Ep 6. University

Tony Soprano is under a lot of pressure in "University," the sixth episode of The Sopranos third season. With tensions rising between his crew and the New York families, Tony needs to keep his business and his family under control. Meanwhile, his daughter Meadow is off to college, where she is encountering new people and experiences that challenge her worldview.

The conflict in "University" arises when one of Tony's drug dealers, Mustang Sally, disobeys orders and kills a prominent member of the New York family. This sets off a chain of events that threaten to break apart the uneasy peace between the two factions. Tony sends his enforcer, Christopher, to make sure Sally is taken care of, but the situation only escalates when Sally's girlfriend calls the cops on him. Tony is forced to intervene, but his actions only cause more problems.

Amidst the chaos, Meadow is settling into her new life at Columbia University. She finds new friends and begins dating an African-American student, much to the chagrin of her bigoted grandmother. Meadow struggles with her own prejudices and confronts her mother, Carmela, over her hypocritical attitudes.

The episode is full of tense moments and emotional stakes. Tony is at his most vulnerable, and we see the toll his lifestyle is taking on him. He worries about the safety of his family and his business, but he also grapples with his own mortality and the legacy he will leave behind. Meanwhile, Meadow's storyline adds a much-needed dose of levity and perspective. She is stepping out of her comfortable world and learning about different cultures and ideas.

As with all episodes of The Sopranos, "University" is expertly crafted with layers of symbolism and nuance. The title itself speaks to the theme of education and learning, and how it can shape one's view of the world. Tony's crisis of conscience is mirrored in Meadow's exploration of her own identity and beliefs. The episode tackles issues of race, class, and tradition with empathy and insight.

Overall, "University" is a masterful episode of television that showcases the brilliance of The Sopranos as a whole. With its gripping storyline and rich characterizations, it remains a standout in a series that continually pushed the boundaries of what television could be.