Episode Report Card Couch Baron: B+ | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT A World Of Hurt
By Couch Baron | Season 1 | Episode 2 | Aired on 07.13.1997
Couch Baron's Appendix: Who's the old guy?
Couch Baron: That's Rebadow. He talks to God.
Couch Baron's Appendix: Man, is he useless.
Couch Baron: Well, you'd know, wouldn't you?
Couch Baron's Appendix: Fuck you.
Cut to Nino, visiting with son Peter. Peter tells him that his mother hasn't got long to live. Nino tells him to get a Jewish doctor. Peter starts crying, possibly because he just realized that his hair is just a blow-dry away from belonging in a Monkees cover band, but Nino chides him not to. Peter says that Ortolani's funeral is the next day, and Nino asks how his parents are taking it. Peter asks how he thinks they're taking it. Nino: "Paolo is philosophical and Maria wants revenge." Peter is forced to acknowledge that his snitty rhetorical question has been steamrolled. Nino: "Tell her she's got it."
And in the "Things I Didn't Need To See" category, Nino gets strip-searched. If they do that to Rebadow, I'm outta here. Schibetta looks at the camera, cueing another "What Are You In For?" flashback. He and his wife, laughing, come out of a restaurant, where he's immediately arrested and shoved into a police car. His wife wails his name, although we don't hear her over the dramatic music. "Prisoner Number 95S604. Nino Schibetta." Convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, sentence 120 years, parole in 70. Or, in layman's terms, never. Cut to McManus's office, where Timbo is telling Schibetta that he'll arrange for him to visit his wife in the hospital. Schibetta smells a rat, which shouldn't be too difficult in this particular office, and asks McManus what the catch is. McManus asks Schibetta to be patient with the Ortolani investigation. Schibetta admits that he would like to see his wife. McManus: "Then we have a deal." Schibetta: "No." Tom, I know I have and will say mean things about you, but this episode just makes me want to buy you a beer.
Ryan gets escorted into Em City from Gen Pop, flanked by Schillinger. In his pod, Ryan tells Schillinger that he doesn't need a sponsor, thanks. Schillinger introduces himself as the head of the Aryan Brotherhood, and notes that Ryan must have powerful friends to have arranged a transfer into Em City. He offers his hand to Ryan, saying that he's got another friend, and starts to leave. Ryan calls him back to ask who occupied the pod before him. The answer is Ortolani. That might have been more dramatic if I had no memory for a floor plan. Anyway, Ryan takes off his shirt. Mmm, shirtless Ryan. He flashes back to when Ortolani shot him, then traces his fingers along a large scar on his stomach. He leans in the doorway of his pod and surveys the scene. Keane walks by and gives him a look, and then D'Angelo comes up, saying that "Mr. Schibetta" requests his presence. D'Angelo shepherds Ryan into Schibetta's pod. The capo, peeling an orange, invites Ryan to sit. Schibetta Godfathers that Ortolani's death has upset him, and he wants to find the killer. Ryan asks if D'Angelo has to be there, and Schibetta dismisses him. Ryan says he didn't do it, and Schibetta counters that he's not accusing, but extending his hand. Watch it, Nino -- Ryan will shake it with one hand and drive a knife into your heart with the other. And I love him for it. In fact, I think I've got a nickname for him -- Mickey O'Velli. Let's see -- is it clever? Yup. Is it likely to get me hate mail? Oh, yeah. I think I've got a winner here. Only problem is, it's a bitch to type. Oh, well. Schibetta goes on that if Ryan helps find Ortolani's murderer, he'll show his appreciation and forgiveness. Guess Schillinger's not the only one to figure out that Ryan's connected. Ryan says that he's not unhappy about Ortolani being the special at Texas BBQ, but he'd like Schibetta's friendship, so if he hears anything, Schibetta will be the first to know. Schibetta: "That's all I ask." After Ryan leaves, Schibetta tells D'Angelo, "He knows."