Television Review: He Is Risen (The Sopranos, S3X08, 2001)

He Is Risen (S03E08)

Airdate: April 15th 2001

Written by: Robin Green, Mitchell Burgess & Todd A. Kessler
Directed by: Allen Coulter

Running Time: 53 minutes

The seasonal nature of American television dramas in the 20th century often found ways to manifest itself even on cable television, which was less bound by the rigid standards and conventions of network TV. HBO, as a pioneer of cable programming, embraced this in He Is Risen, episode of its critically acclaimed series The Sopranos. Interestingly, while the plot revolves around Thanksgiving, the title itself is a nod to Easter, the holiday that coincided with the episode’s original airing in April 2001.

The title He Is Risen serves as a comical reference to Aaron Arkway, a character introduced in this episode. Played by Turk Turpin, Aaron is Janice Soprano’s new boyfriend, a Christian rock musician she meets during her attempts to reinvent herself as a born-again Christian. Aaron’s narcolepsy, which causes him to fall asleep at inopportune moments, becomes a source of dark humour, particularly during the Soprano family’s Thanksgiving dinner.

Thanksgiving dinner, a central event in the episode, is overshadowed by the ongoing feud between Tony Soprano and Ralph Cifaretto. Despite Carmela’s initial invitation to her friend Rosalie Aprile and her boyfriend Ralph, Tony finds an excuse to disinvite them, further escalating the tension. The animosity between Tony and Ralph is palpable, with both men expressing their disdain for one another in increasingly hostile ways. Although Ralph is technically Tony’s subordinate, his obnoxious personality and past actions, particularly the murder of Tracee, make him a constant thorn in Tony’s side. Tony’s desire to have Ralph killed is tempered by the pragmatic realisation that Ralph is a significant earner for the family. Both men seek counsel on how to deal with this volatile situation: Tony turns to Uncle Junior, while Ralph confides in Johnny Sack. The feud reaches a temporary resolution when Ralph publicly asks for Tony’s forgiveness, a gesture Tony reluctantly accepts. The sudden death of Gigi Cestone from a heart attack provides Tony with an opportunity to promote Ralph to captain, a move that temporarily diffuses the tension but leaves underlying issues unresolved.

While Tony and Ralph’s feud dominates much of the episode, the relationship between the Soprano and Aprile families takes a positive turn due to the budding romance between Meadow and Jackie Jr. Their chance encounter at a frat party leads to a mutual admission of romantic feelings, marking a significant development in their relationship. Jackie’s decision not to take advantage of Meadow’s drunken state and his insistence on seeking Tony’s blessing demonstrate a sense of honour that contrasts with the morally ambiguous world of the adults. The car accident involving Meadow and Jackie serves as a catalyst for their relationship to deepen.

Tony’s personal life also takes an unexpected turn in this episode. A scheduling mishap at Dr. Melfi’s office leads to a chance encounter with Gloria Trillo, a charismatic car saleswoman played by Annabella Sciorra. Their chemistry is immediate, and their subsequent meeting at a Mercedes-Benz dealership sets the stage for a new romantic entanglement.

He Is Risen is a testament to The Sopranos’ commitment to realism, a hallmark of the series. While the episode is set during the Thanksgiving holiday, the holiday itself serves primarily as a backdrop for the characters’ interactions and conflicts. The more significant narrative developments occur gradually, reflecting the show’s nuanced approach to storytelling. Tony’s internal crisis—whether to prioritise loyalty or capability in his organisation—is resolved in a manner that is both random and realistic. Gigi’s sudden death, which occurs in a darkly humorous and ironic fashion, provides an opportunity for the characters to reflect on mortality and power, often through pop culture and historical references. This blend of humour, tragedy, and realism is a defining feature of The Sopranos, and He Is Risen exemplifies the show’s ability to balance these elements seamlessly.

RATING: 7/10 (+++)

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