This episodes displayed Tony's helplessness despite his influence. He couldn't prevent AJ from attempting suicide, and when he tried to talk to Carmela about depression she avoided the conversation.
Even at the very end, in the hospital, when he tried to get pizza to AJ to cheer him up like he used to do in previous episodes, the nurse told he wasn't allowed to. The italian song at the end "Antony, little Antony, I'd rather see you dead than a bandit in the mountains" speaks for itself.
11 Reviews
Closer to the edge
MaxBorg894 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
The dramatic events of Kennedy and Heidi suggested Tony Soprano would have some pretty dark thoughts and emotions to deal with in the series finale. The Second Coming increases the darkness as much as possible, containing events that will truly determine the premise of the last two episodes of the show.
Following Christopher's death, neither Tony nor Carmela know how to cope with the situation, especially after AJ's depression leads him to a suicide attempt in the pool. Moreover, Tony ruins his already strained relationship with Phil Leotardo by kicking the crap out of a guy who molested his daughter. Apparently, the full scale war between New York and New Jersey that he has tried to avoid for years looks bound to happen.
Emotionally, The Second Coming isn't nearly as strong as the previous episodes, or the following ones, but as a tone-setter for flawlessly executed drama it has few rivals, especially in the tragic scenes involving Anthony Jr. and his father's reaction to his suicidal thoughts. Plus, for those lamenting originality in the violent bits, the restaurant confrontation between Tony and the jerk who harassed Meadow is the single most revolting sequence in the show's history. If you've seen American History X, you'll have a pretty good idea of how extreme, but also incredibly powerful, that moment is.
Following Christopher's death, neither Tony nor Carmela know how to cope with the situation, especially after AJ's depression leads him to a suicide attempt in the pool. Moreover, Tony ruins his already strained relationship with Phil Leotardo by kicking the crap out of a guy who molested his daughter. Apparently, the full scale war between New York and New Jersey that he has tried to avoid for years looks bound to happen.
Emotionally, The Second Coming isn't nearly as strong as the previous episodes, or the following ones, but as a tone-setter for flawlessly executed drama it has few rivals, especially in the tragic scenes involving Anthony Jr. and his father's reaction to his suicidal thoughts. Plus, for those lamenting originality in the violent bits, the restaurant confrontation between Tony and the jerk who harassed Meadow is the single most revolting sequence in the show's history. If you've seen American History X, you'll have a pretty good idea of how extreme, but also incredibly powerful, that moment is.
The heaviest episode in the entire series.
dobrynine27 January 2021
Ninna Ninna
FREAK1919 December 2019
Ending scene and that final song left me with a loot of Overlapping feelings..i dont know how to describe them...i cant believe it come to the end...one thing am absolutely sure about it..there will not be a show like the sopranos As long as we are alive..
I've always loved the touch about AJ's formative memories of his grandmother
Neptune16526 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
One of the most haunting images in this episode for me is the POV of Tony looking down at Coco's tooth in the fold of his pant leg during AJ's therapy session. Rather a fitting metaphor for the entire show, really. I notice Christopher Moltisanti's absence. He was a main character and all of a sudden: gone. I like how Tony went personally to NY to take care of Coco. A boss doesn't have to do that himself. So Carmine may been right when he said that a Don doesn't wear shorts, but I can't see Carmine beating up someone on his own. Tony's curb stomp on Coco is probably my favourite scene in the show. Phil turning into a house is so funny for some reason. Highlight of the episode. Ironic that the final spark to start the war is Tony beating up a creep who deserved it, not any of the moments of greed prior. Tony saves A. J.'s life in the pool, one of my favorite scenes in season 6. I like to think the series ends with them just there in the dinner eating as a family. I loved the family from the first episode. The mob stuff is meh. Its amazing to look back at the first season and realize that was the good times. That it was all downhill from there. What a master piece.
Get a mop
snoozejonc26 February 2023
A. J. slips deeper into depression, whilst relations between the NY and NJ families deteriorate.
This is a brutal and memorable episode with iconic character moments.
A. J. Has a lot of screen time and the Soprano family's nihilistic traits are used brilliantly to develop the character. The shadow of Livia hangs heavily over so many scenes involving A. J. and Tony.
The use of the Yeats poem underscores the disconnection between characters and the sense of impending doom felt throughout the episode (and The Sopranos generally). Anybody with an awareness of the greedy, hateful, and self-serving nature of humanity should appreciate it. It might have been written in 1919, but it's just as relevant in 2023.
As ever the filmmakers mix disturbing moments, black comedy and poignancy very well. Visually there are a number of impactful scenes that linger in the memory after the credits role.
All actors are in great form with James Gandolfini, Robert Illier, Edie Falco and Jamie Lynn Sigler all standing out.
This is a brutal and memorable episode with iconic character moments.
A. J. Has a lot of screen time and the Soprano family's nihilistic traits are used brilliantly to develop the character. The shadow of Livia hangs heavily over so many scenes involving A. J. and Tony.
The use of the Yeats poem underscores the disconnection between characters and the sense of impending doom felt throughout the episode (and The Sopranos generally). Anybody with an awareness of the greedy, hateful, and self-serving nature of humanity should appreciate it. It might have been written in 1919, but it's just as relevant in 2023.
As ever the filmmakers mix disturbing moments, black comedy and poignancy very well. Visually there are a number of impactful scenes that linger in the memory after the credits role.
All actors are in great form with James Gandolfini, Robert Illier, Edie Falco and Jamie Lynn Sigler all standing out.
Tony does and American History X
johncooper7626 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Savage episode with Tony committing an Edward Norton on Cocco who insulted Meadow.
AJ is frazzled. Carmella doesn't know what to do. Meadow is amazingly level headed after growing up in that household. And I reckon there's going to be a big big showdown between Phil and Tony. I really really hope that my suspicions for the end of this series are wrong. I cant see how this whole scenario can be sewn up in to one big happy ending. Tony's losing his way with things and I suspect that there will be some sort of moral story to the whole thing which cannot possibly result in Tony winning all of his battles and continuing with his life of crime.
AJ is frazzled. Carmella doesn't know what to do. Meadow is amazingly level headed after growing up in that household. And I reckon there's going to be a big big showdown between Phil and Tony. I really really hope that my suspicions for the end of this series are wrong. I cant see how this whole scenario can be sewn up in to one big happy ending. Tony's losing his way with things and I suspect that there will be some sort of moral story to the whole thing which cannot possibly result in Tony winning all of his battles and continuing with his life of crime.
The Second Coming (#6.19)
ComedyFan201031 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
AJ's depression grows more and more so that he attempts suicide in the pool and is saved by Tony. After he ends up in the hospital and has therapy session with his parents. Meadow is approached by one of Phil's guys. When Tony finds it out he is very angry and beats him up. This ruins his relation with Phil.
Well after this only 2 episodes left. I think the problem with Phil will plat a crucial role in the end. And the scene in the restaurant was pretty brutal.
Was interesting to see Dr. Melfi's session where her psychologist tells her that criminals who get therapy are actually more likely to re-offend.
Well after this only 2 episodes left. I think the problem with Phil will plat a crucial role in the end. And the scene in the restaurant was pretty brutal.
Was interesting to see Dr. Melfi's session where her psychologist tells her that criminals who get therapy are actually more likely to re-offend.
The Pot's About to Boil Over
loudprincess20 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Tonight episode dealt primarily with A.J.'s increasingly somber mood and the worsening relationship between Tony and the NY guys. Tony's in deep, deep trouble with Phil Leotardo, so much so that even Little Carmine tries to intervene.
It's an interesting episode, full of drama, and even a jarring, violent altercation (or "alteration," as Little Carmine calls it). This episode really blurs the line between Tony's humanity and his animalistic responses. One minute, he's saving A.J. from himself, the next, he's avenging a slight towards Meadow. In my opinion, this is probably James Gandolfini's finest work so far on The Sopranos.
Now, if only the next two weeks could fly by a little faster!
It's an interesting episode, full of drama, and even a jarring, violent altercation (or "alteration," as Little Carmine calls it). This episode really blurs the line between Tony's humanity and his animalistic responses. One minute, he's saving A.J. from himself, the next, he's avenging a slight towards Meadow. In my opinion, this is probably James Gandolfini's finest work so far on The Sopranos.
Now, if only the next two weeks could fly by a little faster!
That was close...
ValerinAmberz4 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
***WARNING SPOILERS*** Emotionally disturbing episode of the Sopranos. After having watched probably a hundred people die over these 6 seasons, I have become sort of indifferent as to who gets to meet his maker. They all have it coming in one way or another. And if there once in a while are innocent victims they are almost always cameos which you still don't get to feel much about. Even Adriana had it coming in one way or another. She knew she was in a relationship with a killer and didn't care. She knew her club and lifestyle was financed by blood-money and didn't care. After 6 seasons probably the only decent person in the whole show A.J (along with meadow ) speaks up and later decides to kill himself. I can't imagine what would have been left had he suceeded. The ending is near. I can feel it. I really hope the writers won't make a mess out of this. I think that after Christopher's death, just about any character can leave the show simply for a fast closing.
'No food in the unit Sir'
bobbyrj-8002414 October 2023
Brilliant. The final words sum up Tony. That intuition and hard to fake instinctive response to respect the request of the receptionist confirms he's a good guy at heart - despite his physical and emotional and moral turmoil throughout the series. This episode prompts more questions than it answers. Why this show cannot be beaten.
Also, the use of Elvis 'Suspicious Minds' absolutely executed to perfection. Love it.
Worded better. Impressive! Tony's essence shines through in these closing words. His innate intuition and genuine respect for the receptionist reveal his inherent goodness, despite the constant challenges he faces. This episode leaves us with more questions than answers, deepening our intrigue about why this show remains unbeatable. And the flawless use of Elvis' 'Suspicious Minds' adds an exquisite touch. Love it.
Also, the use of Elvis 'Suspicious Minds' absolutely executed to perfection. Love it.
Worded better. Impressive! Tony's essence shines through in these closing words. His innate intuition and genuine respect for the receptionist reveal his inherent goodness, despite the constant challenges he faces. This episode leaves us with more questions than answers, deepening our intrigue about why this show remains unbeatable. And the flawless use of Elvis' 'Suspicious Minds' adds an exquisite touch. Love it.
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