I was discussing season 6 part 1 with someone and they asked me what I thought about the pens that the Napels assassins(who killed Rusty)had on the plane back to Naples in episode 7. He told me that the pens were significant b/c Johnny Sac's brother in law(Anthony) brought Tony a pen in episode 10, that the pens were one of Anthony's new products of some sort.

I had to check it out....In the very final scene of Episode 7 Season 6 (Luxury Lounge) the assassins are on the plane home and one of them gloats(in Italian) about the beautiful watch he bought, then the other assassin whips out a box of 3 pens that he is very proud of. This is the last thing we see in this episode(the one w/ Ben Kingsley and Lauren Bacall) and the final music score is quite chilling w/ a classical guitar playing a very lovely and chilling Italian ballad.

Then....in episode 10 Season 6 (Moe N Joe) Johnny Sac's brother in law(Anthony) comes to see Tony. Tony and Sil are alone and have just finished discussing Tony's new interest in Carmela's housing 'career.'

Tony: Ah the lord of the lenses.

Anthony: Actually we just started carrying these
(presents a small bag)
The newest cross pen.

Tony takes the box out of the bag and examines the pen. 'Ah a roller ball.'

Anthony: You want a classic fountain version?

Tony( dissapointed): No. Sit down

They all sit down and then Anthony says he has information for your(Tony's) ears only. Tony says 'ah, that's why Sil didn't get a pen?' Room is silent, Sil breaks tension by saying 'he's fucking with you Anthony!' Everyone laughs, Sil leaves and Anthony delivers Johnny's New Orleans request.

***
So.... IF the assassins got these 'beautiful' pens (which episode 7 makes a point of showing us in the final scene) from Anthony, they must have met w/ Johnny Sac. I smell treachery here. The tension between NY/NJ has not involved Johnny, he and Tony have more or less been 'friends' throughout the ordeal. But if the Naples assassins met with Johnny Sac (for whatever reason, and I don't know how/why they would? ... BUT, it appears that they did ) then this could possibly signify treachery on Johnny's part. Johnny(who is STILL against little Carmine?) could be the one behind this whole NY/NJ rivalry, while Phil(who looks to be ready to reconcile w/ Tony) is merely the proverbial 'patsy.'

Again, the assassin scene w/ the pens is the last thing we see in episode 7. I remember at the time thinking how lame the ending of the episode was. But then these pens come along, madonne!!!

Interesting point Ice. I think it is also interesting that David Chase appeared in the last scene with the assassins on the plane in episode 7.

I just watched this episode and he says "Mont Blanc actually cheaper in the US." So I assuemed he just bought them, because he asked the other guy if he bought his watch "from the big store on 57th."

Yeah, I agree. I think they bought the pens. I think it's clear that Sac is one hell of a mess. Remember his elocution? So, his stock with families is just about gone as is his influence.

Which is why I think Johnny Sack is a goner.

I remember Johnny approaching Tony at Allegra's wedding and practically begging Tony to use his people for the Rusty hit. Tony finally agreed and had Christopher hire a translator. I really think the pen thing is a coincidence.

Tony ordered the hit and now the blood is on his hands, not John's. Or so one would think.

The assassins meeting w/ John(for whatever reason)could spell treachery.

Let's not forget the 'translator' who Tony specifically told Chris to hire, in fact, the line is re-played in one of last season's previews.....This is the same guy that Chris shot drugs with. Could he play a role in the conspiracy?.... Remember, Tony got ONE pen and the assassins got three. MayBEEE the third pen was for the 'translator' who may have served as a translator if the assassins met w/ Anthony(John).

That's a pretty good point Ice. I guess we'll have to just wait and see.

I don't want to sound pompous, but I've always found it amusing that these characters are so proud of their heritage, yet none of them speak Italian. Remember Paulie in Italy during season 2, when the Italians are bad mouthing him right in front of his face ? All he could do was smile and ask the waiter for "macaroni and gravy." It's one of my favorite episodes ever.

I still think you're thinking into this too much. So if they did meet with John, how did that happen since only the guy Chrissy got knows what they look like?

Hey Tone, I'm goin back to the hotel, I gotta take a wicked shit."


One of my favorites was from the first season with the Hasidic Jews. "You ZZ Tops looking motherf**ker!"