Soprano AI Episode/Video Game Promo

The episode begins with Carmela discovering AJ playing Super Smash Bros. Melee with his friends after school instead of doing his homework. Concerned about video games taking up too much time—and influenced by advice from another parent—she calls in a parenting expert modeled after Jo Frost to evaluate whether AJ should be allowed to keep playing such games.

The expert immediately recommends banning all T-rated games from the house without examining their content closely. Tony becomes irritated when he finds out later: “So now we’re throwin’ out Mario ‘cause somebody thinks he’s too violent? What kinda world are we livin’ in?” He confronts Carmela about overreacting but ultimately agrees to meet with the expert himself.

During their meeting, Tony sarcastically compares Super Smash Bros. to more adult-themed media: “Lemme ask ya somethin’. You ever hear o’ this game called The Sopranos: Road To Respect? Now THAT’S somethin’ I wouldn’t let my kid touch—it’s got mob hits! Guns! Language! But Mario punchin’ Luigi into outer space? Gimme a break.”

The episode ends with Tony convincing Carmela to let AJ keep playing Melee, provided he balances gaming with schoolwork and chores.

Message from James Gandolfini at the End

James Gandolfini appears post-credits in character as Tony Soprano but speaking directly to parents:

“Look… not every video game rated T means it’s bad for your kid under 13—ya gotta use common sense here! Take somethin’ like Super Smash Bros. Sure—it says Teen—but there ain’t nothin’ worse in there than what you’d see watchin’ Saturday morning cartoons back in my day.”

He continues: “Now compare that to somethin’ like my own video game—The Sopranos: Road To Respect. That one’s got real adult stuff—violence… language… things no six-year-old should see.”

Finally: “So ask yourself—which one would YOU rather let your kid play?”