Television Review: Commendatori (The Sopranos, S2X04, 2000)

Commendatori (S02E04)

Airdate: February 6th 2000

Written by: David Chase
Directed by: Tim Van Patten

Running Time: 52 minutes

Each television show benefits when it occasionally strays from its established formula. In the case of Commendatori, the fourth episode of the second season of The Sopranos, this deviation is manifested through a temporary change of scenery

By the time Commendatori aired, The Sopranos had largely confined itself to the relatively desolate landscapes of New Jersey, punctuated only by occasional excursions to New York City. The decision to have Tony Soprano visit his ancestral home in Naples marks a significant departure from this pattern, offering a radical change that invites both characters and viewers to engage with a different cultural backdrop. Naples, with its rich history and contrasting vibrancy, serves as a compelling counterpoint to the often grim realities faced by Tony and his associates in America.

The plot intricately weaves Tony's visit into a business deal between the DiMeo family and a local Camorra organisation, nominally controlled by Zi Vittorio (played by Vittorio Duse), an elder who decades earlier visited America to meet Uncle Junior. The deal revolves around Tony's plan to sell stolen luxury cars from America to the Camorra, who would then resell them for profit in Eastern Europe. Upon arriving in Naples with Christopher and Paulie, Tony discovers that Zi Vittorio is senile and has been replaced by Mauro Zucca, who is serving a life sentence in prison. The true power within the family lies with Mauro's wife, Annalisa, played by Sofia Milos. Although initially resistant to the idea of a female boss, Tony soon recognises Annalisa's formidable business acumen. Their mutual attraction adds complexity to their professional relationship; however, Tony remains steadfast in his belief that business and pleasure should not mix. Ultimately, they conclude the deal with Tony agreeing to lower his price for the cars in exchange for a steady stream of Annalisa's men—uncompromised by FBI investigations—to be sent to work for him in America. The first to join this arrangement is Furio Giunta, portrayed by Federico Castelluccio.

Meanwhile, back in New Jersey, Pussy Bonpensiero's prolonged absence has strained his marriage significantly. His wife Angie confides in Carmela and Rosalie Aprile about her marital troubles and reveals that she has discovered a lump under her arm that may be cancerous. Despite her negative biopsy results, Angie contemplates divorce—a decision she maintains even after learning she is not seriously ill. Carmela attempts to persuade Angie to stay with Pussy for the sake of their three children.

Pussy himself grapples with severe issues stemming from his precarious position as an undercover FBI agent. His fears escalate when he is spotted by Jimmy Bones (played by Mike Memphis), low-level made man and part-time Elvis impersonator, during a meeting with his FBI handler, Skip Lizaro. To deflect suspicion, he fabricates a story about Skip being a made man from Delaware. Although Jimmy initially seems convinced, Pussy's anxiety manifests in nightmares that plague him throughout the episode. In a desperate bid to safeguard his cover, he ultimately confronts Jimmy at his home and brutally kills him with a sledgehammer.

The episode is directed adeptly by Tim Van Patten, who captures both the stunning scenery of Naples and the darker undertones of the storyline. The cinematography offers viewers breathtaking visuals that contrast sharply with New Jersey's gritty aesthetic. However, some segments fall flat; for instance, the semi-humorous opening scene featuring carjacking victims from Manhattan feels somewhat out of place within the episode’s overall tone. Additionally, the parallel dreams of Tony and Pussy—one filled with erotic fantasies about Annalisa and the other plagued by nightmares—come across as overly clever rather than seamlessly integrated into the narrative flow. Furthermore, Andrea Bocelli’s iconic song "Con te partirò" feels slightly overused throughout the episode.

Sofia Milos, future star of CSI: Miami, delivers an impressive performance as Annalisa, effectively portraying an atypical female boss who navigates her role with authority and nuance. Her character challenges traditional gender roles within organised crime while maintaining a strong presence that captivates both Tony and viewers alike.

Tony Sirico shines as Paulie Gualtieri during this trip; his character revels in the Italian experience—finding joy in discovering that a prostitute he encounters hails from his ancestral region. This comedic subplot adds levity amidst darker themes while showcasing Paulie's character development as he grapples with his identity.

While Commendatori may not rank among The Sopranos' best episodes, it stands out as a refreshing departure from its typical narrative structure.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

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