Am I the only one who cringes whenever the scene cuts to the interior of her office? I'm getting tired of the therapy sessions. I liked it when it was real therapy and we'd find out something about Tony's past or why he was acting a certain way. However, all too often, it's developed into what I think is a writer's crutch to just tell us what Tony is thinking and what's on his mind. Obviously for Tony in his business he can't just go up and talk to the guy at the bar and spill his guts. I don't see the sessions adding anything to the show anymore.

Hi,
The sessions will probably lead somewhere. If I had a shrink that looked like that I wouldn't miss a visit either.

Paul

Yeah, wise words Paul.

I wish my shrink looked like Dr. Melfi.
Got to get some benefit out of spending all this money!

BTW - Congrats on being upped to Capo.

Hi,
Thanks Wiseguy_1872.

Paul

I think it always adds to the show. It's the only time we get a chance to see Tony at least a little bit vulnerable. Otherwise, he comes across as a stone wall tough guy, 100% balls. And no one in real life is actually like that 100% of the time. It shows a side we can all relate to, fears, concerns, needs, sorrow, anger, etc. Yeah, I know I'm soundin' corny and cliche', but in my humble opinion, it adds a dose of realism that otherwise wouldn't be there.

(Besides, what red-blooded male doesn't like drooling at those beautiful legs of hers??

I like what the sessions tell us about Tony but I'm looking at it from a standpoint of quality. It comes across as being a cheap ploy to allow us to get into his head.

It reminds me of the "official" biography of Ronald Reagan. The author, Edmund Morris, created this fictional character that shadowed Reagan, that way he could express the President's thoughts.

Melfi's role is to underscore the absurdity of Tony's conflicted life. The strength of "Sopranos" is to contrast the trappings of "normalcy"--Tony's lavish suburban home, his approaching-normal wife and kids, his occasional vulnerabilities--with the reality of life in the Mob pressure-cooker. Melfi adds an ultra-absurd touch: trying to apply conventional psychology to a guy who fits no conventional psychological profile. Her Freudian cliches also serve as a wall against her own conflicted feelings about Tony.

I think you're right, Turnbull (as usual ). And you raise a valid point, Oblong, about it being somewhat of a "cheap" way to get into Tony's head. But, if you really think about it, what other medium could achieve that? I mean, Tony has to keep up appearances in front of his crew. As Silvio expressed in season one, "It would be better if we could share these stressful times(?)...but it'll never happen." Anyway, it is the perfect method (in my opinion) to peel back Tony's character. I think it adds to his complexity. And, as Turnbull stated, it's fun watching Melfi juggle her own contrasting relationship with this patient. There could come a time when it's worn out, but I don't think the time has come just yet.

I like Tony's sessions with Dr. Melfi. We see a side of him other than business, and we see him tell Melfi things that he wouldn't tell Carmella. When you think about it, we see just about every facet of him; from personal/home relationship and business; and with Melfi, although he can't tell her everything, we see yet another side of his personality, which I find intriguing.

TIS