 9.15/10 based on 12 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, with the following critical consensus: "The penultimate season of The Sopranos hurtles toward the series' climax without sacrificing the compelling stories and vibrant characters that made it an acknowledged television classic."^[15]

Awards and nominations[]

56th Primetime Emmy Awards

Award for Outstanding Drama Series
Nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (James Gandolfini) (Episode: "Where's Johnny?")
Nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Edie Falco) (Episode: "All Happy Families")
Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Steve Buscemi) (Episodes: "Rat Pack" + "Marco Polo")
Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Michael Imperioli) (Episodes: "Irregular Around the Margins" + "Long Term Parking")
Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Drea de Matteo) (Episodes: "Irregular Around the Margins" + "Long Term Parking")
Nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Allen Coulter) (Episode: "Irregular Around the Margins")
Nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Timothy Van Patten) (Episode: "Long Term Parking")
Nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Michael Caleo) (Episode: "Where's Johnny?")
Nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Robin Green, Mitchell Burgess) (Episode: "Irregular Around the Margins")
Nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Matthew Weiner, Terrence Winter) (Episode: "Unidentified Black Males")
Award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Terrence Winter) (Episode: "Long Term Parking")

11th Screen Actors Guild Awards

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)
Nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series (Drea de Matteo)
Nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (Entire Cast)

62nd Golden Globe Awards

Nomination for Best Drama Series
Nomination for Best Actress in a Drama Series (Edie Falco)
Nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or TV Film (Michael Imperioli)
Nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or TV Film (Drea de Matteo)

Writers Guild of America Awards

Nomination for Best Drama Episode (Terrence Winter) (Episode: "Long Term Parking")

Directors Guild of America Awards

Nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (John Patterson) (Episode: "All Due Respect")
Nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Tim Van Patten) (Episode: "Long Term Parking")

20th TCA Awards

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

References[]

^ "The Sopranos - The Complete 5th Season". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Archived from the original on September 10, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
^ Vasquez, Diego (March 10, 2004). "ABC spike from King spooker 'Hospital'". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on November 6, 2005. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
^ Vasquez, Diego (March 17, 2004). "Returning 'Crossing Jordan' delivers for NBC". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on May 1, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
^ Vasquez, Diego (March 24, 2004). "Midseason report card: Mostly Ds & Fs". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on May 1, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
^ Vasquez, Diego (March 31, 2004). "Growing pull of 'Two and a Half Men'". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
^ "Nickelodeon Slimes Cable Ratings Competition". Zap2it. April 8, 2004. Archived from the original on April 9, 2004.
^ Vasquez, Diego (March 14, 2004). "Fox's 'Swan,' no ugly ducking". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
^ Vasquez, Diego (March 28, 2004). "Rewarding homestretch for 'Friends'". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
^ "Hoops Help TNT Hold Cable Crown". Zap2it. April 29, 2004. Archived from the original on May 1, 2004.
^ Vasquez, Diego (May 5, 2004). "Earth moves, giving NBC sweeps push". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on May 1, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
^ Vasquez, Diego (May 19, 2004). "Out the door, and quietly, for 'Practice'". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on May 1, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
^ "TNT Thinks NBA Action is Fantastic". Zap2it. May 20, 2004. Archived from the original on May 21, 2004.
^ Vasquez, Diego (May 26, 2004). "NBC takes 18-49s but CBS wins viewers". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on May 1, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
^ Vasquez, Diego (June 16, 2004). "Great boost for ABC from NBA finals". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on October 13, 2004. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
^ "The Sopranos: Season 5 (2004)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved January 13, 2017.

External links[]

Official website
The Sopranos at IMDb

[1] "The Sopranos - The Complete 5th Season". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Archived from the original on September 10, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2015.

[2] Vasquez, Diego (March 10, 2004). "ABC spike from King spooker 'Hospital'". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on November 6, 2005. Retrieved July 9, 2015.

[3] Vasquez, Diego (March 17, 2004). "Returning 'Crossing Jordan' delivers for NBC". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on May 1, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2015.

[4] Vasquez, Diego (March 24, 2004). "Midseason report card: Mostly Ds & Fs". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on May 1, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2015.

[5] Vasquez, Diego (March 31, 2004). "Growing pull of 'Two and a Half Men'". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved July 9, 2015.

[6] "Nickelodeon Slimes Cable Ratings Competition". Zap2it. April 8, 2004. Archived from the original on April 9, 2004.

[7] Vasquez, Diego (March 14, 2004). "Fox's 'Swan,' no ugly ducking". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved July 9, 2015.

[8] Vasquez, Diego (March 28, 2004). "Rewarding homestretch for 'Friends'". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved July 9, 2015.

[9] "Hoops Help TNT Hold Cable Crown". Zap2it. April 29, 2004. Archived from the original on May 1, 2004.

[10] Vasquez, Diego (May 5, 2004). "Earth moves, giving NBC sweeps push". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on May 1, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2015.

[11] Vasquez, Diego (May 19, 2004). "Out the door, and quietly, for 'Practice'". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on May 1, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2015.

[12] "TNT Thinks NBA Action is Fantastic". Zap2it. May 20, 2004. Archived from the original on May 21, 2004.

[13] Vasquez, Diego (May 26, 2004). "NBC takes 18-49s but CBS wins viewers". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on May 1, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2015.

[14] Vasquez, Diego (June 16, 2004). "Great boost for ABC from NBA finals". Media Life Magazine. Archived from the original on October 13, 2004. Retrieved July 9, 2015.

[15] "The Sopranos: Season 5 (2004)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved January 13, 2017.

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