I got a brain rot and it's a Syd and Pete Paralell in 1x04 Dogs
Jimmy and Richie label Pete a Narc.
In the next scene, Syd corrects Tina on how to prep the potatoes Tina mumbles, judgemental.
Syd gives Tina positive feedback on the potatoes
Pete praises Carmy.
Pete and Sydney are outsiders to the Berzattos- I'll consider Tina a Berzatto at this point. They're not jaded and give honest words of encouragement.
This new way of being affects Carmy and Tina. Carmy does not yell at Pete, he does not look at him with disdain, he even laughs at an awkward joke. This tells us Carmy is changing and he's more open to someone like Pete- someone who seems functional (sydney).
Tina is the opposite, she challenges Sydney at the beginning but by the end of the episode- despite Tina's behavior Syd still gives Tina praise and this results in TIna getting emotional because like Carmy Tina is finally seen.
Oh, and this is what it is- Sydney and Pete really see people, they see the good in Carmy and remind him of who he is, and they give him kindness and reassurance.
This is a quick rant but that's how I see the episode- not sure if this was intentional by Storer.
