Cold Stones

Vito attempts to get back into the business and Carmela goes to Paris.

This is an eventful episode with strong themes and character moments.

Vito's return to New Jersey is dealt with in a compelling way with lots of well made scenes of awkwardness between characters like Tony, Phil and others. There are moments of great tension, humour, and sadness as events unfolds in typical Sopranos fashion. Some of the most interesting scenes involve Phil's wife, who is depicted as a pretty vile individual and almost villainous caricature of an extremist right-wing Christian.

Some of the imagery involving Phil is very interesting, in an ambiguous way. Why does he appear out of a literal closet, squeeze a mattress, and lie awake as Patty sleeps? Is he hiding certain repressed feelings possibly?

Carmela's jaunt to Paris is full of strong visual storytelling as she goes into existential crisis. Some symbols cleverly evoke the Kevin Finnerty scenes of early episodes. Plus imagery like windy, tree lined streets further emphasise the themes of introduced in 'The Fleshy Part of the Thigh'.

All actors are on great form, especially James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Sharon Angela, Geraldine LiBrandi, Frank Vincent, and Steven Van Zandt.