Tony has always had two types of women in his life - his wife, Carmella, who he basically grew up with, and his various mistresses who he basically keeps around for sexual recreation. He would never leave his wife for any of his mistresses or for any woman for that matter.
So with his psychiatrist Dr. Melfi, a woman to whom he only talks, who is insightful, and who is helpful and is completely focused on Tony's needs during their one hour a week, Tony is confused. He starts having erotic dreams about Dr. Melfi, and mistakes his growing feelings for love.
Meanwhile, Carmella has discovered that Tony lied when he said that his psychiatrist was a man. Now Tony did lie to her because he correctly thought with his known history of cheating Carmella would be jealous. But when she discovers him in that lie she is right for all the wrong reasons - for the first time she is actually jealous of another woman whom she thinks might supplant her.
On the mob/business side of things Tony is showing supreme shrewdness, playing his uncle like a harp. It really contrasts with how immature and stunted he is romantically and emotionally.
So with his psychiatrist Dr. Melfi, a woman to whom he only talks, who is insightful, and who is helpful and is completely focused on Tony's needs during their one hour a week, Tony is confused. He starts having erotic dreams about Dr. Melfi, and mistakes his growing feelings for love.
Meanwhile, Carmella has discovered that Tony lied when he said that his psychiatrist was a man. Now Tony did lie to her because he correctly thought with his known history of cheating Carmella would be jealous. But when she discovers him in that lie she is right for all the wrong reasons - for the first time she is actually jealous of another woman whom she thinks might supplant her.
On the mob/business side of things Tony is showing supreme shrewdness, playing his uncle like a harp. It really contrasts with how immature and stunted he is romantically and emotionally.