A Hit Is a Hit, the tenth episode of The Sopranos' first season, is a bit of an oddity in the show's canon, in the sense that the events of the show have no real connection to the longer plot David Chase established for the series. Despite this, it remains compulsory viewing.
After getting a stash of money from his henchmen (needless to say blood was involved in the acquisition), Tony decides to invest some in the stock market in order to provide his family with some legal income, and befriends his neighbor, Dr. Cusamano (the man who recommended he go see Dr. Melfi), so as to find out what stocks are valuable. Meanwhile, Chris's argument with a guy in a restaurant leads to him getting acquainted with rap artist Massive Genius, who suggests Adriana become a music producer. Everything seems to be in order, until Chrissy's temper ruins the whole deal (he is convinced M.G.'s sole aim is to get in bed with Ade, and it's hard to think otherwise).
The story, mostly revolving around the music business, is fairly disconnected from the main plot of the entire season, in fact there is virtually no sign of Livia or Uncle Junior, the two figures who sort of dominate the show's first year. The whole episode is more about defining characters than it is about telling a great tale of gangster life. And yet it is extremely compelling, thanks to the sharp writing and spot-on characterizations: Chris and Adriana's relationship begins to get a little meatier, and Tony's conversation with Dr. Melfi about Italians and "Merigans" is one of the best ever written for the series. Stunning; not exactly essential, but captivating anyway.
After getting a stash of money from his henchmen (needless to say blood was involved in the acquisition), Tony decides to invest some in the stock market in order to provide his family with some legal income, and befriends his neighbor, Dr. Cusamano (the man who recommended he go see Dr. Melfi), so as to find out what stocks are valuable. Meanwhile, Chris's argument with a guy in a restaurant leads to him getting acquainted with rap artist Massive Genius, who suggests Adriana become a music producer. Everything seems to be in order, until Chrissy's temper ruins the whole deal (he is convinced M.G.'s sole aim is to get in bed with Ade, and it's hard to think otherwise).
The story, mostly revolving around the music business, is fairly disconnected from the main plot of the entire season, in fact there is virtually no sign of Livia or Uncle Junior, the two figures who sort of dominate the show's first year. The whole episode is more about defining characters than it is about telling a great tale of gangster life. And yet it is extremely compelling, thanks to the sharp writing and spot-on characterizations: Chris and Adriana's relationship begins to get a little meatier, and Tony's conversation with Dr. Melfi about Italians and "Merigans" is one of the best ever written for the series. Stunning; not exactly essential, but captivating anyway.