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
Christopher (The Sopranos) back. Janice locks herself in her room as Ralphie hobbles back to his car, bags in hand. The episode created a controversy when cast members of "The Sopranos" (specifically Dominic Chianese and Lorraine Bracco) were banned from marching in the Columbus Day Parade in New York City, despite having received an invitation to participate in the event from New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg. Christopher (The Sopranos) "Christopher" is the 42nd episode of the HBO original series "The Sopranos" and the third episode of the show's fourth season. Its teleplay was written by Michael Imperioli, from a story idea by