I found Long-Term Parking, Episode 64 to be deeply disturbing, even more so than the usually disturbing Sopranos episodes. In fact, it reminded me of the great Scorcese mob pictures like Good Fellas in which the evil perpetrated by the characters is presented neutrally with absolutely no moral perspective as most Hollywood movies would provide. It makes for a vertiginous & troubling viewing experience.
With this episode, we saw almost all the characters at some of their worst, most conniving behavior. I was amazed that Tony & Carmela reconciled with so little emotional ‘foreplay.’ Nothing in previous episodes prepared us for the possibility that this was in the cards. Carmela didn’t change; Tony didn’t change. So what caused this?
I was also amazed that their reconciliation revolved not around any emotional confluence of the two characters, but rather around a purely commercial transaction. I guess this is meant to remind us of the idea of some social critics that marriage in a capitalist society is nothing more than a monetary transaction and not (as most people believe) a concept based on love or any other emotional motivation.
Further, Tony’s ‘promise’ to remain faithful drips of insincerity. His promise to not betray her is clearly a betrayal in itself. Of course, he will betray her. What has changed in him that would make him honor this promise? Nothing. But why Carmela seems to believe him is beyond me. I guess maybe she doesn’t believe him and the land purchase is more important to her than the question of whether Tony’s promise is sincere. That’s some pretty cynical (&*! if you ask me.
Adriana’s murder is one of the most disturbing plot developments for me in the history of the entire show. She’s been a pillar of the show for so long that it’s disturbing to see how easily & quickly such an important character can be dispatched. Again, I understand that this is part of the ‘message’ David Chase is trying to give us: that in a society like the Mob, the normal qualities of personal relationships do not apply. All that does apply is whether you remain useful to your fellow mobsters. Once you are not useful, you are expendable. I know this seems like elementary Mob plot development. But it’s still tremendously jarring to see it played out in Adriana’s case.
Christopher’s role in her murder is very profound and will provide much grist for the writers mill in future episodes. I wondered what was the meaning of his gas station ‘epiphany’ before he betrays her. In looking at the immigrant father, his children and dilapidated car stacked to the rafters with household goods–was Christopher imagining that this would be his life with her if he fled the mob? That it would be a sordid mess involving constant running to escape Tony’s clutches? Or was he looking at the family and imagining that their (his and Adriana’s) flight could be as successful as this family’s? I guess the scene was meant to be ambiguous.
BTW, wasn’t her hair & face great?! She looked like a ravaged Medusa. Really Gothic!
I actually really liked the episode alot but was bothered by the same thing. I didn’t like the way Tony & Carmela got back together at all… their breakup was so emotional and I really think them getting back together should have had way more emotion. A few weeks ago after they had sex in the pool – I think it would have been better if they started getting back together then and then the property to develop just sort of made it happen faster. As for killing Adriana, like you I thought it was way too fast… I wanted to see a little shit go down with the FBI and all before the got rid of her but I guess they were trying to stay true to the way things really happen.
I was flabbergasted. For a moment there they made it look as if she had gotten in her car, suitcase in tow and had left alone. I’ve read on the web that some think she has not been killed at all. Wishful thinking?
–> Tony’s ‘promise’ to remain faithful drips of insincerity…
indeed he says to carmela “I swear to you on our children that my midlife crisis problem will no longer intrude on you anymore”. What is he saying after all, that he will stop having goomahs, or that they would just stop calling at the house?
Frankly i wish adriana had committed suicide. it would have given her more honor. i fucking cried when she got killed. ugh
I agree with a lot of what you posted. But as far as Tony moving back in, you have to interpret what he says. He never said he wouldn’t cheat on Carmella again; he implied his infidelities would not intrude on their home again. Big difference.
Wow where have I been. Missed all the hype when the show ran on HBO. I got hooked with my free membership to Amazon.
The scene where Ade tells Christopher is a very powerful and moving piece of film work. Even though Christopher almost chokes the life out of Adrianna I felt a deep feeling of sorrow for both of them. Of course Chris backs off and both fall apart together. This scene brought back memories of my divorce and mine and my wife emotional break down when we new it was over.
As for the epiphany where chris is at the gas station. There is only one conclusion. Chris is far more loyal to the family then Adrianna. Her betrayal to the FBI no matter the reason went off the reservation and broke the most scared vow.
Snitches will not be tolerated no matter how beloved by characters or audience. I only wish they would have made her death a little more dignified . They could have at least let her go down shooting and wounding Sil.