TV Series: The Sopranos Season 4

R.I.P. Jerry Adler, who passed away on 23rd August, aged 1996. I would have written about him last week, but he didn't appear in the last three episodes of the Sopranos. He was a secondary character, who only appeared in 28 of the 86 episodes, but he played an important part in cementing the Sopranos mythology. The New Jersey mob was made up of Italian Americans, but Hesh (Herman Rabkin) was a Jew who was a close friend of Tony and enjoyed the respect of his associates. His history was as a music producer, giving work to young black Americans, but making money off them by falsely claiming he'd co-written their songs.

The fourth season starts with the first change in the opening credits since season one. The reason is the date. The third season ended on 20th May 2001, and the fourth season began on 15th September 2002 (broadcast dates). The events of 11th September 2001 necessitated the removal of the World Trade Center (sic) from the credits. Rather than remake the whole credits, the scene was replaced by metal railings of unclear location.

Several things have happened between the two seasons:

AJ (Anthony Junior) has been enrolled into a new school.

Paulie has been imprisoned for unspecified gun charges.

Christopher is using heroin.

Tony's wife Carmela is becoming attracted to Tony's soldier Furio Giunta. She's too reserved to say anything, but she becomes flustered whenever he comes to her house, and, well... it's just obvious from the way she acts.

So much for Janice Soprano's conversion to Christianity. I knew it wouldn't last long. She's taking cocaine and having an affair with Ralphie Cifaretto, even though he's dating Rosalie Aprile. Eventually he breaks up with Rosalie and says he wants to move in with Janice, but she turns him away. She wants a man, but it can't be serious.

After an argument with Christopher, undercover agent Deborah Ciccerone (aka Danielle) can no longer act as Adriana's friend. The FBI decide that she should reveal her true identity. Adriana is threatened with up to 25 years in prison if she doesn't cooperate. This is obviously an exaggeration, but Adriana is scared and agrees to give information.

Deborah/Danielle can go back to her usual hairstyle. I prefer her professional look, but can't she smile?

This is a slow start to season four, but don't worry, things are warming up.

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