Tony Soprano Similar testimonials were included by his co-stars and colleagues; Bryan Cranston stated that his "Breaking Bad" character, Walter White, would not have existed without Tony Soprano. Tony Soprano quickly became a pop culture icon during the show’s run. In an article for the "Los Angeles Times", Chris Lee referred to Tony Soprano as a “cultural sensation” who became the “unlikeliest of sex symbols.” On the importance of Gandolfini’s performance, Lee stated: “He forever rejiggered television's fascination with morally challenged antiheroes and less-than-physically-perfect protagonists.” Mark Lawson of "The Guardian" praised Gandolfini for his “towering central performance” as Tony Soprano, writing: “The
He Is Risen (The Sopranos) He Is Risen (The Sopranos) "He Is Risen" is the 34th episode of the HBO original series "The Sopranos" and the eighth of the show's third season. It was written by Robin Green, Mitchell Burgess and Todd A. Kessler, and directed by Allen Coulter, and originally aired on April 15, 2001. As Tony enters Dr. Melfi's waiting-room for his appointment, he learns that she accidentally double-booked. He is intrigued by the other patient, Gloria Trillo, who works as a saleswoman at a Mercedes-Benz dealership. Elsewhere, Tony is still on the outs with Ralphie over Tracee's murder and his continued disrespect.