A Hit Is a Hit (1999) User Reviews (14)

A Hit Is a Hit (#1.10)

[ComedyFan2010 · 8/10 · 27 February 2014]

Chris and Adriana meet up with a gangster rapper who wants to meet the "family" and after they want to get into music production but it seems that Adriana's band isn't as great as her and Chris think. And Tony befriends his next door neighbor whose friends make fun of him on the golf course. He is also a friend of Dr. Melfi and she spies on Tony's house while visiting him for a dinner party.

The episode takes a bit of a break from a hard on mafia issues and shows us different stories. I really liked the conversation Chris and Adriana had at the end. Their relationship seems to be pretty well developed on this show.

Just as interesting was to see Tony react to being the amusement of his neighbor's friends. And it also makes one laugh when we find out what those "cries of pain" are that Dr. Melfi heard.

A filler episode...

[AlsExGal · 7/10 · 22 April 2022]

... in that it doesn't advance the overall storyline at all, but yet it is not dull. And it could have been since the two subplots - one with Christopher and Adriana and another with Tony trying to expand his horizons, weren't very compelling. I never did find the Christopher/Adriana scenes in this show that interesting, and Tony is never as good with mob outsiders as he is in his element. But the two stories were set up in parallel to make a point.

Christopher is mouthing off to some black guys in a fast food restaurant. It turns out that one of them is rapper Massive Genius. He seems menacing at first, but it turns out he is more MBA than anything. He wants Chris and Adriana to arrange a sit down between himself and Hesh Rabkin over some record royalties that he believes should have gone to an acquaintance. Meanwhile Tony has decided to cultivate the friendship of his family doctor, who lives next door, and his country club friends.

Adriana makes a demo of a music group she knows and Massive says it is wonderful, but Chris has his doubts and takes the demo to Hesh who says the demo and the group have nothing special. Chris rightfully deduces that Massive is just saying what Adriana wants to hear so he can sleep with her. She is hurt by the revelation. Tony quickly learns that his doctor's country club friends just see him as some kind of human oddity because of his mob connections. He could never be considered one of them. He is hurt by that revelation.

Nothing is said about it here, because for some reason the point is never made, but I really wonder why Christopher is not dead by the end of season one. He goes off and does things that step on the toes of other mob bosses after Tony warns him, he is always whining about his lack of advancement, he is writing a movie script about his life in the mob and even TELLS Tony that, and if he hadn't mouthed off to some random black guy in a fast food joint for no reason Hesh would not be facing a legal battle over past royalties. Tony would have plugged half a dozen other guys over much less than this. So this tells you how much Tony loves this young man who seems to be his own worst enemy.

The Sopranos rewatch - 'A Hit Is A Hit' (contains vague spoilers for series as whole)

[jdjc001 · 7/10 · 22 March 2021]

'A Hit Is A Hit' is another undeniable low point of season 1, although like other low points of this season, it is not without its evident redeeming qualities. As such, this episode is the first major storyline for the character of Adriana, and it is a great one too. We get a stark glimpse into Adriana's self-assertive yet naïve personality that permeates her existence in the show and it is also interesting to reevaluate her relationship with Christopher at this early stage given how horribly things turn out for the both of them. What I particularly appreciated about this storyline was its interconnectivity with Carmela's storyline, as the two begin to strive for financial independence, however Adriana of course dreams too big and it is Carmela who predictably comes out on top with her investments. Additionally, I honestly enjoy the comic presence of Visiting Day ('Erase Myself' is not THAT bad if you ask me), although sadly they come bundled with Massive Genius, who brought down this episode quite a lot. Just as we saw in 'Boca' with Ally and the coach, Massive Genius exists purely as a stereotypical emblem rather than an actual character, and it really felt as though the writers were way out of their depth in trying to build this fictional world of African-American crime alongside the Italian background that they are obviously more comfortable with. Not only that, but 'A Hit Is A Hit' slows down the main premise of the season even MORE than 'Boca', with no mention of Junior or Livia whatsoever. All that being said, this episode comes with another good plotline that, while being less prominent within the grand scheme of the episode, is just as memorable. Similar to 'The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti', the theme of Italian-American identity is wholly apparent throughout Tony's storyline with Dr. Cusamano and his friends. While in 'Tennessee' we saw civilian Italian-Americans actively rejecting the stereotypical portrayal of their culture in media, in this episode we see the exact opposite. Even on rewatching this episode, I still cannot help but cringe during the barbecue and golf sequences as Cusamano and co. desperately attempt to relate to Tony through artificial machismo and unmitigated sycophancy. It should go without saying that this storyline was very well written, providing another emotionally revealing therapy session for Tony as well as a cracking ending. Overall, 'A Hit Is A Hit' is another episode that could've been great had it not been for one ostensible flaw.

Not very relevant in terms of ongoing plot, but superb nevertheless

[MaxBorg89 · 10/10 · 28 February 2008]

A Hit Is a Hit, the tenth episode of The Sopranos' first season, is a bit of an oddity in the show's canon, in the sense that the events of the show have no real connection to the longer plot David Chase established for the series. Despite this, it remains compulsory viewing.

After getting a stash of money from his henchmen (needless to say blood was involved in the acquisition), Tony decides to invest some in the stock market in order to provide his family with some legal income, and befriends his neighbor, Dr. Cusamano (the man who recommended he go see Dr. Melfi), so as to find out what stocks are valuable. Meanwhile, Chris's argument with a guy in a restaurant leads to him getting acquainted with rap artist Massive Genius, who suggests Adriana become a music producer. Everything seems to be in order, until Chrissy's temper ruins the whole deal (he is convinced M.G.'s sole aim is to get in bed with Ade, and it's hard to think otherwise).

The story, mostly revolving around the music business, is fairly disconnected from the main plot of the entire season, in fact there is virtually no sign of Livia or Uncle Junior, the two figures who sort of dominate the show's first year. The whole episode is more about defining characters than it is about telling a great tale of gangster life. And yet it is extremely compelling, thanks to the sharp writing and spot-on characterizations: Chris and Adriana's relationship begins to get a little meatier, and Tony's conversation with Dr. Melfi about Italians and "Merigans" is one of the best ever written for the series. Stunning; not exactly essential, but captivating anyway.

"Sometimes I think the only thing separating the American business from the mobs is f*ckin' whackin' somebody."

[edantheman · 4 October 2010]

The above quote is lifted from a scene in which Harv Wagner, a friend of the Soprano's family doctor (and the man who recommended Dr Melfi to Tony) John Cusamano, muses of the dog-eat-dog nature of American industry. It is a concept which will be explored throughout the series like many, but the music industry and stock market are the particular trades which mob-life is compared to in this episode when Chris and his girl Adriana are invited to a party at gangsta rapper Massiv G's crib (yo money, I can't help dat), where everybody's favourite mob screenwriter-on-the-side is propositioned to set up a sit-down between our non-shellfish eating friend (and former music producer) Hesh and the notorious 'G'.

He isn't the only one being offered a sneak peak at the 'good' good life though, as Tony is invited to a barbecue at the Wagner's house where he is bored by his very bourgeois hosts. They make lame jokes, and don't have the dynamism we are used to from Tony's usual male associates. In the world of the Sopranos, it seems these qualities are more intrinsic than morals for us to like the character. Later, on the private golf course which Tony is unaccustomed to, they will tease Tony on his mob lifestyle. This amuses us and annoys Tony as he will tell Melfi of how he felt used for the amusement of others (something which he does all the time) like his childhood friend with the cleft-palate Jimmy Smash.

Meanwhile, the mob WAGs Carmela and Adriana are both trying to gain some fiscal independence to break free from the grip of their men. This goes well for Carm's small investment but not so for Ade's music management aspirations when Chris smashes a guitar over the head of Richie Santini, her first chosen artist.

As Hesh will later inform Chrissy, Richie probably deserved no less than the downed power cable for all his contributions to the music industry. It seems in this world 'a hit is a hit' for Christopher will equate his success in the mob with success in the entertainment industry, being an "OG Original Gangster" while pretenders like Massive G can't handle the real thing... But he's got something else to look forward to, as his 'Uncle' foresees his eminence in the stock market.

At the aforementioned dinner at the Cusamano home, Melfi peers in on Casa de Soprano for another slant on her favourite patient only to be scared away by loud wailing of the Frankenstein horror film variety (which turn out to be grunts of physical exertion). Tony is even christened with his own monster name, after the pre-power cable incident Richie Santini's heavy-metal song 'Defiler', when he avenges Cus's unintended insults by entrusting the innocent Cusamano's with a mysterious package (which we and the Sopranos know contains only sand). They know it won't end with those Cuban cigars or the package, because whether you want it or not, if you so much as know Tony Soprano he will 'come to defile defile you'.

It wasn't hard for the cops to tell it was Jimmy

[snoozejonc · 10/10 · 14 February 2022]

Tony begins socialising with his neighbour, whilst Christopher and Adriana attempt to crack the music business.

This is another strong episode with a number of hilariously funny moments and great character driven comedy.

There is so much dark humour, cringe comedy and perfectly timed dialogue in 'A Hit Is A Hit' I barely noticed it mostly abandons the main plot of season one.

Similarly to 'The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti' the characters Christopher and in particular Adriana are developed well. Drea de Matteo wonderfully projects strength, humour, naivety and sympathy in a great portrayal of a female character fighting for recognition in a male dominated world that mostly wants to objectify her. This contrasts well with the subplot involving Carmela.

Michael Imperioli is hilarious, with some fantastic material that sees Christopher blunder aggressively through multiple social interactions with a diverse range of people. Sometimes I want to die of embarrassment along with Adriana, other times, such as in the recording studio, I was almost crying laughing.

Tony has some of his funniest moments of the series during his interactions with Dr Cusamano. His practical joke, the John Gotti and Jimmy Smash stories are absolutely fantastic. As ever James Gandolfini is brilliant throughout.

It is clever and manipulative writing when you can sympathise with a murderous gang boss and role your eyes as a doctor comes across as a pretentious, middle classed buffoon. This is similar to the themes of the previously mentioned episode, where you had Dr Melfi's friends and family looking down their noses at organised criminals. This time you have characters who are fascinated and amused by their friend's association with Tony.

A great touch is the conclusion to the central conflict between Hesh and the character who is effectively the main antagonist of the story. You think it's heading for a very typical mob resolution, yet it takes a surprisingly mundane approach that goes against the usual tropes. Jerry Adler and Bokeem Woodbine both give strong performances.

The visual storytelling is excellent, particularly in the scenes involving Adriana, Christopher and Massive Genius.

It's a difficult one to rate as there is not much movement in terms of the central plot, but it is not really the point of episodes like these that like to explore certain themes and do it in a very entertaining way. It appeals to my sense of humour so much I have got to rate it just shy of perfect with 9.5/10.

I've recorded in Denmark dude ! lol

[nicktusk-95591 · 10/10 · 5 April 2022]

Part of thee elite 13 first season episodes this is got to be one of the best. On all accounts. I love the writing about the bands of course I played in a band so I'm a musician. The music in this episode is all over the place. It goes from Motown to rap music to rock music to alternative music. A must see episode no doubt. Christopher has a strong presence in this episode as well as Adriana . Tony is intermingling with Dr. Cusumano's buddies. Carmellas trying to invest in the stock market Melfi sessions are great too. Tony talks about a dude with a cleft lip. Hash and all-time brilliant performance as well holding out on royalties to massive genius friend played by Bokeem Woodbine. Also concluded with the famous line "a hit is a hit" and this episode is definitely a hit !

Amusing!

[JimmyWhimmyNutrinSon · 9/10 · 18 June 2023]

The Sopranos is an amusing show, and is great at balancing humour and drama. Here, the episode goes full side quest mode and it's a pretty entertaining episode.

Christopher is probably my favourite character on the show, along with Paulie, Tony and Meadow, so its funny seeing him get up to more. The episode is really funny, all the jokes at the expense of the band (who sound like a second rate band you'd hear playing on Buffy), the satires of the record industry, etc. The episode is just entertaining all around, and I think that's why I enjoy it. Not every episode needs to push the story forward, it's just cool to hang out with these characters!

Weakest episode in season 1

[Neptune165 · 6/10 · 2 July 2022]

This episode was about mobsters who tried to branch out and failed. Chris tried to get into music and failed on pretty-much every level, and Tony tried to make friends outside of the mob and failed. With all the money and power he has, he can't get the respect. I'm reminded of his rant to Melfi about Italians wanting a piece of the good life. He has the money to be a normal member of high-society, but it's just not possible. Coos and his buddies won't have him for the same reason the lady wouldn't write Meadow a recommendation; they don't want to fraternize with criminals. Tony playing his prank showed that he had come to terms with it, but his going straight to the bench to aggressively lift weights shows how much he hates it. Remember the episode that ended with Tony having to hear Paulie tell another of his stupid, meandering stories? He doesn't like most of the guys in his family, and he had to kill Pussy, the only one he did like. He's trapped in a life of organized crime with a bunch of idiots, vipers, and sociopaths. This episode felt super out of place...like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. The funniest part of this episode is when they had the phone meeting but Paulie is wearing a bulletproof vest.

A good if not great episode.

[Hey_Sweden · 7/10 · 5 December 2021]

Tony accepts the invitation from doctor friend Bruce Cusamano (Robert LuPone) to play golf at a more posh green than what he's used to; Tony also considers more legitimate investments after a particularly good score at the beginning of the episode. Even Carmela gets in on the act, developing an interest in the stock market. Meanwhile, Christopher & Adriana make the acquaintance of star gangsta rapper Massive Genius (Bokeem Woodbine), and decide to try their hand at the business of music production.

'A Hit is a Hit' is not particularly important in terms of series story arcs, but it's a good diversion, albeit with some poignancy. We learn that Hesh (regular guest star Jerry Adler) has a background in the music business, and Massive Genius seeks reparations from Hesh in regards to music royalties. Tony feels resentful when it seems that Cusamano and his friends only want him around for entertainment, asking him questions such as "How authentic is "The Godfather"?" and "Did you know John Gotti?" The tension isn't overwhelming, but it is there.

In general, this is solid entertainment, with particularly strong showcases given to Drea de Matteo (Adriana) and Mr. Woodbine. Adriana thinks that she's a good judge of talent, but nobody else thinks much of this other artist (a former metal singer who's gone more mainstream) with whom she's taken an interest. Indeed, Christopher theorizes that Massive Genius only gave her the time of day because he was attracted to her. Mr. Woodbine has a great screen presence, as always.

The writing is typically sharp (such as Tony's monologue about Caucasians vs. "Americanos"), and 'A Hit is a Hit' does allow room for the cast to really flesh out their characterizations; there is violence here, but it's dealt with in a perfunctory manner right off the bat.

Seven out of 10.

7.4/10, Good

[dcdude-26988 · 7/10 · 23 August 2023]

This was probably the worst episode in the series so far. It wasn't as good as the rest, but either way, it was still good. My favorite things about this episode were the Dialogue, the acting, and the storyline. My favorite characters in this episode were Chris, Tony, and Adriana. This episode wasn't honestly all that great, so you can probably maybe skip this if you want, but it's still sort of enjoyable. I just maybe think it should be the lowest rated episode in the series. Overall, this wasn't amazing or great, but this was still a decent and good episode of the amazing series so far. Can't wait for more.

Weak episode

[owitivictor · 4/10 · 7 August 2020]

Very weak episode compared to the every other on the show. Boring storyline and forgettable plot lines

Mafia and Music

[AvionPrince16 · 6/10 · 13 April 2024]

It will involve the Blacks and maybe a collaboration ? Or a threat ? We dont really know for now .

The talk between Soprano and Melfi continue and its interesting to see that Tony do some musculation and thats why we got these scream. Of pain each night .

So basically we see the crew try to make money trough music and talents but it dont go as expected and it seem more hard .

It was kind of weird to see that subject in a Soprano and it feel quite off topic but money its money right ? Tony give a weird package to a neighbour ? What it is it ? We dont know . I hope it will get more dramatic later :that episode was prettty calm and different But its ok anyway .

Boring

[ogjprov · 3/10 · 9 February 2021]

Boring, wack, terrible. It's just so, so bad and nothing interesting happens. I literally didn't care for anything here.