Television Review: Fortunate Son (The Sopranos, S3X03, 2001)

Fortunate Son (S03E03)

Airdate: March 18th 2001

Written by: Todd A. Kessler
Directed by: Henry J. Bronchtein

Running Time: 58 minutes

The episode Fortunate Son from The Sopranos serves as a compelling exploration of the intricate relationships between fathers and sons within the context of organised crime. While its thematic focus might initially seem reminiscent of a school assignment, the episode adeptly navigates these complex dynamics while maintaining a realistic approach that fits seamlessly into the series' overall narrative. This balance allows it to function as a regular episode, rich in character development and thematic depth.

The episode's primary storyline revolves around Christopher Moltisanti, who has long viewed Tony Soprano as a surrogate father figure. The narrative begins with Christopher receiving a long-awaited call to attend a ceremony that will elevate him to the status of a "made man." This moment signifies Christopher's aspiration to rise from being a low-level street criminal to a respected member of the powerful DiMeo crime family. However, his new role quickly proves to be fraught with challenges. Tasked with managing a sports betting operation, Christopher's lack of experience leads to significant financial losses, resulting in embarrassing debts owed to Paulie Gualtieri.

Christopher's financial troubles find an unexpected solution through Jackie Aprile Jr., another character grappling with paternal expectations. Jackie Jr. harbours deep-seated issues regarding his father's legacy, believing he deserves to inherit leadership of the DiMeo family following his father's death. This belief manifests in his increasingly disrespectful attitude toward Tony, whom he implicitly accuses of being responsible for his uncle Richie's disappearance. In a significant departure from his father's wishes, Jackie Jr. abandons his medical studies at Rutgers and instead uses his time there to plan a heist during a benefit concert for Jewel. When Christopher learns of this scheme, he decides to participate, which ultimately enables him to pay off his debts to Paulie.

Tony's character also experiences notable development in this episode, particularly during his therapy sessions with Dr. Melfi. A pivotal flashback reveals an incident from Tony's childhood when he witnessed his father inflict violence on a local butcher who failed to pay a gambling debt. Although Tony impresses his father by remaining unfazed during this traumatic event, it leaves an indelible mark on him, contributing to one of his earliest panic attacks.

The theme of inherited trauma continues with A.J., Tony's son, who appears to be facing similar issues despite Tony's efforts to steer him away from the family's criminal legacy. A.J.'s prideful moment comes when he recovers a fumble during a high school football game and is named defensive captain. However, this newfound responsibility overwhelms him, leading to a panic attack that mirrors his father's experiences. This parallel suggests that despite Tony's intentions, A.J. may be destined to grapple with the same psychological burdens that have plagued their family.

Beyond these central narratives, Fortunate Son also addresses the aftermath of Tony's racist outburst against Noah Tannenbaum. Meadow reacts by pursuing a romantic relationship with Noah, much to Carmela's dismay when she visits her daughter. Concurrently, tensions rise between Janice and Svetlana over Livia's record collection, culminating in Janice stealing Svetlana's artificial leg—a bizarre yet symbolic act reflecting their contentious relationship.

The episode further introduces Carmine Lupertazzi, portrayed by Tony Lip, who emerges as a powerful New York mafia boss and Tony’s superior. Carmine’s awareness of Tony’s therapy sessions serves as an intriguing commentary on mental health within the mafia culture—an aspect that is often stigmatised yet becomes an open secret among its members.

While Fortunate Son may not feature standout moments that resonate as deeply as other episodes in The Sopranos, it effectively lays the groundwork for future plot developments and character arcs. The initiation ceremony serves as both a narrative pivot and a source of meta-humour reminiscent of classic mob films like Goodfellas. The episode excels in its character portrayals and interactions, showcasing how each individual's struggles reflect broader themes of ambition, legacy, and psychological turmoil within the framework of organised crime.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

Blog in Croatian https://draxblog.com
Blog in English https://draxreview.wordpress.com/
InLeo blog https://inleo.io/@drax.leo

InLeo: https://inleo.io/signup?referral=drax.leo
Hiveonboard: https://hiveonboard.com?ref=drax
Rising Star game: https://www.risingstargame.com?referrer=drax
1Inch: https://1inch.exchange/#/r/0x83823d8CCB74F828148258BB4457642124b1328e

BTC donations: 1EWxiMiP6iiG9rger3NuUSd6HByaxQWafG
ETH donations: 0xB305F144323b99e6f8b1d66f5D7DE78B498C32A7
BCH donations: qpvxw0jax79lhmvlgcldkzpqanf03r9cjv8y6gtmk9

Posted Using INLEO