Ep 9. The Ride

In The Sopranos season 6 episode 9, titled "The Ride," Tony takes a drive with Bobby Bacala, Junior, and Janice to discuss some business matters. Along the way, they make a stop at a lake where Junior used to take Tony fishing when he was a child, and the group reminisces about old times.

Meanwhile, back at home, AJ struggles with his depression and contemplates suicide. He confides in his cousin Little Carmine, who tries to offer him some words of encouragement and motivation.

Tony also has to deal with some friction within his own family, as he and Carmela continue to battle over their separation and the future of their marriage. The tension between them comes to a head when Tony makes a decision that has major repercussions for their relationship.

As the episode unfolds, we see various other characters dealing with their own personal and professional issues. Paulie struggles to find his place within the organization, while Christopher deals with addiction and the possibility of relapse. Meanwhile, Silvio has to navigate some tricky political waters as he tries to manage his own business dealings.

Despite all the various plotlines and conflicts, "The Ride" manages to maintain a strong sense of cohesion and momentum throughout. The pacing is tight and the dialogue is sharp, as the characters bounce off each other in ways that feel both natural and unexpected. Even when things get intense or dramatic, there's always a sense of humor and humanity lurking just beneath the surface.

Overall, "The Ride" is a strong episode of The Sopranos that exemplifies many of the qualities that make the show so great. It's well-written, well-acted, and full of the kind of nuanced character work that the series is known for. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of Tony Soprano and his associates, this is definitely an episode worth checking out.