In HBO’s documentary Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos, the series’ episode “Pine Barrens” is highlighted as one of the greatest hours of TV of all time. The episode follows Christopher and Paulie, two of Tony Soprano’s capos, as they venture into the New Jersey wilderness to collect money from a member of the Russian mob. When things go awry and they believe they have killed the Russian, they call Tony, who is not pleased with the situation. Tony instructs them to dispose of the body in the Pine Barrens and they follow suit, only to find out that the Russian is still alive and manages to escape.
Tony informs Christopher and Paulie over the phone that the Russian is a dangerous ex-commando who cannot be allowed to survive and talk about what happened. However, due to a bad connection, the message gets mixed up and Paulie believes that the Russian was an interior decorator who killed Czechoslovakians instead of Chechen rebels. Despite this confusion, the duo continues to search for the Russian in the woods, eventually getting lost and needing Tony to come to their rescue. The Russian is never found and the episode ends with a sense of uncertainty.
During the filming of the episode, it wasn’t the shooting in the woods that posed the biggest challenge for the cast and crew, but rather Tony Sirico’s hair. The actor, who played Paulie, initially refused to let his hair get messed up as part of the character’s transformation throughout the episode. However, writer Terence Winter convinced him that it was essential for the storytelling, and Sirico eventually agreed to let his usually immaculate hair appear disheveled as his character’s situation becomes more dire.
The Pine Barrens episode of The Sopranos is praised for its unique blend of drama and dark humor, with moments like the Russian escaping and Christopher’s witty remarks adding a comedic touch to the tense situation. The episode showcases the complexities of the characters and their relationships, as well as their vulnerabilities and flaws. It is considered a standout installment in the series that showcases the writing, acting, and direction that made The Sopranos a groundbreaking show in the television landscape.
Overall, “Pine Barrens” stands out as a memorable episode of The Sopranos that exemplifies the show’s ability to transcend genres and offer a unique combination of drama and humor. The documentary Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos explores the impact and legacy of the series, highlighting key moments like the Pine Barrens episode that continue to resonate with audiences. The Sopranos remains a cultural touchstone in television history, showcasing the complexity and humanity of its characters in a way that continues to captivate viewers years after its original airing.
