He Is Risen (The Sopranos)

"He Is Risen (The Sopranos)"

"He Is Risen" is the 34th episode of the HBO original series, The Sopranos. It was the 8th episode for the show's third season. The episode was written by Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess and Todd A. Kessler and was directed by Allen Coulter. It originally aired on Sunday April 15, 2001.

Guest Starring roles

• Jason Cerbone as Jackie Aprile, Jr.
• Jerry Adler as Hesh
• Tom Alderidge as Hugh De Angelis
• Annabella Sciorra as Gloria Trillo
• Suzanne Shepherd as Mary De Angelis
• Sharon Angela as Rosalie Aprile
• Joseph R. Gannascoli as Vito Spatafore
• Robert Funaro as Eugene Pontecorvo
• John Fiore as Gigi Cestone
• Turk Pipkin as Aaron Arkaway

Episode recap

Thanksgiving draws near which is likely to bring animosity between several members of the Soprano family. Tony is still angered at Ralphie over the incident involving Tracee stating that he "insulted the Bing". To add insult to injury, while gambling at the Bloomfield Avenue casino, Ralphie refuses to greet Tony which is customary. When Ralphie finally acknowledges Tony's presence, he does not accept Tony's offer to have a drink with him. Tony becomes extremely irritated over this since this show of disrespect can cause an "early retirement" for Ralphie. Tony remembering that he and Ro are set to join them for Thanksgiving dinner forces Carmela to lie to Ro saying there will not be a Thanksgiving this year due to Carmela's father's poor health.

Ro believes the lie but the mothers also notice the budding relationship between Meadow and Jackie, Jr. While Ro thinks it is a wonderful idea for the two of them to date, Carmela is very unsure and tries to avoid the relationship going any further. After Thanksgiving dinner, Jackie arrives at the Soprano house to invite Meadow to a movie. They end up in a parked car near Hunter Scangerello's house where they make out. Meadow warns Jackie that their relationship is not likely to go anywhere. Days later, a very drunk Meadow steals Jackie's car keys while he is playing pool and runs to the parking lot. Jackie runs after her to prevent her from driving however Meadow is already in the car. She then almost causes an accident but drives off of a ramp. Meadow is unharmed but Jackie's car is totaled.

Ralphie seeks the counsel of Johnny Sack who advises him to give Tony a believeable and genuine apology since he was indeed disrespectful. Ralphie reluctantly agrees and proceeds to make his move. Johnny Sack informs Tony ahead of time but also to give something to Ralph in return. Johnny suggests elevating Ralph to the rank of Capo but Tony refuses. However when Gigi Cestone capo of the Aprile crew is found dead on the toilet, Tony is forced to make Ralph captain since he is the most qualified and is a top earner. At Vesuvio, Ralphie apologizes and Tony then tells him that he has been made captain. Ralphie is ecstatic but also wondering if Tony did this because of what has happened. Tony tells him to be happy with the decision that has been made. Ralphie then asks if he is going to join him for a drink but Tony gets up and leaves.

As Tony enters Dr. Melfi's office for his regular appointment he learns that she accidentally doublebooked two appointments. The other patient is an attractive, Italian woman named Gloria Trillo who works for Globe Motors which sell Mercedes-Benz cars. Tony is instantly intrigued by her personality and asks Dr. Melfi why she needs therapy. Melfi reminds Tony that she cannot discuss other patients' problems with others. Tony then visits Globe Motors and asks Gloria if she will accompany him on a test drive. They end up on the Stugots and make love. She is then forced to cancel her therapy appointment when she is beginning to run late.

First appearances

• Gloria Trillo: a therapy patient of Dr. Melfi's and a saleswoman at Globe Motors. Gloria will be a recurring character for the remainder of Season 3 as Tony's goomara.
• Little Paulie Germani: Paulie Walnut's nephew and crew member.

Deceased

• Gigi Cestone: dies from complications of heart disease while on the toilet at the Aprile crew hangout.

Title reference

• Aaron, Janice's boyfriend asks Jackie if he has heard of Jesus Christ and his ressurection. It also refers to Ralph's rise to captain.