Season 6, Episode 20 - A New Chapter
INT. BADA BING STRIP CLUB - NIGHT
The Sopranos family and crew are gathered around a table in their usual section of the Bada Bing strip club. Tony, Silvio, Paulie, and Vito are having drinks and laughing.
TONY
So, you're saying the fuckin' guy tried to sell you stolen tires?
PAULIE
That's right, T. Dummy didn't even realize they had serial numbers.
The guys laugh.
VITO
(Shaking his head) I swear, some people would try to sell their own mother for a quick buck.
INT. CARMELA'S KITCHEN - DAY
Carmela and Rosalie are preparing food in the kitchen.
ROSALIE
Anthony Jr. and that new girl... what's her name again?
CARMELA
Samantha. They've been hanging out a lot lately. I just hope she's a good influence on him.
ROSALIE
You know, boys his age. They're bound to get into some trouble sooner or later.
CARMELA
(smiles) I just hope it's the kind of trouble you can get out of, ya know?
INT. BADA BING STRIP CLUB - NIGHT
Back to Tony and the guys.
SILVIO
Speaking of trouble, what are we gonna do about that situation with the Russian mob?
TONY
I'm workin' on it. I'm not gonna let them have a piece of our turf without a fight.
PAULIE
You better believe it, T. These Russians ain't gonna know what hit 'em.
INT. CARMELA'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Meadow is sitting on the couch, talking to Carmela and Rosalie.
MEADOW
Bobby Jr. is staying with us this weekend. His mom just needs a little break.
CARMELA
That's nice of you, Meadow. It must be tough on Karen, raising those kids all by herself.
EXT. DELI - DAY
Silvio and Vito are standing outside a deli.
VITO
Alright, Sil. (Hands Silvio an envelope of cash) This should take care of the first payment on this turf.
SILVIO
Are you sure this is enough?
VITO
Trust me, if the Russians don't take this, we're gonna make 'em an offer they can't refuse.
INT. TONY'S ROOM - NIGHT
Tony is lying in bed, restless as he thinks about the upcoming confrontation with the Russians. Tony gets up and grabs a drink of water from the nightstand.
INT. BADA BING STRIP CLUB - NIGHT
The Russian mob boss, Igor, is having a drink at the bar. Tony and his crew walk up, all business.
TONY
Igor. We need to talk.
IGOR
(Looks at Tony, smirking) Soprano...
TO BE CONTINUED
Lost Loyalties
INT. SOPRANO HOME - KITCHEN - MORNING
Tony Soprano is at the kitchen counter, pouring a cup of coffee. Carmela is preparing breakfast. A.J. and Meadow are already seated at the table, busy on their phones.
TONY: (grumbles) Any more of that? (nods to the coffee pot)
CARMELA: Yeah, sure.
Tony sits down at the table with them. They all eat in silence, except for Tony who's reading the newspaper.
A.J.: (without looking up from his phone) So I've got practice after school today, need a ride back.
MEADOW: (also on her phone) Can't, I'm going to Erica's new apartment later.
TONY: (puts the newspaper down) What happened to that job you were looking at?
MEADOW: Dad, I told you. I need to figure things out first.
A.J.: (chuckles) More like, you don't want to work.
MEADOW: (glaring at A.J.) Shut up.
CARMELA: Enough, you two. Tony, can you give A.J. a ride after practice?
TONY: I got a meeting at that time. But I can ask Sil to pick him up.
CARMELA: Alright then.
INT. BADA BING! - AFTERNOON
A group of MADE GUYS, including Tony, Silvio, Paulie, and Christopher, are settled around a table. They appear to be discussing business.
SILVIO: (leans in) Tony, why are we even entertaining this idea? This guy, Tommy... he's bad for business. Comes off as a rat to me.
TONY: Look, I don't trust him either. But he could be useful, especially considering our recent troubles.
PAULIE: We don't need new blood, T. We got it handled.
CHRISTOPHER: Yeah, we were doing just fine before this guy showed up.
TONY: (leans back in his chair) This ain't a democracy. We're giving him a chance. But if he screws up, I'll do what needs to be done.
INT. SOPRANO HOME - EVENING
Tony returns home and enters the house. He sees A.J. seated on the couch in the living room, watching TV.
TONY: (taking off shoes) How was practice?
A.J.: Fine. Coach actually let me play today. And Sil picked me up, thanks.
TONY: (nods) Good.
INT. SOPRANO HOME - BEDROOM - NIGHT
Tony is in bed with Carmela, watching TV, but seemingly preoccupied with his thoughts.
CARMELA: (turns to Tony) You seem off. Is everything ok?
TONY: (sighs) Just some problems with the crew. This new guy, Tommy. Some of the guys don't think he's right for us. But I don't know, something's drawing me to him.
CARMELA: Well, trust your gut. It's gotten you this far.
EXT. SIT-DOWN LOCATION - NEXT DAY
Tony, Silvio, and Paulie get out of the car and join the meeting between the Soprano and Lupertazzi families. The new guy, TOMMY, is also in attendance.
TONY: (shakes hands with the LUPERTAZZI leader) How's business?
LUPERTAZZI LEADER: (nods) It's been better. We heard about this Tommy fella. Is he the real deal?
TONY: We're working on it. But I got a feeling he could be an asset to both our families.
A nearby FAMILY MEMBER looks suspiciously at Tommy before the sit-down begins.
TO BE CONTINUED
Lost Bridges
INT. THE SOPRANO'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING
Tony Soprano is sitting at the kitchen table, reading a newspaper, and sipping coffee. Carmela enters the room, looking frustrated.
CARMELA
Have you talked to Meadow lately?
TONY
(sighs)
I tried. She's still not taking my calls.
CARMELA
Do you blame her? After what happened with her boyfriend?
TONY
(shrugs)
I did what I had to do, Carm. The kid was poison. You know that.
CARMELA
Families stay out of it!
TONY
(protesting)
He's not even family!
CARMELA
(sighs deeply while serving breakfast)
I just hope she eventually understands.
The phone rings and Tony answers after a few rings. It's Sylvia.
SYLVIA (ON PHONE)
Tony, we got a problem.
TONY
When don’t we, Sil? Just spit it out.
SYLVIA (ON PHONE)
Paulie's nephew, Devin, found AJ. He's in trouble.
TONY
(serious tone)
What kind of trouble?
SYLVIA (ON PHONE)
Kid's been running his mouth, now some old friends are back asking for a piece of our action.
INT. BADA BING - DAY
Tony, Paulie, and Sylvia are sitting in a booth, discussing the issue.
TONY
How deep is AJ in?
PAULIE
He owes them a small fortune. I told him not to get involved, but you know kids these days, T.
SYLVIA
(frustrated)
What are we going to do? We keep paying protection money to every goombah that shows up?
TONY
(irritated)
Well what do you suggest, Sylvia? We gotta handle this.
PAULIE
Maybe it's time to find AJ a new line of work.
TONY
(nods in agreement)
Alright. But we need to settle this first.
The three of them make a plan.
EXT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
Tony, Paulie, and Sylvia enter the warehouse to meet with AJ and the menacing debt collectors.
TONY
So, how'd a smart kid like you end up owing these losers so much money, huh?
AJ
(stutters)
Uncle Tony, I just... I needed the money.
TONY
(to debt collectors)
He's got the money. Now let him go.
The debt collector hesitates for a moment before grabbing the cash from Tony.
DEBT COLLECTOR
Wise choice.
As they start to leave, Tony whispers something to Paulie and Sylvia.
TONY
(whispers)
Do what needs to be done.
Suddenly, the sound of gunshots fill the air.
TO BE CONTINUED
Lost in Silence
INT. BADA BING - NIGHT
A quiet evening at the Bada Bing. TONY SOPRANO is sitting at the bar with SILVIO DANTE, PAULIE WALNUTS, and CHRIS MOLTISANTI. They're having drinks and sharing some laughs.
TONY
Ya know, my father always told me, life's too short to hold grudges.
SILVIO
(sarcastic)
Oh sure, nothin' but sunshine and rainbows, right?
TONY
(serious)
I'm not sayin' it's all good. But sometimes you gotta let go of the past and focus on what's right in front of you.
CARMELA enters the bar, looking upset. Tony sees her and the mood suddenly changes.
TONY
Carm? What are you doin' here?
CARMELA
I need to talk to you, Tony. In private.
Tony nods and they head into the back office.
INT. BADA BING OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Carmela closes the door behind them. She's trying not to cry.
TONY
(sincere)
What's goin' on?
CARMELA
(teary-eyed)
It's Meadow. She's in trouble. She called me, hysterical.
TONY
(serious)
What kinda trouble?
CARMELA
She said she's in over her head with some people who won't take no for an answer. They... they threatened her if she didn't pay up.
Tony looks furious, clenching his fists.
TONY
(angry)
Who the fuck is puttin' their hands on my daughter?
CARMELA
I don't know, Tony. But you've got to help her. Please.
TONY
(reassuring)
I'll figure this out. I promise.
INT. SIT-DOWN ROOM - DAY
Tony and the crew gather in the room for a serious talk. Everyone is tense.
TONY
(calm)
We need to find out who these motherfuckers are and teach 'em a lesson.
PAULIE
(angered)
Nobody messes with the boss's family. We take this to the mattresses.
TONY
(pensive)
First, we need to find out who they are. Chris, I want you to talk to Meadow. Be gentle. She's scared. Get whatever information you can.
CHRIS
Sure thing, T.
SILVIO
Tony, if this goes the wrong way...
TONY
(interrupting)
I'm not worried. Whoever's dumb enough to extort my daughter is in for a world of hurt.
INT. CHRIS'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Chris sits down with MEADOW, who is visibly shaken.
MEADOW
(sobbing)
I didn't mean for any of this to happen, Chris. I swear.
CHRIS
(gentle)
Look, Meadow. We're family. We'll get through this. But I need you to tell me what happened.
MEADOW
(hesitant)
It started with a gambling debt. I thought I could win it back, but it just got worse. And then, the threats...
CHRIS
Did you recognize any of them?
MEADOW
(nods)
One of them is in my psychology class. His name's Kevin.
TO BE CONTINUED
The Sopranos: Blood and Olive Oil
INT. SOPRANO HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Tony Soprano is sitting at the kitchen table, eating breakfast. He reads the newspaper as Carmela prepares breakfast for the rest of the family.
TONY
What's all this?
CARMELA
I found this new recipe. It's a Greek frittata.
TONY
Greek, huh? I always did like olives.
CARMELA
(smiling)
I know you do. How's the shoulder?
TONY
(grimacing)
Eh, it's been better. What time is AJ coming over today?
CARMELA
Around noon, I think. He's bringing his new girlfriend along.
TONY
New girlfriend, huh? I hope she's better than that last one.
CARMELA
(giggling)
We can only hope.
INT. BADA BING - DAY
Christopher Moltisanti, Paulie Gualtieri, and Silvio Dante sit at a table in the Bada Bing, discussing business.
PAULIE
Can you believe this shit? Some guys from Brooklyn are trying to muscle in on our olive oil business.
SILVIO
(settling back)
I heard. What do we know about them?
CHRISTOPHER
They're small-time. We can take them out, no problem.
PAULIE
Yeah, but what's Uncle Junior gonna say about this?
SILVIO
We handle it ourselves. No need to involve him.
INT. VESUVIO RESTAURANT - DAY
Tony Soprano and Johnny 'Sack' Sacramoni have a sit-down in the restaurant.
TONY
So what's the deal with these fucks from Brooklyn?
JOHNNY SACK
They've been selling low-quality olive oil in our territory.
TONY
(angry)
This is bullshit. We can't let that happen.
JOHNNY SACK
We need to send a message, Tony. We strike first, then make it look like they started it.
INT. SOPRANO HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
AJ Soprano enters the living room with his new girlfriend, ROSALINA. Tony and Carmela look on from the dining room table.
AJ
Mom, Dad, this is Rosalina.
CARMELA
(nodding)
It's nice to meet you, dear.
ROSALINA
Thank you, Mrs. Soprano. It's great to finally meet the parents.
TONY
(to himself)
She's better than that last one already.
EXT. OLIVE OIL WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
Christopher, Paulie, Benny Fazio, and Little Paulie scout the Brooklyn gang's olive oil warehouse.
CHRISTOPHER
(preparing a plan)
Alright, Benny and I will take the back, Paulie and Little Paulie take the front. When we're set, we torch the place.
PAULIE
(lighter in hand)
Can't wait to watch this place burn.
LITTLE PAULIE
(nervous)
I hope this doesn't get out of hand.
INT. SOPRANO HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Tony sits at the kitchen table. Carmela comes in with a sense of urgency.
CARMELA
Tony, you won't believe what just happened.
TONY
What? What's going on?
CARMELA
I just got a call from Meadow. She was at the bank and saw that girl, Rosalina. Apparently, she was making a deposit...
TONY
(interrupts)
And?
CARMELA
And... it turns out she's a stripper at the Bada Bing.
TONY
(getting furious)
That little shit!
CARMELA
Tony, please. You need to talk to him about this.
EXT. SOPRANO HOUSE - BACKYARD - NIGHT
Tony and AJ have an intense discussion by the pool.
TONY
(angry)
AJ, I thought I raised you better than this.
AJ
(confused)
What are you talking about, dad?
TONY
Rosalina. She works at the Bing, you know?
AJ
(stammering)
D-dad, I didn't know, I swear!
TONY
I don't want any trouble, AJ. But you've got to be smarter than this.
The impending consequences of their actions and the family's entanglements stir in the air, setting into motion a chain of events that will challenge the Sopranos.
TO BE CONTINUED
Whispers in the Wind
INT. SOPRANO HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING
Tony Soprano is sitting at the kitchen table, sipping coffee and flipping through the newspaper. Carmela enters the kitchen and starts making breakfast.
TONY
Did you see this? Some wise guy in Chicago got clipped in his sleep.
CARMELA
Don't start the day with all that negative talk, Tony.
Tony grunts and keeps reading. Meadow enters the kitchen.
MEADOW
Morning, everyone.
CARMELA
Morning, sweetie. Eggs?
MEADOW
(scowling) Sure, whatever.
Carmela notices Meadow's attitude.
CARMELA
What's wrong with you?
MEADOW
Just tired, I guess.
TONY
You must've been out late with that new boyfriend of yours.
Meadow rolls her eyes and sits down. AJ enters.
AJ
Morning.
TONY
(to AJ) And what about you? Any interesting news going on in your life?
AJ
Aw, dad, why do you always have to pry?
TONY
Alright, alright, keep your secrets. Say, we should have dinner tomorrow night, all of us together. It's been a while.
CARMELA
That's a great idea.
The family agrees and continues eating their breakfast.
INT. BADA BING - OFFICE - DAY
Tony is meeting with Silvio and Paulie in his office.
SILVIO
So what's this I hear about whispers in the wind? Something big is coming, Tony.
TONY
I don't like surprises, Sil. What do you know?
SILVIO
Not much, just that someone from up north, from Montreal, may be coming down to show their face. They're sending a message.
PAULIE
And I ain't never met a Canadian motherfucker who knew what they were doing, no offense.
TONY
None taken. We just need to figure out what this is all about and protect what we've built. You two keep your ears open.
Silvio and Paulie nod in agreement.
INT. DR. MELFI'S OFFICE - DAY
Tony is in a therapy session with Dr. Melfi.
TONY
All this talk about Canadians, whispers, and trouble coming our way is driving me nuts. My chest's been tight all week.
DR. MELFI
Sounds like you're experiencing a lot of stress and anxiety.
TONY
Tell me about it.
DR. MELFI
We've talked about ways to cope with stress, Tony. Have you tried deep breathing exercises? Perhaps yoga?
TONY
(chuckling) Can't say I have.
DR. MELFI
It might be worth giving it a try. Or taking up a hobby outside of work. Something to take your mind off of things.
TONY
I'll consider it. Better than feeling like a sitting duck waiting for the other shoe to drop.
DR. MELFI
That attitude is a good step in the right direction.
INT. VESUVIO'S - NIGHT
The entire Soprano family gathers for dinner. The mood is tense as Meadow and AJ continue to be distant.
TONY
So come on, kids, what's got you two so down?
MEADOW
(explosively) Fine, you want to know? I think I might be pregnant!
CARMELA
(panicking) What?
TONY
And you're sure it's that new boyfriend of yours?
MEADOW
(sobbing) Yes, dad. I'm so sorry.
The family processes the shocking news.
TO BE CONTINUED
The Sopranos: Dangerous Ground
INT. SOPRANO HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING
Tony Soprano, wearing a bathrobe, drinks coffee and reads the newspaper. Carmela enters, looking concerned.
CARMELA
Tony, AJ missed his curfew last night. I'm worried.
TONY
(annoyed)
I'll talk to him. Kid needs to learn some responsibility.
INT. BADA BING CLUB - DAY
Tony, Silvio, and Paulie chat while enjoying a drink. The club's phone rings, and one of the BOUNCERS answers it.
BOUNCER
(speaking into the phone)
Boss, we got a problem with Joey 'Two-Toes.'
Tony takes the phone and listens, his demeanor changing from relaxed to serious.
TONY
(angry)
You're dead meat, Joey. You don't steal from me and live to tell the tale.
INT. SOPRANO HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Meadow enters the living room, where Tony is watching a boxing match on TV.
MEADOW
Dad, have you talked to AJ yet? He hasn't been home in two days.
TONY
I'll take care of it. Just watch the house for now, all right?
INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - DAY
Tony, Silvio, and Paulie confront Joey 'Two-Toes.' Joey is tied to a chair and begging for his life.
JOEY 'TWO-TOES'
Tony, please. I didn't mean to cross you. Give me a break.
PAULIE
(to Tony)
Boss, I think he's learned his lesson. We can let this slide, right?
TONY
(realizing something)
Hold on. What'd you steal, Joey?
JOEY
Just a couple of grand, Tony. I swear. I needed the cash for...
TONY
(interest piqued)
For what?
JOEY
I've got a tip. An inside job. It's worth millions. A money laundering scheme with the Russians.
TONY
(skeptical)
You better not be bluffing.
INT. DR. MELFI'S OFFICE - DAY
Tony sits across from his therapist, Dr. Melfi.
DR. MELFI
Tell me, Tony, are you really concerned about AJ, or is it something else?
TONY
Melfi, he's my son. Of course, I'm concerned. But these Russians... They play for keeps.
TO BE CONTINUED.
The Sopranos: New Heights
INT. SOPRANO HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING
Tony Soprano, wearing a plain white t-shirt and sweatpants, stands at the counter, flipping through the newspaper while gulping down coffee. Carmela, wearing her robe, enters the kitchen.
CARMELA
You alright?
TONY
(sighs)
Just saw some familiar names in the papers again. Ruins my morning...
CARMELA
(softening her tone)
Well, don't let it ruin your whole day, Tone.
INT. BADA BING - DAY
Tony Soprano, now dressed in his usual attire, sits with Paulie, Chris, and Silvio in one of the booths near the back of the club. The four men are sharing a huge pizza, and the club is unusually empty.
PAULIE
Heard from the grapevine that Vito's kid is in some trouble again street racing.
SILVIO
(drily)
Maybe he picked up some tips from Junior at the demolition derbies.
They all chuckle. Just then, Bobby Baccalieri walks in, looking tense and out of breath.
TONY
(eying Bobby)
Where's the fire, Bobby?
Bobby sits next to Tony.
BOBBY
I did some snooping around. I found out that the Esposito crew is planning a power play for one of our businesses.
Chris slams his hand on the table, annoyed.
CHRIS
I told you, we should have clipped 'em already.
TONY
Enough, Chris. Now's not the time for that. What's the target, Bobby?
BOBBY
(confident)
Vesuvio's. They wanna pump dirty cash through Artie's place.
SILVIO
We can't let that happen. That's our thing!
INT. ARTIE BUCCO'S HOUSE - DAY
Artie looks worried as he paces back and forth in his living room. The doorbell rings, he takes a deep breath, and goes to answer the door.
He opens the door, and Tony, Paulie, and Chris greet him.
ARTIE
I knew they're coming for me.
TONY
(trying to calm Artie)
Don't worry, Artie, we're gonna help you keep your place. But you gotta help us pick the right moment to take care of these guys.
ARTIE
(reluctantly)
Yeah, yeah. I understand.
EXT. VESUVIO RESTAURANT - NIGHT
The Sopranos and their crew are granted exclusive access to Vesuvio as a means of scoping out the scene. They are all scattered throughout the restaurant, observing different tables and the staff.
TONY
(to himself, under his breath)
Alright, let's do this quietly.
Tony scans the room to make sure everyone understands. He nods, and his crew subtly starts to corner the Esposito crew.
TO BE CONTINUED
Desperate Measures
INT. BADA BING! STRIP CLUB - DAY
Tony Soprano is watching the dancers while sipping on whiskey. Silvio Dante, Paulie Gualtieri, and Christopher Moltisanti join him at his table.
TONY
(annoyed)
I thought we had a deal with those damn Vespaño brothers. They're late again.
SILVIO
Maybe they got stuck in traffic, huh?
PAULIE
(stern)
If they're not reliable, we should find someone who is.
CHRISTOPHER
(agrees)
Yeah, I mean, what's the point of working with these guys if they can't keep their end of the bargain?
TONY
(irritated)
Just what I need, another headache.
As they continue talking, a stressed-looking young man, JASON, enters the strip club and walks up to their table.
JASON
(cautiously)
Uh, Mr. Soprano? Tony catches a glimpse of Jason and his curiosity is peaked.
TONY
Who's this? You Eddie's kid?
JASON
(nervously)
Y-yes, sir. I... I need your help.
Silence falls over the table as everyone looks at Jason with doubt.
TONY
(curious)
Yeah? And why would I help you, kid?
JASON
(trembling)
My, uh... my dad, Eddie, he... he said you're a good man, and... and I know I got no right to ask this, but I got nowhere else to turn.
TONY
(skeptical)
And what would make an upstanding citizen like your old man mention my name?
JASON
(avoiding eye contact)
He... he was close with your associate, Big Pussy.
CHRISTOPHER
(angry)
Puss? This kid's got balls, comin' in here like this.
TONY
(silence for a beat)
Alright, it better be worth my time. What's the problem?
JASON
(voice cracking)
I owe money to some bad people... and they're gonna kill me if I don't pay them back by tomorrow.
A sudden realization hits Tony, and his demeanor turns stern.
TONY
How much do you owe?
JASON
(whispers)
Fifty grand.
TONY
(takes a deep breath)
And you came to me? This better not be some kind of scam, kid.
JASON
(visibly scared)
I swear it's not. Please, I, I need your help.
Paulie, Silvio, and Christopher all exchange looks, seemingly unsure about Tony's next move.
TONY
You'll work for me, understand? You'll do whatever I say until your debt's cleared. And if I catch even a whiff of bullsh*t, I'll make sure you won't see tomorrow either. Capiche?
JASON
(nods)
Y-yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Soprano.
Tony nods knowingly and holds his gaze on the desperate young man. He knows this decision could result in unforeseen consequences.
TO BE CONTINUED
