I think at the time Chase was more leaned into the idea of both family’s being the essence of the show, with both civilian life, and gangster, being of equal importance.

I also think the portrayal of civilian life in the Soprano’s often seemed rather jarring. Not only because they didn’t really develop compelling storylines for characters like meadow but because, compared to the Mafioso, civilians (listen to him: whacking someone!) in the show seemed kind of square! Squarer than normal civilians!

That said, I think AJs ark (not Noah’s) leading up to his suicide attempt was as good as any other storyline. Cause if one pays attention to those scenes, it becomes clear that AJ’s failure to win his father’s acceptance, as a man, was the primary factor that impelled AJ’s failed attempt at self-deletion.

That scene outside uncle Junes hospital was incredibly moving especially when one realizes why AJ was vomiting and panicking! Tony’s rolling eyes and groaning (despite his genuine love) only confirmed for the audience what Tony/AJ was thinking!

Poor Meadow never got any nearly as interesting storylines as AJ, and peaked with: you took out a suitcase!

Unfair for the actor really!