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
Sentimental Education (The Sopranos) restaurant, the two kiss in his car. Carmela feels guilty and goes to Father Phil Intintola, who advises her not to act on her feelings since she is still married to Tony. Carmela sleeps with Wegler anyway and spends the night at his house. Despite confessing to Father Phil, Carmela continues the affair. After a date, she says she can't sleep with Wegler for A.J.'s sake, abruptly leaving his house. The next day, Wegler pressures one of A.J.'s teachers to raise his grade for a poorly written essay. After several rounds of sex followed by Carmela talking about A.J., Wegler