Tony accepts the invitation from doctor friend Bruce Cusamano (Robert LuPone) to play golf at a more posh green than what he's used to; Tony also considers more legitimate investments after a particularly good score at the beginning of the episode. Even Carmela gets in on the act, developing an interest in the stock market. Meanwhile, Christopher & Adriana make the acquaintance of star gangsta rapper Massive Genius (Bokeem Woodbine), and decide to try their hand at the business of music production.
'A Hit is a Hit' is not particularly important in terms of series story arcs, but it's a good diversion, albeit with some poignancy. We learn that Hesh (regular guest star Jerry Adler) has a background in the music business, and Massive Genius seeks reparations from Hesh in regards to music royalties. Tony feels resentful when it seems that Cusamano and his friends only want him around for entertainment, asking him questions such as "How authentic is "The Godfather"?" and "Did you know John Gotti?" The tension isn't overwhelming, but it is there.
In general, this is solid entertainment, with particularly strong showcases given to Drea de Matteo (Adriana) and Mr. Woodbine. Adriana thinks that she's a good judge of talent, but nobody else thinks much of this other artist (a former metal singer who's gone more mainstream) with whom she's taken an interest. Indeed, Christopher theorizes that Massive Genius only gave her the time of day because he was attracted to her. Mr. Woodbine has a great screen presence, as always.
The writing is typically sharp (such as Tony's monologue about Caucasians vs. "Americanos"), and 'A Hit is a Hit' does allow room for the cast to really flesh out their characterizations; there is violence here, but it's dealt with in a perfunctory manner right off the bat.
Seven out of 10.
'A Hit is a Hit' is not particularly important in terms of series story arcs, but it's a good diversion, albeit with some poignancy. We learn that Hesh (regular guest star Jerry Adler) has a background in the music business, and Massive Genius seeks reparations from Hesh in regards to music royalties. Tony feels resentful when it seems that Cusamano and his friends only want him around for entertainment, asking him questions such as "How authentic is "The Godfather"?" and "Did you know John Gotti?" The tension isn't overwhelming, but it is there.
In general, this is solid entertainment, with particularly strong showcases given to Drea de Matteo (Adriana) and Mr. Woodbine. Adriana thinks that she's a good judge of talent, but nobody else thinks much of this other artist (a former metal singer who's gone more mainstream) with whom she's taken an interest. Indeed, Christopher theorizes that Massive Genius only gave her the time of day because he was attracted to her. Mr. Woodbine has a great screen presence, as always.
The writing is typically sharp (such as Tony's monologue about Caucasians vs. "Americanos"), and 'A Hit is a Hit' does allow room for the cast to really flesh out their characterizations; there is violence here, but it's dealt with in a perfunctory manner right off the bat.
Seven out of 10.