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Employee of the Month (The Sopranos episode)
Encyclopedia
"Employee of the Month" is the thirtieth episode of the HBO original series The Sopranos
and the fourth of the show's third season. It was written by Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess
, directed by John Patterson and originally aired on Sunday March 18, 2001.
decides that since Tony
has had a breakthrough in his prior therapy session, he is ready to be referred to a behavioral therapist
. Tony takes offense, convinced that Melfi is trying to hand him off to someone else. She quickly changes the subject by asking Tony what is new with his life. Tony proceeds to tell her about some problems with his children. Dr. Melfi suggests that he bring Carmela
into the therapy sessions. Tony feels uncomfortable about the idea, but agrees to ask his wife.
John "Johnny Sack" Sacramoni
, the powerful Underboss
of the Lupertazzi crime family, quietly moves to New Jersey
with his wife, Ginny. They are surprised to receive a visit from Tony Soprano, who is upset because Johnny had not previously mentioned anything about the move, and Tony fears increased interference from Johnny and his associates. Johnny explains that Ginny wants to be closer to her sisters, and that they already had a condo in Point Pleasant, New Jersey
. Furthermore, he assures Tony that he will not "stick his beak" into the New Jersey family business. He then invites Tony to a housewarming party, along with several other Soprano associates and captains.
Meanwhile, as Melfi leaves her office late in the evening, she is approached in the deserted parking garage by a young man named Jesus Rossi. He grabs her from behind and pushes her into the stairwell, where he brutally rape
s her and leaves her crying for help. She is taken to the emergency room where she learns her leg is badly wounded. She also has bruises on her face. Her son, Jason, wants revenge on the rapist, but Richard LaPenna (Melfi's ex-husband, whom she has begun dating again) tells Jason to let the police handle it. The following day, Richard phones the detectives, who inform him that Rossi was released on a technicality, due to a breakdown in the chain of custody
. Upon learning of Rossi's release, Melfi becomes very upset and afraid. Later, while buying a sandwich at a sub shop, she notices a plaque indicating that Rossi is the establishment's "Employee of the Month"; he is portrayed with a friendly smile, in sharp contrast to the snarling, violent man who had brutalized her. She drops her soda and runs out of the building.
Melfi later dreams about buying a soda at a vending machine, which was placed in the middle of her office, and takes macaroni for currency. After depositing the macaroni into the dollar slot, she reaches her hand into the machine to get her soda, only for her hand to get trapped inside. While trapped, she dreams of a large Rottweiler
that scares her, but then she sees her rapist coming to assault her again. While he slowly moves his hand across her leg and up her skirt, the dog viciously attacks Rossi, mauling him as he begs for his life. When Melfi awakens, she feels a sense of relief. Later, she describes the dream to her therapist, Dr. Elliot Kupferberg, and realizes its meaning: the large dog protecting her was actually Tony Soprano — someone who could take revenge on her behalf. However, Melfi assures Kupferberg that even though the justice system has failed her, she will not turn to Tony for help, although she mentions that the dream of watching her rapist suffer brought her great pleasure.
Ralph Cifaretto begins to show a fatherly interest in Jackie Aprile, Jr.
, the son of his girlfriend, Rosalie Aprile. During dinner at Nuovo Vesuvio, Ralph asks Jackie if he has any current love interests; he then recommends Meadow Soprano
to him. Shortly thereafter, Ralph takes him to help collect money from a client who refuses to make his payments, goading the man into a fight. The client swings a bat at Jackie and a struggle ensues. Jackie and Ralph manage to knock the man down and take the money from his wallet, with Ralph giving Jackie a large "cut." Hearing of this, Tony warns Ralph to keep Jackie away from the family, as Tony had promised Jackie's father that his son would not live such a life. Due to Ralph's taking Jackie along on his criminal ventures, Tony ultimately decides against promoting Ralphie to capo
of The Aprile Crew. Ralph is further disappointed to learn Tony has chosen Gigi Cestone, a less qualified family member.
After refusing to give up Svetlana Kirilenko's prosthetic leg, Janice
receives a visit from some Russian mobsters
. At first they ask nicely for the leg, but soon the encounter becomes violent. The Russians attack Janice and force her to retrieve the leg, which is in a bowling alley locker. Tony visits Janice at the hospital and angrily explains that because Russian mobsters have physically assaulted his sister, he is now faced with the choice of retaliating, thus risking a full-blown mob war with the Russians, or not retaliating, thus losing respect. He considers both bad choices, especially since Janice could have easily avoided the whole situation by not stealing from Svetlana. Janice then tells him that she has "found God" and informs a nonplussed Tony that she "forgives" Svetlana for what happened.
During their next session, Melfi begins to weep when Tony agrees to see the behaviorist, and he tries to comfort her. Tony asks her what is wrong, but she persuades him to sit back down and continue the session. Tony asks Melfi if she wants to tell him something. After a tense pause, Melfi says, "No".
Lorraine Bracco was nominated for "Best Actress in a Drama" for season three, and she submitted this episode. Most critics thought she was a lock, but she lost the award to co-star Edie Falco, who submitted the episode "Second Opinion".
The Sopranos
The Sopranos is an American television drama series created by David Chase that revolves around the New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the often conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal organization he heads...
and the fourth of the show's third season. It was written by Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess
Mitchell Burgess
Mitchell Burgess is an Emmy Award-winning writer and producer. He worked extensively on the HBO hit-series The Sopranos. He was a creator and executive producer for Blue Bloods. He frequently works with his wife Robin Green.-Career:...
, directed by John Patterson and originally aired on Sunday March 18, 2001.
Guest starring roles
- Sharon AngelaSharon AngelaSharon Angela is an American film, television actress, screenwriter and director. Angela is probably most well known for her portrayal of Rosalie Aprile on the HBO series, The Sopranos....
as Rosalie Aprile - Peter BogdanovichPeter BogdanovichPeter Bogdanovich is an American film historian, director, writer, actor, producer, and critic. He was part of the wave of "New Hollywood" directors, which included William Friedkin, Brian De Palma, George Lucas, Martin Scorsese, Michael Cimino, and Francis Ford Coppola...
as Dr. Elliot Kupferberg - Denise Borino as Ginny Sacramoni
- Jason CerboneJason CerboneJason Cerbone is an actor from Yonkers, New York.He got his start acting at age 4, appearing on a commercial for Sesame Street. He signed with the Ford Modeling Agency in New York City at age 7. Jason later appeared in Bon Jovi's "Silent Night" music video, as well as the title character in...
as Jackie Aprile, Jr.Jackie Aprile, Jr.Giacomo Michael Aprile, Jr. , played by Jason Cerbone, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. In the episode "...To Save Us All From Satan's Power", Cerbone's younger brother Matt played a younger Jackie Jr. in a flashback sequence.-Plot details:Jackie Aprile, Jr. was born into... - Vince CuratolaVince CuratolaVincent Curatola is an American actor and writer. Curatola's best-known role is that of the cold, calculating, chain smoking Johnny Sack from the HBO drama, The Sopranos...
as Johnny SackJohnny SackJohn "Johnny Sack" Sacramoni, played by Vince Curatola, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He was the longtime underboss and later the boss of the powerful Brooklyn-based New York City Lupertazzi crime family... - John FioreJohn Fiore (actor)John Fiore is an American actor from Somerville, Massachusetts.Fiore is probably best known for his recurring role as Detective Tony Profaci on the long-running NBC crime drama Law & Order...
as Gigi Cestone - Robert FunaroRobert FunaroRobert Funaro is an American film and television actor. Funaro is best known for the role of Eugene Pontecorvo in the Emmy Award-winning television series The Sopranos...
as Eugene Pontecorvo - Oksana LadaOksana LadaOksana Lada is a Ukraine born actress, probably best known for the role of Irina Peltsin, the mistress of Tony Soprano on the hit HBO TV show The Sopranos. She also had a role as a wedding dress saleswoman in 30 Rock, Season 2, Episode 1, "Seinfeldvision."...
as Irina Peltsin - Will McCormackWill McCormackWill McCormack is an American television and film actor.McCormack, who graduated Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, is the younger brother of actress Mary McCormack, who stars in the hit USA TV series In Plain Sight....
as Jason LaPenna - Mario Polit as Jesus Rossi
- Peter RiegertPeter RiegertPeter Riegert is an American actor, screenwriter, and film director, best known for his role as Boon from Animal House and crooked New Jersey State Assemblyman Ronald Zellman on the HBO original series The Sopranos.-Early life:...
as Ronald Zellman - Richard RomanusRichard RomanusRichard Romanus is an American actor of Lebanese descent. Among other roles, he has appeared in Martin Scorsese's Mean Streets, and provided voices for Ralph Bakshi's animated films Wizards and Hey Good Lookin'. He played Lorraine Bracco's ex-husband, later husband again, in three episodes of The...
as Richard LaPenna
Episode recap
Dr. MelfiJennifer Melfi
Jennifer Melfi, M.D., is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. She is the psychiatrist of Mafia boss Tony Soprano. She is portrayed by Lorraine Bracco.-Character description:...
decides that since Tony
Tony Soprano
Anthony John "Tony" Soprano, Sr. is an Italian-American fictional character and the protagonist on the HBO television drama series The Sopranos, on which he is portrayed by James Gandolfini. The character was conceived by The Sopranos creator and show runner David Chase, who was also largely...
has had a breakthrough in his prior therapy session, he is ready to be referred to a behavioral therapist
Behaviorism
Behaviorism , also called the learning perspective , is a philosophy of psychology based on the proposition that all things that organisms do—including acting, thinking, and feeling—can and should be regarded as behaviors, and that psychological disorders are best treated by altering behavior...
. Tony takes offense, convinced that Melfi is trying to hand him off to someone else. She quickly changes the subject by asking Tony what is new with his life. Tony proceeds to tell her about some problems with his children. Dr. Melfi suggests that he bring Carmela
Carmela Soprano
Carmela Soprano née DeAngelis, played by Edie Falco, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. She is the wife of Mafia boss Tony Soprano and the program's most prominent female character.-Character biography:...
into the therapy sessions. Tony feels uncomfortable about the idea, but agrees to ask his wife.
John "Johnny Sack" Sacramoni
Johnny Sack
John "Johnny Sack" Sacramoni, played by Vince Curatola, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He was the longtime underboss and later the boss of the powerful Brooklyn-based New York City Lupertazzi crime family...
, the powerful Underboss
Underboss
Underboss is a position within the leadership structure of Sicilian and American Mafia crime families. The underboss is second in command to the boss...
of the Lupertazzi crime family, quietly moves to New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
with his wife, Ginny. They are surprised to receive a visit from Tony Soprano, who is upset because Johnny had not previously mentioned anything about the move, and Tony fears increased interference from Johnny and his associates. Johnny explains that Ginny wants to be closer to her sisters, and that they already had a condo in Point Pleasant, New Jersey
Point Pleasant, New Jersey
Point Pleasant is a Borough in Ocean County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 18,392...
. Furthermore, he assures Tony that he will not "stick his beak" into the New Jersey family business. He then invites Tony to a housewarming party, along with several other Soprano associates and captains.
Meanwhile, as Melfi leaves her office late in the evening, she is approached in the deserted parking garage by a young man named Jesus Rossi. He grabs her from behind and pushes her into the stairwell, where he brutally rape
Rape
Rape is a type of sexual assault usually involving sexual intercourse, which is initiated by one or more persons against another person without that person's consent. The act may be carried out by physical force, coercion, abuse of authority or with a person who is incapable of valid consent. The...
s her and leaves her crying for help. She is taken to the emergency room where she learns her leg is badly wounded. She also has bruises on her face. Her son, Jason, wants revenge on the rapist, but Richard LaPenna (Melfi's ex-husband, whom she has begun dating again) tells Jason to let the police handle it. The following day, Richard phones the detectives, who inform him that Rossi was released on a technicality, due to a breakdown in the chain of custody
Chain of custody
Chain of custody refers to the chronological documentation or paper trail, showing the seizure, custody, control, transfer, analysis, and disposition of evidence, physical or electronic...
. Upon learning of Rossi's release, Melfi becomes very upset and afraid. Later, while buying a sandwich at a sub shop, she notices a plaque indicating that Rossi is the establishment's "Employee of the Month"; he is portrayed with a friendly smile, in sharp contrast to the snarling, violent man who had brutalized her. She drops her soda and runs out of the building.
Melfi later dreams about buying a soda at a vending machine, which was placed in the middle of her office, and takes macaroni for currency. After depositing the macaroni into the dollar slot, she reaches her hand into the machine to get her soda, only for her hand to get trapped inside. While trapped, she dreams of a large Rottweiler
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a medium to large size breed of domestic dog that originated in Rottweil, Germany. The dogs were known as "Rottweil butchers' dogs" because they were used to herd livestock and pull carts laden with butchered meat and other products to market...
that scares her, but then she sees her rapist coming to assault her again. While he slowly moves his hand across her leg and up her skirt, the dog viciously attacks Rossi, mauling him as he begs for his life. When Melfi awakens, she feels a sense of relief. Later, she describes the dream to her therapist, Dr. Elliot Kupferberg, and realizes its meaning: the large dog protecting her was actually Tony Soprano — someone who could take revenge on her behalf. However, Melfi assures Kupferberg that even though the justice system has failed her, she will not turn to Tony for help, although she mentions that the dream of watching her rapist suffer brought her great pleasure.
Ralph Cifaretto begins to show a fatherly interest in Jackie Aprile, Jr.
Jackie Aprile, Jr.
Giacomo Michael Aprile, Jr. , played by Jason Cerbone, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. In the episode "...To Save Us All From Satan's Power", Cerbone's younger brother Matt played a younger Jackie Jr. in a flashback sequence.-Plot details:Jackie Aprile, Jr. was born into...
, the son of his girlfriend, Rosalie Aprile. During dinner at Nuovo Vesuvio, Ralph asks Jackie if he has any current love interests; he then recommends Meadow Soprano
Meadow Soprano
Meadow Mariangela Soprano , played by Jamie-Lynn Sigler, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos.-Character:Meadow is the first-born child of Tony and Carmela Soprano...
to him. Shortly thereafter, Ralph takes him to help collect money from a client who refuses to make his payments, goading the man into a fight. The client swings a bat at Jackie and a struggle ensues. Jackie and Ralph manage to knock the man down and take the money from his wallet, with Ralph giving Jackie a large "cut." Hearing of this, Tony warns Ralph to keep Jackie away from the family, as Tony had promised Jackie's father that his son would not live such a life. Due to Ralph's taking Jackie along on his criminal ventures, Tony ultimately decides against promoting Ralphie to capo
Caporegime
A caporegime or capodecina, usually shortened to just a capo, is a term used in the Mafia for a high ranking made member of a crime family who heads a "crew" of soldiers and has major social status and influence in the organization...
of The Aprile Crew. Ralph is further disappointed to learn Tony has chosen Gigi Cestone, a less qualified family member.
After refusing to give up Svetlana Kirilenko's prosthetic leg, Janice
Janice Soprano
Janice Soprano Baccalieri, played by Aida Turturro, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. She is Tony Soprano's elder sister. A young Janice has appeared in flashbacks, played by Madeline Blue and Juliet Fox.-Biography:...
receives a visit from some Russian mobsters
Russian Mafia
The Russian Mafia is a name applied to organized crime syndicates in Russia and Ukraine. The mafia in various countries take the name of the country, as for example the Ukrainian mafia....
. At first they ask nicely for the leg, but soon the encounter becomes violent. The Russians attack Janice and force her to retrieve the leg, which is in a bowling alley locker. Tony visits Janice at the hospital and angrily explains that because Russian mobsters have physically assaulted his sister, he is now faced with the choice of retaliating, thus risking a full-blown mob war with the Russians, or not retaliating, thus losing respect. He considers both bad choices, especially since Janice could have easily avoided the whole situation by not stealing from Svetlana. Janice then tells him that she has "found God" and informs a nonplussed Tony that she "forgives" Svetlana for what happened.
During their next session, Melfi begins to weep when Tony agrees to see the behaviorist, and he tries to comfort her. Tony asks her what is wrong, but she persuades him to sit back down and continue the session. Tony asks Melfi if she wants to tell him something. After a tense pause, Melfi says, "No".
First appearances
- Ginny Sacramoni: The wife of Johnny Sack.
- Justin Cifaretto: The son of Ralph Cifaretto.
Title reference
- Dr. Melfi's rapist is "Employee of the Month" at a local subSubmarine sandwichA submarine sandwich, also known as a sub among other names, is a sandwich that consists of a long roll of Italian or French bread, split lengthwise either into two pieces or opened in a "V" on one side, and filled with various varieties of meat, cheese, vegetables, seasonings, and sauces. The...
shop. - There is concern over Ralph's getting passed over for captain.
Awards
- The episode's writers, Robin Green and Mitchell BurgessMitchell BurgessMitchell Burgess is an Emmy Award-winning writer and producer. He worked extensively on the HBO hit-series The Sopranos. He was a creator and executive producer for Blue Bloods. He frequently works with his wife Robin Green.-Career:...
, won an Emmy AwardEmmy AwardAn Emmy Award, often referred to simply as the Emmy, is a television production award, similar in nature to the Peabody Awards but more focused on entertainment, and is considered the television equivalent to the Academy Awards and the Grammy Awards .A majority of Emmys are presented in various...
in 2001 for Best Writing in a Drama Series.
Lorraine Bracco was nominated for "Best Actress in a Drama" for season three, and she submitted this episode. Most critics thought she was a lock, but she lost the award to co-star Edie Falco, who submitted the episode "Second Opinion".
Production
- Series creator, David ChaseDavid ChaseDavid Chase is an American writer, director, and producer of television series. Chase has worked in television for more than 30 years; he has produced and written for shows as The Rockford Files, I'll Fly Away, and Northern Exposure. He has created two original series; the first, Almost Grown,...
, says of the rape subplot and those expecting revenge from Tony: "If you're raised on a steady diet of Hollywood movies and network television, you start to think, 'Obviously there's going to be some moral accounting here'. That's not the way the world works. It all comes down to why you're watching. If all you want is to see big Tony Soprano take that guy's head and bang it against the wall like a cantaloupe… The point is—Melfi, despite pain and suffering, made her moral, ethical choice and we should applaud her for it. That's the story." - Denise Borino (Ginny Sacramoni) won her part by attending an open-casting session; she had not acted professionally before.
Music
- The song played over the end credits is "Fisherman's Daughter" by Daniel LanoisDaniel LanoisDaniel Lanois born September 19, 1951 in Hull, Quebec) is a Canadian record producer, guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. He has released a number of albums of his own work and has produced albums for a wide variety of artists, including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Peter Gabriel, Emmylou Harris, Willie...
. - In the scene where Dr. Melfi was at the subshop (before fleeing), Britney SpearsBritney SpearsBritney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
' song "Oops!... I Did It AgainOops!... I Did It Again (song)"Oops!... I Did It Again" is a song by American recording artist Britney Spears. The song was written and produced by Max Martin and Rami for Spears' second studio album, Oops!... I Did It Again . It was released on March 27, 2000 by Jive Records, as the first single from the album. "Oops!.....
" is heard.
Reference to other media
- Lorraine Bracco's character is raped by Jesus Rossi, or J. Rossi. In the film GoodfellasGoodfellasGoodfellas is a 1990 American crime film directed by Martin Scorsese. It is a film adaptation of the 1986 non-fiction book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi, who co-wrote the screenplay with Scorsese...
, Lorraine Bracco's character also has a nemesis named J. Rossi (Janice Rossi), whom her husband is sleeping with.