Episode #37 "Pine Barrens"

Explicit content warning

12/07/20 • 161 min

3 Listeners

This week it’s Pine Barrens with guest Steve Buscemi...need I say more? This episode of the Sopranos is one of the greatest hours in the history of television. Now Michael and Steve are going to break it down scene by scene. We kick things off with an interview with Steve Buscemi who directed the episode and was nominated for an Emmy for his work. Steve talks about how the idea for the story came from a dream by Tim Van Patten, and how the episode randomly dropped to him to direct. He shares stories about how Jersey wouldn’t approve the show's permits so the outdoor scenes had to be shot in Harriman State Park, NY rather than NJ. How the snow was a complete accident and what it took to get Tony Sirico to mess up those wings.

Then before Michael and Steve break down the episode we better check the Wing-o-Meter. In this episode Tony goes from level one to level four and all the way to total bozo!

After that Michael and Steve talk about how several of the scenes were shot, locations where they were shot, and what it was like spending four days in the freezing cold. Steve has a hilarious story about what it took to make Jim laugh when he saw Bobby in the ridiculous hunting outfit. Then things start to get a bit strange. Michael talks about squid from outer space and whether Steve is smarter than a dolphin. But that’s just the beginning because after all we are in the Pine Barrens....and the Jersey devil is about to stir things up. A horse head, kangaroo body, bat wings and a forked tail.....really? Steve is going to go off! This is a great one. Pine Barrens...Talking Sopranos Episode #37. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to talkingsopranos.com to ask Michael and Steve questions and buy official merchandise.

Then before Michael and Steve break down the episode we better check the Wing-o-Meter. In this episode Tony goes from level one to level four and all the way to total bozo!

Previous Episode

Episode #36 "To Save Us All From Satan's Power"

Michael and Steve are joined by guest Max Casella (Benny Fazio). Max is a show business veteran who has appeared in a number of hit movies and TV shows including; The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Inside Llewyn Davis, Blue Jasmine, Doogie Howser and of course the Sopranos. He talks about how he got his start in the business and what it was like to work with Woody Allen, The Coen Brothers and to perform the Lion King on Broadway. He also shares his story of auditioning for David Chase and how he thought it was the worst audition of his life. Imagine how shocked he was when he landed the re-occurring role of Benny Fazio.

Then the guys turn their focus to food. Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Pizza, whatever. They trade stories of amazing meals they’ve had and their top restaurants in NY, LA, Sidney and around the world. Plus get the scoop on all the cool little places the Sopranos cast used to go during and after shooting the show.

After that Michael and Steve get into this week’s show which sort of a Christmas episode...Sopranos style. Bobby wants nothing to do with Kris Kringle, Sil is having nightmares about Pussy, and the kids tell Santa to go f**k himself. Paulie talks about the real story of Christmas where the elves give good kids toys and the bad ones a beating. Ho F**king Ho, Taking Sopranos is taking on S3 E10 “To Save Us All From Satan’s Power”. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the talking sopranos web site to post questions, buy merchandise and listen to Michael’s original music.

http://www.talkingsopranos.com

Next Episode

Episode #38 "Amour Fou"

This week Michael and Steve are joined by the incredible and talented Annabella Sciorra (Gloria Trillo). Annabella’s role of Gloria was one of the most memorable characters on the series and she was nominated for an Emmy for her performance. Annabella talks about how she got her start in the business, how she landed her first big role in True Love and her early days with Aida Turturro. Then she talks about her incredible time on the Sopranos. Originally she read for another role but she fell in love with the character of Gloria. At first David wanted Gloria to look more like Melfi but Annabella said No No No...She went with a much more alluring look and it worked. Tony was drawn in like a moth to a flame. She shares a great story about how she may have gone a little too far in a fight scene with James Gandolfini.

Then Michael and Steve get onto this week’s episode which is absolutely fantastic. It's like a masterclass in acting as Annabella and Jim deliver some of the best performances of the series. Gloria is pushing Tony to the limit. Jackie Jr makes the worst decision of his life and Carmella is questioning everything. David Chase always liked to make the 12th episode of a season a big one and this does not disappoint. Talking Sopranos #38 “Amour Fou” S3 Ep-12. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the Talking Sopranos web site to ask questions and buy merchandise

http://www.talkingsopranos.com

Also make sure to check out the Friends of Firefighters Virtual event,

Friday December 18th at 7pm ET.

This special two-hour event will feature members of the original Sopranos cast who will answer questions and perform a live script reading written by Terrence Winter and David Chase. It’s an important organization that supports active and retired FDNY firefighters and their families who have been impacted by the trauma these heroes face daily. For more information go to https://tiltify.com/+sopranos/reunion.