When I reviewed the pilot, I mentioned that the first episode of a show can be the most difficult in a show's run. What I probably should've mentioned is that the problems that can be encountered while making a pilot will almost definitely run over into the next few episodes as well, even if the foundation has already been established. '46 Long' certainly feels like the show is still finding its footing, what with the cold open scene, corny music during Tony's panic attack at Livia's house, and an overwhelming focus on black humour. This is not to say that all of these features are inherently misguided - I do really enjoy some of the humour in this episode - but it is obvious that the balance of the various elements of genre in this show have yet to be refined.
The reason for my high score comes predominantly because the scenes with Livia are just fantastic, both in how they are written and the excellent performance of Nancy Marchand. She provides an excellent comparison to the other world that Tony deals with (that being the gruesome world of the mafia) and her presence in the show is definitely integral to the character development of Tony Soprano. The scenes between Tony and Dr. Melfi are just as good, as we can see a determined Melfi cautiously trying to weave her way around Tony's lifestyle while attempting to be as direct as possible. I had almost forgotten how significant Melfi was as a character on her own before she became little more than an expository device in the later seasons.
The other parts of the episode (the stolen car and the truck hijacking) were still entertaining, but I think that the emphasis on comedic value was a slightly undermining factor in both scenarios, particularly with regard to the very stereotypical gay couple who stole the car. However, I did like how the episode had a central theme - generational conflict - with the interview shown during the cold open having many elements of foreshadowing to it.
The reason for my high score comes predominantly because the scenes with Livia are just fantastic, both in how they are written and the excellent performance of Nancy Marchand. She provides an excellent comparison to the other world that Tony deals with (that being the gruesome world of the mafia) and her presence in the show is definitely integral to the character development of Tony Soprano. The scenes between Tony and Dr. Melfi are just as good, as we can see a determined Melfi cautiously trying to weave her way around Tony's lifestyle while attempting to be as direct as possible. I had almost forgotten how significant Melfi was as a character on her own before she became little more than an expository device in the later seasons.
The other parts of the episode (the stolen car and the truck hijacking) were still entertaining, but I think that the emphasis on comedic value was a slightly undermining factor in both scenarios, particularly with regard to the very stereotypical gay couple who stole the car. However, I did like how the episode had a central theme - generational conflict - with the interview shown during the cold open having many elements of foreshadowing to it.