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) for a favor to have A.J. released from custody without criminal charges, Tony picks up A.J. and violently confronts him. In tears, A.J. calls his father a hypocrite because Tony admires Michael Corleone for avenging the attempted murder of his father in "The Godfather". Tony, although touched by his son's intentions, tells him that he needs to grow up and to never tell Carmela about the incident. During A.J.'s next night out clubbing, one of Hernan's friends asks him to get Tony to intimidate his landlord. Retreating to the restroom, A.J. has a panic attack. Vito, pretending to be a