Absolutely one of the best episodes in the entire show. Christopher's death in the first 10 minutes is so shocking and powerful, as we spent the rest of the episode trying to process our feelings, just like characters on screen. It is probably the darkest episode of the series, along with Long Term Parking, and what sells me the most is visual symbolism and Gandolfini's masterful performance. Tony spends this episode trying to escape his feelings and pretend to grieve after the death od his nephew. We all saw the decline of their bond over this season, that's why its so difficult to process. Scene in the casino and desert at the end are both one of the most memorable scenes Ive seen on screen. Tony "gets it" - in the coma dream, he was wondering how should he live his life, should he change and start to see every day as a gift? No. He can finally accept that he is a monster, who killed his own nephew and now believes that his bad luck will change. 10/10.
22 Reviews
Whatta ya gonna do?
loudprincess13 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
OK, this first part is for those of you who haven't seen it: One of those episodes that you CANNOT miss. Don't miss the first fifteen minutes. There are reasons why HBO only gives short, vague synopsis for each episode. Do yourself a favor and don't read any spoilers about this one. Seriously.
Speaking of....
*******************SPOILERS!!***********************
We've all been looking for something to happen to CM, but I certainly wasn't expecting what happened tonight. It's ironic to me that this installment comes the week after Christopher shot J.T. without much reason to do so.
Sure, Tony has had reasons to be irritated with Chris, but making him asphyxiate on his own blood? Oh, and I loved the bit with Paulie being mad over the low attendance at Nucci's wake. Even after the teary-eyed speech about how he may not have treated Chris well, Paulie can find a reason to feel slighted, and by a dead guy, no less.
Great episode. I can't wait for next week!
Speaking of....
*******************SPOILERS!!***********************
We've all been looking for something to happen to CM, but I certainly wasn't expecting what happened tonight. It's ironic to me that this installment comes the week after Christopher shot J.T. without much reason to do so.
Sure, Tony has had reasons to be irritated with Chris, but making him asphyxiate on his own blood? Oh, and I loved the bit with Paulie being mad over the low attendance at Nucci's wake. Even after the teary-eyed speech about how he may not have treated Chris well, Paulie can find a reason to feel slighted, and by a dead guy, no less.
Great episode. I can't wait for next week!
Life's too short
MaxBorg892 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This is where it really begins: the final countdown. All the things that have been set in motion at the start of the season are coming together, lining up for the end of the greatest show ever created for television. The last four episodes are basically a four-part finale, one that kicks off with a real bang.
In the previous episode, Christopher Moltisanti was seen drinking, doing drugs and eventually shooting his friend JT Dolan - all clear hints of a bad outcome for Tony's nephew. Kennedy and Heidi begins with Tony and Chris meeting Phil for a deal. As usual, Phil's behavior is all but helpful, meaning everyone leaves with a sour aftertaste in their mouths. In the case of Tony and Chrissy, the evening ends particularly badly as they have an accident on the highway (the episode's title is also explained on this occasion) and Chris dies as a result. Struggling with contradictory feelings, Tony snaps at Dr. Melfi for her not being able to help him and deals with the aftermath of his nephew's death his own way. Also unable to cope with his emotions is AJ. Who falls back into depression after realizing his "friends" are no different from the mobsters his father works with.
Over the years, a lot of recurring characters have bit the dust because of their involvement with Tony: Pussy, Ralphie, Adriana and Tony B. Are just a few of them. And yet seeing Christopher leave the series in that way is almost too overwhelming: those other characters had "about to die" written all over them from a certain point on; Chrissy, on the other hand, looked like someone who would make it to the series finale, and as a consequence his departure is a lot more shocking. Michael Imperioli knows this and uses his final minutes of screen time like no one else, lending massive emotional power to his last "confrontation" with Gandolfini. As for the latter, his performance is staggering to say the least: just watch the closing scene and you will wonder how on Earth James Spader managed to get the Emmy he should have received.
In the previous episode, Christopher Moltisanti was seen drinking, doing drugs and eventually shooting his friend JT Dolan - all clear hints of a bad outcome for Tony's nephew. Kennedy and Heidi begins with Tony and Chris meeting Phil for a deal. As usual, Phil's behavior is all but helpful, meaning everyone leaves with a sour aftertaste in their mouths. In the case of Tony and Chrissy, the evening ends particularly badly as they have an accident on the highway (the episode's title is also explained on this occasion) and Chris dies as a result. Struggling with contradictory feelings, Tony snaps at Dr. Melfi for her not being able to help him and deals with the aftermath of his nephew's death his own way. Also unable to cope with his emotions is AJ. Who falls back into depression after realizing his "friends" are no different from the mobsters his father works with.
Over the years, a lot of recurring characters have bit the dust because of their involvement with Tony: Pussy, Ralphie, Adriana and Tony B. Are just a few of them. And yet seeing Christopher leave the series in that way is almost too overwhelming: those other characters had "about to die" written all over them from a certain point on; Chrissy, on the other hand, looked like someone who would make it to the series finale, and as a consequence his departure is a lot more shocking. Michael Imperioli knows this and uses his final minutes of screen time like no one else, lending massive emotional power to his last "confrontation" with Gandolfini. As for the latter, his performance is staggering to say the least: just watch the closing scene and you will wonder how on Earth James Spader managed to get the Emmy he should have received.
Should Christopher die in a dramatic shootout?
Neptune16525 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Chris's death wasn't random. The S6 part 2 gave a lot of clues about their relationship falling apart and how tony now viewed him -- the baby's seat destroyed segmented Chrissy's fate plus all that. In the end Chrissy would go back to drugs and repeat everything once again. Tony now has bobby as his second man in charge and Chris didn't live up to his expectations in the final episodes before his death -- the talk about Chrissy's father was fundamental for tony to see that. See that wasn't the car accident that killed Chris, he could have been injuried really bad but nonetheless safe if Tony didn't suffocated him. It was all calculated + a hand of destiny. But no, no randomness. Tony's face while he's killing Chris is pure empty nothingness. This was one of the best episodes. A very hard pill to swallow. Pine barrens and college are my other 2 favorite. I have to agree with most people in the comments here. I don't know what kind of end you were expecting for Christopher, but it's moments like this that make The Sopranos so much more realistic and believable than other TV shows. There is no character arc, there is no special ending for a guy like Christopher. He has been a major liability for a long time. He is using again and can't even take care of himself, let alone others. Tony got an opportunity to kill Christopher and get away without anyone knowing. And he did, because Tony isn't a good person and by now he knows this. Has has embraced it. The many car crashes in The Sopranos, people dying of cancer or heart attacks, is exactly what makes the show feel so different from others. It isn't trying to be a standard TV show, it's trying to be close to life. Yes, Christopher went out somewhat randomly (car crashes aren't that rare or random, I know multiple people that died in one) but that's the whole point of it. There is no Scarface ending for these guys. Especially not Christopher.
The beginning of the end
itssosublime20 May 2007
With the clock running out and tensions rising within the Soprano family of organized crime, everyone knew something had to give. I won't spoil the plot line for anybody, but let's just say some people need to learn when to keep their eyes on the road. This was a very sad, yet revealing episode that shows us Tony's therapy sessions have done very little to lessen his anger and resentment towards his nephew. Just as Tony is beginning to feel relief, A.J. is sent reeling once again after his friends prove to be cut from the same cloth as many of his fathers gangster associates. While watching this episode one gets the feeling that there will be no more holding back. It appears the writers have saved their best for last and intend to go out with a bang, along with a maybe a good whack or two? I guess we'll see.
Awesome episode
thylacine66614 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Excellent episode! I was quite shocked to see what Tony did, though by the end of the episode I guess I could see why; I just didn't realise his feelings had soured so much. It's an interesting development to say the least, but I suppose not too surprising considering how close to the end of the show we are.
Glad to see AJ realising how problematic his renewed friendships are too; those horrible little thugs'll end up dragging him to his doom along with them, possibly a much worse fate than he'd face even if he went along the same lines as his dad; these guys are just stupid thugs, and stupid thugs get caught.
A little update for those wondering, the drop-dead gorgeous girl from Vegas is Sarah Shahi (full cast listed on TV.com, so I went through each female whose character name I didn't recognised and ran them through IMDb hah).
Glad to see AJ realising how problematic his renewed friendships are too; those horrible little thugs'll end up dragging him to his doom along with them, possibly a much worse fate than he'd face even if he went along the same lines as his dad; these guys are just stupid thugs, and stupid thugs get caught.
A little update for those wondering, the drop-dead gorgeous girl from Vegas is Sarah Shahi (full cast listed on TV.com, so I went through each female whose character name I didn't recognised and ran them through IMDb hah).
Somewhat mixed feelings
jdjc00110 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This episode had some good moments, but Christopher's death just didn't sit right with me. His death scene was poignant, but I couldn't quite grasp why Tony didn't realise Christopher was high earlier. Plus, I would've thought they would've picked up on bruises caused by Tony during Christopher's autopsy. To be honest, I was really hoping that Christopher's death scene would've been either because he had tried to make an attempt on Tony's life or another capo's, or even an overdose which would've been interesting to see from Tony's perspective as we already know he is almost entirely numb to killing those close to him. Nevertheless, this is David Chase, who seems to enjoy underwhelming his audience.
I was also hoping we'd see more of Kelli in this episode given how little of her we've seen so far but all we got is her crying. Instead, we got a montage of Tony and some previously unseen cumare (part of me wishes he had just gone spiralling with Julianna - the effect would've been the same or perhaps even more powerful considering Julianna is an established character). I additionally found that roulette scene to be overly drawn out - a few short scenes would've done the trick. Otherwise, it was interesting to watch Tony become another thing he once hated.
Apart from all that, I couldn't quite understand the choice to have Nucci Gualtieri pass away in this episode as well, but I guess I'm not really missing anything since I haven't seen a single person talk about it in much detail. BTW, is Bobby suddenly just a careless goombah now that he's killed someone? His reaction to Christopher's death would suggest so.
Oh, and all that asbestos stuff plus AJ's sudden 180 after last episode was kinda boring and could've probably been saved for a future episode and replaced with more relevant scenes to this episode. IMO this is one of the most overrated episodes of the show but feel free to disagree.
I was also hoping we'd see more of Kelli in this episode given how little of her we've seen so far but all we got is her crying. Instead, we got a montage of Tony and some previously unseen cumare (part of me wishes he had just gone spiralling with Julianna - the effect would've been the same or perhaps even more powerful considering Julianna is an established character). I additionally found that roulette scene to be overly drawn out - a few short scenes would've done the trick. Otherwise, it was interesting to watch Tony become another thing he once hated.
Apart from all that, I couldn't quite understand the choice to have Nucci Gualtieri pass away in this episode as well, but I guess I'm not really missing anything since I haven't seen a single person talk about it in much detail. BTW, is Bobby suddenly just a careless goombah now that he's killed someone? His reaction to Christopher's death would suggest so.
Oh, and all that asbestos stuff plus AJ's sudden 180 after last episode was kinda boring and could've probably been saved for a future episode and replaced with more relevant scenes to this episode. IMO this is one of the most overrated episodes of the show but feel free to disagree.
Kennedy and Heidi (#6.18)
ComedyFan201030 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Tony and Chris are riding in a car and Chris gets it into an accident. Tony also ends his life. Chris's death is shock to many even Paulie. After his funeral Tony goes to Vegas to tell the news to a friend of Chris. And AJ has a revelation about his friends who have a mob mentality.
Chris's death really came out of nowhere. Actually it seemed a bit out of place. It is not surprising because it is so close to the end and I feel many will die now. But it is hard to describe yet it seemed to not have a highlight moment like most other deaths on the show did. Really would think Chris would die in a different way. Was surprising to see Tony kill him I must say. I did though like what Paulie has said when he found it out.
Chris's death really came out of nowhere. Actually it seemed a bit out of place. It is not surprising because it is so close to the end and I feel many will die now. But it is hard to describe yet it seemed to not have a highlight moment like most other deaths on the show did. Really would think Chris would die in a different way. Was surprising to see Tony kill him I must say. I did though like what Paulie has said when he found it out.
Why can't we all just...
snoozejonc26 February 2023
Tony is involved in a car accident before going on a journey of self discovery out west.
This is another classic episode with unforgettable character moments.
Certain aspects of the plot are impossible to discuss without spoiling, but it's safe to say that characters like Tony, Christopher, and A. J play a key role. Some of the dialogue in certain scenes is brilliant and loaded with irony and underlying truths.
The writers again explore philosophical themes about humanity and our place within the universe, with various sounds and images that imply connectivity between everything. A lot of contrasting scenery is shown between the peaceful, natural world and the materialism and excess associated with humanity and people like Tony. Some of it is left ambiguous, particularly what goes through his mind in the later scenes.
James Gandolfini gives another incredibly good lead performance and is supported well by the other actors.
The visual storytelling is some of the best of the show. Virtually every scene has something incredibly effective. In key scenes characters are filmed from certain angles, in atmospheric lighting conditions. So many interior and exterior shots are beautifully composed, whether it be to capture people, natural landscapes, or urban environments perfectly.
This is another classic episode with unforgettable character moments.
Certain aspects of the plot are impossible to discuss without spoiling, but it's safe to say that characters like Tony, Christopher, and A. J play a key role. Some of the dialogue in certain scenes is brilliant and loaded with irony and underlying truths.
The writers again explore philosophical themes about humanity and our place within the universe, with various sounds and images that imply connectivity between everything. A lot of contrasting scenery is shown between the peaceful, natural world and the materialism and excess associated with humanity and people like Tony. Some of it is left ambiguous, particularly what goes through his mind in the later scenes.
James Gandolfini gives another incredibly good lead performance and is supported well by the other actors.
The visual storytelling is some of the best of the show. Virtually every scene has something incredibly effective. In key scenes characters are filmed from certain angles, in atmospheric lighting conditions. So many interior and exterior shots are beautifully composed, whether it be to capture people, natural landscapes, or urban environments perfectly.
Let down
mattschauer2828 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I love this show, but SPOILER ALERT the death of Christopher was really a letdown for me. There are a thousand other ways it could have happened, which it shouldn't have anyway. Tony is more of an asshole than ever this episode, and Christopher was one of my favorite, if not favorite character in the whole show.
sad inevitability
ferman_200015 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
to be honest i was a little disgusted with tony ending it for chrissie although i cant say i was too surprised. i have to agree though that show is building up to a season finale, which may or may not be the best idea. i guess they have stopped developing the plot simply because it is going to end very soon and they want to emphasize the internal conflicts for the different characters. it was definitely a solid episode and one where you learn a lot about tony. chris was my favorite character so i have to say it was sad to see him go but thats just what makes this show so great, it brings you into reality. anyone who has followed this show throughout will take a lot away from this episode, but if you're the occasional viewer don't be surprised if you end up confused
didn't feel right
ValerinAmberz4 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
***WARNING SPOILERS*** Unworthy finale for one of the lead characters of the show. I was disappointed over which way the writers took this story. The killing of Christopher didn't feel concurrent with the strong relationship he had with Tony. His death felt rushed and without any interesting circumstances. Nothing leading up to it. It was simply a spare of the moment thing, which to me was unworthy of the character that we now have been following for 6 seasons. And also, how many car-crashes haven't we seen in this show? It's starting to become repetitive. There are a thousand more interesting and logical ways which could have produced his death. I would've preferred a "better death" for him or even living. It's hard to keep "liking" (in lack of a better word) Tony after this. He had many reasons to kill him yes, but after all that they had been through it felt as though they were inseparable. Even for a gangster-character this thing felt more like the writers had to wrap it up fast.
Arguably one of the best episodes of the entire series.
nicktusk-9559128 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
We are sort of taken back to Kevin Finnerty. Although, unfortunately, Christopher meets his final demise. At Tony's hands. Let's face it Christopher was a liability to begin with. A weak, lying drug addict. That's the worst kind of bet. We see Tony's luck completely changed. When he meets Sophia a half stripper half hooker half college Hustler very beautiful girl in Las Vegas. Apparently one of Christophers ex cohorts should we say. He's basically there to collect money but ends up doing peyote with her. They go inside a casino, and Tony starts automatically winning at roulette. He becomes very high and falls down and starts laughing on the floor. Saying he's dead he's dead. He's also laughing. Apparently Christopher's death has some affect on Tony's gambling winnings. Meanwhile, back in the real world in New York and jersey, Philly Leotardo has it out for Tony's scalp . Steffano, whoever the heck, he is who doesn't hand baccala in all a envelope. Asbestos is rising to the ceiling and then dumping it into a pond. Phil claims
he doesn't have everything. On a hung up phone call with Tony. Very interesting episode and not sure how to officially review this. You have to see if your self. It basically ends with Tony and Sophia or Sonya. Whatever her name is. They are parked on a bluff in the desert in Las Vegas. And Tony says I get it! I get it!
Not sure how to feel
joshuamathew-0343827 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
No matter how shocking Christopher's death is, I think I have a right to say it was underwhelming and unsatisfying.
It does make sense in the context of what was happening; with Christopher using and drinking again and the relationship between Tony and Christopher becoming ever distant, Chris became too much of a liability to Tony. Chris ultimately dying because of his drug use does make sense. But it just didn't sit right with me.
What frustrates me about this show is how characters never grow, they're always regressing. It might be what the show is trying to say, but it's not satisfying to watch because it feels like we're going in circles. It's not unreasonable to say that people can change. Chris had the most potential of all the characters to change for the better and have some sort of redemption for all he's done. It looked like the whole show had building to a conflict between Chris and Tony. I wanted to see the hatred Chris was brewing against Tony come into play, with everything that happened to Adriana I saw the potential of maybe avenging her death. He sided with Tony and it's suggested that he regretted that choice. Sure dying in a car crash is realistic, but it just didn't do a character, who I've followed for 6 seasons, justice.
Seeing AJ following in his fathers footsteps is interesting to see. It's funny how he's doing exactly what Tony does, he does a terrible thing and then complains about it in therapy.
Not sure how the show will end. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
It does make sense in the context of what was happening; with Christopher using and drinking again and the relationship between Tony and Christopher becoming ever distant, Chris became too much of a liability to Tony. Chris ultimately dying because of his drug use does make sense. But it just didn't sit right with me.
What frustrates me about this show is how characters never grow, they're always regressing. It might be what the show is trying to say, but it's not satisfying to watch because it feels like we're going in circles. It's not unreasonable to say that people can change. Chris had the most potential of all the characters to change for the better and have some sort of redemption for all he's done. It looked like the whole show had building to a conflict between Chris and Tony. I wanted to see the hatred Chris was brewing against Tony come into play, with everything that happened to Adriana I saw the potential of maybe avenging her death. He sided with Tony and it's suggested that he regretted that choice. Sure dying in a car crash is realistic, but it just didn't do a character, who I've followed for 6 seasons, justice.
Seeing AJ following in his fathers footsteps is interesting to see. It's funny how he's doing exactly what Tony does, he does a terrible thing and then complains about it in therapy.
Not sure how the show will end. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
sorry....hated it
Smails14 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I am a huge fan of the show, but I have to say I have been very disappointed in this season...and its not because there hasn't been a lot of action or bloodshed...its because they seem to be giving inner meaning with every single little scene. I thought the way Chrissy died was great and yes, the girl in Vegas was smokin hot, but I am getting tired of feeling like I am just being set up for the season finale. It just seems like every scene is just a way to keep us guessing on how the show is going to end, rather than actually concentrating on a consistent storyline. Again, I love this show, but personally, if this season was the first season, I never would have made it past the first year. But that's just how I feel, and based on the couple of comments I've seen so far, I think I may be in the minority.
Death and more death
shenamere29 September 2023
There are three ways to milk emotion in a movie. Death, marriage and birth. These are universal themes that span all cultures and age groups. The Sopranos lurches from one murder or crash with requisite funeral to a wedding or engagement party followed by a birth and the christening. What happens in between is mostly filler that sets up for one of these three. The underlying theme of the Sopranos is the frailty of the human psyche. Sex, gambling, drugs and alcohol seem to flow freely as well. Between the big three themes juxtaposed against swings of ego and dependence, the characters seem to be going through the motions rather than living the character.
Very disappointing
xnvius18 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Coming off a fantastic episode in "Walk Like a Man", Christopher solidified himself as my favourite character and it finally looked like he was going to have the "arc" he always wanted. The shot of him looking at each of his "friends" laughing at Paulie's remarks as he poured his heart out looked like the breakthrough he always needed. Instead, the writers chose to have him die in the most anticlimactic way possible within the first 10 minutes of the next episode.
He was easily the best written character up to this point and had so much substance to him, yet he was simply used as a stepping stone building up to the season finale. With all the adversities he faced and the lack of respect he continued to receive from the crew, Christopher could've been the one to put up a fight against Tony. He gave his all to the man and was loyal from start to finish, yet he was treated with zero respect, even as an acting "boss". The motive was all there and even if he had proved unsuccessful, Christopher dying defying Tony would've been a much more suited death for his character than a lackluster car wreck. It goes to show that I wasn't mad at the fact they had Christopher die, in fact it was practically inevitable, but rather the decision to kill him off immediately after planting all those seeds the episode prior. A character of this magnitude did not deserve to go out like that.
I really couldn't have cared less for the rest of this episode. There was so much untapped potential within Christopher Moltisanti.
He was easily the best written character up to this point and had so much substance to him, yet he was simply used as a stepping stone building up to the season finale. With all the adversities he faced and the lack of respect he continued to receive from the crew, Christopher could've been the one to put up a fight against Tony. He gave his all to the man and was loyal from start to finish, yet he was treated with zero respect, even as an acting "boss". The motive was all there and even if he had proved unsuccessful, Christopher dying defying Tony would've been a much more suited death for his character than a lackluster car wreck. It goes to show that I wasn't mad at the fact they had Christopher die, in fact it was practically inevitable, but rather the decision to kill him off immediately after planting all those seeds the episode prior. A character of this magnitude did not deserve to go out like that.
I really couldn't have cared less for the rest of this episode. There was so much untapped potential within Christopher Moltisanti.
will miss Chris
fcaraco16 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I am sorry to see Christopher bow out of the show like that... what a disappointment!!! Christopher was deep character and played with such passion by Micheal Imperioli. I was hoping that Christopher would be the last man standing at the end of the show. For all of the grief he was getting from the guys about being on the program and trying to get himself straight it would have been great to see him finally conquer his demons and give payback to those that crossed him.
By the way, Does anyone know what the name of the actress is who plays Sonya the woman that Tony hooks up with in Vegas (Christopher's friend)???
She is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!
By the way, Does anyone know what the name of the actress is who plays Sonya the woman that Tony hooks up with in Vegas (Christopher's friend)???
She is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!
Chris didn't deserve to die but he might not be
Cameron_Moltisanti26 July 2007
Warning: Spoilers
WARNING SPOILERS BEWARE
This is my least favorite episode as Christopher Moltisanti, my favorite character on The Sopranos. Tony did have his reasons to murder Chris, Chris took drugs after Rehab which was a stupid thing to do and Tony had warned him to keep of drugs but took no notice. But instead of trying to help him once more he whacked him in cold blood and even in Christopher's final moments he knew he was being murder in cold blood. Tony had a heart of Stone for Chris from that moment onwards and killed him in cold blood. But Chrissy might still be alive as in Season 2 of The Sopranos he began taking acting lessons when Tony killed Chris might have faked his death and might have gone into hiding. He couldn't walk but the Ambulance took him away even though they thought he was dead. In my opinion Chris is still alive.
This is my least favorite episode as Christopher Moltisanti, my favorite character on The Sopranos. Tony did have his reasons to murder Chris, Chris took drugs after Rehab which was a stupid thing to do and Tony had warned him to keep of drugs but took no notice. But instead of trying to help him once more he whacked him in cold blood and even in Christopher's final moments he knew he was being murder in cold blood. Tony had a heart of Stone for Chris from that moment onwards and killed him in cold blood. But Chrissy might still be alive as in Season 2 of The Sopranos he began taking acting lessons when Tony killed Chris might have faked his death and might have gone into hiding. He couldn't walk but the Ambulance took him away even though they thought he was dead. In my opinion Chris is still alive.
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