Big Girls Don’t Cry (S02E05)Airdate: February 13th 2000Written by: Terrence Winter Directed by: Tim Van PattenRunning Time: 52 minutes The fifth episode of Season 2 of The Sopranos, titled Big Girls Don’t Cry, may initially appear unremarkable within the broader narrative arc of the series. However, it effectively lays the groundwork for character development and the intricate dynamics of everyday life in the world of organised crime.

The 1963 film Jason and the Argonauts, directed by Don Chaffey, stands as a remarkable testament to the artistry of special effects in cinema. In an era where such effects have become commonplace, there are still films that are primarily celebrated for their groundbreaking visual achievements. However, these films often attain their esteemed status not solely through their visual spectacle but through a combination of compelling storytelling, character development, and thematic depth. Jason and the Argonauts is one such film that, while renowned for its innovative effects, also possesses sufficient qualities that allow it to be appreciated as a significant piece of cinematic art.

Rock Bottom (S01E06)Airdate: January 12th 2016Written by: Jason Ning Directed by: Robert LiebermanRunning Time: 43 minutes The sixth episode of The Expanse, titled Rock Bottom, may not be laden with too much action, yet it excels in world-building, particularly in its portrayal of the Outer Planets Alliance (OPA). Previously depicted as mere loudmouth radicals or petty local gangsters, this episode reveals the OPA's complex and sinister nature, showcasing their significant influence and power.

The Last of the Watermen (S03E07)Airdate: 9 December 1994Written by: Tom Fontana & Henry Brommell Directed by: Richard PearceRunning Time: 49 minutes Homicide: Life on the Street, like many long-running drama series, often required episodes to deviate from the established routine to maintain viewer engagement. This deviation could manifest through various means, such as altering character dynamics, shifting narrative tone, or experimenting with different storytelling formulas. In the case of The Last of the Watermen, the most significant change was its setting. While it was not the first episode to step away from the gritty streets of Baltimore—Season 1's And the Rockets' Dead Glare featured scenes in Washington D.C.—this episode offers a refreshing departure for fans, transporting them to the serene yet complex environment of Chesapeake Bay.

Commendatori (S02E04)Airdate: February 6th 2000Written by: David Chase Directed by: Tim Van PattenRunning Time: 52 minutes Each television show benefits when it occasionally strays from its established formula. In the case of Commendatori, the fourth episode of the second season of The Sopranos, this deviation is manifested through a temporary change of scenery

In the early 1960s, the United States stood at the pinnacle of global power and confidence, a sentiment that permeated various aspects of American life. This era was characterised by a penchant for bigness—from expansive landscapes and oversized automobiles to exaggerated cultural symbols, including women's breasts. Such grandeur naturally extended to the film industry, where the trend of creating epic films emerged, even within genres traditionally associated with shorter runtimes and modest budgets. Comedy, often relegated to smaller productions, found itself transformed into a spectacle of monumental proportions, culminating in Stanley Kramer's 1963 film It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. This film epitomised the era's obsession with excess and ambition in cinema.