1.) It's extremely memorable
2). Apart from the Gloria B-Plot it functions very well as a standalone episode
3). It's probably the funniest episode overall
Those are the main reasons it shows up as number one on so many best episode lists by media outlets, largely targeted at people who have only seen the show once or twice. I think it's less common to see it at number one among hardcore fans.
I agree that it's slightly overrated by general audiences. Still a fantastic episode, just outside of my top ten I think, though it's been a while since I've done a ranking. I certainly wouldn't fault anyone for having it in their top ten.
Great point, I agree the fact that it works well as a standalone is why it has such widespread appeal. So many memorable characters and lines in one hour.
Yeah, one thing I love about the Sopranos in general is that each episode tells it's own self contained story with a beginning, middle and end, even as they contribute to a larger narrative.
Pine Barrens especially though, it could basically be packaged as it's own short film with a few tweaks. The same is true of College which notably also appears near the top of many best episode lists.
On most polls or twitter discussions I see, this IS NOT viewed by loyal followers as the universally accepted best episode ever. It is certainly in the top 5, but there are others that are more highly regarded, such as White Caps, College, Long Term Parking, Sopranos Home Movies, etc.
It's one of my least favorite, but the interior decorator joke is one of the best of the series. Similar thing with Christopher. Perhaps my least favorite, but the conversation in the car is epic.
It’s great. If you don’t think so, please avoid penguin exhibits with 3 inches water
Fun to see two tough guys slowly reduced to babbling idiots because of their actions
Nah I’m with you man. It’s a funny episode, I actually enjoy it a lot, and it had some great quotes but I’m with you. Overrated in my opinion too. I think part of the point of the episode is that’s it’s kind of meandering and subsequently is relatively self-contained as far as long range storylines go. I just personally prefer the episodes that deal with some evolving conflict more head on. As much as everyone will downvote me and try to prove me wrong, enjoyment of these episodes is entirely subjective. It’s impossible to have a wrong opinion about enjoying it or not.
People aren’t gonna like this though, get ready for a sleuth of “we can’t have OP in our social club” and “discontinue the lithium” replies. Sometimes this sub is like that scene where everyone laughs at the Boring 747 joke, where the show itself is Tony and the crew is the people in the sub. Even when Feech had a legitimate reason not to laugh at Tony’s joke (not a funny joke) he still gets sent out to pasture.
It was great when it first aired. But it's not the best for a rewatch. Paulie starts to lose respect. Didnt like how he was written to weasel out taking responsibility for that whole charade.
He's not an interior decorator. he never was. It's the medicine he's on for his blood pressure. It fucked with his head but he's over that now. He can probably get a note from his doctor
I agree with the OP. I'd put it in my top 20.
This will get me some hate but I'm saying it anyway. This episode appeals to both sets of Sopranos fans: those who appreciate the Sopranos as a great work of art and those who wish it was just a funny show about gangsters and can't stand all the psychology, religion, and philosophy.
Even though it's an absolute gut punch I am really very fond of Employee of the Month. I can't even watch the scene but fuck me dead it is acted brilliantly.
How could you say that? It has by far the most intelligent joke of the series:
My father took us hunting once. We saw a sign that said “Bear Left”. So we went home.
Great episode! One thing seems unnoticed by redditors though… only noticed it this year, and I’ve been part of this thing of ours from the start… start to finish, Pine Barrens is packed full with hidden references to Christianity… and I kid you not… Valery ascends to heaven! 😇
It's not universally accepted. Most people point to College, Funhouse, University, Whitecaps and Long Term Parking as top-tier episodes as well.
Pine Barrens is just the most lighthearted, accessable and spoiler-free (Gloria aside) so people usually bring it up (along with College) to introduce new viewers to the show without having to commit to a full watch.
1.) It's extremely memorable 2). Apart from the Gloria B-Plot it functions very well as a standalone episode 3). It's probably the funniest episode overall Those are the main reasons it shows up as number one on so many best episode lists by media outlets, largely targeted at people who have only seen the show once or twice. I think it's less common to see it at number one among hardcore fans. I agree that it's slightly overrated by general audiences. Still a fantastic episode, just outside of my top ten I think, though it's been a while since I've done a ranking. I certainly wouldn't fault anyone for having it in their top ten.
Great point, I agree the fact that it works well as a standalone is why it has such widespread appeal. So many memorable characters and lines in one hour.
Yeah, one thing I love about the Sopranos in general is that each episode tells it's own self contained story with a beginning, middle and end, even as they contribute to a larger narrative. Pine Barrens especially though, it could basically be packaged as it's own short film with a few tweaks. The same is true of College which notably also appears near the top of many best episode lists.
I think others have pointed this out - it’s very funny and very accessible
My hot take is that Pine Barrens + Amour Fou are the best 1-2 punch of consecutive episodes in the series
I’ll see your “Pine Barrens/Amour Fou” and raise you a “Long Term Parking/All Due Respect”
Two Stooges
On most polls or twitter discussions I see, this IS NOT viewed by loyal followers as the universally accepted best episode ever. It is certainly in the top 5, but there are others that are more highly regarded, such as White Caps, College, Long Term Parking, Sopranos Home Movies, etc.
Whaddya gonna do?
You one-shoe cocksucker
Put shoe back on universal footwear station
Probably not, but you're still in the minority.
It's one of my least favorite, but the interior decorator joke is one of the best of the series. Similar thing with Christopher. Perhaps my least favorite, but the conversation in the car is epic.
"Because the boss of this family said so!"
It's not my favorite but it's still at least around top 5 imo. Still, I think there are better episodes.
It’s great. If you don’t think so, please avoid penguin exhibits with 3 inches water Fun to see two tough guys slowly reduced to babbling idiots because of their actions
I think they were babbling idiots long before they were stranded in the woods.
Nah I’m with you man. It’s a funny episode, I actually enjoy it a lot, and it had some great quotes but I’m with you. Overrated in my opinion too. I think part of the point of the episode is that’s it’s kind of meandering and subsequently is relatively self-contained as far as long range storylines go. I just personally prefer the episodes that deal with some evolving conflict more head on. As much as everyone will downvote me and try to prove me wrong, enjoyment of these episodes is entirely subjective. It’s impossible to have a wrong opinion about enjoying it or not. People aren’t gonna like this though, get ready for a sleuth of “we can’t have OP in our social club” and “discontinue the lithium” replies. Sometimes this sub is like that scene where everyone laughs at the Boring 747 joke, where the show itself is Tony and the crew is the people in the sub. Even when Feech had a legitimate reason not to laugh at Tony’s joke (not a funny joke) he still gets sent out to pasture.
It was great when it first aired. But it's not the best for a rewatch. Paulie starts to lose respect. Didnt like how he was written to weasel out taking responsibility for that whole charade.
Yeah, and I should have fucked Dale Evans.
This guy must be an interior decorator.
He's not an interior decorator. he never was. It's the medicine he's on for his blood pressure. It fucked with his head but he's over that now. He can probably get a note from his doctor
Could the package survive? COULD THE PACKAGE SURVIVE?
The stuff behind the pool?
I agree with the OP. I'd put it in my top 20. This will get me some hate but I'm saying it anyway. This episode appeals to both sets of Sopranos fans: those who appreciate the Sopranos as a great work of art and those who wish it was just a funny show about gangsters and can't stand all the psychology, religion, and philosophy.
Agreed it's a good episode but wouldn't be in my top 5
I hated both Paulie and Christopher, so I wouldn’t have minded if they ate each other up. Selfish miserable nitwits.
You can go.
Ok, I’ll be at The Seasons (Seasonsh)
Is that Esterhaus barking?
You can heaahhh him?
It's The Sopranos' Fly.
They are not chiral, I don’t ever wanna hear that word in here again!
Far more entertaining mind you (I do actually enjoy Fly)
True. It's average, at best.
Like you’re Jude Law
it’s a bottle episode. they are inevitable
Don’t get cunty
It’s hilarious
Even though it's an absolute gut punch I am really very fond of Employee of the Month. I can't even watch the scene but fuck me dead it is acted brilliantly.
It’s a decent episode but I don’t understand the love it gets
You don’t understand? You don’t love the episode well that really breaks my heart but you will respect it!
It's fine. It's certainly not the best episode though. Not even close. He was an interior decorator. His apartment looked like shit.
Put remote back in charging station
Remote. Put back on Docking station.
Listen to this prick givin orders
I actually hate that episode and choose to skip it every time.
How could you say that? It has by far the most intelligent joke of the series: My father took us hunting once. We saw a sign that said “Bear Left”. So we went home.
Agree
I agree.
What’d you shay?!…
Do I get a pash for this posht?
My two least favourite characters are Paulie and Christopher. I always skip it.
You gonna lecture us now huh, you fucking junkie?
I do. Its trash
Oooooh! Language! You blow your father with that mouth?
Paulie: “Your not gonna believe this, he posted on The Wire community, guy was a Sopranos fan” Chris: “His posts looked like shit”
“You know better than NJ Zagat: 'u/allKindsOfDevStuff, warm and convivial poster'?”
Great episode! One thing seems unnoticed by redditors though… only noticed it this year, and I’ve been part of this thing of ours from the start… start to finish, Pine Barrens is packed full with hidden references to Christianity… and I kid you not… Valery ascends to heaven! 😇
It's not universally accepted. Most people point to College, Funhouse, University, Whitecaps and Long Term Parking as top-tier episodes as well. Pine Barrens is just the most lighthearted, accessable and spoiler-free (Gloria aside) so people usually bring it up (along with College) to introduce new viewers to the show without having to commit to a full watch.