September 15, 2002: For All Debts Public and Private: After a 16-month hiatus, the Emmy-winning mob drama triumphantly returns with a strong episode written by series creator David Chase. The fourth season opens with Carmela worried about the slumping economy and her family's financial future should something happen to Tony. Concerned about contributing to Uncle Junior's defense fund, Tony is also anxious about cash flow and lights a fire under his crew to start making more money. To that end, he also meets with Assemblyman Zellman (Peter Riegert) to discuss an entrepreneurial scheme in Newark. The extended Soprano clan has problems of their own. Meadow is still in a funk over the murder of delinquent mob scion Jackie Aprile Jr. death, and her brother, A.J., continues to struggle with his schoolwork. Meanwhile, on the (almost) married-to-the-mob front, Janice myopically sets her sights on another undesirable lover, and Adriana develops a new friendship with Danielle (Lola Glaudini), an undercover FBI agent. Meanwhile, Paulie is reacting angrily to his jail sentence, and Christopher is also in a foul mood because of the way Tony has been treating him lately. But that changes when the boss gives him some advice that leads to a very satisfying reward.

September 22, 2002: No Show: Tony steps in and Christopher steps up in this emotionally charged episode. With Paulie temporarily out of action, Christopher is rewarded with added responsibilities at the construction job in Newark. But the promotion doesn't sit well with Patsy (Dan Grimaldi), and Tony must intervene when the lines of communication break down. Meanwhile, Tony and Carmela urge an angst-ridden Meadow to see a therapist (Linda Lavin), but the help she receives only makes matters worse. And a falling out with Danielle has dramatic consequences for Adriana.

September 29, 2002: Christopher: Michael Imperioli, who plays Tony's nephew Christopher, wrote this episode, which deals with issues of ethnic pride. As Columbus Day nears, Silvio is incensed to learn that a group of Native Americans is planning to disrupt the parade in Newark. Meanwhile, Bobby is blindsided by a personal tragedy; Johnny Sack (Vincent Curatola) learns of a joke made at his wife's expense; Janice reconsiders her relationship with Ralph; Carmela and her friends become upset at a luncheon thrown by Father Phil; and — in a great closing scene — Tony once again shares his view of Gary Cooper as the quintessential American male.

October 6, 2002: The Weight: New York underboss Johnny Sack seeks revenge for a fat joke Ralph made about his wife (Denise Borino) in a tense episode of the hit mob drama. Although Carmine, the boss of all bosses, tries to mediate a truce between the New York and North Jersey families, Tony consults Uncle Junior about a less peaceful solution to the Sack crisis, sending Silvio and Christopher to meet with some hit men from out of town. Meanwhile, Furio and Carmela dance up a storm at his housewarming party; and Meadow considers volunteer work in the South Bronx.

October 13, 2002: Pie-O-My: Uncle Junior is incensed by a court artist's unflattering likeness of him; Tony finds solace at the racetrack; Janice offers Bobby a shoulder to cry on; Christopher's business dealings at Adriana's club makes her nervous.

October 20, 2002: Everybody Hurts: Actor Steve Buscemi directs his second episode of the hit mob drama, an hour scripted by Michael Imperioli (series regular Christopher Moltisanti). Buscemi received Emmy and Directors Guild of America nominations for directing "Pine Barrens," one of the most popular episodes of the third season. In this installment, restaurateur Artie Bucco, always a sucker for a pretty face, loans money to his hostess's brother; Anthony Jr. falls for a girl from a well-heeled family; Carmela plays matchmaker for Furio; and Tony hears some surprising news about an old associate.

October 27, 2002: Watching too Much Television: Tony and Ralph disregard the advice of Carmela's cousin, a financial adviser, about a moneymaking scheme; Adriana is getting anxious to tie the knot; Paulie finally gets out of jail.

November 3, 2002: Mergers and Acquisitions: Furio takes a trip to his native Italy to visit his father; Carmela explores new avenues in the investment world; Paulie dotes on his mother at Green Grove; Ralph shows off his new girlfriend.

November 10, 2002: Whoever Did This: Uncle Junior's lawyers respond to some harsh treatment of their client in the press; Tony returns to a familiar safe haven; Ralph gets a taste of his own medicine when he pulls a prank on Paulie.

November 17, 2002: The Strong, Silent Type: Dr. Melfi disagrees with Tony's latest self-evaluation; Anthony Jr. reluctantly accompanies his mother on a visit to Furio's; Christopher's future may not be so rosy after all.

November 24, 2002: Calling All Cars: The future of Tony's HUD scheme hangs in the balance after a sit-down with Johnny Sack; Janice's patience with Bobby is wearing thin; Melfi interprets Tony's dreams.

December 1, 2002: Eloise: Tony, Johnny Sack and Carmine try to solve a business dilemma; Furio doesn't feel very lucky on a casino trip; Meadow and Carmela debate the finer points of literature.

December 8, 2002: Whitecaps: The Emmy-winning mob drama brings down the curtain on its fourth season. As always, the plot lines were plentiful and unpredictable. Who would have thought that sparks would fly between Furio and Carmela, Christopher would check into rehab and Ralph would lose his head over a horse? In tonight's finale, Tony and Carmela look into buying a shore house; his boat goes high-tech; and the New York and New Jersey families eye each other warily as they consider the future. Although fans had to endure a 16-month hiatus between seasons three and four, the series' fifth season will commence in less than a year: New episodes are slated for September 2003.