The Sopranos: 10 Most Disturbing Episodes

In a series filled with psychopaths. Ralphie Cifaretto may take the biscuit. Vicious and heartless, abusive, rude, and devious, he rubs everyone up the wrong way, keeping his life only by virtue of the money he brings into the organisation. He’s somewhat of a comedic character right up until his season three showcase episode.

“University” centres around Ralphie’s relationship with Tracee, his 20 year old girlfriend. She has fallen pregnant, and imagines the two building a life together. Ralphie, far less invested in the relationship, has little time for her dreaming, and the grim episode builds to a horrific conclusion.

After absorbing one jibe too many, Tracee lashes out, slapping Ralphie in the face. He then proceeds to beat her to death in the Bada Bing parking lot, an act so senselessly savage that it shocks the hardened crew of mobsters. Tony is especially appalled, thinking of his similarly aged daughter, and strikes Ralphie, to which he reacts indignantly.

Most disturbingly, Ralphie’s actions are quickly brushed off, with Tony’s handling of a fellow made man the more contentious point. It’s a brutal but sadly believable depiction of a woman’s place in The Sopranos’ grizzly world.