The Second Coming (The Sopranos)

"The Second Coming" is the ninth episode of the sixth season of the HBO television series The Sopranos. It originally aired on May 14, 2007.

The episode focuses on Tony Soprano's struggles with his mental and physical health following his near-death experience. He experiences vivid dreams, grapples with mortality, and attempts to reconcile his violent nature with a desire for personal growth.

Key storylines include Tony's therapy sessions with Dr. Melfi, where they discuss his dreams and evolving understanding of himself. He also deals with ongoing tensions within the DiMeo crime family, particularly the simmering conflict between Phil Leotardo and Paulie Walnuts.

Furthermore, the episode explores A.J. Soprano's struggles with depression and his growing sense of purpose. He considers joining the military, much to the dismay of his parents.

The title, "The Second Coming," is a reference to the famous poem by William Butler Yeats. The poem’s themes of societal collapse, chaos, and the emergence of a new and potentially destructive force resonate with the episode's depiction of Tony's inner turmoil and the instability within the criminal underworld. The episode suggests a potential for both rebirth and further decline, mirroring the poem's ambiguous and unsettling tone.