I've done full S1/S2 viewings twice - once on my own, and just wrapped up the 2nd with my husband(he finally caved).

Uncle Jimmy didn't truly register with me in S1. I saw him as this man from the old hood with connections, with that $300k Carmie was now on the hook for.

But in S2 his character developed nicely just like everyone else's on the show. And now he's in my top 3 - I tend to gravitate towards people with nurturing and calmer energies Why do I like him?

• He obviously has a long history with the Bearzatto family - in S1 there's that photo of him with Mr B. And it seems like after Mr B split, Jimmy stepped in a little bit for the family. Even being there on important family holidays. He's earned his Uncle status.
• When it comes to business, he means business. But he goes about it in a non-aggressive manner. He quietly talks to Carmie about the $300K and suggested he sell the restaurant...a couple times But he allows Carmie to say, "No, I"m turning this into something. You will get your money back." He really believes in that crew, but especially Carmie and Natalie.
• In "Fishes" he quickly realized that lie Richie told Tiff about the job was a make-it-or-break-it moment for them. With her pregnant and on Christmas Eve, he was Richie's Santa Claus that night.
• He serves as Natalie's "break glass in case of emergency" during the restaurant build. We know for certain he assisted with permits, but you know there's more to it that we don't see. She's filled with gratitude towards him whenever he's around.
• He's genuinely happy for them on friends and family night. And when he saw the chocolate banana...who didn't tear up?

Oliver Platt does a wonderful job in this role.