Whew, what an episode! Now that was tense. Easily the best episode of the series yet. Though “double-standard” does not begin to describe the Sopranos.

Carmela and Tony are really strikingly similar people in many ways. Both feel regret over their actions, and both seek outside assistance to help them hope: Carmela with Father Phil, and Tony with Dr. Melfi. And neither believes that the other could spend 12 hours “just talking”, though ironically, they both do just that.

And poor Meadow. I guess strike what I said last week about Anthony Jr. being the only one not in the know; apparently Meadow isn’t 100% sure herself. And all you want is for Tony to be honest with Meadow, but at the same time, how can he? He can’t just be like “Oh hey Meadow, how’d the college app go? By the way I just killed a guy.” It’s heartbreaking watching Meadow plead with her father, knowing that all she wants is for her father to be honest, and knowing that Tony would love to be honest with her, if only he could. They both want so desperately to be close, and true to each other, only they can’t.

In terms of the main plotline, that whole cat and mouse game between Fabian Petrulio and Tony was fantastic. Half the episode, you don’t even know if he really is the guy Tony’s looking for, and then the other half Tony doesn’t know he’s become the prey. But, of course, Tony does get his mark in the end…after watching the man with his wife and young daughter. And I think we see a bit of remorse in Tony at the end, though it’s hard to say whether it was purely over having to lie to his daughter, or having to take a man away from his family. Watching him murder Fabian, however, it does seem like there’s more anger than remorse present.

So, now we’re left with a few interesting bits. Carmela has confessed, and promised to recant and repent…what will these mean for the family “business”? Not to mention their relationship? And Meadow is almost certain her father is lying to her…will her loyalty to him be tested soon? And how will she react? And I’m surprised that Christopher followed orders and stayed put, most unlike him to act rationally and coolly in a situation like this. Maybe his obedient trend with continue?

Can’t wait to watch another episode!!