Ep 1. Mr. Ruggerio's Neighborhood

Mr. Ruggerio's Neighborhood is the first episode of the third season of the critically acclaimed TV series, The Sopranos. The episode was directed by Alan Taylor and written by David Chase and premiered on March 4, 2001, on HBO.

In this episode, we see the character of Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero, who has been secretly informing the FBI about Tony Soprano's criminal activities, return to New Jersey. At the same time, the FBI is attempting to install a hidden microphone in Tony Soprano's basement to gather evidence against him and his associates.

Meanwhile, Tony Soprano is dealing with his own personal issues. His mother, Livia, has suffered a stroke and is now living in a nursing home. Tony is trying to come to terms with his difficult relationship with his mother, and also struggling with his own mortality after he has a panic attack.

The episode also introduces a new character, Ralph Cifaretto, who is a high-ranking member of the Soprano crime family. He immediately clashes with other members of the gang, causing tension within the family.

Mr. Ruggerio's Neighborhood is an intense and gripping episode that sets the stage for the rest of the season. The tension between the FBI and the Soprano family is at its peak, and we see the lengths that both sides are willing to go to in order to protect their interests.

The performances in this episode are excellent, with James Gandolfini giving a particularly nuanced performance as Tony Soprano. The script is beautifully written, with the dialogue feeling natural and authentic. The direction is also impressive, with Alan Taylor creating a sense of tension and unease that permeates the entire episode.

Overall, Mr. Ruggerio's Neighborhood is a fantastic start to the third season of The Sopranos. It's a must-watch for fans of the show, and is sure to draw in new viewers with its gripping storyline and excellent performances.