AllMovie

In this episode of the popular cable TV series, mob chief Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) returns to therapy, a new lieutenant makes a powerful impression, and a legendary director tries his hand at acting in a multi-episode story arc. Tony reorganizes his crew, promoting Silvio Dante (Steve Van Zandt) and Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico) to share an underboss role, while leaving Big Pussy (Vincent Pastore) at the same level as Christopher (Michael Imperioli) and Furio (Federico Castelluccio). This infuriates Pussy, who becomes less reluctant to share information with the FBI, while Furio, now working for Artie Bucco (John Ventimiglia) as a mozzarella maker, is ordered to lean on the owner of a whorehouse, whose delinquent payments are Christopher's responsibility. Christopher, however, is wrapped up in an acting class given to him as a gift by his girlfriend, Adriana (Drea de Matteo). Tony, while he should be happy that he's not under indictment and business is booming, is having fits and tantrums. It's partly the stress of discovering that the renewed romance between his sister, Janice (Aida Turturro), and Richie Aprile (David Proval) is becoming serious, so Tony tries to talk with his counsel, Hesh Rabkin (Jerry Adler), who's of little help. Hesh does reveal, however, that Tony's father also suffered from blackouts. Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) has been seeing a therapist of her own, Dr. Elliott Kupferberg (Peter Bogdanovich), to whom she reveals her guilt over refusing to treat Tony. Although Kupferberg advises against it, Melfi calls Tony to offer her services, which Tony at first gruffly refuses. Tony relents and appears for his appointment, re-starting his sessions in an effort to gain "total control." "Big Girls Don't Cry" first aired February 13, 2000.