How 'Sopranos' star Vincent Pastore helped create the single greatest television season of all time
Fans of the "Sopranos" are still reeling from the loss of beloved star Vincent Pastore over the weekend.The veteran actor known for playing Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on the HBO crime drama was found dead in his Bronx home, and although he was only on the show for two seasons, his passing left a giant hole in the "Sopranos" community.You can count me in as one of those fans who was particularly bummed to lose Pastore, because he contributed to what is perhaps the finest season of television that has ever been gifted to mankind.RANKING THE MAJOR ANTAGONISTS OF 'THE SOPRANOS'It's no secret that I love "The Sopranos," as a quick scroll through some of my work will yield a smattering of articles pontificating on every aspect of the show.It's one of my favorite series of all time, and season two in particular represents what is, in my humble opinion, the apex of episodic television.This is thanks in large part to Pastore's contributions as Tony Soprano's best friend and loyal soldier, Big Pussy.Throughout most of season one, we are shown that Puss is Tony's confidant, even more so than his second-in-command, Silvio Dante.Tony goes to Puss for advice about his son, among other things, showing the two have a connection that goes far beyond "the business."But by the end of the first season, Puss is suspected to be an informant for the FBI, and before anyone from the Soprano crew can confirm their suspicions, he takes off for parts unknown, only setting off more alarm bells for Tony and company.When he returns at the beginning of season two with an airtight alibi — going to Puerto Rico for acupuncture therapy to treat his ailing back — he has to re-earn the trust of his fellow crew members.What makes Pussy's return unique, however, is that it is revealed early in the second season to the audience only that he's actually a rat, and the rest of the season is spent watching Tony subconsciously piecing together the evidence that his best friend is working with the feds to take him down.It makes for riveting television the entire season, as we get several moments of tension as viewers know that Pussy has turned state's witness and could get whacked at any time.Pussy's heel turn also gives us more insight into the FBI's inner workings, as the Bureau starts to become more of a main character thanks to the show focusing on his forced partnership with them.This all culminates in the moment Tony finally figures it out, and the methods through which he arrives at the conclusion that his soldier is playing for the other team are some of the most creative and twisted in all of television.In the penultimate episode of season two, Tony's biggest competition, Richie Aprile, gets taken out by his fiancée (Tony's sister Janice).This happens right as Richie is about to make a move on Tony to take him out, so with one episode to wrap up the season, it appears as if all of Tony's worries are behind him.Then we are reminded of the elephant — or in this case, rat — in the room.After a late night meal at an Indian restaurant followed by a nightcap at the crew's favorite Italian restaurant, a season's worth of suspicions comes bubbling up for Tony in the form of a violent episode of food poisoning.While deep in the throes of his intestinal Hell, Tony has a series of fever dreams that start out as subtle warnings and end up practically spelling it out for him."You know I've been working for the feds, right Ton'," a fish with Pussy's voice says to Tony.It's so unique and brilliant, and I have no idea how the writers even came up with something like that, but it's easily my favorite hour of television ever made.‘SOPRANOS’ STAR LORRAINE BRACCO SAYS SHE'S LOOKING FOR LOVE IN HER 70SAfter that revelation, Tony and his crew take Pussy on a final, ill-fated boat ride where the compromised mobster cops to his crimes against the family before reminiscing on old times and sharing a final drink as Tony, Silvio, and Paulie draw their guns."You were like a brother to me. To all of us."Before they have a chance to change their minds, the three heartbroken crew members unload their weapons into Pussy's chest and give him a burial at sea.The episode and season end with a montage of all the destruction Tony and his crew have caused throughout the 13-episode run, interspersed with the mob boss enjoying the "fruits of his labor" at his daughter Meadow's high school graduation, blissfully unaware of (or unaffected by) the pain he's inflicted on his community.The final shot lingers on the crashing waves of the North Jersey shoreline, reminding us of Pussy's ultimate fate, as the show fades to black while the haunting tones of The Rolling Stones' "Thru and Thru" play in the background.It's perfect.A perfect ending to a nearly perfect season of television.And it's not just the Big Pussy storyline that makes season two must-watch TV, either.The aforementioned Richie Aprile, played wonderfully by David Proval, makes for one of the most menacing villains of the series.His back-and-forth with Tony throughout the season is equal parts hysterical and frightening, and he represents one of our protagonist's most formidable foes.Season two also introduces another fan favorite to the cast in Furio Giunta, the native Italian who acts as Tony's enforcer and causes plenty of consternation between he and Pussy, as the latter (correctly) believes he is being replaced by the former.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMAnd I would be remiss if I didn't mention Tony's mother, Livia, who proves to be a bigger thorn in his side than even Richie at times throughout the show's run.Nancy Marchand's turn as the morose, sociopathic matriarch of the Soprano family deserves special mention, particularly because she turned in such a masterful performance while battling the very cancer that would ultimately cost the actress her life shortly after season two wrapped."The Sopranos" would experience more highs throughout its six-ish season run, but none ever reached the zenith that was season two, in my opinion.SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWSThe writers are firing on all cylinders, the cast of characters is robust, and the plot lines are engaging enough to leave you begging for more at the end of each episode.STAY "FEARLESS" ON THE GO!
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Fans of the "Sopranos" are still reeling from the loss of beloved star Vincent Pastore over the weekend.The veteran actor known for playing Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on the HBO crime drama was found dead in his Bronx home, and although he was only on the show for two seasons, his passing left a giant hole in the "Sopranos" community.You can count me in as one of those fans who was particularly bummed to lose Pastore, because he contributed to what is perhaps the finest season of television that has ever been gifted to mankind.RANKING THE MAJOR ANTAGONISTS OF 'THE SOPRANOS'It's no secret that I love "The Sopranos," as a quick scroll through some of my work will yield a smattering of articles pontificating on every aspect of the show.It's one of my favorite series of all time, and season two in particular represents what is, in my humble opinion, the apex of episodic television.This is thanks in large part to Pastore's contributions as Tony Soprano's best friend and loyal soldier, Big Pussy.Throughout most of season one, we are shown that Puss is Tony's confidant, even more so than his second-in-command, Silvio Dante.Tony goes to Puss for advice about his son, among other things, showing the two have a connection that goes far beyond "the business."But by the end of the first season, Puss is suspected to be an informant for the FBI, and before anyone from the Soprano crew can confirm their suspicions, he takes off for parts unknown, only setting off more alarm bells for Tony and company.When he returns at the beginning of season two with an airtight alibi — going to Puerto Rico for acupuncture therapy to treat his ailing back — he has to re-earn the trust of his fellow crew members.What makes Pussy's return unique, however, is that it is revealed early in the second season to the audience only that he's actually a rat, and the rest of the season is spent watching Tony subconsciously piecing together the evidence that his best friend is working with the feds to take him down.It makes for riveting television the entire season, as we get several moments of tension as viewers know that Pussy has turned state's witness and could get whacked at any time.Pussy's heel turn also gives us more insight into the FBI's inner workings, as the Bureau starts to become more of a main character thanks to the show focusing on his forced partnership with them.This all culminates in the moment Tony finally figures it out, and the methods through which he arrives at the conclusion that his soldier is playing for the other team are some of the most creative and twisted in all of television.In the penultimate episode of season two, Tony's biggest competition, Richie Aprile, gets taken out by his fiancée (Tony's sister Janice).This happens right as Richie is about to make a move on Tony to take him out, so with one episode to wrap up the season, it appears as if all of Tony's worries are behind him.Then we are reminded of the elephant — or in this case, rat — in the room.After a late night meal at an Indian restaurant followed by a nightcap at the crew's favorite Italian restaurant, a season's worth of suspicions comes bubbling up for Tony in the form of a violent episode of food poisoning.While deep in the throes of his intestinal Hell, Tony has a series of fever dreams that start out as subtle warnings and end up practically spelling it out for him."You know I've been working for the feds, right Ton'," a fish with Pussy's voice says to Tony.It's so unique and brilliant, and I have no idea how the writers even came up with something like that, but it's easily my favorite hour of television ever made.‘SOPRANOS’ STAR LORRAINE BRACCO SAYS SHE'S LOOKING FOR LOVE IN HER 70SAfter that revelation, Tony and his crew take Pussy on a final, ill-fated boat ride where the compromised mobster cops to his crimes against the family before reminiscing on old times and sharing a final drink as Tony, Silvio, and Paulie draw their guns."You were like a brother to me. To all of us."Before they have a chance to change their minds, the three heartbroken crew members unload their weapons into Pussy's chest and give him a burial at sea.The episode and season end with a montage of all the destruction Tony and his crew have caused throughout the 13-episode run, interspersed with the mob boss enjoying the "fruits of his labor" at his daughter Meadow's high school graduation, blissfully unaware of (or unaffected by) the pain he's inflicted on his community.The final shot lingers on the crashing waves of the North Jersey shoreline, reminding us of Pussy's ultimate fate, as the show fades to black while the haunting tones of The Rolling Stones' "Thru and Thru" play in the background.It's perfect.A perfect ending to a nearly perfect season of television.And it's not just the Big Pussy storyline that makes season two must-watch TV, either.The aforementioned Richie Aprile, played wonderfully by David Proval, makes for one of the most menacing villains of the series.His back-and-forth with Tony throughout the season is equal parts hysterical and frightening, and he represents one of our protagonist's most formidable foes.Season two also introduces another fan favorite to the cast in Furio Giunta, the native Italian who acts as Tony's enforcer and causes plenty of consternation between he and Pussy, as the latter (correctly) believes he is being replaced by the former.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMAnd I would be remiss if I didn't mention Tony's mother, Livia, who proves to be a bigger thorn in his side than even Richie at times throughout the show's run.Nancy Marchand's turn as the morose, sociopathic matriarch of the Soprano family deserves special mention, particularly because she turned in such a masterful performance while battling the very cancer that would ultimately cost the actress her life shortly after season two wrapped."The Sopranos" would experience more highs throughout its six-ish season run, but none ever reached the zenith that was season two, in my opinion.SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWSThe writers are firing on all cylinders, the cast of characters is robust, and the plot lines are engaging enough to leave you begging for more at the end of each episode.STAY "FEARLESS" ON THE GO! TAKE TOMI LAHREN WITH YOU. DOWNLOAD THE TLIF PODCAST NOW!And none of it would have had the cultural impact it did if not for everyone's favorite FBI rat.ZERO BS.
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- Fans of the "Sopranos" are still reeling from the loss of beloved star Vincent Pastore over the weekend.The veteran actor known for playing Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on the HBO crime drama was found dead in his Bronx home, and although he was only on the show for two seasons, his passing left a giant hole in the "Sopranos" community.You can count me in as one of those fans who was particularly bummed to lose Pastore, because he contributed to what is perhaps the finest season of television that has ever been gifted to mankind.RANKING THE MAJOR ANTAGONISTS OF 'THE SOPRANOS'It's no secret that I love "The Sopranos," as a quick scroll through some of my work will yield a smattering of articles pontificating on every aspect of the show.It's one of my favorite series of all time, and season two in particular represents what is, in my humble opinion, the apex of episodic television.This is thanks in large part to Pastore's contributions as Tony Soprano's best friend and loyal soldier, Big Pussy.Throughout most of season one, we are shown that Puss is Tony's confidant, even more so than his second-in-command, Silvio Dante.Tony goes to Puss for advice about his son, among other things, showing the two have a connection that goes far beyond "the business."But by the end of the first season, Puss is suspected to be an informant for the FBI, and before anyone from the Soprano crew can confirm their suspicions, he takes off for parts unknown, only setting off more alarm bells for Tony and company.When he returns at the beginning of season two with an airtight alibi — going to Puerto Rico for acupuncture therapy to treat his ailing back — he has to re-earn the trust of his fellow crew members.What makes Pussy's return unique, however, is that it is revealed early in the second season to the audience only that he's actually a rat, and the rest of the season is spent watching Tony subconsciously piecing together the evidence that his best friend is working with the feds to take him down.It makes for riveting television the entire season, as we get several moments of tension as viewers know that Pussy has turned state's witness and could get whacked at any time.Pussy's heel turn also gives us more insight into the FBI's inner workings, as the Bureau starts to become more of a main character thanks to the show focusing on his forced partnership with them.This all culminates in the moment Tony finally figures it out, and the methods through which he arrives at the conclusion that his soldier is playing for the other team are some of the most creative and twisted in all of television.In the penultimate episode of season two, Tony's biggest competition, Richie Aprile, gets taken out by his fiancée (Tony's sister Janice).This happens right as Richie is about to make a move on Tony to take him out, so with one episode to wrap up the season, it appears as if all of Tony's worries are behind him.Then we are reminded of the elephant — or in this case, rat — in the room.After a late night meal at an Indian restaurant followed by a nightcap at the crew's favorite Italian restaurant, a season's worth of suspicions comes bubbling up for Tony in the form of a violent episode of food poisoning.While deep in the throes of his intestinal Hell, Tony has a series of fever dreams that start out as subtle warnings and end up practically spelling it out for him."You know I've been working for the feds, right Ton'," a fish with Pussy's voice says to Tony.It's so unique and brilliant, and I have no idea how the writers even came up with something like that, but it's easily my favorite hour of television ever made.‘SOPRANOS’ STAR LORRAINE BRACCO SAYS SHE'S LOOKING FOR LOVE IN HER 70SAfter that revelation, Tony and his crew take Pussy on a final, ill-fated boat ride where the compromised mobster cops to his crimes against the family before reminiscing on old times and sharing a final drink as Tony, Silvio, and Paulie draw their guns."You were like a brother to me. To all of us."Before they have a chance to change their minds, the three heartbroken crew members unload their weapons into Pussy's chest and give him a burial at sea.The episode and season end with a montage of all the destruction Tony and his crew have caused throughout the 13-episode run, interspersed with the mob boss enjoying the "fruits of his labor" at his daughter Meadow's high school graduation, blissfully unaware of (or unaffected by) the pain he's inflicted on his community.The final shot lingers on the crashing waves of the North Jersey shoreline, reminding us of Pussy's ultimate fate, as the show fades to black while the haunting tones of The Rolling Stones' "Thru and Thru" play in the background.It's perfect.A perfect ending to a nearly perfect season of television.And it's not just the Big Pussy storyline that makes season two must-watch TV, either.The aforementioned Richie Aprile, played wonderfully by David Proval, makes for one of the most menacing villains of the series.His back-and-forth with Tony throughout the season is equal parts hysterical and frightening, and he represents one of our protagonist's most formidable foes.Season two also introduces another fan favorite to the cast in Furio Giunta, the native Italian who acts as Tony's enforcer and causes plenty of consternation between he and Pussy, as the latter (correctly) believes he is being replaced by the former.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMAnd I would be remiss if I didn't mention Tony's mother, Livia, who proves to be a bigger thorn in his side than even Richie at times throughout the show's run.Nancy Marchand's turn as the morose, sociopathic matriarch of the Soprano family deserves special mention, particularly because she turned in such a masterful performance while battling the very cancer that would ultimately cost the actress her life shortly after season two wrapped."The Sopranos" would experience more highs throughout its six-ish season run, but none ever reached the zenith that was season two, in my opinion.SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWSThe writers are firing on all cylinders, the cast of characters is robust, and the plot lines are engaging enough to leave you begging for more at the end of each episode.STAY "FEARLESS" ON THE GO!
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How 'Sopranos' star Vincent Pastore helped create the single greatest television season of all time
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