Ralphie issues his final decision on the fate of Jackie Jr., Anthony Jr. faces military school after getting expelled, Paulie and Ralphie…
Plot
The season three finale, titled "Army of One," sees the Soprano family and their associates scattered across New Jersey, reflecting a show that has moved away from its tight-knit mob structure in earlier seasons toward a more fragmented existence. Tony Soprano is back at work as a therapist, grappling with his own mental health while trying to manage the chaotic lives of those around him. The season's overarching arc regarding Ralphie Servidio's disappearance and the resulting fallout with Paulie Gualtieri reaches its climax here.
Tony visits Ralphie, who is in a nursing home that Tony had previously suggested as an option for his own aging mother. Ralphie remains evasive about his whereabouts during the earlier incident involving the casino money drop, but he hints at settling it with Paulie. Meanwhile, Paulie arrives at the nursing home to collect what he believes is owed to him by Ralphie. The tension between these two men is palpable; they are former partners who have grown apart, and their history of violence hangs heavy in the air.
The scene shifts to a meeting room where Tony and Paulie sit down for a conversation that feels less like a business meeting and more like an awkward therapy session. Paulie brings up the cost of Ralphie's care at the Green Grove, referencing the high monthly fee. He uses a dark metaphor involving a seeing-eye dog and a cup full of pencils to describe the situation, hinting at the chaos and potential for disaster if things go wrong. The dialogue underscores the absurdity and danger inherent in their world.
As the conversation continues, Paulie leaves the room and encounters Johnny Sack in the hallway. This is not an unannounced visit; Sack has been waiting outside. Their exchange is cryptic yet revealing of their shared history and current status. Sack makes a comment about a museum of noses and the Mona Lisa, which serves as a bizarre but fitting metaphor for the fragility of their identities and the artifice of their lives.
The episode concludes with a series of vignettes that highlight the isolation of each character. Tony is seen alone in his office or car, thinking about his family and his own struggles. The show ends on a note of quiet introspection, leaving the audience to ponder what lies ahead for these characters who have built their lives on violence but now find themselves facing an uncertain future.
Credits
Written by: David Chase
Directed by: Tim Van Patten
Starring: James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli, Lorraine Bracco, Tony Sirico, Steve Schirripa, Robert Iler, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Matthew Morrison, Dominic Chianese, and Frank Vincent.
Music
The episode features a soundtrack that underscores the melancholic and reflective tone of the finale. The tracklist includes:
- "I Got You Babe" by Sonny & Cher
- "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra
- "I'll Be Seeing You" by Nat King Cole
- "My Funny Valentine" by Chet Baker
- "Lullaby of Birdland" by Stan Getz
- "The Moon Song" by The Righteous Brothers
- "Summertime" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
Analysis
As a long-time fan of the show, "Army of One" stands out as a crucial turning point in the series. It marks the end of Season 3, a season often cited as one of the strongest runs of the entire series. The title itself is a bit misleading if taken literally; it's not about having an army but rather about the solitude that comes with being at the top of the food chain in their world. Tony and Paulie are both "armies of one" in a sense, isolated by their choices and the consequences of those choices.
The interaction between Tony and Paulie is particularly interesting because it highlights the deterioration of their relationship. In earlier seasons, they were close allies, but here, there is a clear distance growing between them. The conversation about Ralphie's care at the Green Grove serves as a microcosm for the broader issues facing the characters: aging, loss of power, and the inevitable decline that comes with it. Paulie's dark humor about the seeing-eye dog and the cup full of pencils is a perfect example of how they use sarcasm to mask their fears.
Johnny Sack's encounter with Paulie adds another layer of complexity to the episode. The cryptic remark about the "museum of noses" and the "Mona Lisa" is a great example of the kind of oblique communication that defines much of the show's dialogue. It suggests a deeper understanding between the two men, one that goes beyond their immediate circumstances. Sack's reference to the Mona Lisa might be a nod to the idea that they are all subjects in an art gallery, observing each other from a distance, much like tourists in a museum.
The episode also serves as a reflection on the nature of power and isolation. Tony is constantly surrounded by people, yet he often feels alone. Paulie, on the other hand, seems to be losing his grip on his former life. The nursing home setting becomes a metaphor for this loss, where once-powerful figures are reduced to their most basic needs.
The music choices in the episode further enhance this reflective mood. Songs like "I'll Be Seeing You" and "The Way You Look Tonight" evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, fitting for a season finale that looks back on the tumultuous events of the previous episodes while hinting at what lies ahead.
Overall, "Army of One" is a masterful conclusion to a strong season, setting the stage for the dramatic shifts in the show's narrative in the subsequent seasons. It captures the essence of The Sopranos: a blend of humor and tragedy, introspection and action, all wrapped in a package that feels both familiar and fresh.
If you're eager to continue your journey through Tony's world and explore what happens next, check out our guide on where to watch.