Talking Sopranos - Episode #32 "University"

Episode #32 "University"

Explicit content warning

11/02/20 • 87 min

3 Listeners

Talking Sopranos

Michael and Steve are joined by Ariel Kiley (Tracee) the Bada Bing dancer who was featured in this episode. In this extremely compelling interview Ariel talks about how working on the Sopranos was actually her first acting job. How she was able to play such a difficult role and the incredible advice she got from James Gandolfini that changed her life.

After Ariel’s interview Michael and Steve break down one of the Sopranos most controversial episodes. At this point in the series David Chase thought fans were starting to glorify the characters and needed to be reminded that these were brutal gangsters. The mother, the daughter, the goomah, the sister, the hooker and the dancer. They all play an important role in this dramatic story of power, privilege, violence and misfortune. When this episode originally aired it got a huge amount of pushback and many fans dropped their HBO subscriptions and boycotted the series. This one gets a bit heavy.

Then Michael and Steve lighten things up with some hilarious stories of insane parties that last for days. Michael also talks about his favorite cars on the show including the beautiful Maserati. It’s all on this episode of Talking Sopranos #32 “University” S3 Ep 6. Remember to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and remember to go to talkingsopranos.com to ask Michael and Steve questions and order official Talking Sopranos merchandise.

Previous Episode

Episode #31 "Another Toothpick"

This week on Talking Sopranos Michael and Steve take on another dramatic and exciting Sopranos episode. This is one of Michael’s favorites, and a big one for Steve because it’s the first time Bobby Bacala was featured as a main character. Michael and Steve kick things off by talking about their favorite books, what they’ve read and what they’re reading now. It’s no surprise their tastes are completely different but it’s a great reading list so definitely take some notes. After that they get into some of their most embarrassing moments. Steve shares a few stories from the club and the church, while Michael remembers how he ruined a wedding when he worked at a catering hall. Then they get into this week’s episode which is a great one. Steve talks about working with the incredible Bert Young and what he was like on set. They share an incredible story about an actor who had “One Line on the Sopranos” and turned it into a viral video and a part on Boardwalk Empire. Michael and Steve also talk about their superstitions, Bigfoot and why you should never pour wine overhand. Lots to take in on Talking Sopranos Episode #31 “Another Toothpick” S3 E5. Remember to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to talkingsopranos.com to post questions and buy official merchandise.

Next Episode

Episode #33 "Second Opinion"

Emmy award winning Cinematographer Phil Abraham joins Michael and Steve for another exciting episode of Talking Sopranos. Phil worked on all six seasons of the Sopranos and shares some great stories from behind the camera. He talks about how James Gandolfini was once leery about a director so he tanked the scene just to see if the director would notice. He also talks about directing his first episode, and what it was like being part of crazy Soprano's family.

Then Michael and Steve get into this week’s episode which is one of Edie Falco’s best. Carmela tries therapy on her own but is shaken by what Dr Krakower tells her. Did you know that Mike Nichols originally agreed to play the role of the doctor but bailed after the table read? Junior undergoes an operation for cancer and places his life in the hands of a man named Kennedy. Unfortunately doctors in real life aren’t what they’re like on TV....wait what? Michael and Steve dig into the whole Kennedy mystique and Michael tells us what he really thinks of Ronald Regan. It’s all this week on Talking Sopranos Ep #33 “Second Opinion” S3 Ep7. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to talkingsopranos.com to ask question and get official talking sopranos merchandise.