The Janice Theory That Would Change Everything On The Sopranos

On HBO's "The Sopranos," several characters experience sudden changes in life. Some of the biggest examples of this phenomenon include Carmela Soprano (Edie Falco) suddenly falling for Furio Giunta (Federico Castelluccio) and Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) creating a feature film in Hollywood. While these were both notable moments in the course of the series, they pale in comparison to the shiftiest character in the series. 

While few accuse Tony's sister, Janice (Aida Turturro), of being the most self-aware character in "The Sopranos," she is certainly notable for another reason. When we first meet Janice, she returns to New Jersey after nearly two decades of absence in order to help care for her sick mother, Livia (Nancy Marchland). While this certainly sounds nice enough initially, Janice ultimately proves to be one of the most unpredictable characters in the series.

In Season 2, Episode 12 ("The Knight in White Satin Armor"), Janice shoots and kills her fiancé, Richie Aprile (David Proval). Less than a season later, Janice returns to the Garden State and steals the prosthetic leg of her mother's housekeeper. Season 3 also sees Janice begin an affair with mobster Ralph Cifaretto (Joe Pantoliano), a man she later shoves down the stairs. By the end of the series, Janice settles down with Bobby Baccalieri (Steve Schirripa), a mostly level-headed, kind-hearted man — an unlikely match for the often-manipulative, strong personality of Janice.

Needless to say, Janice's time spent in New Jersey is quite the rollercoaster. But according to a fan theory, the 20 years prior to her return might have been even crazier.