Television Review: Employee of the Month (The Sopranos, S3X04, 2001)

Employee of the Month (S03E04)

Airdate: March 18th 2001

Written by: Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess
Directed by: John Patterson

Running Time: 53 minutes

Dr. Jennifer Melfi occupies a pivotal role in The Sopranos, serving as a representation of "normalcy" amidst the chaos of the mob world. She stands as a moral anchor, allowing viewers to evaluate the ethically dubious actions of characters, including the show's main character, Tony Soprano. By the time Season 3 arrives, Melfi's presence has diminished to that of an occasional background figure, risking her being overlooked by fans. The episode Employee of the Month emerges as a crucial reminder of her character's significance and depth, showcasing her struggles and resilience in the face of trauma.

The narrative arc focusing on Dr. Melfi begins with what appears to be a routine therapy session. Tony contemplates Melfi's suggestion to involve his wife, Carmela, in their discussions. However, this mundane setup is shattered when Melfi is violently attacked in a dimly lit parking garage by a man later identified as Jesus Rossi (played by Mario Polit). Following the assault, Melfi does the right thing by reporting the crime to the authorities, initially believing that justice will be served. Unfortunately, her hopes are dashed when legal technicalities lead to Rossi's release. The humiliation intensifies when Melfi encounters his photo in a sandwich shop, where he is celebrated as "Employee of the Month." This moment catalyses her feelings of vulnerability and ignites dark fantasies of revenge against her assailant. In her sessions with Dr. Kupferberg, she confides that Tony could be persuaded to enact vengeance where the legal system has failed her. Despite Tony's genuine concern for her well-being and his willingness to help, Melfi ultimately chooses not to pursue revenge.

Simultaneously, Ralphie Cipharetto's storyline unfolds as he begins dating Rosalie Aprile and takes on a paternal role towards her son, Jackie Jr. Ralphie's ambitions for Jackie Jr. to become involved in the family business directly contradict Tony's promise to his late friend Jackie regarding his son not being involved in mob life. Ralphie's suggestion that Jackie Jr. might be interested in Meadow adds another layer of complexity, hinting at potential romantic entanglements that could further complicate family dynamics.

Janice Soprano continues to disrupt both Tony’s familial and professional spheres. Her ongoing feud with Svetlana over their mother Livia’s belongings escalates dramatically when Russian hired thugs attack Janice, forcing her to surrender Svetlana’s prosthetic leg. This incident places Tony in a precarious position; he must respond to this affront against his family while grappling with his own disdain for Janice’s reckless behaviour.

Another subplot involves Johnny Sack, who unexpectedly purchases an extravagant home in New Jersey, raising Tony’s suspicions about Sack's intentions regarding DiMeo family interests. This storyline introduces Johnny’s wife Ginny (played by Denise Borino), whose physical appearance becomes fodder for crude jokes among Tony’s crew.

Employee of the Month stands out as an exceptional episode due to its unexpected plot twists and its refusal to succumb to melodrama or exploitation. The depiction of Melfi's rape is stark and unembellished, presenting a harrowing reality that resonates deeply with viewers. The aftermath is portrayed with remarkable authenticity; Melfi's reactions align closely with those of many real-life survivors who grapple with trauma and injustice. The episode effectively highlights the grim real life statistics surrounding sexual violence—underscoring how challenging it is for victims to achieve justice and how much of those crimes go unpunished.

The climax arrives in a poignant final scene where Dr. Melfi makes a decisive choice that reinforces her role as a moral compass within the series. In this moment, she rejects any notion of revenge against Rossi despite knowing she could easily manipulate Tony into taking action on her behalf. This act of self-restraint not only confirms her integrity but also exemplifies the complex interplay between morality and vengeance that defines The Sopranos. The episode’s nuanced portrayal of trauma and recovery earned writers Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess an Emmy Award, solidifying its place as one of the series' most impactful narratives.

RATING: 7/10 (+++)

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