Television Review: Down Neck (The Sopranos, S1X07, 1999)

Down Neck (S01E07)

Airdate: February 21st 1999

Written by: Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess
Directed by: Lorraine Senna Ferrara

Running Time: 52 minutes

High-quality drama series like The Sopranos possess a remarkable ability to delve into profound and significant themes through seemingly mundane narratives. This is exemplified in the seventh episode, Down Neck, which prompts viewers to contemplate the extent to which an individual's life is influenced by their past. The episode raises critical questions about whether our destinies are predetermined or shaped by our choices and actions.

The catalyst for the episode's plot is a seemingly trivial incident involving A.J. Soprano and his friends from Catholic school. The boys sneak into a church, pilfer sacramental wine, and indulge in a drunken escapade that ultimately leads to their discovery during physical education class. This incident results in A.J.'s temporary suspension from school, prompting his parents to confront the consequences of their son's actions. The school psychologist, Dr. Peter Galani (portrayed by David Beach), suggests that A.J. may be suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.), conducting tests that yield inconclusive results. While Carmela Soprano expresses concern over the diagnosis, Tony Soprano remains sceptical about the validity of such labels and is relieved that A.J. will not be placed in special education classes.

However, a more pressing issue arises for Tony when A.J., during a family discussion involving Livia and Uncle Junior, makes a remark that hints at his awareness of his father's Mafia activities. This revelation forces Tony to confront his own past confessions regarding his criminal lifestyle, previously hinted at in the episode College. As he grapples with the implications of A.J.'s comment, Tony must prepare to disclose his true profession to his son. The situation escalates when A.J. inadvertently mentions Tony's visits to a psychiatrist in front of Livia, who is eager to manipulate this information for her own advantage through Uncle Junior, thus putting Tony’s life in jeopardy.

Tony's therapy sessions with Dr. Melfi become increasingly significant. During the session, he confesses to having a girlfriend named Irina in an attempt to provoke jealousy in Melfi; however, the primary focus remains on his relationship with A.J. Tony expresses his fears that A.J., much like himself, may ultimately be drawn into the Mafia lifestyle. These anxieties are poignantly illustrated through flashbacks to Tony's childhood in 1967, where he grapples with the reality of his father's criminal activities. Young Tony (played by Bobby Boriello) experiences jealousy as he witnesses his father Johnny (played by Joseph Siravo) taking his sister Janice (played by Madeline Blue) on outings that serve as covers for mob meetings with figures like young Junior (played by Rocco Sisto). One such meeting culminates in Johnny's brief arrest, while Tony's mother (played by Laila Robbins) emerges as a verbally abusive and manipulative figure who dissuades Johnny from pursuing legitimate business opportunities in Nevada. These reflections lead Tony to ponder how different his life might have been had his father not succumbed to his mother's influence.

Down Neck stands out not only for its rich narrative but also for its meticulous attention to detail in reconstructing the late 1960s through its flashback sequences. The use of "White Rabbit," an iconic song by Jefferson Airplane, enhances the nostalgic atmosphere while simultaneously commenting on the episode's themes of identity and self-discovery.

The episode is masterfully written and directed, showcasing the intricate dynamics between fathers and sons while exploring the broader implications of heritage and personal identity. Through its character-driven storytelling, Down Neck effectively illustrates how past experiences shape present realities and future possibilities. The interplay between Tony's reflections on his upbringing and A.J.'s burgeoning awareness of their family's criminal legacy creates a compelling narrative that invites viewers to consider their own familial influences.

RATING: 7/10 (+++)

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