Meadowlands

The fourth episode of The Sopranos, "Meadowlands," aired on January 31, 1999, written by Jason Cahill and directed by John Patterson. Tony’s therapy sessions with Dr. Melfi fuel his growing paranoia, especially after he spots Silvio leaving a dentist’s office across from her suite. He develops an attraction to Melfi and enlists corrupt detective Vin Makazian, who owes Tony gambling money, to tail her. Makazian mistakes Melfi for Tony’s mistress, pulls over her and her date, assaults the man, and arrests him.

Tony considers quitting therapy, but Carmela—who thinks his therapist is male—threatens their marriage if he stops. Christopher, still shaken from his mock execution and wearing a neck brace, grows more anxious when he and Adriana find Brendan’s body. Believing Tony is punishing him for giving speed to Meadow, Christopher confronts her; she denies telling anyone. After learning Uncle Junior and Mikey are responsible, Christopher demands revenge.

Tony orders him to stand down because Mikey is a made man, then assaults Mikey himself. He confronts Junior, who rejects a compromise and warns Tony to “come heavy” (with a gun) next time or not at all. The threat of war with Junior intensifies after acting boss Jackie Aprile dies without a clear successor. Tony has support from other DiMeo captains but seeks a diplomatic solution.

Inspired by Melfi’s comment about giving the elderly the “illusion of control,” Tony cedes family leadership to Junior in exchange for his uncle’s income-generating properties and contracts. The family war is averted, though Junior becomes the primary target of federal investigations. Satisfied, Tony stays in therapy. Meanwhile, A.J. fights a larger classmate, Jeremy Piocosta, who later backs down from a rematch and pays for a torn shirt.

A.J. is confused until Meadow explains Jeremy feared Tony’s mob reputation. Tony had earlier run into Jeremy’s father at a plant nursery, holding an ax; the father nervously retreated. Meadow points out their expensive house and shows A.J. a Mafia-themed website. At Jackie’s funeral, she nods toward federal agents taking photos, and A.J. understands.