Ep 17. Walk Like a Man

Tony Soprano has always had issues with fatherhood, but the dynamic is pushed to new limits in season 6, episode 17 of The Sopranos. Titled "Walk Like a Man," this episode sees Tony contending with his growing sense of irrelevance within his own family. In particular, he feels that his nephew and protege, Christopher, has begun to show signs of surpassing him in terms of both personal and professional strength.

As the episode begins, tensions are high between Tony and Christopher. Despite their close relationship, the two men have been growing increasingly distant in recent episodes, with Christopher expressing more and more frustration with Tony's leadership style. This episode sees this tension come to a head, as Tony and Christopher clash over a key decision regarding a piece of business. As usual, Tony is all bluster and bravado, while Christopher is more thoughtful and contemplative. But for the first time, it's clear that Tony is starting to take Christopher's criticisms seriously.

Meanwhile, Tony's own aging and mortality are also weighing heavily on his mind. In scenes that will be familiar to any fans of the show, Tony begins to have panic attacks and traumatic flashbacks to his childhood. These moments serve as a reminder of just how fragile his grip on power really is. And when he realizes that Christopher is the one who will likely inherit his kingdom, he starts to feel even more vulnerable.

Adding to this sense of unease is Tony's relationship with his own son, AJ. In a subplot that some viewers may find uncomfortable, Tony begins to treat AJ more and more like a henchman than a son. He gives him increasingly violent tasks to complete, presumably as a way of toughening him up for the life of crime that he seems destined to live. But as with Christopher, Tony's treatment of his own child may be indicative of his own fear that he is losing control of the people around him.

All of this comes to a head in the episode's climactic scene. Tony and Christopher have one final confrontation, and it becomes clear that Christopher has no intention of continuing to defer to his uncle's authority. The two men square off in a tense and brutal fight that ends with Tony emerging victorious, but wounded. It's clear that things will never be the same between these two men again.

Overall, "Walk Like a Man" is an intense and emotional episode of The Sopranos that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. As always, the writing and performances are top-notch, and the tension between the characters is palpable. For anyone who has been following the show since the beginning, this episode is a fitting midpoint to season 6, as it sets the stage for the dramatic events yet to come.