Television Review: College (The Sopranos, S1X05, 1999)

College (S01E05)

Airdate: February 7th 1999

Written by: James Manos Jr. & David Chase
Directed by: Allen Coulter

Running Time: 56 minutes

In the critically acclaimed episode College of The Sopranos, written by series creator David Chase and co-producer James Manos Jr., we witness a pivotal moment in the development of the show. This episode demonstrates that Chase would approach the premise of a mobster navigating the complexities of late 1990s America with sincerity, rather than exploiting it for cheap laughs and entertainment.

The plot begins with Tony Soprano driving his daughter Meadow to visit colleges in New England she would like to attend after high school graduation. This father-daughter trip quickly becomes a crucible for Tony, as Meadow confronts him about his Mafia ties—a question he answers with reluctant honesty. This moment is significant, as it reveals the duality of Tony’s character: he is both a loving father and a hardened criminal. The plot thickens when Tony, while at the gas station, accidentally encounters Fabian "Febby" Petrulio (played by (played by Tony Ray Rossi in guest role), a former Di Meo family soldier turned US government informant, responsible for Tony’s friends dying in prison. After confirming Febby's identity, Tony resolves to kill him, using the college trip as a perfect cover. Meanwhile, Meadow remains oblivious to the perilous situation unfolding around her as she enjoys drinking with old friends that are attending college. Meanwhile, Febby becomes aware of the situation and decides to kill Tony.

As this cat and mouse game unfolds, Carmela recovers from the flu and receives a visit from Father Phil Intitola (played by Paul Schultze, replacing Michael Santoro from pilot episode), a close friend who spends the evening eating, drinking, and watching films with her. The tension between them is palpable, and only Father Phil's sudden illness prevents their relationship from becoming romantic. The implication that they may have spent the night together together could have serious repercussions for the Soprano family.

At its core, College confronts viewers with uncomfortable truths about Tony Soprano. While he exhibits qualities of a caring father—willing to share aspects of his criminal life with Meadow—he is also capable of cold-blooded murder. This duality is expertly portrayed through James Gandolfini's powerful performance and Chase's incisive writing. The audience grapples with this contradiction; they are drawn to Tony's charm and vulnerability while simultaneously forced to acknowledge his violent nature.

The script further mitigates the audience's discomfort by presenting Febby as Tony's alter ego. Both men are devoted family men, but also ruthless criminals willing to take lives without hesitation. Febby's alleged reformation is revealed to be a facade, with him supplementing his income through drug dealing and attempting to recruit customers to help him kill Tony. This parallel serves to amplify the stakes for Tony; had circumstances been different, he could easily find himself in Febby's position.

Carmela's subplot with Father Phil adds another layer to the episode's exploration of infidelity and marital dynamics. Their interactions reveal Carmela's inner turmoil regarding her husband's criminal lifestyle and her own moral compromises. The contrast between her vulnerability during their intimate moments and her coldness when confronted with Tony's lies illustrates the complexities of loyalty and betrayal within their marriage. Brief scenes featuring Tony’s mistress Oksana and Dr Melfi further complicate Carmela’s perspective, as she grapples with jealousy and suspicion regarding her husband’s relationships outside their marriage.

"College" is also rich in pop culture references that resonate with cinephiles and enhance its narrative depth. The generational divide between those influenced by classic Mafia films like The Godfather and later interpretations such as Casino serves as a commentary on evolving perceptions of crime in popular culture. Additionally, the episode cleverly integrates themes from The Remains of the Day, mirroring its romantic tension within the context of relationship between Carmela and Father Phil.

David Chase has expressed pride in "College," often citing it as one of his favourite episodes due to its raw portrayal of violence and moral complexity. The episode garnered critical acclaim, earning Chase and Manos an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series. This recognition underscores its significance within television history; it exemplifies how The Sopranos transcended traditional genre boundaries by presenting characters who are deeply flawed yet relatable.

While Allen Coulter's direction may have benefited from a slightly more polished approach, "College" remains an exemplary piece of high-quality television that has left an indelible mark on viewers and critics alike.

RATING: 8/10 (+++)

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