"Christopher" is the 42nd episode of the HBOoriginal seriesThe Sopranos and the third episode of the show's fourth season. Its teleplay was written by Michael Imperioli, from a story idea by Imperioli and Maria Laurino. It was directed by Tim Van Patten and originally aired on September 29, 2002.
wants to take action against Native Americans protesting the Columbus Dayparade, believing their actions are insulting to Italian-Americans. Without Tony's approval, he, Patsy, and Artie attempt to break up the demonstration. As they are being warned by police, Little Paulie has a glass bottle thrown at him, and several other members of his party are injured. Tony blames Silvio for intervening. Ralphie threatens the protest leader, Professor Del Redclay, with publicizing the fact that Iron Eyes Cody, a popular Native American figure, is actually an Italian-American. Tony appeals to AssemblymanRon Zellman and an Indian chief to convince Redclay to cancel the protest. Although this fails, the chief invites Tony and his crew to his casino. Both the parade and protest occur without mob intervention, which upsets Silvio. Tony forcefully argues to Silvio that his achievements - his profitable club, for example - came through his own abilities, not through being an Italian-American. He scorns the idea that everyone belongs to a victimised group. At a luncheon meant to instill Italian pride in women, the "mob wives" feel singled out when the speaker attempts to dissociate Italian culture from the Mafia. After the luncheon, Gabriella lectures Father Phil about how much the mob wives, especially Carmela, have given to the parish, and says he had no right to bring in a guest speaker who intended to shame them. The Soprano and Lupertazzi families meet over a meal. Johnny, speaking for Carmine, who is present, demands a share of the profit Tony made from Junior's warehouse, which he bought and quickly turned around. Tony agrees, but later murmurs, "Somebody's talking too much. And it's costing me money." Johnny is furiously hostile to Ralphie; Ralphie cannot understand why. Bobby's wife Karen is killed in a road accident. The mob wives feel sympathy for Bobby during the wake and quietly discuss his having never taken a comare. Spending time with him in his home, Janice is touched by his sincere grief. Ralphie is now living with Janice, having left Rosalie. But after discussion with her therapist, who recommends that she stop choosing partners who are similar to her brother or father, Janice wills herself to break up with him. They argue; she is at the top of the staircase and hits Ralphie, causing him to fall downstairs, injuring his back. Janice locks herself in her room as Ralphie hobbles back to his car, bags in hand.
First appearances
Dan Castleman: the prosecutor in Junior's trial
Pie-O-My: The race horse that Ralph Cifaretto buys and Tony admires
Marty Schwartz: an associate of Hesh Rabkin's who organizes the meeting between Tony Soprano and Chief Doug Smith
Deceased
Karen Baccalieri: wife of Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri; dies in a car accident.
Title reference
The title refers to the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, the first European in several centuries to land in the Americas, in 1492. The controversy surrounding Christopher Columbus and the Columbus Day parade protests are referenced repeatedly in the episode.
Production
Dan Castleman, who plays a prosecutor with the same name on the series, first appearing in this episode, also acts as a consultant for the show's writers, giving them expert advice on their questions about legal matters dealing with the Mafia. In his real-life career, Castleman spent 30 years in the Manhattan District Attorney's office as chief of the Rackets Bureau and then of Investigations. Castleman would be credited for his contributions and given the title of a technical adviser starting with the second part of Season Six.
