The Sopranos (The Sopranos episode) The Sopranos (The Sopranos episode) "The Sopranos", also known as "Pilot", is the first episode of the HBO television drama series, "The Sopranos", which premiered on January 10, 1999. It was written and directed by the series creator and executive producer David Chase. New Jersey mobster Tony Soprano passes out while barbecuing. Tony's collapse is diagnosed as a panic attack, leading to his referral to psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi. Tony is initially uncooperative, but soon tells Dr. Melfi a story about a family of ducks which nested in his swimming pool. He goes over tensions between Carmela and Meadow over a
Johnny Cakes (The Sopranos) A.J. brags to one of the girls and implies he will take revenge on Junior for shooting Tony. To afford more clubbing, A.J. sells the drum kit Tony gave him as a gift. While the pair are fishing on Tony's boat, A.J. asks what they are going to do about Junior; Tony tells A.J. he should not concern himself with Junior. In session with Dr. Melfi, Tony complains about A.J.'s laziness and asks for advice. Melfi says modern youth are overwhelmed with information and reach maturity later than previous generations, and suggests that Tony and Carmela impose concrete rules. A.J.