The Sopranos

10 Best Episodes of The Sopranos - Season 6

The Sopranos is one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed shows in television history. It follows the story of New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano as he juggles the conflicting demands of his home life and the criminal organization he leads. With seven seasons and an abundance of memorable and captivating episodes, it can be hard to decide which ones are the best. Here we rank the best episodes of The Sopranos, available on HBO since it first aired in 1999, and discuss what makes them so great.

From the episode that kicks off the show’s iconic journey to its climactic finale, these are the episodes that have kept viewers coming back for more. Each episode is carefully crafted, combining suspenseful storylines with engaging characters and clever dialogue. From Tony's relationships with his family, friends, and associates, to his ongoing professional relationship with psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi, these are the episodes that stand out from the rest.

So, if you’re looking for the best of The Sopranos, here is our ranked list of the top episodes. Tune in and get ready for an unforgettable journey into Tony’s world.

Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 24, 2024.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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The Sopranos - S6E6

#15 - Live Free or Die (Season 6 - Episode 6)

Tony seeks guidance from overseas to solve a local problem; and decides whether a top earner deserves another chance.

The episode was rated 7.72 from 840 votes.

The Sopranos - S6E2

#14 - Join the Club (Season 6 - Episode 2)

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The family tries to cope with Tony's hospitalization and possibly impending death, while Tony begins to hallucinate a new life parallel to his own.

The episode was rated 7.73 from 906 votes.

The Sopranos - S6E11

#13 - Cold Stones (Season 6 - Episode 11)

Phil takes out his revenge on Vito, while Tony grows frustrated with Anthony's lack of ambition or work ethic.

The episode was rated 7.74 from 788 votes.

The Sopranos - S6E3

#12 - Mayham (Season 6 - Episode 3)

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While the gang begins to turn on itself, Tony finds himself at the threshold.

The episode was rated 7.74 from 873 votes.

The Sopranos - S6E15

#11 - Remember When (Season 6 - Episode 15)

When Tony's first hit is about to be unearthed, he and Paulie flee to Florida, where Tony contemplates their friendship; Junior organizes a poker game at the institution; the New York power struggle continues

The episode was rated 7.79 from 767 votes.

The Sopranos - S6E4

#10 - The Fleshy Part of the Thigh (Season 6 - Episode 4)

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Tony goes home and returns to business, perhaps with a new frame of mind. Paulie receives a shock about his mother.

The episode was rated 7.82 from 859 votes.

The Sopranos - S6E5

#9 - Mr. & Mrs. John Sacrimoni Request... (Season 6 - Episode 5)

Johnny Sack asks for permission to get out of jail for his daughters wedding; Tony's on the look out for personal protection.

The episode was rated 7.86 from 824 votes.

The Sopranos - S6E17

#8 - Walk Like a Man (Season 6 - Episode 17)

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The relationship between Christopher and Paulie's falters, while A.J. grows depressed over his break-up with Blanca.

The episode was rated 7.88 from 811 votes.

The Sopranos - S6E13

#7 - Soprano Home Movies (Season 6 - Episode 13)

Bobby and Janice host a wild 47th birthday bash for Tony at their Adirondacks vacation home. Tony's actions following Johnny Sack's arrest come back to haunt him.

The episode was rated 7.93 from 827 votes.

The Sopranos - S6E14

#6 - Stage 5 (Season 6 - Episode 14)

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In "Stage 5" of The Sopranos, three men, three bosses, and three legacies are explored. Johnny Sack, who has a health crisis, wonders what his legacy will be as a mobster. His brother-in-law explains that he'll be remembered well, but that his hotheadedness has taken a toll. Tony, meanwhile, is faced with a similar dilemma. Christopher's Cleaver premieres, showing Tony how he feels about him, and Tony begins to question if all his efforts to raise Christopher up as his own were for nothing. Phil Leotardo also looks back on his legacy, feeling like his family has taken other people's "shit" for too long and vowing to do something about it.

The episode is well-acted, especially in Tony's scene with Melfi, and provides an interesting look into the legacies that the characters are leaving behind. The waiter's lack of panic in a high-stakes situation also provides a bit of levity. While the episode isn't the show's best, it serves as an intriguing harbinger of what's to come as it nears its end. Some viewers did wish that Phil would have mentioned how many years he spent in jail, which would have made the plot easier to understand.

The episode was rated 7.94 from 801 votes.

The Sopranos - S6E18

#5 - Kennedy and Heidi (Season 6 - Episode 18)

The Sopranos episode Kennedy and Heidi is full of dark and intense moments. The start of the episode is especially brutal, as Tony and Lupertazzi crime families quarrel over asbestos removal, and Tony is forced to deal with a problematic associate. To make matters worse, Paulie suffers a devastating personal loss. A.J. is also forced to question his friendship with Jason Parisi and Gervasi. While the event of Chris's death is shocking and visceral, it doesn't move viewers as much as it should due to the fact that it had been spoiled in The Simpsons episode "Papa Don't Leech".

This episode feels a little too familiar for those who have watched Mad Men, as it echoes some of the events in the show. It is also a very vague episode, with a lot of interesting symbolism and parallelism, but the meaning behind it is unclear. It is easy to see that Tony is trying to escape his conscience and his guilt, and is doing anything he can to bury it. His drug-fueled trip at the end of the episode could indicate that he is between Heaven and Hell, and that Chris was the one thing holding him back from true happiness. However, the meaning of the episode remains a mystery.

The episode was rated 7.95 from 802 votes.

The Sopranos - S6E1

#4 - Members Only (Season 6 - Episode 1)

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The Sopranos episode, "Members Only," is an intense and thrilling installment of the long-running series. Gene Pontecorvo makes a final break from the mob life, while Junior's paranoid delusions could be the end of Tony. Going into the episode, viewers knew there was "a shocking surprise ending." Nobody expected that Eugene Pontecorvo would be revealed to be working with the FBI and then take his own life. Even more unexpected was the moment when Uncle Junior shot Tony. It was a hell of a moment, as the show had been suggesting Tony's days might be numbered.

The episode draws a number of contrasts between Tony and Eugene, and in a larger sense, between the Sopranos and the rest of the world. Tony and Carmela are enjoying sushi every night and buying expensive cars as apologies, while other folks are feeling the pinch. Eugene, even with money, doesn't have power, and that means that everyone from Tony to the FBI can toss him around without his having any say in the matter. It's also about that difference between money and freedom, and death as the great leveler. The audience sees Eugene kick frantically, gasp for air, until he finally collapses after a few final twitches. The same is true for Tony as he agonizingly pulls himself across the room, struggles and strains to dial 9-1-1, before passing out from blood loss.

The episode was rated 7.99 from 958 votes.

The Sopranos - S6E19

#3 - The Second Coming (Season 6 - Episode 19)

In "The Second Coming" of the hit show The Sopranos, Tony attempts to mend the relationship between New Jersey and New York and his son A.J.'s struggle with depression continues. While a New York associate crosses the line with Meadow, Phil turns into a house, which is an incredible moment for James Gandolfini who gives one of the greatest acting moments in television. Tony and Carmella's finger pointing reflects a real-life situation and Tony's lack of self-awareness is further explored as he is able to see AJ a little clearer.

The scene between Tony and AJ is the most powerful one as it reflects how Tony feels about his own situation and how similar he and his son are. Tony's fear, concern, and love for his son are a reflection of his own emotions, and Gandolfini's performance is masterful. The argument between Tony and Carmella is also a reminder of the baggage they carry. Good acting is also seen from AJ as this is one of his first episodes.

The episode was rated 8.05 from 804 votes.

The Sopranos - S6E21

#2 - Made in America (Season 6 - Episode 21)

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The series finale of The Sopranos, "Made in America," brings the long-running saga of mob boss Tony Soprano to a fitting conclusion. As Tony seeks to find a peace with the Leotardo crew while dealing with rumors a member of his own crew may have flipped, A.J. makes a decision regarding his future and Junior's slide into dementia continues. Bobby Baccala's line, "You probably don't even hear it when it happens, right?" captures a sentiment that resonates throughout the episode.

The episode is filled with the trademark wit and humor of The Sopranos. Tony mumbles "Bye bye pop pop," Paulie freaks out at the cat, and Agent Harris even cheers on the Jersey family. Viewers of the show have come to expect such moments, and "Made in America" does not disappoint.

The episode was rated 8.05 from 964 votes.

The Sopranos - S6E20

#1 - The Blue Comet (Season 6 - Episode 20)

In the latest episode of "The Sopranos," titled "The Blue Comet," Tony Soprano finds himself grappling with the ever-present threat of disloyalty within his crew. Meanwhile, Phil Leotardo, the head of the rival crime family, must make a decision on how to handle the recent issues with the Soprano family. As tensions rise, a hit gone wrong ends up costing more than anyone could have anticipated. On a different front, A.J., Tony's son, faces a new challenge in his battle with depression.

One of the standout moments in this episode is the reappearance of Chris's old sponsor, who seems to be lingering around the Bing and inserting himself into the action. It's a small detail, but it adds an intriguing layer to the storyline. Overall, "The Blue Comet" is an episode packed with plot movement, condensing a lot of action and character development into a single hour. Some viewers may find themselves unsure of what to make of it all.

The episode delves into the dynamics of Tony's therapy sessions with Melfi. While some argue that therapy only enables Tony's behavior, others believe it has prompted him to make small improvements in his life. The sudden shift in Tony's demeanor after a confrontation with Melfi suggests that her influence has had an effect on him, but without consistent reinforcement, he easily reverts to his old ways. This theme of personal growth and the struggle to break free from destructive habits is a recurring motif throughout the series.

On the other hand, "The Blue Comet" also highlights the callousness of these mobsters and their disregard for others. From the random guy who suffers a beating for delivering news to the New York mobsters to the careless actions of those involved in Silvio's assassination, it becomes clear that these characters lack empathy and prioritize their own interests above all else. The episode raises questions about the consequences of their actions and the toll it takes on those around them.

While there are undoubtedly interesting aspects to "The Blue Comet," some viewers may feel that it falls short of expectations. The build-up to the New Jersey/New York war has been a long time coming, but the execution of certain scenes may leave viewers wanting more. The murder of Bobby, for instance, is visually stunning but may come across as gratuitous to some. Additionally, the AJ storyline may feel like it's dragging on for too long. It's possible that the episode's impact is diminished by viewer fatigue, as watching the entire series in a short span of time can lead to exhaustion and less emotional investment in the characters and their world.

Overall, "The Blue Comet" is an episode that offers plenty of tension and thought-provoking moments. It may not fully satisfy everyone's expectations, but it's still worth savoring and discussing.

The episode was rated 8.32 from 841 votes.

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