The Test Dream

Episode aired May 16, 2004
TV-MA
50m

IMDb RATING

8.6/10

9.3K

YOUR RATING

Crime Drama

Cousin Tony heads off to avenge the death of his good friend, while a dream reveals to Tony what he must do to prevent a full-scale war.Cousin Tony heads off to avenge the death of his good friend, while a dream reveals to Tony what he must do to prevent a full-scale war.Cousin Tony heads off to avenge the death of his good friend, while a dream reveals to Tony what he must do to prevent a full-scale war.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

8.6/10

9.3K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Trivia
The book that Tony finds in the men's bathroom during his dream is The Valachi Papers, written by Peter Maas. It is the famous book based on the testimony of Joe Valachi, the first member of the Mafia to turn state's evidence and who confirmed the existence of the American Mafia. It is seen again when Tony states he's done his homework.

Goofs
All entries contain spoilers

Quotes
Angelo Garepe: Jesus, don't! Phil, please! Philly, you know me.
Phil Leotardo: You couldn't fuckin' retire?
Angelo Garepe: Philly, for God's sake, you know me!
[Phil shoots Angelo twice in the head]

Connections
Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 TV Dream Episodes (2015)

Soundtracks
Three Times a Lady
Written by Lionel Richie
Performed by The Commodores

User reviews27

Featured review

9/10

Typically surprising Sopranos episode

Tony has a vivid dream as tensions with New York boil over.

This is a very memorable and creative episode.

The story hinges on a few key incidents involving the New York family which move the season 5 narrative forward. However, the main focus is a great 20-minute dream sequence involving a lot of Tony's fears, guilt, wishes, and psychological hang ups.

There is plenty of information on various websites dedicated to analysing the dream sequence image by image, but for me it is an immense bit of character-reflective material from the writers. We see Tony's subconscious processing various issues and in a similar way to the situation at the end of series 2, but it also contains much of the baggage he has obtained throughout the past few seasons. I think you have to watch it with an open mind. Dreams are surreal and this certainly is that. I recognise some of it from my own experiences, such as teeth falling out, people changing into other people, objects turning into faeces. Lots of it makes sense to me, other parts are difficult to interpret, but so are my own dreams and The Sopranos writers love a bit of uncertainty.

James Gandolfini gives a stellar performance and the numerous guest stars are on great form.

Another highlight is the production of the dream sequence, which has so many great visual and audio moments that take you by surprise.

I think the 1/10 ratings are OTT, negative reactions to the unexpected and unexplained, but everyone is entitled to their opinion.