Love Tobin Bell. Always got the sense that this character was a recovering addict. He mentions addiction at least three times: his alcoholic quote to AJ, alluding to the substance recovery industry, and closing with "one day at a time." Plus he can't hold off having a smoke while speaking to Tony and Carmela. Awesome writing!
That's one of the reasons why it's by far the best tv series ever. It has the most interesting and realistic characters, dialogues and acting. The older you get the more aware of this you get and appreciate it.
@@jonjonr4788 I believe your 100% correct… I always wondered why the writers had him smoke in the middle of a meeting with the parents, as if he couldn’t wait a few minutes. Now it hit me that the alcohol metaphor gave him such inner stress that he desperately needed a cigarette. Great observations help discover great writing
That was the best episode of That season! It was supposed to be filmed in Jersey but a jersey congressman thought and it gave New Jersey a bad reputation has it may have been linked to the mafia?HA HA HA😀 REALLY! MAFIA? NEW JERSEY? NAAAA NEVER👍😬😲
Zwingli isn't phased by AJ's stupidity for a second. He knows exactly how to challenge him without coddling him like Carmela or belittling him like Tony. Pretty wild to imagine how differently AJ might have turned out if he had gone to military school.
“Stealing an exam, that’s quite a personal defeat isn’t it? “ Neither the school suspension or the parental punishment came close to the kick in the gut that line delivered. Amazing.
Even better, when AJ said how his behaviour was stupid, Major Zwingli, said his response was pre-programmed. He had probably seen this so often in the cadets at the place that you couldn't fool him.
@McLarenBMW My deceased father used to work in corrections. He told me the Big Boss method to get criminal suspects to confess to previous crimes is one of of the oldest in the book. Why criminals fall for this is simply beyond me. I guess it is the smart ones who do not get caught.
Major Zwingly could never be made because he had Irish blood. It didn't even matter that his mother was Sicilian. To become a member of a crew you've got to be one hundred percent Italian so they can trace all your relatives back to the old country.
Carmella disapproving of her kid going to war when he lives in a mob household is hilarious. Carmella's husband is way more likely to get killed than an American soldier
When AJ was smoking weed at his confirmation party and was caught, Carmella asked him to be a "good Catholic". LOL the hypocrisy. Her husband's the head of a mafia family and cheats on his wife all the time.
@@FunfettiGirl1987 I mean if you want to ride Carm about her hypocrisy as far as "good Catholic" is concerned, focus on her sins not Tony's. Staying with an unfaithful shithead isn't a sin...unfortunately, according to the "rules", staying with that type of douche makes you a "good Catholic". Marriage is forever. And tbh, her main sins are emotional infidelity to an unfaithful husband, and some hypocritical bullying to get her way (or things for herself and her children). AFAIK in six seasons Carm never physically hurt anyone (except possibly Coco), never murdered anybody...OH! She did technically cheat on Tony by banging AJ's teacher right? Idk, I mean I'm not a Carm fan but it seems like a stretch to put Carm and Meadow in the same "horrible" category as a group that is actively stealing, assaulting and murdering people. And pimping out women and selling drugs.
Zwingli is much more like the idealized Dad of the 1950s than anybody Tony's dealt with in a long time. He has the same contempt for weakness and insistence upon firm discipline as the Mafia does, but none of the overwhelming greed and anger. Tony admires his system because he wishes he could pull that off (but he can't).
Bull Zye Tony's right to recognize that and feel that way. Fundamentally those are the masculine values of every successful civilization in human history.
They were probably all punks that their parents had reached maximum patience with. The whole time I was watching this scene, I actually thought what a positive thing this would have been for Anthony's life. He just never grew up with the way his parents coddled him, Tony included.
@@Dana-wq5tp wasn't the coddling. Thats what Tony THOUGHT was wrong with AJ. They just weren't parents, and when they tried to be, they were dog shit with it. Meadow wasn't smart and gifted because of Carmela lmao. AJ needed PARENTS. His problem wasn't discipline, it was that he needed REAL parents.
@@spearofconquest His problem was discipline. The moment he got it, he started improving lmao. Real parents have discipline, for their kids and themselves.
“Mother’s usually don’t….. until he starts opening doors for you and pulling out your chair.” Yeah he just completely read Carmella like an open book. Just seeing AJ in his uniform later was enough to win her over.
"That will be made abundantly clear to you" is one of the funniest lines in the Sopranos(and there are many), its the pace of the build up with AJs stupid questions, the delivery of the line and they way it cuts to outside the office. So simple, genius.
@@flightofthebumblebee9529 Imagine any other "identities" being talked about that way when meaning respectfully "he talked to her like a man not a woman" "he talked to him like a white not black" "he talked to him like a straight not gay" we'd see the problem then, the fact one is synonymous with disrespect and the other respect is disgusting. I prefer "talk to other's how you like to be talked to" covers every base and whatever current socially acceptable bigotry has no effect on it.
Yeah, he's obviously very stern but he doesn't seem like a bad guy. On the contrary, he's genuinely devoted to the core. He's serious about teaching young people the wisdom that he thinks will help them become fully-actualized adults. The obvious, dumb route for this kind of character would be for him to start barking at AJ like R. Lee Ermey in "Full Metal Jacket." Instead, he's surprisingly friendly with AJ, albeit a little intense. The major doesn't mock AJ for being nervous about school life, nor does he ream him out for being unfamiliar with the function of military time. On the contrary, he seems pleased that AJ is curious about how it works. There's an understated tone of nurturing to his dialogue, where you can tell he wants to do right by the boy. Although he's a bit character, major Zwingli is complex and memorable as a quietly passionate military man with a fatalistic outlook on life.
Carmela: "Isn't there enough war? Amputees? Horrible displaced..." Tony: "Jesus, he's just going to march around a little bit" Major Zwingli: "I wouldn't get too hung up on the marching aspect" hahaha
Fun fact: he asked to smoke not just because he wanted to, but because it's also a way for an authority figure to be more relatable. To show that they have faults, and are only human, and acknowledge it, whilst demonstrating an overall impression of discipline and success. I LOVE these tiny details.
It also, to me, breaks down the stiffness and stern aura he gave off when he first met AJ and I chalk that up to the actor as well as direction of the scene. His voice was very monotone with AJ, the camera was a lot closer which sort of makes the viewer a bit uncomfortable and uneasy like AJ probably felt. Then when he talked to Carmella and Tony, the shot is more panned out and his voice seems a bit more fatherly rather than militant and monotone. He also isn’t has stiff as before and like you mentioned with the cigarette, it humanizes him more. Even Carmella was having a hard time trying to disagree because of how despite the uniform and the obvious stigma about military men, this guy seems very relaxed, relatable and open to conversation. With AJ, he had much more commanding and authoritative nature. (Sorry for the essay, I really love movies and directing.)
It's more because he's a recovering addict (hence the AA lingo he uses with AJ) - he can't quite practice what he preaches when it comes to discipline.
@@MagnificentFiend I'll disagree simply because it's a one off metaphor, and as a highly ranked military academy staff member he'd be subject to regular drug testing.
Not only is this series full of great actors but the extras are what makes it even better. Tobin Bell was great in this scene...they really put together an epic show
This clip really highlights the similarities between AJ and Tony. The Major tries to convey the point that the school schedule is rigorous and will teach him discipline, and AJ just asks about the time system, missing the main point. Then when the Major is telling the parents about how the program could help AJ, Tony's question is about whether "Army of One" can hypothetically go off the rails
Formerly known as, Joe Tobin. I knew him when he was still struggling to gain recognition as an actor. I always hoped that would happen for him because I felt he was an excellent man and a highly intelligent human being. Very proud of him!
The first thing he was in that I saw was "In The Line Of Fire". He is memorable as a counterfeiter who gets Clint Eastwood's character to shoot his own man with a pistol that turns out to be empty. It's a test. Slight hint of "Saw" later on.
Absolutely, Aaron. I thought from the beginning AJ's the schmuck one in this family, but listening to Tony and Carmella's viewpoints regarding their son's admission to this military school makes me realize how ridiculously stupid they are. As far as AJ is concerned, he'll never succeed in anything due to his parents' DNA, which makes him a hopeless nitwit.
@Matthew Barry So I'm dense, huh? What exactly is Tony searching for, finding a strategy to turn his moronic son into a well-heed responsible human being, perhaps? Jesus, haven't you been watching the series up to this point? AJ will never measure up to anything except sponging the spoils his parents provide him. The insufferable sloth is a reprehensible schmuck and takes full advantage of living the opulent lifestyle at home, thanks to his gangsta father, the blood winner of the core four. Tony and Carmella are two damaging and dysfunctional parents: Tony is the enabler, and Carmella is the coddler, which is why their children have turned into maladjusted types.
@Matthew BarryLol, this a ridiculous level of hostility for a comment that didn't even address you. We're talking about a show, not declaring war on each other.
I know! Part of why that cadet looked at AJ like he was such a POS is because the cadet himself had been AJ when he arrived there, and realized how much suck he was looking at. From personal experience.
@@farmalmta Disagree partially, first, because it is often seen seniornor superior cadets looking dowm at the rookies, military tradition. Second, Aj was plenty stupid with those unrelevant questions and honestly, some people could identify spoiled dumbfvcks, specially when you see different kind of rookies in the years in the military academy. I don't buy that thing repeated on the comments about the cadet looked at Aj like that because he saw his past self in Aj. Not all rookies are that stuñid or numb. Telling this because of experience, minus the panic attack and spending 2 years in one m academy
The guy talks about the "for-profit substance recovery industry" and the next instant has a smoke. That's pretty smart writing. Not even the most moral characters (or at least the ones that seemed most moral) were above hypocrisy in this show.
Yeah but he had an incredible point that was proven correct. This show ran concurrently with the developing opioid epidemic in America and that recovery industry had a huge roll in perpetuating the addiction it was supposed to treat.
I actually get this analysis paralysis. Meditation Helps me stay in Zen. Zen is the cure~ Harmonize thought & action. & cool to know Tupac rapped about it in his lyrics Man was ahead of his time
@Isabel Beckerman He would be forced to adapt. We see this with hardened criminals who go into strict well-run prison and get rehabilitated. It is an initial shock to the system to move from one lifestyle to the rigors of the military but it will eventually happen. The problem was AJ had no structure and close supervision in the Soprano household. Conflicting parental philosophies on discipline and raising up children which didn't work. Meadow worked out because she's a girl and girls growing up are naturally more compliant. Boys by contrast have testosterone.
@Isabel Beckerman Most non military kids do not know military times. According to this logic almost nobody could do well in military school if they do not know military times prior to their first contact with military school.. That is not an indicator if a kid would do well in military school at all.
@@LordTalax that's not what he meant. You take kids from the streets that are in actual urban gangs (not the ones you deal with in whatever suburb you live in, talking like how you do) and throw them into prison, gangbanging changes into literally militarized daily fashion, wake up, program, post up, patrol, ect ect. Very common that some party goer kid goes in, and comes out a soldier.
Him being named "Zwingli" has got to be a send-up to the reformation theologian Ulrich Zwingli, right? Zwingli was a major contributor to what would eventually become the Calvinist faith, which is well-known for its belief in predestination and a general lack of agency on the part of mankind.* In this scene, the major complains about there being too many choices available for young people, like he doesn't believe free will is proper or moral. He's deadest on using military discipline to take AJ "through his entire life," as though he wants these things to be planned out way in advance. I think the screenwriter for this episode was making a cheeky joke about Calvinism to flesh out this bit character that only appears in this episode IIRC. I like that the writers tried to make these one-off roles colorful and memorable, just like with Valery. * Predestination was a small part of Calvin's original writings, with there being a few lines dedicated to it basically just to say God is all-supreme and that people shouldn't fret about whether he's in control of the universe or not. It's really not that extreme, plus Calvin _did_ believe in free will, but his predecessors became more conservative and doubled down on the literal interpretation of what he'd said.
@@markrobertson6664 You went through the same thought process too, didn't you? It's because "Zwingli" is such a distinct, unusual name, plus there's only one really famous guy with that name. I guess you don't hear Swiss-German names that often outside of central europe, and even then I don't recall ever seeing "Zwingli" show up anywhere except in this show.
@Dr Deuteron They casually ignore pretty much every Christian teaching on matters like anger, gambling, greed, adultery, pride, and violence, so would it even occur to them that they're getting involved with a heretic? They do business with Russians (eastern orthodox Christians) and Hesh (who is Jewish, obviously), so it's not like consorting with non-believers has ever been a problem for them. Tony and his pals occasionally paying lip service to Catholic beliefs underscores how they're all Godless, morally-bankrupt hypocrites.
I wondered about the name Zwingli. I also wonder whether Captain de Launay is meant to be a reference to the French officer of that name who commanded the Bastille and was lynched after surrendering it. The scriptwriter for this episode likes his historical references, it seems.
@@kaczynskis5721 Interesting observation. I wouldn't have noticed that without you pointing it out. I don't recall the cadet character having a major role in this episode, so I couldn't tell you what the significance of the historical reference is.
One of the funniest shows ever! Total dark humor, I never get tired watching this episode, then the major has no discipline by smoking in front of them is hilarious!
he was wafting the smoke away from them with his hand. he's probably an old smoker, you could smoke anywhere back then planes, buses, while you eat now it's banned almost everywhere. (I replied to somebody but they deleted their comment)
@@footballpredictions-g2y Or he didn't need to not have one if he wanted one? He struck me as a badass that would light up in a government building because he's that confident in his standing
2:25 I am going to go ahead and say it. I believe "TOI" stands for Tour of Institute. I know this is a very controversial stance on a hot button topic but this is my opinion.
@@blasty137 I disagree. The way we grow up is our parents fault. If we stay that way it's our own. I left home at 14. Had a full time job and supported myself and went flatting with friends. I was on my own. My mother would have made Tony Soprano and Ted Bundy shit themselves.
Asking AJ to join this school is like asking a guy who's afraid of spiders to do self therapy by just dumping spiders onto his face. It might work but it's a pretty tough decision to make.
“Hello Anthony. I want to play a game. You go through life taking the easy route. However, there’s only one route out of here alive. Live or die, Anthony. Make your choice”
I love how Major Zwingli knows all the slogans, I’m sure he had a bottle in that drawer at one time, too bad for AJ he never got to go here or join the military.
I actually love this scene. As far as I know, it's the only time I have ever noticed anyone commenting on that stupid 'like' thing in sentences nowadays.
That actually makes it hard for me to listen to podcasts or most interviews because I notice how often people use "like" in speech and it drives me up the wall.
@@redelephantsdotnl back in high school i knew a girl who said it in almost every sentence. It got so aggravating once I noticed it I couldn't talk to her anymore
To his credit, he did ask them if they minded if he smoked. Had they said no, I have zero doubt that he would have respected their wishes. It is possible to have vices, yet not be ruled by them.
Lmao at 2:35 The cadet captain gives A.J. a look like he's already picturing him strapped down to his bed while the other cadets pelt him with socks filled with bars of soap.
Love Tobin Bell. Always got the sense that this character was a recovering addict. He mentions addiction at least three times: his alcoholic quote to AJ, alluding to the substance recovery industry, and closing with "one day at a time." Plus he can't hold off having a smoke while speaking to Tony and Carmela. Awesome writing!
He was cool as ice. Wish AJ had gone to this school imagine his potential in later seasons. Wonder if there was any way around his panic attacks
That's something I never noticed! Good observation. 👍
@@ScapoloMichael The other kid we see looks miserable. Did you listen to Carmella? She's right in this scene.
i like how in the sopranos, even the most minor characters are fleshed out in a way that makes you wonder about their lives and backstories.
@@jonjonr4788 Assuming, that means stinkin' thinkin' . you should cut that out
That's one of the reasons why it's by far the best tv series ever. It has the most interesting and realistic characters, dialogues and acting. The older you get the more aware of this you get and appreciate it.
His backstory is that he’s a sick psychopath who traps people who he thinks need punishing. Or so I’m led to believe.
@@jonjonr4788 I believe your 100% correct… I always wondered why the writers had him smoke in the middle of a meeting with the parents, as if he couldn’t wait a few minutes. Now it hit me that the alcohol metaphor gave him such inner stress that he desperately needed a cigarette. Great observations help discover great writing
Such amazing writing
“Decor, Decor, Decor”
“He killed 16 Czechoslovakians, guy was an interior decorator!”
Patrick Randon really? His house looked like shit!
Fucking brilliant! LOL
WAR RANT
That was the best episode of That season! It was supposed to be filmed in Jersey but a jersey congressman thought and it gave New Jersey a bad reputation has it may have been linked to the mafia?HA HA HA😀 REALLY! MAFIA? NEW JERSEY? NAAAA NEVER👍😬😲
i think it was 14
Zwingli isn't phased by AJ's stupidity for a second. He knows exactly how to challenge him without coddling him like Carmela or belittling him like Tony. Pretty wild to imagine how differently AJ might have turned out if he had gone to military school.
he is not stupid, he is reasonable
@@GamingDualitiesAj is a weak willed pussy. If you think he is resonable, you must share his traits
AJ isn't so much stupid as he is ignorant. When he actually gets motivated, he demonstrates perfectly adequate smarts.
@@pamewaint "smarts" a shallow word to use?
@@vaporwave-manFor RUclips?
Not at all
“Stealing an exam, that’s quite a personal defeat isn’t it? “
Neither the school suspension or the parental punishment came close to the kick in the gut that line delivered. Amazing.
Even better, when AJ said how his behaviour was stupid, Major Zwingli, said his response was pre-programmed. He had probably seen this so often in the cadets at the place that you couldn't fool him.
@McLarenBMW Not coming up with a suitable rebuttal is also a personal defeat.
@McLarenBMW The way he was caught stealing the exam was equally funny.
@McLarenBMW My deceased father used to work in corrections. He told me the Big Boss method to get criminal suspects to confess to previous crimes is one of of the oldest in the book. Why criminals fall for this is simply beyond me. I guess it is the smart ones who do not get caught.
more like getting caught for it is a personal defeat
This Major should of been made right then and there! Look at how much Tony respects this guy!
*Raises Glass* To Zwingli!
🍷
Salud
markwest1987 is he played by Scott Burns the voice of Bowser?
Major Zwingly could never be made because he had Irish blood. It didn't even matter that his mother was Sicilian. To become a member of a crew you've got to be one hundred percent Italian so they can trace all your relatives back to the old country.
Carmella disapproving of her kid going to war when he lives in a mob household is hilarious. Carmella's husband is way more likely to get killed than an American soldier
the only character i hate more than carmella is meadow
Not tony
Quit disrespecting tony
When AJ was smoking weed at his confirmation party and was caught, Carmella asked him to be a "good Catholic". LOL the hypocrisy. Her husband's the head of a mafia family and cheats on his wife all the time.
@@FunfettiGirl1987 I mean if you want to ride Carm about her hypocrisy as far as "good Catholic" is concerned, focus on her sins not Tony's. Staying with an unfaithful shithead isn't a sin...unfortunately, according to the "rules", staying with that type of douche makes you a "good Catholic". Marriage is forever.
And tbh, her main sins are emotional infidelity to an unfaithful husband, and some hypocritical bullying to get her way (or things for herself and her children). AFAIK in six seasons Carm never physically hurt anyone (except possibly Coco), never murdered anybody...OH! She did technically cheat on Tony by banging AJ's teacher right?
Idk, I mean I'm not a Carm fan but it seems like a stretch to put Carm and Meadow in the same "horrible" category as a group that is actively stealing, assaulting and murdering people. And pimping out women and selling drugs.
One of the few times Tony was in awe of someone. Even subtly asks leadership advice.
Derpyderp he found his strong, silent type
Zwingli is much more like the idealized Dad of the 1950s than anybody Tony's dealt with in a long time. He has the same contempt for weakness and insistence upon firm discipline as the Mafia does, but none of the overwhelming greed and anger. Tony admires his system because he wishes he could pull that off (but he can't).
Bull Zye Tony's right to recognize that and feel that way. Fundamentally those are the masculine values of every successful civilization in human history.
@@harveywallbanger3123 "the strong, silent type"
From Major Zwingli's perspective Tony was just ranting like Christopher at a funeral
As General Mcarthur said in his farewell adress at the point...The shinebox the shinebox the shinebox.
Omg LMFAO!!!
Dried up joke
Ewan MacFarlane hahaha best comment
As much as I’m sick of these shinebox jokes this one was ok
Lol
I love how Tony tries to transform anyone with leadership experience or a slight insight into the human psyche into a consiglieri.
The look on that kid's face when he sees AJ, he knows a punk when he sees one.
They were probably all punks that their parents had reached maximum patience with. The whole time I was watching this scene, I actually thought what a positive thing this would have been for Anthony's life. He just never grew up with the way his parents coddled him, Tony included.
@@Dana-wq5tp wasn't the coddling. Thats what Tony THOUGHT was wrong with AJ. They just weren't parents, and when they tried to be, they were dog shit with it. Meadow wasn't smart and gifted because of Carmela lmao. AJ needed PARENTS. His problem wasn't discipline, it was that he needed REAL parents.
@@spearofconquest His problem was discipline. The moment he got it, he started improving lmao. Real parents have discipline, for their kids and themselves.
@@spearofconquest Wrong.
@@edwardheaney3641 who started improving? 😂 the only time AJ "improved" was when he was chilling out with Jason and Carlo's kid.
“Mother’s usually don’t….. until he starts opening doors for you and pulling out your chair.”
Yeah he just completely read Carmella like an open book. Just seeing AJ in his uniform later was enough to win her over.
hes breaking his mothers haart
Unfortunately for her, AJ never had the makings of a varsity marine.
@@fleatactical7390 small balls that was his problem
She didn’t seem particularly “won over.”
@@littlea5111true but Tony feints too does he also have small balls
"That will be made abundantly clear to you" is one of the funniest lines in the Sopranos(and there are many), its the pace of the build up with AJs stupid questions, the delivery of the line and they way it cuts to outside the office. So simple, genius.
I could not agree more with this comment. That’s exactly my reaction
Also the "one day at a time" at the end lmao
The major actually talked to AJ like a man and not a boy and I think his program would've actually helped AJ a lot.
@@flightofthebumblebee9529 Imagine any other "identities" being talked about that way when meaning respectfully "he talked to her like a man not a woman" "he talked to him like a white not black" "he talked to him like a straight not gay" we'd see the problem then, the fact one is synonymous with disrespect and the other respect is disgusting. I prefer "talk to other's how you like to be talked to" covers every base and whatever current socially acceptable bigotry has no effect on it.
@Mr.Goodkat what
I love how Tony admires the Major
Tony's good side probably does admire him. It's not like the mafia has self-discipline or any aspirations to it.
That's right lilulgy mane fan indacut
@@stevekaczynski3793 uhh yeah it does. It’s not gta
2:24 The look of absolute disgust on the kid soldier's face is priceless! 😂😂😂
Yeah Ralph Ciferetto would have asked him "What's Your Fuc%*in Problem?"
He’s like “oh boy” and has him completely read. 😂
That's the strictest school I ever "Saw".
It is not the strictest but is strict
Hugh Jass sir you win
“AJ, I want to play a game.....”
lol
seen*
AJ faked a panic attack so he didn't have to go to a military school run by Jigsaw
@yortzandat damn he did
Stoneman180190 Jigsaw lmao
I don't think he faked it lmao I'd be pretty ridden with anxiety if I had to attend military school too
He was rejected by a mulignana!
Lol
honestly the major seems pretty cool
Yeah, he's obviously very stern but he doesn't seem like a bad guy. On the contrary, he's genuinely devoted to the core. He's serious about teaching young people the wisdom that he thinks will help them become fully-actualized adults. The obvious, dumb route for this kind of character would be for him to start barking at AJ like R. Lee Ermey in "Full Metal Jacket." Instead, he's surprisingly friendly with AJ, albeit a little intense. The major doesn't mock AJ for being nervous about school life, nor does he ream him out for being unfamiliar with the function of military time. On the contrary, he seems pleased that AJ is curious about how it works. There's an understated tone of nurturing to his dialogue, where you can tell he wants to do right by the boy. Although he's a bit character, major Zwingli is complex and memorable as a quietly passionate military man with a fatalistic outlook on life.
@@comicstwisted
I'm already there, as writing is one of my major pastimes. I have yet to publish anything half-way decent, unfortunately.
Patrick Notstar I agree. That was a very good analysis.
Κ ο μ ν η ν ό ς You’ll get there. Just keep at it.
Have you Saw the things he's done?
This guy threw in about 5 different AA slogans.
i noticed that too. yet ironically derides so called "substance abuse recovery industries"
clever writing. :)
Rick Allen the core the core the core
Some of the dry drunks are the worst righteous people
@@marshall886 Sounds like stinkin thinkin! Lol
Wanna bet there's a half pint in his bottom drawer
From the voice to his mannerisms. He's got the "High Ranking Officer" down perfectly. Great acting.
Yep, the voice of someone who is used to being heard.
Whats missing? Give up? Television
Tobin is a great character actor. Had great roles in The Firm and NYPD Blue
To the “hiding a ciggy from the childrens”
That's John Kramer actually
The major should have told Tony we make our students into an army or varsity athletes here.
Tony would have collapsed, on the spot!
Dude... if AJ had actually gone to that school, he'd have become one HELL of a gangster when he grew up.
It worked for Michael Corleone
Michael is it trueeeee
he would have become an interior decorator.
@@scottmatheson3346... and his house would look like shit... 😉🤣
True, I bet he would’ve taken over after Tony dies.
"I wanna play a game"
I clicked on this video, just to read this comment.
"That'll be made abundantly clear to you" 😂😂😂
When he has 2 cut his fucking leg off 2 save face b4 0530...
"that'll be made abundantly clear to you" - haha love that part
Carmela: "Isn't there enough war? Amputees? Horrible displaced..."
Tony: "Jesus, he's just going to march around a little bit"
Major Zwingli: "I wouldn't get too hung up on the marching aspect"
hahaha
LMAO AJ WOULD'VE PRIVATE PYLE'D HIMSELF
You too grunt! Ima get drafted and you can be my draft partner and stick to battle buddies ok girl? Yes ok muah! Luv u girl ❤❤😘😘xoxo
Oh that's right Private Pyle, don't make any fucking effort to get up to the top of the fucking obstacle!
Lmao
@George Kafiridis simp
@George Kafiridis You ain't gonna pipe, lad
Fun fact: he asked to smoke not just because he wanted to, but because it's also a way for an authority figure to be more relatable. To show that they have faults, and are only human, and acknowledge it, whilst demonstrating an overall impression of discipline and success.
I LOVE these tiny details.
That's exactly what I thought but I didn't know how to describe it. I thought "Well, what a nice guy"
It also, to me, breaks down the stiffness and stern aura he gave off when he first met AJ and I chalk that up to the actor as well as direction of the scene. His voice was very monotone with AJ, the camera was a lot closer which sort of makes the viewer a bit uncomfortable and uneasy like AJ probably felt. Then when he talked to Carmella and Tony, the shot is more panned out and his voice seems a bit more fatherly rather than militant and monotone. He also isn’t has stiff as before and like you mentioned with the cigarette, it humanizes him more. Even Carmella was having a hard time trying to disagree because of how despite the uniform and the obvious stigma about military men, this guy seems very relaxed, relatable and open to conversation. With AJ, he had much more commanding and authoritative nature.
(Sorry for the essay, I really love movies and directing.)
It's more because he's a recovering addict (hence the AA lingo he uses with AJ) - he can't quite practice what he preaches when it comes to discipline.
@@MagnificentFiend I'll disagree simply because it's a one off metaphor, and as a highly ranked military academy staff member he'd be subject to regular drug testing.
the guy just wanted to smoke a fag and you're bullsht overanalyzing lol
I love it how Tony related everything to his person issues: "This army of one thing...?" He's thinking of his team and their loyalty.
3:08 Tony looks like he's in love. He's totally digging the way the Major carries himself.
He is his type : " the strong silent type"
"What's missing. Give up? Television." i laugh every time
.........and Video games!
“Mothers seldom do” lol that was the best. He was amazing lol.
Not only is this series full of great actors but the extras are what makes it even better. Tobin Bell was great in this scene...they really put together an epic show
I love that they gave him this role because he was in Goodfellas for one second. 😂
@@saljpal3 "Got your pay stubs?" 😂
@@saljpal3 he's been in a lot of classic films
'That'll be made abundantly clear to you' cracks me up every time!
I feel like the line... “That will be made abundantly clear to you.” was delivered in the exact same way on one of the Saw movies lol
This clip really highlights the similarities between AJ and Tony. The Major tries to convey the point that the school schedule is rigorous and will teach him discipline, and AJ just asks about the time system, missing the main point. Then when the Major is telling the parents about how the program could help AJ, Tony's question is about whether "Army of One" can hypothetically go off the rails
he was fishing for advice .. about how to better run his family
Formerly known as, Joe Tobin. I knew him when he was still struggling to gain recognition as an actor. I always hoped that would happen for him because I felt he was an excellent man and a highly intelligent human being. Very proud of him!
The first thing he was in that I saw was "In The Line Of Fire". He is memorable as a counterfeiter who gets Clint Eastwood's character to shoot his own man with a pistol that turns out to be empty. It's a test. Slight hint of "Saw" later on.
Crazy how big he became when you knew him when he was a nobody!
Didnt newman said he emits a full and unplesant odor
As a former Marine, I wish actual military recruiters were this honest.
@@mammamiapizzeria4911I was curious too the second I saw this.
>>wish actual military recruiters were this honest
I like how AJ just asks stupid questions and then Tony asks a really stupid question. Now Major Zwingli knows where AJ's problems stem from. 🤣
Absolutely, Aaron. I thought from the beginning AJ's the schmuck one in this family, but listening to Tony and Carmella's viewpoints regarding their son's admission to this military school makes me realize how ridiculously stupid they are. As far as AJ is concerned, he'll never succeed in anything due to his parents' DNA, which makes him a hopeless nitwit.
Well yeah , but another layer could be that Tony asked about loyalty of his own crew, when times are tough.
@Matthew Barry So I'm dense, huh? What exactly is Tony searching for, finding a strategy to turn his moronic son into a well-heed responsible human being, perhaps? Jesus, haven't you been watching the series up to this point? AJ will never measure up to anything except sponging the spoils his parents provide him. The insufferable sloth is a reprehensible schmuck and takes full advantage of living the opulent lifestyle at home, thanks to his gangsta father, the blood winner of the core four. Tony and Carmella are two damaging and dysfunctional parents: Tony is the enabler, and Carmella is the coddler, which is why their children have turned into maladjusted types.
@Matthew Barry Am I dense if Tony is more of a psychopath than stupid, Matthew? I dare if you say it isn't so.
@Matthew BarryLol, this a ridiculous level of hostility for a comment that didn't even address you. We're talking about a show, not declaring war on each other.
“Why do they use that 0 thing” That cadet looked at A.J. Like he was a POS. LMAO
I know! Part of why that cadet looked at AJ like he was such a POS is because the cadet himself had been AJ when he arrived there, and realized how much suck he was looking at. From personal experience.
@@farmalmta Disagree partially, first, because it is often seen seniornor superior cadets looking dowm at the rookies, military tradition. Second, Aj was plenty stupid with those unrelevant questions and honestly, some people could identify spoiled dumbfvcks, specially when you see different kind of rookies in the years in the military academy. I don't buy that thing repeated on the comments about the cadet looked at Aj like that because he saw his past self in Aj. Not all rookies are that stuñid or numb. Telling this because of experience, minus the panic attack and spending 2 years in one m academy
At that moment it was made abundantly clear AJ was a POS.
You're right! The cadet got A.J.'s number immediately.
"Hello AJ, I want to play a game"
UPDATE: To this point, nothing has seemed abundantly clear to AJ as of yet.
I love how impressed Tony is with the Major😂 even asking him for advice🤣
The guy talks about the "for-profit substance recovery industry" and the next instant has a smoke. That's pretty smart writing. Not even the most moral characters (or at least the ones that seemed most moral) were above hypocrisy in this show.
Yeah but he had an incredible point that was proven correct. This show ran concurrently with the developing opioid epidemic in America and that recovery industry had a huge roll in perpetuating the addiction it was supposed to treat.
"Confused by too many choices" That's actually a real thing. It's called "analysis paralysis". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analysis_paralysis
I actually get this analysis paralysis. Meditation Helps me stay in Zen. Zen is the cure~ Harmonize thought & action.
& cool to know Tupac rapped about it in his lyrics Man was ahead of his time
Yeah usually happens to me at 12:55 on football Sundays while looking at my fantasy football lineup.
and this is why i love bdsm
Jesus! He's just gonna march around a little bit! Lol
"Hes just going to march around a little bit" LMAO!!
AJ might have done well in military school.
@Isabel Beckerman He would be forced to adapt. We see this with hardened criminals who go into strict well-run prison and get rehabilitated. It is an initial shock to the system to move from one lifestyle to the rigors of the military but it will eventually happen. The problem was AJ had no structure and close supervision in the Soprano household. Conflicting parental philosophies on discipline and raising up children which didn't work. Meadow worked out because she's a girl and girls growing up are naturally more compliant. Boys by contrast have testosterone.
@Isabel Beckerman Most non military kids do not know military times. According to this logic almost nobody could do well in military school if they do not know military times prior to their first contact with military school.. That is not an indicator if a kid would do well in military school at all.
@@nobad6134 Hilarious. Hardened criminals only become more so in prisons. The rope is the only help for them.
@@LordTalax that's not what he meant. You take kids from the streets that are in actual urban gangs (not the ones you deal with in whatever suburb you live in, talking like how you do) and throw them into prison, gangbanging changes into literally militarized daily fashion, wake up, program, post up, patrol, ect ect. Very common that some party goer kid goes in, and comes out a soldier.
@@nobad6134 Meadow's also privileged af
His voice is so unique
That character was amazing. I was in awe, honestly. I couldn’t stop listening.
...you mean you were in "are" of him?
This is what AJ needed right here
3:17 The way Tony waves off Carm when she's talking about creativity and individuality....hahaha.
As if AJ has any special talents at all lmao
This Major was my favorite character in the show. They should have done more with him.
Him being named "Zwingli" has got to be a send-up to the reformation theologian Ulrich Zwingli, right? Zwingli was a major contributor to what would eventually become the Calvinist faith, which is well-known for its belief in predestination and a general lack of agency on the part of mankind.* In this scene, the major complains about there being too many choices available for young people, like he doesn't believe free will is proper or moral. He's deadest on using military discipline to take AJ "through his entire life," as though he wants these things to be planned out way in advance. I think the screenwriter for this episode was making a cheeky joke about Calvinism to flesh out this bit character that only appears in this episode IIRC. I like that the writers tried to make these one-off roles colorful and memorable, just like with Valery.
* Predestination was a small part of Calvin's original writings, with there being a few lines dedicated to it basically just to say God is all-supreme and that people shouldn't fret about whether he's in control of the universe or not. It's really not that extreme, plus Calvin _did_ believe in free will, but his predecessors became more conservative and doubled down on the literal interpretation of what he'd said.
Κ ο μ ν η ν ό ς exactly! The Reformation theologian is exactly who I thought of first.
@@markrobertson6664
You went through the same thought process too, didn't you? It's because "Zwingli" is such a distinct, unusual name, plus there's only one really famous guy with that name. I guess you don't hear Swiss-German names that often outside of central europe, and even then I don't recall ever seeing "Zwingli" show up anywhere except in this show.
@Dr Deuteron
They casually ignore pretty much every Christian teaching on matters like anger, gambling, greed, adultery, pride, and violence, so would it even occur to them that they're getting involved with a heretic? They do business with Russians (eastern orthodox Christians) and Hesh (who is Jewish, obviously), so it's not like consorting with non-believers has ever been a problem for them. Tony and his pals occasionally paying lip service to Catholic beliefs underscores how they're all Godless, morally-bankrupt hypocrites.
I wondered about the name Zwingli. I also wonder whether Captain de Launay is meant to be a reference to the French officer of that name who commanded the Bastille and was lynched after surrendering it. The scriptwriter for this episode likes his historical references, it seems.
@@kaczynskis5721
Interesting observation. I wouldn't have noticed that without you pointing it out. I don't recall the cadet character having a major role in this episode, so I couldn't tell you what the significance of the historical reference is.
One of the funniest shows ever! Total dark humor, I never get tired watching this episode, then the major has no discipline by smoking in front of them is hilarious!
While mentioning the substance abuse recovery industry lol
Rick W how does he have no discipline by smoking in front of them?
he was wafting the smoke away from them with his hand. he's probably an old smoker, you could smoke anywhere back then planes, buses, while you eat now it's banned almost everywhere. (I replied to somebody but they deleted their comment)
@@ggff3761 Cause he couldn't even wait for the meeting to be over to smoke.
@@footballpredictions-g2y Or he didn't need to not have one if he wanted one? He struck me as a badass that would light up in a government building because he's that confident in his standing
Nobody:
Tony: Forget slip and fall school. You're going to the Saw Games.
2:25 I am going to go ahead and say it. I believe "TOI" stands for Tour of Institute. I know this is a very controversial stance on a hot button topic but this is my opinion.
terms of indearment, you dummy
Toilet Opening and Insertion - AJ's initiation into this fun-loving institution.
I heard "Standard TOY." For "Tour Of Youse Guys."
If AJ had gone to this school, the Jersey family would have been like the Roman Empire.
TONY SOPRANO’S BEST THING HE’S EVER SAID ABOUT HIS SON WHO IN FRONT OF HIM.
“I’m supposed to get a vasectomy when this is my male heir? Look at him.”
Awful thing to say no wonder aj is such a pratt
Lol, Tony was trying to have a son with one of those strong as vodka Russian chics or the lady that sold cars. Even one of those Rican chics.
Most people fail to realize that Tony is directly responsible for everything that's wrong with AJ.
@@blasty137 I disagree. The way we grow up is our parents fault. If we stay that way it's our own. I left home at 14. Had a full time job and supported myself and went flatting with friends. I was on my own. My mother would have made Tony Soprano and Ted Bundy shit themselves.
In what episode did he say that? Remind me please
"AJ, let's play a game" -Major 'Jigsaw' Zwingli
"Well, I know you don't know, that's why I am going to tell you."
It really amazes me how many great actors were apart of this show
Asking AJ to join this school is like asking a guy who's afraid of spiders to do self therapy by just dumping spiders onto his face. It might work but it's a pretty tough decision to make.
I love how that student looks AJ up & down & sizes him up just right.
“Hello Anthony. I want to play a game. You go through life taking the easy route. However, there’s only one route out of here alive. Live or die, Anthony. Make your choice”
Can’t believe jigsaw decided to become a military leader and discipline people the right way 👏🏻
this was before he became jigsaw dummy. once we became jigsaw he ended up dying.... remember?
@@wesleyhempoli5548 derr
@@sicboy83 you’re quite the vibe killer aren’t you?
@@cortion730 ooookay
The actor who plays Major Zwingli, Tobin Bell, was also in the 1993 movie In The Line of Fire.
that voice will never get old
"Hey Tony, you wanna play a game?" xD
Zwingli… probably amongst the top 10 most Swiss names 😂 🇨🇭
Major Zwingli: “Take that shit outside, don’t disrespect the pizza parlor!”
Major Z. is just mad because he’s 60 years old and still a major. Dude should be a colonel, if not a general at his age.
As the interior decorator who killed the 16 Czechoslovakians said "Decor, Decor, Decor"
"This is fnkin' priceless!" (ripped off from that guy in Janice's anger management class)
At least he asked questions.
Tobin bell is seriously one of the most underrated actors of this generation. probably because he was to busy with the saw movies
The major is my favorite side character in the show. :)
Let me guess every comment is about jigsaw.
The mothers seldom do
This is funnier when you remember the mob themed SAW style movie they made in the show lol.
Zwingli was great with the sales pitch
Major: Let’s play a game.
A.J: Oh shit.
I love how Major Zwingli knows all the slogans, I’m sure he had a bottle in that drawer at one time, too bad for AJ he never got to go here or join the military.
I actually love this scene. As far as I know, it's the only time I have ever noticed anyone commenting on that stupid 'like' thing in sentences nowadays.
That actually makes it hard for me to listen to podcasts or most interviews because I notice how often people use "like" in speech and it drives me up the wall.
@@davidabest7195 It is no longer the only time I noticed that. Thank you. Faith in humanity: restored.
@@davidabest7195 you pointed out one strong reason I hate watching tik tokers
@@fabalmz894 gen z is illiterate
@@redelephantsdotnl back in high school i knew a girl who said it in almost every sentence. It got so aggravating once I noticed it I couldn't talk to her anymore
Hello AJ. I want to play a game
"I do not want to play a game"
"The mothers seldom do"
"Then we fob them off on the ever-burgeoning substance recovery industry!"
(takes drag off cigarette)
To his credit, he did ask them if they minded if he smoked. Had they said no, I have zero doubt that he would have respected their wishes.
It is possible to have vices, yet not be ruled by them.
It's a damn cigarette not heroin, christ.
@@yawgmoth6568 lol cigs kill more people in a year than heroin ever has or will
@@trenttrip6205 Thats because it's more accessible and legal.
@@antoniomontana95 and carcinogenic
Paulie: "I was in the army back in the day. Ey Tone, watch me fuck up this formation.... ZONK!"
Everyone was in there own little world in this scene
AJ's thinking to himself, "I am screwed!" lol
Tobin Bell is a fantastic actor whether he is playing an army general or a serial killer who play games with people
Anthony Soprano jr, i want to play a game
Lmao at 2:35 The cadet captain gives A.J. a look like he's already picturing him strapped down to his bed while the other cadets pelt him with socks filled with bars of soap.
They*re gonna full metal jacket his ass
They might become a little reluctant once they did any research on his dad.
Lmao
@@BM-wh5qk Vito would have a field day if Tony ever sent him to threaten these guys.
Gosh...I can't stop watching these clips 😂
This guy and Dr Krackaw where the most righteous characters in the Sopranos. But they didn’t last because its the Sopranos.
this actor has branded his voice, untouchable, what a voice!
He should have went to that school!
He was.... Then he had the panic attack, and couldn't get in.
"gone", not ""went" you fnckin' momo. You never had the makings of a varsity grammar nazi, obviously.
@@farmalmta takes a nazi to know a nazi don't you think?
I forgot about this phase in AJ life very good plots
Hahahah I fuckin love how he opens the window and waves the smoke out
AJ - "What's 05:30 mean?"
MP - "5.30am"
AJ - Sighs (Oh fuck that! That's bed time!)
It’s 500 dollars for a bottle of cristal
Whoever wrote this scene is absolutely involved in AA. They used at least 3 different AA references