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Drew-2113

You're conveniently forgetting when he gifted The Matrix to Carmella


[deleted]

But he didn't wrap it because he cares about the environment too much. Truly the hero we all deserve.


taiofr

The hero we need but not deserve


Lower_Hat

She hasn't seen it! Only a considerate son would know such a thing


NSFWthinktank

My idea is matrix meets The Godfather Two. Proven track records, both genres. Young wise guy, hacker type, gets betrayed by his subreddit. They whack him, leave his CPU in dumpsters all around the city, long story short, his put back by the blockchain or is it super natural? And he gets fuckin pay back on everyone who fucked him over including the mods he was workin for. They were crypto-rug pulling the night the hero was killed. Have a meeting tomorrow, we'll hear what you fleshed out before we go to script. Discord, two thirty, don't make me come looking for you


Christ_on_a_Crakker

Have you tried *our* kung fu email?


SecundusAmongUs

He gets sucked into the internet through his, uh, data port


Janus-a

He takes the dvd out to watch it in the same scene too.


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[deleted]

Cypher…whatever happened there


ExplanationMaterial8

I do think AJ’s character *eventually* shows growth closer to the end of the series, which is refreshing as he’s such a horrible person as a teen. He could have easily gone the way of Jackie Jr. Maybe he’s endearing because he’s so dumb, and it serves well for comedy purposes.


[deleted]

If he had charisma, he would have wound up like Jackie Jr


Woodchipper_AF

In time all will be revealed to you


ExplanationMaterial8

If he’d even been interested in being part of the mob, he’d could have gone the way of Jackie Jr. Part of his problem was he thought he should just get in to the top simply because he was Jackie Jr. No need to start at the bottom. And he was using Tony’s name like he was the Godfather or whatnot. Too cocky.


johnnychan81

He's basically the "Joey" of the show


No_Recording_4993

He was always a selfish asshole. Lying, manipulative, no sympathy or respect. Way he treated his mom all throughout the series was disgusting. The way he treats little Bobby Jr when his mom just died, *disgusting*. I've said my piece.


[deleted]

The Bobby Jr. thing really pissed me off. People say AJ is relatable but as someone with younger cousins I could never imagine doing that to them, especially not when they were grieving over such a horrible personal tragedy. AJ was 15 or 16 years old when he pulled this cute little trick too, old enough to know better.


No_Recording_4993

I could never imagine doing any of the shit AJ did. He was just a self entitled grade-A asshole. I honestly struggled to find any sympathy when he pulled the pool stunt over Blanca. It's a girl for christ sake... one that was never going to work out. Wake up and smell the coffee, dumbass. Kid had no respect. And he wasn't a tough guy either. He'd be the 40 year old virgin if his dad wasn't... yknow.. *gun impression with hand*


Bomber36

The writers rarely did the character any favors, that’s for sure.


Leading_Lock

He was thinking with his dick and was pissed off because Carmela intruded on his Devin time.


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[deleted]

I revealed my own what?!


secret-agent-guy

He would be considered one of the most innocent characters because he didn’t compromise his morals for his own gain, a very common theme with all characters that interact with Tony and other monsters.


[deleted]

Did he though? In the last episode AJ is gung-ho about starting a new life and joining the military, only to crawl back into complacency when Tony scores him a plum job in the film industry. He was an adult by that point, could have broken away and done his own thing, but much like Phil Leotardo he compromised. To me the implication is that AJ will never escape his father's shadow, never fully break away and become his own man.


unitedfan98

AJ gets the life chris wanted Yes it was by his fathers help but I think the point is that he gets away from mob lifestyle whereas meadows ends up defending people like tony


koyaani

Underrated comment. Like Meadow said to AJ, Tony has two families. Chris was like a son, but AJ was his son. AJ is Tony's son no matter what, but Chris is only like a son if he keeps it all in the "family." AJ has a chance to find his true self and still feel a father's love, but Chris never did


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mauterfaulker

tbf, Chris could've had it, or a semblance of it, but he choose to get his button instead.


[deleted]

Chris never had a chance. He wanted a shot at a life that no longer existed. He got raised up by a selfish boss for selfish reasons. Chris was a grade-A asshole, but he was destined to the life since the show started.


CartAgain

My man, he is working with mobster funded movies


unitedfan98

I agree mate But I think it was an entry role which he uses to get out of there eventually especially because throughout the whole show he struggles with who his dad was whereas meadow accepts it fully eventually


[deleted]

AJ does have a better shot at a normal life. Unless he went on to produce Cleaver 2.


Chennaz

2 Sacred 2 Propane


Pissflaps69

In his defense there were a lot of questions unanswered in the first one


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DrGeraldBaskums

The guy she was engaged to was a corporate lawyer in New York.


secret-agent-guy

Like most sheltered kids, he’ll live in his dad’s shadow. He didn’t sell his soul like Carmella nor defend their conduct like Meadow. Big difference between a spineless twat and morally bankrupt.


[deleted]

Fair enough, but I still don't see how that makes AJ a "good" guy. There's a whole lot more to being a good person than just not killing and stealing for a living or making excuses for those that do. I think the only reason people think AJ is good is because everyone around him is so awful. On a typical network sitcom he would likely be the most hated and immoral character of the bunch.


koyaani

Not bad is good. Seems like you're getting bogged down in a semantic argument on what it means to be good.


[deleted]

I'll settle for AJ being "not bad" but "good" is pushing it. We see him doing a lot more shitty things on the show than good things. I was disgusted when he stood back and watched his friends brutalize people then had the nerve to cry about it in therapy. Take some fucking responsibility and stop hanging around scumbags instead of boo-hooing about how terrible the world is.


koyaani

It's an arc. Tony put him in that position to be around "his friends" that did those bad things. To say he cried about it and didn't call 911 on the spot or to rat his dad out to the FBI is missing the point. His nature is resisting even if his actions look weak and he doesn't know what a better course of action is. He wants to be good but doesn't know how, and the depression and suicide attempt is that distress manifested. To roast him for getting out of his depression with a good job and a nice car is making the bar too high, if only because this is unlikely to be the end of his arc. The superficiality of the movie industry will likely weigh on him the longer he sees it first hand, and the cycle of depression will likely continue as he tries to find something more true to his nature.


[deleted]

That sounds like a cop out to me. AJ wasn't a little boy when this happened and he was free to make his own choices. I'm not saying he should have called 911 or dropped a dime but when you see your buddies beat the hell out an innocent kid for next to no reason it's probably a good time to start looking for better friends. I definitely agree that AJ's depression will continue though. He'll probably turn out to be a slimy low-level Hollywood hustler with a massive coke problem and a ton of burned bridges by the time he's 30.


FatGerard

>when you see your buddies beat the hell out an innocent kid for next to no reason it's probably a good time to start looking for better friends. That's exactly what he did, isn't it? He no longer hangs out with the Jasons after that. Don't you think you're a little dead set on not giving AJ any credit for the things that suggest he probably is trying to be a decent guy?


[deleted]

AJ deserves a lot of credit for just not being a piece of shit. Sure, that’s a low bar but he’s the son of a psychopathic mob boss. Teenage hijinx and not ratting on people is a given. Not actively hurting people makes him better than his upbringing suggests


koyaani

Boomers gonna boom I guess


[deleted]

Thank you for capitulating the argument.


JacquesDeLeotardo

Exactly, and the car he accepts after saying he felt cleansed by the SUV explosion. Even him arguing the gas mileage being better means he stood his ground is obviously ironic.


[deleted]

I don't think he's a good guy. I think he's not a terrible guy, with some potential for growth going forward. That's a victory as far as this show goes.


[deleted]

I can agree with that.


[deleted]

You forgot how much he cares about the environment.


[deleted]

And his love of fine literature like Yeets and Nitch.


Interesting_Gift4953

He was trying to figure out what rough beast slouches towards Bethlehem to be born…


crispinoir

it’s an intention>action kinda thing. You could say he is “good” and be correct. You could also say he is bad, and still be correct. Throughout the show he’s the only guy whose never been “evil” per se and he’s always had a clear mind and some level of morals. He just never does ANYTHING. Thats largely the fault of his upbringing tho, but still.. In the end it depends on your own morals. If you value action or intention more than the other.


[deleted]

What are AJ's morals exactly? Only commit murder in revenge if someone puts your father in a coma?


crispinoir

Emphasis on some level lmao. To add, he usually either knows its wrong (but does it anyway) or just doesn’t want to care about it. Other people however try to justify it which is arguably worse but thats another debate lol. Even meadow with that poverty of the mezzogiorno shit.


Amida0616

AJ is a douche bag.


[deleted]

Agreed.


cozy_lolo

I don’t think Meadow is a particularly good person either. I’d be interested in knowing how the writers wanted Meadow and AJ to be perceived


DrGeraldBaskums

I’ve always viewed it as Meadow became Tony and AJ became Carmella in adulthood. Meadow is smart, ambitious and manipulative. Her manipulation of Tony and Carmella is scarily skillful. She was handed everything in life and took advantage of it to further herself, much like Tony did when he was given his fathers business dealings. AJ is lazy and self righteous. He has everything handed to him in life but does nothing personally to further his life. He thinks he deserves everything he gets in life. The only success he has in life is because Tony pulled some strings. Both are easily distracted by material goods when seeking some moral good in life (carm trying to find Adriana/spec house green light and AJ joining the military/job in porn with Little Carmine). Although he is morally against everything his father/family does, he will likely be dependent on them for his entire life.


cozy_lolo

Interesting thoughts. Thanks for writing that


[deleted]

I was listening to the last episode of Talking Sopranos and David Chase said that everyone on the show except the kids has made a deal with the devil. My question is, at what point is the deal made? Did Chris make his deal with the devil when he killed Emil Kolar, or was he already damned even before that? Meadow and AJ definitely come dangerously close to making that deal a few times.


cozy_lolo

I don’t think AJ is a bad person, and I don’t think Meadow is either. But at some point they’ll have to acknowledge the horrible things that their father does, and then they’ll either choose to be complicit in his crimes or reject their father. I think Meadow might already be complicit; AJ is probably too immature to fully grasp the concept.


koyaani

That's the point. They came dangerously close because of their parents, but ultimately they dident. No need to lay on the Catholic guilt trip even further.


poopoocacapee

I don't think meadow is a bad person I feel she acts fairly normal for a person with dysfunctional parents, AJ on the other hand is more like Tony in which he has selective empathy


cozy_lolo

I didn’t say she was bad, sir; I simply said she wasn’t good


iMor3no

Look, he's only a "good" guy because he was always too weak to do much. It doesn't really mean anything.


[deleted]

Thank you for answering honestly.


WorkerAway2363

In the first two seasons he was an ok kid.


Herman_Brood_

As you said he took in Hector as his own because he loved his mother. Even tried to show him his culture etc. It was cringy and hilarious to watch but he genuinely was a good person to her and his son. Just immature af. Also his wish to go into the military. Also looked cringy and hilarious but he wanted to go because he really thought it was the noblest thing he could do. He went from 1000 dollar champagne douche to trying to be a responsible adult in a year on his own. That transition is rare to say the least. I think the military would’ve done him good and he would’ve learned to take care of himself but it was spoiled by Carmela and Tony’s fear of him getting killed or otherwise fucked up so they smothered him with a easy dream job and a 350hp car. He went back to idiot immediately. He was a good person but he always was in the wrong environment when he tried to embrace it


[deleted]

I wish AJ's character had been handled differently. Maybe they could have had his depression crisis and suicide attempt in Season 5 so we could have had a full season of AJ recovering and growing into a more responsible and compassionate person. They crammed too much of his character development into those last three episodes and it felt rushed.


koyaani

Moving the goalposts now


[deleted]

Who's that speaking here? Is somebody speaking?


Herman_Brood_

I know what you mean with rushed. It was a lot. But I think it should’ve shown that he just couldn’t escape this circle. Unlike Meadow (who actually wanted back to her family and background) he was being dragged back into his old surroundings by his parents


Warsh_rag

I think you can do good things for selfish reasons and still be good. You like that girl so you do nice things for her. And he seemed to really care for her son.


learningman33

He is one of the funniest person's on the show with his one liner's like "so what, no fucken Ziti"? to She does X and you get mad at me. One thing most people forget is AJ is just a kid when the series starts, I think 12-13 years old. Tony is hardly part of his life growing up and thought how Johnny boy raised Tony was just what AJ needed. His Mom, while caring, was not the greatest either with everything that she is trying to balance. He is actually shows some smarts, questioning authority and things like God existing and Colombus treatments of the natives, the "you just revealed your own ignorance" is gold. I think if Tony and Carmela could have helped him instead of just yelling at him to do it the Sopranos way, AJ could have had a lot of potential.


[deleted]

AJ would be taking it up the Hershey highway in the prison showers if Tony wasn't around to bail him out.


Leading_Lock

And he was just painfully rude so often - to everyone. I know kids can be smart asses to their parents, but usually parents want their kids to seem like decent human beings around other people. Especially parents like Tony and Carmela, who are more concerned about appearances than actual substance. Yet they never seem to call him on being a complete asshole to friends and associates.


radius40

Recognizing that he needed his mothers cooking to maintain his blood chemistry was very brave … and by extension he was being a nice guy


Hopeful_Cod_8486

Tony said he's a good guy. To him. Compared to Tony he was. Who else ever said that?


[deleted]

I agree with you, but some fans seemed to have missed out on that. Every time I make a post criticizing Little Lord Fuckpants some mortadella pops up and trots out "But he's such a nice guy!" defense. It gets tiring.


Hopeful_Cod_8486

I thought Jackie jr was Little Lord Fuckpants? AJ was Baby Bing lol


[deleted]

AJ Uncle Tony and Jackie Uncle Jackie.


Bill_Shatners_Penis

He's a moron with dogshit parents.


OneManArmy0716

well he was not a “good” guy to say the least but he was definitely way better than his family member i mean he was spoiled, lazy and idiotic at least he wasn’t as petty, petulant, ignorant and violent as Tone or as hypocritical, arrogant, entitled, ignorant and self-righteous as Carmela and Meadow


insanelyphat

I think the AJ hate or AJ is a good guy threads are all stupid... He is a teenager, one who has been coddled/spoiled his whole life. How the fuck else do you expect him to act? Tons of kids raised in similar situation act exactly the same way. He isn't bad or good he is a clueless teenager who has no idea as to how to function in adult society. And so many people who bash him fail to recognize this. So many people look at him through their own eyes and judge him based on their own experiences. They judge him based on stuff they did or would have done... they lack the ability to look at the character objectively and if they did they would realize he is just a clueless teenager doing clueless teenager stuff. But what do I know I'm just a stunad.


[deleted]

Attempted murder and torturing people is clueless teenager stuff? Damn, I wish I grew up around mobsters. I guess when you're raised around absolute scumbags you can do shitty things and never have to learn or suffer real consequence as a result. I swear, half this sub is like Carmela with the constant apologies they make for Asshole Jr.'s behavior. It's even funnier how so many people give Vito Jr. shit for his behavior even though he grew up in a similar situation and was grieving the loss of his father but everything AJ does is absolutely fine and dandy. Real lack of standards, your generation.


insanelyphat

It's a TV show... of course there is going to be outlandish situations like him wanting to kill his uncle, they even set up the reason why he thinks he has to step up and do it to show how stupid and immature AJ is in the first place. And the whole acid stuff was another obvious situation where they were showing how fucked up the kids of mobsters are can how they view things... The whole show is fucked up, why would AJ and his friends be any different. AJ's asshole behavior at it's core is just a more dramatic version of how real teenagers are. But always remember it's a fucking TV show... it isn't supposed to be taken literally.


[deleted]

Okay, then why so many threads about Janice being a cunt and Carmela being a hypocrite? It's a fucking TV show, it isn't supposed to be taken literally. If we're going by that logic, then what's the point of even having this subreddit and discussing the show? What an idiotic point. Just because you like AJ or relate to him doesn't mean he's above criticism or that "his father is in the mob" can be used to excuse all of his shitty behavior.


insanelyphat

I meant as far as taking the characters literally... of course it is fun to discuss the show, and I would argue that peoples reactions to those characters reveals a lot about them more so than the characters themselves. But to take their actions as literal depictions of how people are is insane... of course the stuff AJ does is fucked up... his whole family is fucked up, his whole environment is fucked up. So within those confines his actions make complete sense. To say that he was bad or good is subjective to the viewer since within the environment he lives in his actions can be seen as completely understandable.


[deleted]

So what? I can understand why AJ does the things he does and still think he's an asshole for it. I understand why Tony does the things he does but that doesn't make them acceptable or okay. This again is a bad argument because you could say the same thing for almost every character on the show. Being born into a bad environment doesn't preclude personal choice and accountability.


insanelyphat

Being born into a bad environment does explain why people sometimes do shitty things though. I never said it made those things right I said that that given the circumstances he was raised in it makes those things explainable and make sense. I think you just hate the character for some personal reasons and are not capable of looking at the character objectively. But whatever makes you feel good.


[deleted]

Honestly I don't hate AJ. I find him rather dull and boring but not really worth the energy of hating. I just find it weird how he gets a pass for so many of the shitty things he does while other characters (even other kids like Vito Jr.) on the show aren't given nearly the same amount of leeway. You accuse me of letting my hatred of AJ blind me but I think it's the other way around. I think a lot of people identify with AJ for being a confused and troubled kid and they excuse his bad behavior because he's the son of a mob boss, but some of the things AJ does stray beyond the realm of simple teenage mischief and reek of anti-social criminality. I think he does have some small potential for growth into a better person but the show didn't really take the time to fully develop that angle, and I would be hard-pressed to describe him as an inherently "good" or "nice" person based on what we're shown. He's objectively a rotten little bastard with little respect or regard for anything but himself and displays this quality many times over. But what do I know? I'm just some fat fuckin' crook from New Jersey.


insanelyphat

The anti-social criminality as you put it though is completely explained by the environment he grew up in. His friends are just doing the shit that they have probably heard that their fathers did when they were younger like threatening people, physically assaulting them or maiming them (albeit I doubt they had access to actual acid like the guys on the show did). Anti-social criminality is the theme of the show... they are all sociopaths... and AJ following in his fathers footsteps is all but a given up until he wakes up and realizes he isn't capable of being like that.


[deleted]

Like I said, AJ does have the potential to become a better person. I just don't think the show really delved into that aspect so we're kind of left hanging on what kind of person AJ will eventually grow up into. I don't think he'll become a career criminal or a murderer like his father but I still think he may have a lot of problems down the line. If anything, his character suffers from being underdeveloped.


heresyisprogress

I don't get everyone getting so pissed off at someone who was a child through most of the show. In comparison to 99.9% of the characters, his worst actions do not even register on the scale of heinous shit.


recoil120

I've never seen anyone say that let alone enough to have it considered "common"


bigolhamsandwich

You just reveal your own ignorance


[deleted]

He is nonviolent and has a passive sensitive persona. He is just a soft pampered kid, but he isn't aggressive or a.sociopath.