House Arrest (The Sopranos) - Episode Recap

Episode Recap

Uncle Junior and Richie Aprile begin selling cocaine on the Barone Sanitation garbage routes in an attempt to obtain extra money. When Tony learns about this, he takes Richie aside and warns him to stop, explaining that such action will only serve to draw FBI and DEA attention to the family's involvement with the garbage industry, which is one of their legitimate business operations. When informed of his nephew's decision, Uncle Junior decides to go against Tony since the cocaine has supported him tremendously through his recent personal expenses and legal fees.

Tony's attorney, Neil Mink, advises Tony that the FBI is making attempts to indict him after the failed accusation with the Matthew Bevilaqua murder. Neil suggests that Tony begin reporting to Barone Sanitation, and fulfill his nominal job as a waste management consultant instead of spending huge amounts of time acting as "the boss" at the Bada Bing. Tony does as he is told but becomes increasingly bored on the job as the days drag on. Tony begins to pass time by flirting — and later having vigorous sex — with the receptionist and making a company betting pool for sports. After lecturing Richie at a banquet for the company, Tony suffers an anxiety attack and is rushed to the hospital. Tony then discovers a rash on his arm, aggravated by stress and his scratching it, and continues to blame his condition on Dr. Melfi's poor treatment. Dr. Melfi also begins to hurt when she begins drinking between sessions, particularly those with Tony. At a meal with her son, Jason, a drunken Melfi embarrasses them both when she rudely asks a restaurant patron to put out her cigarette. When the patron refuses, Melfi uses force to put out the cigarette and is asked to leave.

Uncle Junior goes to Dr. Douglas Schreck after having difficulty breathing. Dr. Schreck recommends that he breathe using a special mask to help him with his excessive snoring and to take pressure off of his heart. As he prepares to leave the hospital, a court officer places an electronic bracelet on Junior's leg. In the hallway, Junior reunites with an old widow of a close friend, Catherine Romano. When Catherine asks him what he has been up to, he tries to cover up his restrictive legal and medical situations. Junior is quickly forced to make excuses when Catherine drops by with a tray of manicotti and suggests they go out, but finally admits that he cannot leave home under the terms of his house arrest. Junior tells her that the house arrest greatly affects his life, including an incident with his sink disposal that led to having his hand stuck in the kitchen sink for over six hours until he was later discovered by Janice and Richie. Catherine understands and tells Junior that she enjoys spending time with him despite the fact that he got into trouble. Catherine demonstrates her affection for Junior by massaging him and helping him put on his mask at night.

During an appointment with Dr. Melfi, Tony is introduced to the idea that he may exhibit some conditions consistent with a condition known as alexithymia. Melfi raises the subject by asking Tony if he knows why sharks were always in motion and going on to explain that this is a condition that affects people with antisocial personalities; if they aren't constantly engaged in activity and receiving requisite stimulation, they tend to crash because they then have time to confront the ways in which their actions have brought suffering on others.

Tony decides to return to work at Satriale's Pork Store after being overcome by boredom at Barone Sanitation. Tony is welcomed back to work by his underlings, as well as Agent Harris who is in the neighborhood to introduce his new partner. Tony and his crew idly relax in the store, but are soon occupied by a car crash outside. The episode ends with the agents and the mobsters amicably chatting outside Satriale's.