The Best Episodes of The Sopranos

Paulie and Christopher are engulfed in a nightmarish journey into the South Jersey woods while trying to collect a debt from a Russian mobster. Meanwhile, Meadow is suspicious that Jackie Jr. is two-timing her, and Tony finds that family demands are jeopardizing his romance with Gloria.

Director: Steve Buscemi

Writer: Terence Winter

With the feds pulling a new trump card, Adriana ponders her options. Tony B. unloads some heavy baggage on Tony, and vice-versa. Johnny Sack makes Tony an offer he can refuse, and Tony offers Carmela a deal to make her real-estate dreams come true.

Director: Tim Van Patten

Writer: Terence Winter

The spectre of disloyalty among the crew hangs over Tony as Phil Leotardo decides how to handle recent issues with the Soprano crime family. A hit gone wrong comes at a huge cost. A.J.'s conquering of his depression is challenged.

Director: Alan Taylor

Writer: David Chase, Matthew Weiner

In the Season Two finale, Tony has a series of 'fever dreams' that help to shed light on some of his problems--particularly his troubles over Big Pussy.

Director: John Patterson

Writer: David Chase, Todd A. Kessler

Tony seeks to find a peace with the Leotardo crew while dealing with rumors a member of his own crew may have flipped. A.J. makes a decision regarding his future and Junior's slide into dementia continues.

Director: David Chase

Writer: David Chase

Engaged lovebirds Richie and Janice have an explosive first quarrel. Meanwhile, Irina takes drastic measures to try to convince Tony to continue their affair.

Director: Allen Coulter

Writer: Mitchell Burgess, Robin Green

After an aggressive team of reporters lowers the boom on Uncle Junior, his lawyers try a new strategy. Ralph has some fun at the expense of Paulie and his mother, but soon winds up with his own family problems. Meanwhile, Tony again finds refuge at the stables.

Director: Tim Van Patten

Writer: Mitchell Burgess, Robin Green

In the Season Four finale, Tony and Carmela contemplate purchasing a shore house, but a voice from the past threatens the deal. While Uncle Junior breaks out the Hearty Burgundy, Little Paulie and Benny break in a new sound system on the Stugots. With Carmine apparently intent on putting the past behind him, Tony and Johnny Sack weigh their options, carefully.

Director: John Patterson

Writer: David Chase, Mitchell Burgess, Robin Green

While Christopher is away, Tony gives Adriana a ride home that proves disastrous. Meanwhile, the Soprano crew plays a game of 'telephone' with the story that turns it into something far more sinister when an enraged Christopher gets wind of it.

Director: Allen Coulter

Writer: Mitchell Burgess, Robin Green

In the Season Five finale, Tony's crew circles the wagons as Johnny Sack turns up the heat. Carmela counts her blessings. Christopher is freaked out by an unexpected visitor. Benny's connection to the plumber's union comes in handy. A.J. demonstrates his business acumen. Tony ponders whether to execute a 'sacrifice bunt.'

Director: John Patterson

Writer: David Chase, Mitchell Burgess, Robin Green

Tony attempts to repair the rift between New Jersey and New York. A.J.'s depression struggle continues. A New York associate crosses the line with Meadow.

Director: Tim Van Patten

Writer: Terence Winter

In the Season One finale, Tony is stunned to discover that the attempt on his life may have been ordered by someone very close to him. Later, he must deal with the fact that everyone knows he is seeing a shrink. Christopher is sent to take care of Jimmy Altieri.

Director: John Patterson

Writer: David Chase

Inspired by a tale from Ralph about how his father got 'made,' Jackie Jr. decides to 'make his move' in organized crime by instigating a robbery caper at a local card game. Reminded by Melfi of the psychological parallels between his relationships with Gloria and with his mother, Tony finds it harder and harder to spend time with his 'crazy love.'

Director: Tim Van Patten

Writer: David Chase, Frank Renzulli

Gene Pontecorvo makes a final break from the mob life, while Junior's paranoid delusions could be the end of Tony.

Director: Tim Van Patten

Writer: Terence Winter

The Soprano and Lupertazzi crime families quarrel over asbestos removal. Tony deals with a problematic associate. Paulie suffers a devastating personal loss. A.J. questions his friendship with Jasons Parisi and Gervasi.

Director: Alan Taylor

Writer: David Chase, Matthew Weiner

Hit men are sent out to whack Tony, who comes out of his depression when he meets Isabella, an Italian exchange student staying next door.

Director: Allen Coulter

Writer: Mitchell Burgess, Robin Green

Dr. Melfi's attempts to steer Tony into behavior-modification therapy take a detour when a personal crisis gets in the way. Meanwhile, Ralph Cifaretto finds a way to endear himself to Jackie Jr.--but not to Tony.

Director: John Patterson

Writer: Mitchell Burgess, Robin Green

Bobby and Janice host a wild 47th birthday bash for Tony at their Adirondacks vacation home. Tony's actions following Johnny Sack's arrest come back to haunt him.

Director: Tim Van Patten

Writer: David Chase, Matthew Weiner, Diane Frolov, Andrew Schneider

Yet another academic misstep by A.J. forces his parents to contemplate military school. Tony orders Ralph to deal personally with the Jackie Jr. situation, and later seems to take Ralph's side in a money dispute with Paulie. Once again, the family gathers in Artie Bucco's restaurant, where Meadow reflects on being a Soprano.

Director: John Patterson

Writer: David Chase, Lawrence Konner

During a trip to Maine for Meadow's college interviews, Tony sees a man he believes is a relocated mob snitch. Back at home, Carmela receives comfort from Father Phil.

Director: Allen Coulter

Writer: David Chase, James Manos Jr.

At therapy, Tony likens himself to the 'sad clown,' but Melfi doesn't buy into his melancholy portrait. Meanwhile, Carmela drags A.J. with her to Furio's house to offer decorating tips and companionship; Paulie puts the finishing touches on some free artwork; and Christopher finds himself at a crossroads.

Director: Alan Taylor

Writer: Mitchell Burgess, Robin Green, Terence Winter

The relationship between Christopher and Paulie's falters, while A.J. grows depressed over his break-up with Blanca.

Director: Terence Winter

Writer: Terence Winter

After Jimmy and Pussy are arrested in an FBI raid, Makazian tells a stunned Tony that Pussy may be wired for the Feds. Tony sends Paulie to find out for sure. Later, Tony learns that Makazian might be trying to frame Pussy to get out of his gambling debts.

Director: Henry J. Bronchtein

Writer: Frank Renzulli

Although Richie is miffed at Tony for forcing him to build a ramp for the pizza-parlor owner he paralyzed, he decides to make a peace offering. Unhappy with their lowly status as Christopher's lackeys, Sean and Matt decide to pledge their allegiance to Richie--through a violent, unexpected act.

Director: Allen Coulter

Writer: Mitchell Burgess, Robin Green

Christopher has an out-of-body experience that spooks Paulie to no end. Carmela urges Tony to have a vasectomy. Visiting her own psychiatrist, Melfi reveals the 'unholy alliance' she's made with Tony...as well as her growing dependence on pills and alcohol.

Director: Henry J. Bronchtein

Writer: Michael Imperioli