Season 6 - Ep. 8: "Johnny Cakes" **SPOILERS**

Tony is tempted by a real-estate offer; Vito is wowed by an act of heroism; AJ looks to "diversify."

I don't think Vito is wowed by anything with the word her in it. :rolleyes:

Isn't this the one with the supposed rape in it? Vito and Finn.

Vito rapes Finn? Sorry, I don't see that. Too risky and unessesary for Vito.

Vito rapes Finn? Sorry, I don't see that. Too risky and unessesary for Vito. [/b][/quote]Check the "Live Free or Die" thread.

Vito rapes Finn? Sorry, I don't see that. Too risky and unessesary for Vito. [/b][/quote]Check the "Live Free or Die" thread. [/b][/quote]No, I remember the disscussion, I just doubt that it would happen.

Supposedly "confirmed".

We'll see.

cant wait to get my hands on this tommorow, im hooked like the rest of the seasons

Looks like RapeGate is next week then. If anything, I'm glad it wasn't this week, since its expected.

"You have a history of panic attacks?"

Better Espisode.. Could AJ change to a better kid with what his dad told him?

Also 2 possible wackings next week? Vito and Bobby?

How about when AJ drops the knife?

Junior: It's not my knife!
---------

I think the best moment in the episode was Tony refusing to go any further with the real estate agent.

I really liked this episode. AJ seems to be enjoying using the family name, and IMHO I still say he'll end up in the "business", even though his fumbled attempt to kill Junior was a bust. I didn't realize he was so addicted to cocaine, and until they mentioned panic attack I didn't make the connection. Could maybe be the beginning of a bonding of sorts between Tony and AJ. Oh, and the GF reference by AJ.

And Vito, I kind of felt sorry for, but think he's days are numbered. Even if Tony decides to let it go some of the others just won't.

And, the realtor..did she seem to come out of the blue? Do you think there was a hidden reason?? I don't know, she made me suspicious.

Also, I'm a bit confused on the business transaction. I understand it's in an area where Tony grew up and his friend owned the business. Did they ever show that business owner before. And, do you think Tony sold it just for the money only? He seemed so sentimental about it at first. Is it his to sell, because the others seem pissed.

I must admit, I was disappointed that Tony was gonna put the moves on the realtor, yelling at the tv "no Tony, don't do it" :p and then pleased when he decided not to. Showed a conscious, even if only temporarily. I'm sure that loving look he gave Carm (and her him)as she was buttoning his shirt had something to do with it. Then when he comes home frustrated cause he can't make "a fuckin' turkey sandwich" was funny, leaving Carm to wonder what the hell is that all about.

Really good episode IMHO.

TIS

AJ had a panick attack when Tony was shipping him to military school.

I also want to mention that AJ is 100% right about Tony not wanting to harm Junior. Wonder if this changes his view on that and Vito?

good episode I thought. AJ isn't meant for the business as we saw. I think it's good they establish this with his foiled attempt on Junior. I found this to be very interesting for Tony not to start a new affair. Next week episode looks better with Paulie and Bobby aruging over something. Maybe Paulie accusing Bobby it was his fault for Tony getting shot by Junior.
I don't think we are going to see the whole Vito issue resolved until the final episodes of the season. I liked how the episode focused on the big business markets taking over the smaller business and how the wise guys now can't conduct business. Patsy wasn't happy hearing this news.

I think Tony did it just to get in her pants. Esepcially after she turned him down at the club. Then he had second thoughts about it when he came hom all pissed off knowing he sold that building.

May come back to haunt him.

Absolutely. Notice how he looked at Carm when she was buttoning his shirt for him? Then when Julianna is unbuttoning his shirt, he loses it and turns her away. Her unbuttoning the shirt made him think about Carmela buttoning the shirt and that's when the the guilt set in.

Very good episode.

Bobby and Paulie going at it next week?


Don Cardi

he took note of Carms wedding ring and saw it on the girl as well only it was here engagement ring.

Wow. I'm not sure what it was about this episode, but I believe it was by far the best of the season so far. I absolutely loved it, despite the fact that it was a bit depressing. I agree with Don Lights about the whole Vito thing not being resolved until the end of the season at this point. His eye was messed up pretty bad, but not as badly as I remember seeing in that picture, though possibly I remember incorrectly. Great character exploration in this episode. I was surprised that I actually liked the AJ storyline. He's usually pretty annoying to watch lol. Oh and it looks like Phil is going a bit crazy again. Always fun, I love Frank Vincent. (His book is hilarious)

Anyway, next episode looks to be another great one. I have been waiting for this carnival looking thing since I saw it in the teaser for the season. Looks to be great cinematography if nothing else Paulie and Bobby going at it should be interesting. Tony, I believe, saying something along the lines of "it must be taken care of tonight." and Chris firing a gun out of a car. Not to mention, Janice shouting "Somebody call an ambulance!" Man, it looks great. But what I am most interested in next episode is the relationship between Chris and Tony getting stronger. That is what I got from the trailer anyway. We see them working together packing boxes into the back of a van. (The one Chris was shooting out of maybe?) Who knows? Sorry for the long rambling post lol.

God, I love this show

One more random side note. All of the sudden, as I was watching the trailer for next episode, this huge feeling came over me. Almost like a revelation. I sincerely believed, "They are all going to die." I don't know why, it just seems like all is going to hell. The more I think about it, it doesn't seem likely. But hey, I never disregard my instincts. Chase is a tricky bastard though lol.

Fooz

I continue to be more and more impressed with Tim Van Patten's work. He always directs what feel like true Sopranos episodes, not imitations. I enjoyed the episode. I feel like this is the first time where we've had three different character storylines (Tony, Vito, AJ) and none of them were really resolved. Makes for a good transition into next week. I can't wait.

Updated Season 6 episode rankings...
1. Members Only (6.1)
2. Live Free or Die (6.6)
3. Johnny Cakes (6.8)
4. Join the Club (6.2)
5. Mr. and Mrs. Sacrimoni Request (6.5)
6. Luxury Lounge (6.7)
7. Mayham (6.3)
8. The Fleshy Part of the Thigh (6.4)

Mobster K,

I forgot about AJ's military incident. Did they determine it was a panic attack then? I forgot.

I know AJ blew it tonight trying to whack Junior, but from past episodes, the are hinting that AJ has a business mind of sorts. And tonight he wanted Tony to hook him up to manage a club. I think he'll end up in that line of work.

Ha ha..on second thought maybe they'll ship him to Vegas to learn the casino business.

TIS

VERY good episode!

Tony's family concerns seem to be infringing on the Family concerns. I'm beginning to think the whole show will end up with Tony "retiring" from the Mob.

Two scenes from tonight's episode got to me: Vito talking to wis wife and son AND Tony & A.J. in the Police Dept. parking lot.

Good writing. Good acting. Good show!

I really liked this episode. AJ seems to be enjoying using the family name, and IMHO I still say he'll end up in the "business", even though his fumbled attempt to kill Junior was a bust. I didn't realize he was so addicted to cocaine, and until they mentioned panic attack I didn't make the connection.

Was that coke AJ was snorting? The little bottle threw me.

I'm surprised that Tony's still got pull with Councilman Zellman (I'd loved to have heard the phone conversation!) as the last time we saw them together the latter was bundled in a quasi-fetal position as the former was thrashing him with a belt.

Could maybe be the beginning of a bonding of sorts between Tony and AJ. Oh, and the GF reference by AJ.

Verrrrry interesting, that AJ grew up believing the restaurant scene was his father's favorite when all along we'd been led to believe, from previous eps, that his tops were the "exile in Sicily" scenes.

And Vito, I kind of felt sorry for, but think he's days are numbered. Even if Tony decides to let it go some of the others just won't.

I had thought he was going to become the next pain in the ass a la Richie Aprile, Ralph Cifaretto and Feech LaManna but it's clear that that crown will be snatched by Phil Leotardo; what a pest! Not only is he talking outta school about his boss ("veil of tears," indeed) but he's gonna continue to milk his brother's whacking, courtesy of Tony Uncle Al.

But back to V, methinks his kiss-and-make-up with the fry chef/fire chief makes things a wee bit harder to call.


And, the realtor..did she seem to come out of the blue? Do you think there was a hidden reason?? I don't know, she made me suspicious.

She did kinda strike me as a bit on the Satanic temptress feel about her, as innocent as she may well have been. I dunno, she seemed to know too much about him; where to catch up with him, etc. While I applaud Tony's ultimate rebuff, I'm wondering now if maybe he should've read what he signed.

One thing that I noticed as a bit offbeat was when Carm was helping Tony get ready to go out. When he mentioned that it was a realty matter, I'm wondering if a) it just zoomed past her head and she took it at face value or b) she thought he was FINALLY going to help her pull some strings on her land deal.

Also, I'm a bit confused on the business transaction. I understand it's in an area where Tony grew up and his friend owned the business. Did they ever show that business owner before. And, do you think Tony sold it just for the money only? He seemed so sentimental about it at first. Is it his to sell, because the others seem pissed.

Maybe it's part of his "life beginning anew" outlook; the old neighborhood is a thing of his past and he's now into looking forward.

I must admit, I was disappointed that Tony was gonna put the moves on the realtor, yelling at the tv "no Tony, don't do it" :p and then pleased when he decided not to. Showed a conscious, even if only temporarily. I'm sure that loving look he gave Carm (and her him)as she was buttoning his shirt had something to do with it. Then when he comes home frustrated cause he can't make "a fuckin' turkey sandwich" was funny, leaving Carm to wonder what the hell is that all about.

Their yelling match seemed to sadly signal that maybe the "honeymoon" is over.

Really good episode IMHO.

Totally agree; I think Chase & Company are really pulling out the stops to give this wonderful series a regal sendoff.

Looks like A.J found that art doesn't imitate life. The movies make things look like a piece of cake. A.J trying to kill Junior with a room full of people and orderlies isn't bright just stupid. Looks like he also likes his drugs. Vito and the guy from the dinner was too much. First he gets his clock cleaned by the guy and the next minute they are going at it on the grass. Why Joseph Ganiscoli[sp] would want to do these scenes is beyond me.

I wonder if he was mulling in mind "two stabs in the heart apiece."

Maybe having more screen time on one of the most popular tv series of all time has something to do with it.

I've had the good fortune of meeting Gannascoli and I can tell you he's a real gentleman and a very amiable guy. He's not particularly a household name and this is a chance of a lifetime opportunity. If I were an actor I'd jump at a chance like this.

You'd jump at a chance at a roll in the field's just like Vito did? :p

Seriously though, you're absolutely right. This is Joe's chance to become a houshold name and his chance to be seen in hollywood cirlces as an actor who is not afraid to take the "controversial" role.

It's the type of chance that an unknown actor has to take if the opportunity arises, with the hopes of it helping him to become a known actor.

The AJ and Tony scene almost choked me up. The kid did a really fine job in the acting department with that scene. And as you said the Vito sr. and Vito jr. phone conversation was very moving.


Don Cardi

Maybe having more screen time on one of the most popular tv series of all time has something to do with it. [/b][/quote]Or maybe because he is an actor! Don't forget James Gandolfini played a gay man in The Mexican, even though we never see him kissing another man I think...

Nobody caught this... In the beginning of the episode AJ is showing his drums to the rap kids.. He has SHORT HAIR. Then we see him at the "Stugots II" drinking with Tony, he has LONG HAIR... Then after that he has short hair again...

Did you even watch to see why he clocked him and why they were rolling in the grass?

Why is it beyond you? He is an actor.

Did you even watch to see why he clocked him and why they were rolling in the grass?

Why is it beyond you? He is an actor. [/b][/quote]I did see that part. Why it is beyond me is that there was a thread when they first came up with the idea to make Vito gay and Tony Sirico asked Joe G if he was comfortable with the idea. If not Tony Sirico and a few of the others were going to talk to the writers.

Yeah, I caught that also. It kind of threw me off, I actually thought it was a flashback or something at first. I guess maybe they just filmed that at a different time and put it in there.
Not really sure.

One thing that I noticed was that the way Vito's wife acted was just like the way Sonny Wortiz's wife acted in Dog Day Afternoon.

I'm sorry, but those gay scenes made me eXXXXXXXtremely uncomfortable. Still, why so much concentration on Vito. Is this just misdirection, or is it going to play out really big in future episodes?

Oddly I didn't catch the long/short hair thing with AJ, although i see things like that all the time on other TV shows, large lower back tattoos poorly covered up in one scene then bold black in the next, then back to no tattoo (desparate housewives), a car with broken windshields and mud & bullet-ridden then in the next scene not a scratch then the next scene back to the bashed up car (driven by 'jack' in the show '24') and don't even get me started on spanish soapoperas lol...

In anycase, a friend of mine also mentioned the gay/vito thing... looked more like brokeback mountain than a ganster show... is chase trying to cash in on a common theme? i should hope not and wonder if they were written/shot around the same time...

lastly, one thing i didn't get, i had company, so i didnt catch a lot of subtle things, but why did AJ have to give the short guy at the club money? I didn't get that whole part, i plan to watch it again weds nite...

Maybe having more screen time on one of the most popular tv series of all time has something to do with it. [/b][/quote]Or maybe because he is an actor! Don't forget James Gandolfini played a gay man in The Mexican, even though we never see him kissing another man I think... [/b][/quote]We do see Jimmy dancing and frolicking with a male pickup in a hotel room.

True. Actors act because its an art and an art they love, the would do it free and not take a dime if they could support themselves like that (like politicians, and, no insult to actors)... actors constantly crave a challenge... Watching Gandolfini on the "Actors Studio" on Bravo is very interesting if you can ever catch the rerun.

Just thought of another question, when tony goes to hook up with the realtor, he bails, not sure if its the obvious (sexual dysfunction, premature release) or someting more subtle like, he is growing up or thinking "what am i trying to prove" or the fact that he is actually thinking of his family/wife? am i reading to deep into this? He clearly needed to know he is still man enough to make love, so we first see him in bed with his wife, then he wants to know he can still handle the younger women, so why didn't he do it, if for nothing else to go brag to chris & silvio "hey you know that realtor, i did her last nite"... did i miss something?

Tony bailed because he finally has a conscience after being shot and Carmella standing beside his side through the crisis. She didn't have to tend to him at all. This showed that Tony was a true man by sticking by his vows to his wife.

I think Tony has turned a corner and there is hope for his salvation. You can start rooting for Tony again, maybe he will see his evil ways and change before it is too late ala Ebonezzer Scrooge. First Tony contemplates the sale of the building wanting to keep the neighborhood the same. Did he sell the building to get closer to the realitor or did that old prejudice lady help him determine he wants to dis-associate himeself from the old world.

Also it was funny how big corporate business does not lend itself for the local hoods with Patsy and Starbusks and now anothe big chain. "What is happening to the Neighborhood"

Also we have a very moving scene with AJ where Tony all but says my way is not the right way.

And finally Tony staying true to Carmella, very big.

I like the new Tony Soprano and I hope he keep moving in the right direction.

Also the speculation kills me. When I first saw the photo of Vito with his eye before the season began I thought like everyone that he was going to be taking out like Moe Green.

Then I hear the rumour about the rape with Finn and think that maybe Finn gauges Vito's eye out during the brutal rape.

But what do we really get... Two homosexuals in a little pre lovers tiff.

Don't bet on it.

Don't bet on it.

Don't bet on it.


Don Cardi

I have always said that when it comes down to it Tony will sell out his business family in order to save his family.

Remember the test dream

"All you need to know is right here" holding a copy of the Valachi Papers

Tony will sing like a Soprano

I remember the season where Junior tried to kill Tony[season 1]and Tony refused to cut a deal with the feds i.e. the witness protection deal.

Yeah, JRCX, I had those same questions. Also, I looked at AJ's hair and I think it was the same length. On the boat it was naturally blowing around, so that may have made it look longer.

One other thing. What was Christopher's remark all about concerning the FBI and business concerns? What business concerns that would be the business of the FBI?

Question - After leaving the Starbucks what did Patsy (I think it was him, I forget) mean by when he said something like "The Little Guy is gone." ?

yea, that was ironic he said "its over for the little guy" and the irony is that he soon will also be out of biz because he has no one to intimidate for protection money, granted they make money other ways, but there is no bigger mafia than the government and capitalists... oh, and the Catholic church, let us not forget what GF3 taught us lol.

Good question. JRCX hit it on the head with his reply. The "little guy" (the small shop owner) was the bread and butter for the Mob. They're relatively easy targets and can be intimidated without too much trouble. How is the Mob supposed to intimidate a large corporation? The manager of the new store (in the show) summed it up quite correctly.... even if the wiseguys beat him up the corporation would simply send someone else to replace him.

It's true. The end of the small buisness means the end of the protection racket.

Stupid me! I thought his remark was referring to the character played by Frankie Valli. But someone opine about Chris' reference to his business problems involving the FBI.

I just watched the episode yesterday. Not bad. It looks like Vito had an order of Sausage with his Johnny Cakes today.

I wonder if Vito will really get clipped. Vito does have something going for him, information. He could always work a deal with the feds for witness protection.

Best episode of the season, so far.

Call it a filler, a slow-burner, whatever; as far as intrinsic values go, this has to be one of the best-written and -edited episodes ever made in the show. The parallels between the three plot threads were amazing, I thought.

I didn't count any establishing shots in the entire thing; everything was so tightly-edited, and the match cuts were explicit enough for even newbies to the show to catch up on.

Psychological episode indeed.