Let’s face it: The Sopranos is often hailed as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. Its rich storytelling, complex characters, and sharp dialogue have captivated audiences for years. However, even a masterpiece can have its missteps. Enter “Christopher,” an episode that many fans agree stands out as the show’s low point—and yes, you can thank Christopher Columbus for that.
Setting the Scene: The Episode Overview
“Christopher” is the sixth episode of Season 4, written by Michael Imperioli, who plays Christopher Moltisanti. The episode aired during a time when The Sopranos was firing on all cylinders, but somehow it missed the mark dramatically. It’s Columbus Day, and a parade is planned, but things quickly spiral into a bizarre narrative about a protest from Native American groups against the celebration of the infamous explorer.
The Flawed Premise
From the outset, the premise feels flimsy. Why, out of nowhere, does Silvio Dante—who’s more interested in running the Bada Bing than discussing historical injustices—suddenly decide to devote resources to stopping this protest? The episode attempts to explore Italian-American identity and the implications of celebrating Columbus, but it does so in a way that feels forced and awkward.
A Plot Built on Weak Foundations
To say the dialogue sounds juvenile is an understatement. Characters drone on about Columbus as if they’ve just skimmed a Wikipedia article for a school project. This isn’t the rich, nuanced writing that fans expect from the show. It’s more like a history paper written by an eighth-grader trying to impress a teacher with a few surface-level facts.
Character Inconsistencies: What Happened Here?
One of the strongest elements of The Sopranos has always been its character development. Each character feels real and layered, yet “Christopher” feels like a step backward.
Silvio’s Sudden Interest in Politics
Silvio’s character is particularly problematic in this episode. Throughout the series, he has demonstrated little interest in anything outside of mob activities. Yet here he is, passionately defending Italian heritage with rhetoric that feels out of character. The sudden political engagement feels contrived, making viewers wonder if they’ve stumbled into a different show entirely.
Meadow’s Missed Opportunity
Meadow Soprano, who often embodies the conflict between her Italian-American heritage and her progressive ideals, is noticeably absent from any real discourse in this episode. Instead of using her character to engage in meaningful discussions about identity and history, the writers miss a golden opportunity. If anyone should have had a stake in this conversation, it’s her.
AJ’s Role: The Unlikely Historian
Then there’s AJ. His sudden proclamation that Columbus is a villain because of a history book seems wildly out of character. While it’s believable that a teenager might spout something he read without understanding the nuance, the episode gives no room for growth or development. Instead, it feels like the show is just checking a box for political correctness.
The Larger Implications: Italian-American Identity
As the episode plods along, it attempts to tackle the complicated relationship Italian-Americans have with their heritage and the stereotypes surrounding it. However, it does so inconsistently.
Portrayal of Native Americans
The portrayal of Native Americans is equally troubling. They are either fanatics protesting for justice or corrupt individuals willing to sell out their heritage for cash. The show seems to acknowledge the historical injustices, yet it does so through characters that lack depth, making the message feel hollow.
The Apology and the Snub
At times, “Christopher” appears to be an apology for the stereotypes perpetuated by the show itself. Yet, it also seems to take jabs at critics who have pointed out those same issues. The result is a muddled message that doesn’t satisfy anyone—neither those who seek representation nor those who wish for a more nuanced portrayal of Italian-American culture.
A Missed Opportunity for Meaningful Dialogue
While the episode includes some notable plot points, such as Bobby Bacala’s family tragedy and Ralphie’s relationship drama, these developments get lost in the shuffle. The dialogue about Columbus dominates the narrative, leaving less room for character exploration.
Plot Points Gone Awry
Bobby’s wife dies, setting the stage for his eventual marriage to Janice, which is a significant plot development in later seasons. However, instead of allowing that story to breathe, it gets buried beneath a half-hearted debate about a historical figure who has little relevance to the core storylines.
The Disjointed Nature of the Episode
This disjointed nature is frustrating for fans. The show is known for weaving multiple storylines together seamlessly, creating a rich tapestry of character interactions and conflicts. In “Christopher,” however, the threads unravel, leading to an incoherent mess that feels like a chore to watch.
Critics Weigh In: The General Consensus
The backlash against “Christopher” has been swift and severe. Critics and fans alike have pointed to it as the episode that should never have made it past the writing room. Todd VanDerWerff’s takedown at the AV Club encapsulates the general sentiment perfectly, asserting that it’s “not just the worst episode. It’s the worst episode by SEVERAL DEGREES.”
Fan Reactions: A Collective Eye Roll
Fans have expressed their frustrations across forums and social media. Many agree that the episode represents a significant drop in quality for a series that has consistently raised the bar. The laughter and drama that once defined the show feel stilted, and the episode’s attempt at social commentary falls flat.
Conclusion: Christopher Columbus and the Flawed Legacy of “Christopher”
While The Sopranos has had its fair share of ups and downs, “Christopher” is widely considered its worst moment. It’s a disjointed mess that stumbles over its attempts at meaningful dialogue while straying far from the show’s character-driven strengths. The episode’s forced narrative surrounding Columbus ultimately diminishes its impact and leaves a bitter taste for viewers.
In the end, the episode stands as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political commentary that feels disingenuous or forced. Instead of adding depth to the series, it highlights a weak moment in a otherwise stellar run.
FAQ: Why is “Christopher” considered the worst episode of The Sopranos?
Q: What makes the episode “Christopher” stand out as the worst in the series?
A: “Christopher” is criticized for its weak premise, character inconsistencies, and awkward dialogue about Christopher Columbus that detracts from the rich storytelling typical of The Sopranos. The episode’s forced political commentary and lack of meaningful character development make it a low point in the series.
