'University' was my favourite episode up until this one. What an amazing episode.
'Walk Like a Man' has everything that makes the Sopranos legendary. On top of that, it pushes the characters and what we expect from the show, which is especially surprising and welcome this late into the series.
AJ's transition into adulthood shows all the effects of his troubled childhood. As he begins to mature, his life is spun off course by Tony carelessly trying to turn him into himself. It feels like a natural conclusion to his disturbing talk with Livia in season 2, and his cries for help in season 3. Robert Iler's acting in this episode is magnificent.
Michael Imperioli is also excellent, as always. Christopher is up there with Ralph and Richie for most disturbed character in the show, yet I felt sympathy for him in this episode. The feeling of powerlessness against bullying from his 'family' (that goes way out of line, even for the usual conversations they have), and the feeling that he's fated to live his life of destruction are directed brilliantly.
The Sopranos wouldn't be the Sopranos without violent spectacle, and this episode certainly has it. Much like 'University', it's used to provoke us into thinking about how ordinary life comes so close to abhorrent acts of violence caused by the criminal lifestyle.
Can't wait to see how the series ends.
'Walk Like a Man' has everything that makes the Sopranos legendary. On top of that, it pushes the characters and what we expect from the show, which is especially surprising and welcome this late into the series.
AJ's transition into adulthood shows all the effects of his troubled childhood. As he begins to mature, his life is spun off course by Tony carelessly trying to turn him into himself. It feels like a natural conclusion to his disturbing talk with Livia in season 2, and his cries for help in season 3. Robert Iler's acting in this episode is magnificent.
Michael Imperioli is also excellent, as always. Christopher is up there with Ralph and Richie for most disturbed character in the show, yet I felt sympathy for him in this episode. The feeling of powerlessness against bullying from his 'family' (that goes way out of line, even for the usual conversations they have), and the feeling that he's fated to live his life of destruction are directed brilliantly.
The Sopranos wouldn't be the Sopranos without violent spectacle, and this episode certainly has it. Much like 'University', it's used to provoke us into thinking about how ordinary life comes so close to abhorrent acts of violence caused by the criminal lifestyle.
Can't wait to see how the series ends.