Yes, the episode itself is great. Just see most of the other reviews for why that is.
But, I want to go into the "what happened to Valery" thing. And I know a lot has been said about it, including by Mr. Chase himself. We are supposed to appreciate the mystery as not everything has to be 100% clear.
Thing is, though, that we are once again introduced to a character of the week (well, two really) who seems to be long known to Tony. Tony even appears to be somewhat scared of Slava. He is very concerned when he is pressing Paulie over the phone as to what happened to Valery. That means, after we happen to have reached the runtime of the episode, that this still matters! If Valery was alive, as the episode mostly seems to imply, Tony would be in trouble. Even if he totally disappeared, you're telling me Slava would not get back to Tony or Silvio to find out if they knew anything? If nothing else it would be a great opportunity for something that Tony is concerned about, that you could get back to later. You know, like you would expect for a show that's supposed not to be just stand alone episodes. But no, Slava and Valery are just fodder of the week to service the main characters. At least this time that is used for SOME development of the mains, unlike other episodes (especially later ones).
My main point being: I understand it doesn't matter to the creators. It may not even matter to the audience. But it is supposed to matter to the characters in the show! They should care, and remember it when the next episode rolls around, instead of just resetting next day for a new exciting adventure like a goldfish.
But, I want to go into the "what happened to Valery" thing. And I know a lot has been said about it, including by Mr. Chase himself. We are supposed to appreciate the mystery as not everything has to be 100% clear.
Thing is, though, that we are once again introduced to a character of the week (well, two really) who seems to be long known to Tony. Tony even appears to be somewhat scared of Slava. He is very concerned when he is pressing Paulie over the phone as to what happened to Valery. That means, after we happen to have reached the runtime of the episode, that this still matters! If Valery was alive, as the episode mostly seems to imply, Tony would be in trouble. Even if he totally disappeared, you're telling me Slava would not get back to Tony or Silvio to find out if they knew anything? If nothing else it would be a great opportunity for something that Tony is concerned about, that you could get back to later. You know, like you would expect for a show that's supposed not to be just stand alone episodes. But no, Slava and Valery are just fodder of the week to service the main characters. At least this time that is used for SOME development of the mains, unlike other episodes (especially later ones).
My main point being: I understand it doesn't matter to the creators. It may not even matter to the audience. But it is supposed to matter to the characters in the show! They should care, and remember it when the next episode rolls around, instead of just resetting next day for a new exciting adventure like a goldfish.