Episode 3: Denial, Anger, Acceptance [TOP]

is the third episode of The Sopranos ' first season, originally airing on January 24, 1999. The title refers to the stages of grief Tony experiences as his close friend and acting boss, Jackie Aprile , succumbs to terminal cancer. Key Plot Points

: Tony cycles through the titular emotional stages, initially insisting Jackie will "scare that cancer away" ( Denial ), lashing out at Dr. Melfi when she suggests a grim prognosis ( Anger ), and finally acknowledging the inevitability of Jackie’s death ( Acceptance ). Episode 3: Denial, Anger, Acceptance

: Stung by Livia’s complaints about Tony and frustrated by the unauthorized truck hijackings, Uncle Junior orders a hit on Brendan Filone . Mikey Palmice executes Brendan in his bathtub, delivering a clear message to Christopher Moltisanti. is the third episode of The Sopranos '

: Carmela hosts a fundraiser catered by the Buccos. She offends Charmaine Bucco by treating her like a servant, prompting Charmaine to reveal she once slept with Tony. Meanwhile, Meadow buys speed from Christopher to help study for her SATs. Thematic Elements Melfi when she suggests a grim prognosis (

: Against Hesh’s advice, Tony intervenes in a dispute for Shlomo Teittleman, whose son-in-law refuses to grant his daughter a religious divorce ("get"). Tony and his crew use intimidation to secure the divorce in exchange for a stake in a motel.