Ep 2. Proshai, Livushka

In the second episode of season 3 of The Sopranos, titled "Proshai, Livushka," we are thrown back into the lives of the New Jersey mobsters. The episode opens with a bang as a group of young men attempt to steal cash from a construction site under the protection of Christopher. The chase leads to the death of an accomplice, which sets up the rest of the episode's focus on death and mourning.

Tony and his family are still reeling from the death of his mother, Livia, and the funeral preparations provide a somber backdrop for the events that follow. After admitting to Carmela that he was in therapy, Tony is faced with backlash from his crew who see therapy as a sign of weakness. Meanwhile, Janice sees her mother's death as an opportunity to take advantage of Tony and questions her brother's leadership.

As the funeral approaches, Tony must navigate through his emotions and familial relationships. The appearance of his estranged sister, Barbara, adds another layer of complexity to the already tense situation. Tony and Janice's unresolved issues bubble to the surface, and we see the siblings' contentious relationship reach a boiling point during a private moment at the funeral home.

The episode's title, "Proshai, Livushka," is a reference to Livia's Russian heritage and translates to "goodbye, little dove." We see Livia's character fleshed out through a series of flashbacks that Tony experiences. These flashbacks offer a glimpse into Livia's troubled past and provide context for her manipulative behavior towards her family.

The final act of the episode centers on the aftermath of the funeral. Tony, still struggling with the loss of his mother, is faced with the reality that his crew is not as loyal as he thought. Revealing his therapy sessions to his sister Janice has consequences beyond what he anticipated. In a show known for its violence, the episode's climax comes in the form of an emotional outburst rather than a physical altercation.

"Proshai, Livushka" is a heavy episode that delves into themes of family, grief, and loyalty. The loss of Livia is felt throughout the episode, both as a presence and absence, and the various characters' reactions to her death provide insight into their relationships with one another. The Sopranos is known for its complex and multifaceted characters, and this episode does not disappoint in adding layers to previously established relationships. While the episode does not offer any resolution to the tensions between Tony and his sister, it does set up the season's larger narrative arc. Overall, "Proshai, Livushka" is a poignant and necessary episode that serves as a reminder of the show's ability to balance emotional depth with the high-stakes world of organized crime.