Ep 6. The Happy Wanderer

When it comes to shows that have changed the very idea of drama television, The Sopranos is a name that comes to mind instantly. The critically acclaimed series has an unparalleled fan following, and season 2 episode 6 of the show, The Happy Wanderer, continues to showcase the incredible storytelling that has made The Sopranos a household name.

In this episode, we see Tony Soprano (played by James Gandolfini) struggling to keep his personal and professional lives separate. As a mob boss, Tony is no stranger to the occasional indiscretion, but he faces a new kind of challenge when he meets a beautiful woman, Gloria Trillo (Annabella Sciorra). One might think that Tony's troubled marriage to Carmela (Edie Falco) would be enough to keep him from straying, but his attraction to Gloria proves to be overpowering.

Meanwhile, Tony is dealing with power struggles within his own organization. The arrival of Furio Giunta (Frederico Castelluccio), a hitman from Italy, has thrown the balance off in the hierarchy of the family. Furio is clearly a valuable asset, but his arrival has made some of Tony's subordinates uncomfortable. It's up to Tony to make sure that everyone knows their place, but as always, it's easier said than done.

On the other side of the law, FBI agent Dwight Harris (Matt Servitto) is still on the hunt for incriminating evidence against Tony and his crew. He's been working tirelessly to build a case against them, but he's facing some major setbacks. In this episode, we see him get some unexpected help from an unlikely source.

As with every episode of The Sopranos, The Happy Wanderer is expertly written and directed. Show creator David Chase has a gift for crafting nuanced characters and intricate plotlines, and this episode is no exception. The tension between Tony and his various enemies is palpable, and the sexual chemistry between Tony and Gloria is electric.

One of the highlights of the episode is the way it tackles the issue of depression. Gloria, the woman who catches Tony's eye, is struggling with her own mental health issues. She's been in and out of therapy for years, but nothing seems to help. Her struggles resonate with viewers because they're so raw and genuine. The Sopranos was one of the first shows to depict mental illness in this nuanced way, and it remains one of its most important contributions to the television landscape.

Of course, no discussion of The Sopranos can be complete without mentioning the incredible performances from the cast. The main players - Gandolfini, Falco, Lorraine Bracco, Michael Imperioli, and the rest - all deliver knockout performances. They breathe life into these complicated characters and make us care about them, even when they're making poor decisions.

Annabella Sciorra, who plays Gloria, is a standout in this episode. She brings a vulnerability to the role that's both heartbreaking and captivating. It's no wonder that she was nominated for an Emmy for her performance.

Overall, The Happy Wanderer is a standout episode in an already incredible season of television. It's an excellent example of why The Sopranos remains a touchstone for modern drama, even all these years later. Fans of the show won't want to miss this one, and newcomers to the series will find plenty to love as well.