“The Ride”
The Sopranos episode
Episode no.	Season 6 Episode 74
Written by	Terence Winter
Directed by	Alan Taylor
Guest stars	see below
Production no.	609
Original airdate	May 7, 2006 (HBO)
Episode chronology ← Previous Next → "Johnny Cakes" "Moe N' Joe"
Episode chronology

"The Ride" is the seventy-fourth episode of the HBO original series, The Sopranos, and the ninth of the show's sixth season. The episode was written by Terence Winter, directed by Alan Taylor and originally aired on May 7, 2006. This article is about the television series. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Ep74_04. ... Terence Winter is an American screenwriter and television producer most notably known for his work on the HBO series, The Sopranos which he joined the writing staff during the shows second season. ... Alan Taylor (born 1965) is an American television director. ... is the 127th day of the year (128th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see HBO (disambiguation). ... Johnny Cakes is the 73rd episode of the HBO original series, The Sopranos. ... Moe n Joe is the 75th episode of the HBO original series, The Sopranos. ... This is an episode list for the crime drama The Sopranos. ... For other uses, see HBO (disambiguation). ... This article is about the television series. ... Terence Winter is an American screenwriter and television producer most notably known for his work on the HBO series, The Sopranos which he joined the writing staff during the shows second season. ... Alan Taylor (born 1965) is an American television director. ... is the 127th day of the year (128th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Guest starring

• T.R.Shields III as Dale Hutchins

Insert non-formatted text here This article or section needs to be wikified. ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series The Sopranos that are associated with the Soprano crime family (formerly known as the DiMeo crime family). ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series, The Sopranos that are associated with the Lupertazzi Crime Family. ... Cara Buono, (born March 1, 1974 Bronx, New York, U.S.) is an American actress, screenwriter and director. ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series, The Sopranos that are friends or family of the Sopranos. ... Little Paulie Germani is a fictional character from the highly acclaimed television series The Sopranos. ... Max Casella as Benny Fazio Max Casella (born June 6, 1967) is an American actor. ... Information Aliases Benny Fazio Gender Male Age 30s Occupation Soldier in the Moltisanti Crew Family Benny Fazio, Sr. ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series, The Sopranos that are associated with the Lupertazzi Crime Family. ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series, The Sopranos that are friends or family of the Sopranos. ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series The Sopranos that are associated with the Soprano crime family (formerly known as the DiMeo crime family). ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series The Sopranos that are associated with the Soprano crime family (formerly known as the DiMeo crime family). ... Jonathan del Arco (March 7, 1966 in Uruguay) is an American actor. ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series, The Sopranos that are friends or family of the Sopranos. ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series The Sopranos that are associated with the Soprano crime family (formerly known as the DiMeo crime family). ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series, The Sopranos that are friends or family of the Sopranos. ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series, The Sopranos that are friends or family of the Sopranos. ... Julianna Margulies on the cover of Marie Claire Julianna Luisa Margulies is an actress whose role on the NBC drama ER brought her recognition and fame. ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series, The Sopranos that are friends or family of the Sopranos. ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series, The Sopranos that are friends or family of the Sopranos. ... Patty McCormack as Rhoda Penmark in The Bad Seed Patty McCormack (born August 21, 1945) is an American actress. ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series, The Sopranos that are friends or family of the Sopranos. ... Arthur J. Nascarella is an American character actor who has appeared in dozens of films, most often playing mobsters and cops. ... –friend Silver Cho Information Gender Male Age 50s Occupation FBI informant Title former capo in the DiMeo Crime Family Family Burt Gervasi (cousin) Children Jason Gervasi (son) James Gervasi (son) Portrayed by Arthur J. Nascarella Created by David Chase Carlo Gervasi, played by Arthur J. Nascarella, is a fictional character... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series The Sopranos that are associated with the Soprano crime family (formerly known as the DiMeo crime family). ... Lenny Venito is an actor, and has made appearances in movies such as Gigli, Men in Black II, and War of the Worlds. ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series The Sopranos that are associated with the Soprano crime family (formerly known as the DiMeo crime family). ...

Episode recap

In preparation of the annual Feast of St. Elzear, Paulie Walnuts and Patsy Parisi visit their local church and learn the new priest, Father José, wants to raise the fee provided to the parish. When Paulie refuses to pay, Father José tells them they will not be able to use the golden hat traditionally worn by the Saint, a traditional part of the statue's garb. "Fuck the hat," Paulie decides. Saint Elzéar of Sabran, Baron of Ansouis, Count of Ariano, was born in the castle of Saint-Jean de Robians, in Provence, southern France, in 1285; died at Paris on 27 September, 1323. ... Peter Paul Gualtieri aka Paulie Walnuts, played by Tony Sirico, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. ... Pasquale Patsy Parisi, played by Dan Grimaldi, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. ...

On their way home from a trip to Pennsylvania, Christopher and Tony make an impromptu bathroom stop in what they think is a deserted parking lot. When they pull behind a building, they witness two bikers stealing crates of Château Pichon wine from a liquor store. As the two bikers go back into the store, Christopher and Tony plunder their wine, moving the crates into Tony's SUV. When the bikers reemerge (carrying an ATM), bullets fly. As he and Tony speed away, Christopher hits one of the bikers. They celebrate their escapade at a restaurant, and although Christopher initially abstains, Tony suggests, "You should toast to your wedding at least," and he pours Christopher a glass of wine. This article is about the U.S. State. ... Imme R 100,Germany, 1948/1949 A 125 cc motorcycle, the Italian-manufactured Cagiva Planet. ... Chateau Pichon Longueville Baron is a Second Growth estate, often described as a “Super Second. ... This article or section may be confusing or unclear for some readers, and should be edited to rectify this. ... Cash machine redirects here. ...

Christopher's girlfriend Kelli tells him that she is pregnant. She nervously blames herself and assures him she will "take care of it" by going to a clinic. Christopher instead suggests they get married in Atlantic City and "make a day of it." Chris mentions how much he wanted to have a baby with Adriana and tells Kelli that his ex is probably having some "other guy's babies now". Later, Chris enters the Bada Bing wearing a wedding ring, happy that he is married and about to be a father. He and Kelli make an offer on a large house as he anticipates starting a family. The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series, The Sopranos that are friends or family of the Sopranos. ... Alternate meanings: See Atlantic City (disambiguation) Atlantic City is a city located in USA. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 40,517. ... The Bada Bings logo The Bada Bing! (aka the Bada Bing or The Bing) is a fictional go-go bar from the HBO drama television series The Sopranos. ...

Carmela encounters Liz La Cerva (Adriana's mother) at the feast, who claims Christopher killed her daughter, telling Carmela that the FBI told her as much. When Carmela asks Tony about it the next day, he insists that it would have been impossible for Christopher to have gotten away with killing his fiancée. While at the festival, Tony sees Julianna Skiff and waves to her, but she does not see him. Carmela Soprano née DeAngelis, played by Edie Falco, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series, The Sopranos that are friends or family of the Sopranos. ... Adriana La Cerva, played by Drea de Matteo, is a fictional character from the HBO TV series, The Sopranos. ... The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a federal criminal investigative, intelligence agency, and the primary investigative arm of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series, The Sopranos that are friends or family of the Sopranos. ...

At the feast, Tony Soprano and Phil Leotardo work out a deal where they agree to split the profits for the New York distribution of a trailer of vitamins confiscated by Tony's crew. Phil's stipulation is that Johnny Sack be left out of the transaction in order to "spare John the stress of having to hear about this." Anthony John Soprano, Sr. ... Philip Phil Leotardo, played by character actor Frank Vincent, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. ... Retinol (one vitamer of Vitamin A) A vitamin is an organic compound required as a nutrient in tiny amounts by an organism. ... John Johnny Sack Sacramoni, played by Vince Curatola, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. ...

Christopher meets with Corky Caporale to pay him for the hit on Rusty Millio. Part of his payment includes some heroin. As Christopher watches Corky shoot up, he first recommends rehab to him, but then tells him he wants to "toot" a little himself. Christopher spends the night in a stoned stupor, bonding with a stray dog at the feast. The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series The Sopranos that are associated with the Soprano crime family (formerly known as the DiMeo crime family). ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series, The Sopranos that are associated with the Lupertazzi Crime Family. ... For other uses, see Heroin (disambiguation). ...

During the feast, several parishioners notice the missing gold hat and word begins to spread that Paulie scrimped on the planning of the festival. His frugal ways are blamed for an accident on a ride that left one child with a bloody nose and missing teeth and several others injured. Little Paulie Germani is left to deal with the police investigation by his uncle. Janice and her baby were also on the ride, and although apparently unhurt after the accident, Janice seems to develop a neck injury after Meadow makes the suggestion that the injured may be compensated monetarily. Little Paulie Germani is a fictional character from the highly acclaimed television series The Sopranos. ... Information Aliases Parvati Wasatch Gender Female Age 49 Occupation Housewife Family Johnny Boy Soprano (father) Livia Soprano (mother) Tony Soprano (brother) Barbara Soprano Giglione (sister) Carmela Soprano (sister-in-law) Anthony Soprano, Jr. ... Meadow Mariangela Soprano, played by Jamie-Lynn Sigler, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. ...

In Dr. Melfi's office, Tony laments about people lining up for thrill rides. "They pay money to almost puke." She asks if he's bored. Tony claims he continues to feel that every day is a gift, but "Does it have to be a pair of socks?" This article is about a fictional character from The Sopranos. ...

Bad blood erupts between Bobby Bacala and Paulie after Bobby learns from Dale Hutchins, the ride's operator, that Paulie was responsible for withholding money needed for maintenance on the ride. Paulie has other problems, including having a biopsy to determine if he has prostate cancer. At the feast, he runs into Nucci, the aunt who raised him as her son. She points out how his cheap spending was not only wrong but also a sin to allow St. Elzear go without his gold hat. Robert Bobby Bacala Baccalieri, Jr. ... HRPC redirects here. ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series, The Sopranos that are friends or family of the Sopranos. ...

At Christopher's belated bachelor party, held at Vesuvio's, there is noticeable lingering tension between Paulie and Bobby, who departs the dinner early. In the restroom, Tony runs into Paulie and demands he work things out with Bobby, which prompts Paulie to disclose his medical concerns to Tony. A bachelor party (also called a stag party, stag night (UK, Ireland, Canada, and NZ), bulls party (South Africa) or bucks party, bucks night (Australia)) is a party held for a bachelor shortly before he enters marriage, to make the most of his final opportunity to engage in activities a...

At the feast, baby Nica Baccalieri cries, anxious to go on the tea cup ride again. As an exasperated Janice looks on, Tony placates Nica, picking her up into his arms, swinging her around as she giggles and laughs.

At home, Paulie is unable to sleep, then calls his urologist's answering service in the middle of the night. He is informed his doctor is out of town. The next morning, after seeing a vision of the Virgin Mary at the Bada Bing, a shaken Paulie visits Nucci at Green Grove. She warns him that she does not want to argue; Paulie enters her room and sits down to watch Lawrence Welk on TV with her. Our Lady redirects here. ... The Bada Bings logo The Bada Bing! (aka the Bada Bing or The Bing) is a fictional go-go bar from the HBO drama television series The Sopranos. ... Lawrence Welk (March 11, 1903 – May 17, 1992) was a musician, accordionist, bandleader, and television impresario, hosting The Lawrence Welk Show from 1951 to 1982. ...

Title reference

• The episode's title refers to a faulty amusement ride at the feast on which Janice, Bobby, Jr., and Domenica were all riding during the incident. It can also be considered a reference to Christopher's and Tony's road trip to Pennsylvania, Christopher getting high, or the "ride" on which Silvio Dante took Adriana that is referenced in this episode.

4 second exposure night photography . ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series, The Sopranos that are friends or family of the Sopranos. ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series, The Sopranos that are friends or family of the Sopranos. ... Silvio Manfred Dante, played by Steven Van Zandt, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. ...

First appearance

• Gerry Torciano: Soldier in the Lupertazzi crime family who assumed the role of Phil Leotardo's protégé shortly after his brother's death.

The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series The Sopranos that are associated with the Soprano crime family (formerly known as the DiMeo crime family). ...

Production

• The Feast of Saint Elzear takes place on September 27th.
• The episode includes a flashback scene of Christopher's emotional revelation to Tony that Adriana had been working for the Feds. That scene was originally shot as part of episode 5.12 "Long Term Parking", but had been cut to heighten the suspense surrounding Adriana's execution.
• The theme of a wind driving the characters is continued in this episode - the closing shot is of wind rustling autumn leaves as Paulie reconciles with Nucci.

Long Term Parking is the 64th episode of the HBO original series, The Sopranos. ...

Connections to prior and future episodes

• While awaiting the results of his biopsy, Paulie is seen to be awake at 3:00am. In Season Two's "From Where to Eternity", Christopher awakes from a near death experience and tells Tony and Paulie he went to hell, saw Mikey Palmice and Brendan Filone and was told to deliver the message "three o'clock" for them. Since then, Paulie's obsession with that warning has become a theme of the show. In the final episode, "Made in America", Paulie mentions his vision of the Virgin Mary to Tony and, in the final scene, a man walks into the men's room in Holsten's at the 3 o'clock position, relative to Tony.

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:

The Ride

Episode chronology From Where to Eternity is the twenty-second episode of the HBO original series The Sopranos and the ninth of the shows second season. ... This article is about the theological or philosophical afterlife. ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series The Sopranos that are associated with the Soprano crime family (formerly known as the DiMeo crime family). ... The following is a listing of fictional characters from the HBO series The Sopranos that are associated with the Soprano crime family (formerly known as the DiMeo crime family). ... Episode chronology Made in America is the 86th and final episode of the HBO original series The Sopranos, the ninth episode of the second half of sixth season. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Wikiquote is one of a family of wiki-based projects run by the Wikimedia Foundation, running on MediaWiki software. ...

References to other media

• The Feast of St. Elzear is reminiscent of a similar feast in one of the flashback sequences in The Godfather II where money was pinned to a statue as Vito Corleone took his first steps into becoming a mob boss. Conversely, the festival in this episode plays against the thematic background of decline for the mafia.
• In one scene towards the end of the episode, Janice Soprano and Bobby Baccalieri's toddler daughter cries because she wants to go on the ride that has since been shut down. To cheer up the little girl, Tony goes after her pretending to be a monster and then picks her up and plays with her childishly. This scene is reminiscent of the one in The Godfather Part I when Vito Corleone (also a mob boss in his later years) is playing with his grandson, Anthony Corleone, in an outside garden and also pretending to be a monster of sorts.
• Christopher calls Tony "The Bad Lieutenant". The film of that name is a 1992 Abel Ferrara tale full of religious undertones and Catholic iconography similar to this episode. In the film, the unnamed Lieutenant sees a vision of Christ just as Paulie sees a vision of the Virgin Mary.
• The episode continues the use of references to Hurricane Katrina. Tony runs into Paulie in the bathroom and says "you're doing a heck of a job there, Brownie", a reference to a similar statement made by George W. Bush in to then FEMA director Michael Brown. Bush's comment is often used to sarcastically praise someone who is doing a poor job. Shortly after publicly praising Brown, many believe Bush forced him to resign.
• Upon arriving at a house that he is looking at for a potential purchase, Christopher says "this is what I'm talking about, stately Wayne Manor" (the residence of Batman).

Al Pacino as Don Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part II The Godfather, Part II is the 1974 sequel to The Godfather. ... Vito Corleone is a fictional character in Mario Puzos novel The Godfather, as well as Francis Ford Coppolas trilogy of films based on it. ... The Godfather is a novel written by Mario Puzo about a fictitious Italian Mafia family. ... Bad Lieutenant is a 1992 film crime drama directed by Abel Ferrara and starring Harvey Keitel as the titular bad lieutenant. The screenplay was co-written by actress-model Zoë Tamerlis Lund (credited as Zoë Lund). ... Born July 15, 1951 in The Bronx, Ferrara started his career in his teens, making amateur films on Super 8. ... This page is about the title, office or what is known in Christian theology as the Divine Person. ... This article is about the Atlantic hurricane of 2005. ... George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the forty-third and current President of the United States of America, originally inaugurated on January 20, 2001. ... Michael Brownie Brown For other people of the same name, see Michael Brown (disambiguation). ... Wayne Manor in 1989s Batman. ... Batman (originally referred to as the Bat-Man and still referred to at times as the Batman) is a DC Comics fictional superhero who first appeared in Detective Comics #27 in May 1939. ...

Music

• A live cover version of "Pipeline", performed by Johnny Thunders, plays over the episode credits.
• The song playing throughout Christopher's high is "The Dolphins" by folk artist Fred Neil.
• The polka played on accordion by Lawrence Welk during Paulie's visit to Nucci is the Norwegian traditional children's song "Hompetitten". The music was originally written by Gunnar Wahlberg and the lyrics by Alf Prøysen.
• The music playing whilst Christopher and Tony are driving and stealing wine is "Alright Now" by British rock band Free.