It seems used, has an unusual circular layout with custom wood paneling and shelves, a distinct mid-century flair to it. In the first episodes, the window view outside distinctively looks onto green bushes and trees just like Tony's residence, suggests a residence with a built-in therapy place. The view outside at one point changes to a neutral white, and later, they're trying to establish generic 1980+ multi-office hallways and a clandestine back-entrance for Tony, which simply doesn't fit the established interior at all. Interesting that Dr. Melfi's therapy place always remains an anachronism and even unchanged from later recognized script demands. They had distinct dream sequences but this location seems like a dream place on its own. I very much like the place, by the way. Seems like a good environment to conduct therapy the way Dr. Melfi conducts it.
Didn't an episode in season one where Christopher follows Tony there show it was in a business district? He slips between some stores or something to make sure no one is following him. EDIT: Oh, and I just remembered there is one where he almost gets spotted by Silvio leaving a dentist office. So they must be in the same health center.
Yes, that’s what I meant. They later tried to establish Tony going to a “health center” through front or back door or whatever, but could you imagine Dr. Melfi’s continuing battered-up mid-century therapy place with the stone floors and the custom circular paneling and shelves in one of those? There is a discrepancy there that they didn’t try to fix, probably on purpose.
I've read that Lorraine Boccho originally read for Carmela's role but didn't take it because she had done Goodfellas. Guess she didn't want to be typecast. Could you imagine her switching the roles with Edie Falco? Both of these actors could have easily played either part!
Yes, I’ve read similar, David Chase considering Lorraine Bracco (kinda obviously) as Tony’s wife, but Lorraine vehemently campaigning for the role of the therapist, a different type. Thanks to the muses it turned out that other way!
