The Sopranos - "Made in America"

The Sopranos Season 6 DVD

Original Air Date: June 10, 2007
Starring: James Gandolfini, Tony Sirico
Also Starring: Timmy, Tommy, Terry
Directed by: David Chase

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains spoilers for this episode!

Synopsis: The noteworthy final episode of the long-running HBO series finds the Soprano family facing an uncertain future.

Featured Feline: Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) is in a safe house with his companions and calls over an orange tabby cat, calling him “Baciagalup” (an Italian slang word for idiot or moron). He gives the cat part of his sandwich. When asked where the cat came from Tony explains he just showed up during the storm and that he already caught a mouse in the cellar.

The Sopranos - Made in America - Tony Soprano James Gandolfini calling to orange tabby cat

The Sopranos - Made in America - orange tabby cat eating from foil wrap

Later when a deal has been made between the mob families, Tony and his pals are able to return to the Pork Store. Paulie (Tony Sirico) is shocked to see the cat there and wants to see him gone, calling him a snake with fur.

The Sopranos - Made in America - Paulie Tony Sirico looking angrily at orange tabby cat

The Sopranos - Made in America - orange tabby cat on table

Tony has brought the cat from the safe house to catch mice and tells Paulie to “Leave him. He’s a good guy.”

The Sopranos - Made in America - Tony Soprano James Gandolfini reaching out to orange tabby cat with Paulie Tony Sirico

Still later Paulie is concerned when the cat keeps staring at a picture of Christopher on the wall. Paulie is determined to get rid of the cat and even picks up a broom to swing at the animal before Tony walks in.

The Sopranos - Made in America - close up of orange tabby cat staring

The Sopranos - Made in America - orange tabby cat staring at picture of Christopher

The Sopranos - Made in America - Paulie Tony Sirico and Walden Frank John Hughes with orange tabby cat

Tony asks Walden (Frank John Hughes) to give them some privacy. Walden takes the cat with him.

The Sopranos - Made in America - Walden Frank John Hughes holding orange tabby cat

Near the end of the episode Paulie is sitting with Tony outside the Pork Store. Paulie explains why he feels the cat is a jinx. By the end of the scene, Paulie has agreed to the job Tony has offered. Paulie is left sitting outside the store and the cat wanders in and then lies down (this shot was done using a green screen since the busy city street made it too difficult to shoot with the cat on location).

The Sopranos - Made in America - orange tabby cat on sidewalk outside store with Paulie Tony Sirico

The cat actors used for this episode were Timmy, Tommy and Terry, trained by Debbie Pearl for Paws for Effect. Many theories have been put forth to explain the deeper meaning behind the cat’s presence in this final episode but it’s for each fan of the show to come to their own conclusion.

The Sopranos - Made in America - orange tabby cat lying on sidewalk outside store with Paulie Tony Sirico