The violence toward women characteristic of this hit cable drama's third season continues with shocking brutality in this heartbreaking episode. New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (
James Gandolfini) resists the efforts of one of his needy young go-go dancers, Tracee (Ariel Kiley), to become "friends." He's got enough problems at home with his own daughter, Meadow (
Jamie-Lynn Sigler), who has been giving him the silent treatment over her father's prejudice toward her mixed-race boyfriend. When the boyfriend casually dumps Meadow, however, she's furious, hurling invective at her family and slamming doors. Meanwhile, Tracee has become pregnant with the child of Tony's garbage business underling, Ralph Cifaretto (
Joe Pantoliano), who reacts with a typically uncaring attitude. When Tracee insults Ralph in front of his friends and business partners, he meets her outside Tony's strip club and brutally beats her to death. Tony reacts violently, attacking Ralph and violating the code of
la cosa nostra. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide