After suffering a series of mysterious anxiety attacks, New Jersey suburbanite and "waste management consultant" Tony Soprano agrees to see a psychiatrist. He also starts giving details about his life as a "family man" with a slew of problems at home and at work.

Christopher and Brendan Filone hijack from a trucking company that pays protection money to Uncle Junior. The rift between Tony and Junior continues to grow as they find themselves at a sit-down over the hijacking with acting boss Jackie Aprile, who has terminal cancer.

Tony and Junior are not seeing eye-to-eye on business. Meadow and her friend convince Christopher to get them speed so they can study for the SATs. Tony and his crew are asked to intervene in a Hasidic family problem, and Christopher and Brendan pay for the hijacking.

Christopher discovers Brendan's fate and realises he's very lucky to have Tony on his side. Tensions mount when Jackie Aprile dies. Tony has Dr Melfi investigated to satisfy his curiosity. Meadow must explain to her brother the true nature of their dad's profession.

While taking Meadow on a college tour in Maine, Tony spies Fabian Petrulio who testified against mob figures and escaped into WITSEC. Meadow has a heart-to-heart with her father and Tony comes clean, but then must secretly confirm Fabian's identity and settle accounts.

Junior is made acting boss after Jackie dies but to Tony's chagrin, Junior starts taxing Tony's consigliere and other associates, keeping the money himself. The family celebrates Junior's new role with a private dinner, but little do they realise the FBI is watching.