Television Review: Amour Fou (The Sopranos, S3X12, 2001)

Amour Fou (S03E12)

Airdate: May 13th 2001

Written by: Frank Renzulli
Directed by: Tim Van Patten

Running Time: 60 minutes

Amour Fou, which is the twelfth episode in the third season of The Sopranos, inevitably faced the challenge of following the critically acclaimed Pine Barrens. The latter is often heralded as one of the series' finest hours, setting a high bar for subsequent episodes. Despite its own merits, Amour Fou appears as a letdown in comparison, though this assessment does not diminish its quality. The episode is rich in character development and plot progression that are crucial to the overarching narrative of the series.

The title Amour Fou is a French phrase that literally translates to "crazy love," describing romantic feelings that manifest themselves in increasingly irrational and self-destructive ways. Tony Soprano finds himself on the receiving end of such all-consuming passion courtesy of his extramarital affair with Gloria Trillo. As their relationship deepens, it becomes apparent that Gloria's psychological problems run far deeper than Tony's own issues. Her possessiveness towards Tony is matched only by her hints at dark secrets that have estranged her from her family. The final straw comes when she deliberately encounters Carmela and drives to her home, crossing a line that Tony cannot ignore. His decision to break off the relationship is met with resistance from Gloria, who appears suicidal and begs Tony to end her life. In a clever move, Tony utilizes his newfound insight into psychology, gleaned from his therapy sessions with Dr. Melfi, to diffuse the situation by indirectly threatening Gloria through Patsy Parisi. The banal and unassuming appearance of Patsy proves effective in intimidating Gloria, allowing Tony to extricate himself from the toxic relationship.

Carmela's storyline in Amour Fou presents another layer of complexity. After a health scare regarding ovarian cancer—a disease that claimed her sister—Carmela begins to reassess her life choices and her discomfort with Tony's criminal lifestyle intensifies. Seeking guidance from Father Obosi (played by Isaach De Bankolé), a progressive priest with psychological training, she receives advice that contrasts sharply with previous counsel from Father Intitola and Dr. Krakower. Instead of advocating for blind loyalty or outright departure from Tony, Father Obosi suggests a middle ground: to enjoy life without indulging in the fruits of Tony's illegal activities. This leads Carmela to stop wearing jewellery brought by Tony and begin studying to become real estate agent, in hope of reaching independence and moral integrity.

The episode’s third storyline follows Jackie Aprile Jr., whose downward spiral reaches its nadir here. Estranged from Meadow and floundering academically, Jackie clings to delusions of mob grandeur, spurred on by Ralph Cifaretto’s nostalgic tales of Jackie Sr.’s exploits. Ralph’s recounting of a daring card game heist—carried out by Jackie Sr., Tony, and Silvio in their youth—becomes a fatal inspiration for Jackie Jr. In a misguided attempt to emulate his father, Jackie and his friends attempt to rob a high-stakes game attended by Furio and Christopher. The heist goes catastrophically wrong, with Jackie panicking and killing one of the players. While he escapes, two of his friends are killed, and Jackie’s fate is sealed. Tony, ever the strategist, uses the situation to humiliate Ralph by forcing him to decide Jackie Jr.’s fate—a cruel twist given Ralph’s relationship with Jackie’s mother, Rosalie.

Amour Fou stands out not only for its gripping plot but also for its exceptional performances. James Gandolfini delivers a powerful portrayal of Tony Soprano grappling with emotional turmoil and moral ambiguity, earning him an Emmy Award for this episode. Annabella Sciorra's performance as Gloria is equally compelling; she embodies the character's volatility and despair with remarkable depth, culminating in a memorable yet understated exit from the series.

For aficionados of 1990s pop culture, Amour Fou offers intriguing references that include Basic Instinct, which heralded the era of erotic thrillers, alongside Vanilla Ice as a symbol of music industry superficiality.

However, some references within the episode have not aged well. A conversation among Carmela and her friends about Hillary Clinton's decision to remain with Bill Clinton after his affair reflects a perspective that feels outdated today. They laud Hillary and her new career as an emblem of successful womanhood without recognising the complexities and consequences of her choices—an oversight that modern audiences might critique more harshly given Hillary's having the top career prize snatched from her by two very different men.

Amour Fou may not eclipse Pine Barrens, yet it is an episode rich with thematic depth and character exploration that resonates throughout The Sopranos. The intertwining narratives of love gone awry—whether through Tony’s destructive affair or Jackie Jr.’s misguided ambitions—paint a vivid picture of human frailty amidst moral chaos. With strong performances and sharp writing, it remains a compelling chapter in one of television’s most celebrated series.

RATING: 7/10 (+++)

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