Mayham
"Mayham" is the third episode of the sixth and final season of the HBO crime drama television series The Sopranos, originally airing on March 26, 2006.[1] Written by Matthew Weiner and directed by Jack Bender, the episode centers on Tony Soprano's ongoing recovery from a shooting, delving into his hallucinatory coma experiences while his family and criminal associates grapple with uncertainty and internal conflicts.[1] It received critical acclaim for its exploration of psychological depth and mob dynamics, earning an 8.8/10 rating from over 9,000 user reviews on IMDb.[1] In the episode, Tony remains comatose following the events of the season premiere, wandering through surreal dream sequences that evoke themes of identity loss and existential dread, including a journey to a sales convention where he assumes the persona of Kevin Finnerty.[2] Meanwhile, acting boss Silvio Dante navigates leadership challenges, dividing spoils from a heist led by Paulie Walnuts and mediating tensions between New Jersey and New York factions, such as a territorial dispute between Bobby Baccalieri and Little Carmine Lupertazzi. Tony's family faces emotional strain: Carmela exhibits manic anxiety over his condition and the implications for their children, while A.J. spirals into distress, contemplating self-harm amid revelations about his father's world.[2] The episode highlights the series' signature blend of dark humor and introspection, with subplots including Christopher Moltisanti's return to screenwriting and Vito Spatafore's secretive behavior adding layers to the portrayal of fractured loyalties.[3] The title "Mayham" derives from Paulie Gualtieri's characteristic mispronunciation of "mayhem," reflecting the chaotic aftermath of Tony's injury.[4] Notable for advancing the season's arc on mortality and power vacuums, it sets the stage for Tony's eventual return while underscoring the vulnerabilities within the Soprano crime family.[2]Cast
Starring
The starring cast of "Mayham," the third episode of The Sopranos' sixth season, features the series' core ensemble navigating the immediate fallout from Tony Soprano's shooting. These recurring actors portray principal characters central to the ongoing narrative of the DiMeo crime family and Tony's personal life.[1][5]- James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano, the comatose New Jersey mob boss hospitalized after being shot, drifting through disorienting dream sequences that blur his identity.[1][6]
- Lorraine Bracco as Dr. Jennifer Melfi, Tony's therapist grappling with the emotional and ethical implications of his critical condition.[1][4]
- Edie Falco as Carmela Soprano, Tony's wife coordinating family support and confronting the uncertainty of his recovery amid household strains.[1][7]
- Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti, Tony's nephew and underboss assuming greater responsibilities in the family's operations during Tony's absence.[1]
- Dominic Chianese as Corrado "Junior" Soprano, Tony's uncle and imprisoned rival, whose confinement limits his direct involvement but underscores ongoing familial tensions.[1][5]
- Steven Van Zandt as Silvio Dante, the consigliere stepping in as acting boss to mediate disputes and maintain order in Tony's stead.[1][5]
- Tony Sirico as Paulie Gualtieri, the veteran soldier involved in crew activities and reflecting on the power vacuum created by Tony's shooting.[1][5]
- Robert Iler as A.J. Soprano, Tony and Carmela's son, whose personal struggles intensify under the shadow of his father's life-threatening injury.[1][6]
- Jamie-Lynn Sigler as Meadow Soprano, Tony and Carmela's daughter, supporting the family during the crisis.[1]
- Aida Turturro as Janice Soprano, Tony's sister offering support at the hospital.[1]