Big Girls Don't Cry — Season 2 Episode Guide

Big Girls Don't Cry (S02E05) — Paulie and Silvio get promoted, Furio gets welcomed, Pussy gets pushed aside, and Chris gets frustrated with his Hollywood aspirations. — Paulie and Silvio get promoted, Furio gets welcomed, Pussy gets pushed aside, and Chris gets frustrated with his Hollywood aspirations.

Plot

The season begins in earnest as Christopher and Meadow head to Italy for a family vacation, hoping to bond before Christopher’s upcoming wedding. The trip quickly sours when Meadow becomes pregnant, leading to an awkward confrontation with her mother, Livia, who is less than thrilled about the news. Back in New Jersey, Tony Soprano deals with the fallout of his recent business dealings and the growing tension within the family business. He visits Paulie at a rehab center, where he finds him struggling with his addiction issues. Meanwhile, Dr. Melfi works through her own family dynamics with her father-in-law, revealing deep-seated resentments that threaten to tear apart their marriage.

Credits

Written by David Chase and Matthew Weiner Directed by Tim Van Patten Starring James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano, Lorraine Bracco as Dr. Jennifer Melfi, Edie Falco as Carmela Soprano, Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti, Jamie-Lynn Sigler as Meadow Soprano, Dominic Chianese as Corrado "Junior" Soprano, Steven Van Zandt as Silvio Dante, and Tony Sirico as Paulie Gualtieri

Music

"Big Girls Don't Cry" by The Platters "Teardrops" by Jimmy Cliff "The Way We Were" by Barbra Streisand "Green Onions" by Booker T. & the M.G.'s "Theme from New York, New York" by Frank Sinatra

Analysis

This episode marks a pivotal moment for the Soprano family, as it introduces some of the most significant challenges they will face throughout the series. The subplot involving Meadow's pregnancy and Livia's reaction highlights the generational conflicts that permeate the show. Livia's influence over her daughter is palpable, showcasing how family dynamics can be both a source of strength and weakness. For Tony, this episode also serves as a reminder of his own vulnerabilities and the need to navigate complex personal relationships while maintaining control over his criminal enterprise. Dr. Melfi's storyline takes a dramatic turn as she confronts her father-in-law's issues, revealing the fragility of her marriage. This adds another layer of complexity to Tony's therapy sessions, where he must grapple with the idea that even those closest to him may harbor deep-seated resentments. The episode effectively illustrates how personal issues can spill over into professional life and vice versa, a theme central to the series. Christopher's trip to Italy offers a glimpse into his character's growth and struggles. His interactions with Meadow and the Italian family reveal the complexities of cross-cultural relationships and the pressures of maintaining a facade of normalcy while dealing with underlying emotional turmoil. The episode also introduces the concept of "big girls don't cry," which becomes a recurring motif throughout the series, symbolizing the expectation for individuals to suppress their emotions and maintain a stoic exterior despite internal chaos. Overall, "Big Girls Don't Cry" sets the stage for many of the dramatic arcs that will unfold in subsequent seasons. It provides a rich tapestry of character development and interpersonal conflict, making it an essential entry point for understanding the dynamics at play within the Soprano universe. As fans of the show know well, every episode builds upon previous ones, creating a narrative web that is both intricate and compelling. For those interested in watching this classic episode or exploring more content from The Sopranos, visit our where to watch page for additional resources and viewing options.