OS SOPRANOS – TEMP. 3 -13 EPISÓDIOS (USA, 2001) - The death of his mother and concerns about his children’s future lead Tony to lose focus as boss of the family. Loyal confidants like Christopher Moltisanti, Paulie Gualtieri and Uncle Junior become disillusioned by Tony’s leadership. Meanwhile, the introduction of violent capo Ralph Cifaretto causes the factions to become even more splintered. Yet for the first time in Sopranos history, the mob storyline doesn’t take precedence. The Sopranos themselves are the main focus of season three, and the familial tensions that build throughout the year are just as explosive as the bursts of ultraviolence seen in every episode. For example, Meadow’s relationship drama is contrasted with the stripper who is brutally killed by Ralph in “University,” one of the series’ most powerful episodes. Elsewhere, AJ’s irresponsibility is compared to the recklessness of Jackie Aprile Jr., who is gunned down by the very gangsters he aspired to be.
