The Sopranos: Friends, Family, Murder and New York

By: Rustycat | in: TV |

Three major changes in the last and final episodes of The Sopranos. One, Tony is not that loveable character we all grew to empathize with. Two, each episode centers around one of Tony’s friends and their relationship. Three, the New York situation.

1. Tony as a loveable character
One of the biggest strengths of The Sopranos is how it makes us emphasize with Tony the loveable, huggable psychopath. Now it seems as if the writers and directors have decided to show us a darker, unpleasant, gambling, murdering side of Tony Soprano, leaving us, at times, with a feeling of hate and disloyalty to our lead character.
Maybe they want us to feel the same way as his friends and colleagues feel. Maybe all bets are off and it’s time we realize what our hero is all about. But I’m liking the new approach.

2. Tony’s friends
You might have noticed how each episode centers one of Tony’s friends or business associates rather than focusing on a major event. It started withBobby Bakala then Christopher then Polly and now Hesh. The recurring theme has Tony deciding to give his friends his undying appreciation not before contemplating having them killed.
The writers know that we’ll anticipate a change of events in those last episodes and we’re really not interested in more mob stories. In each episode Tony’s relationships are examined with a very ominous feel.
On the other hand, two new killers are making the rounds and whacking some of the older characters – no, it’s not Paulie and Christopher, it’s old age and disease.

3. The New York situation
It looks like a big showdown is brewing between Phil Leotardo and Tony. As you may remember Tony B killed Phil’s brother and I don’t think Phil has ever forgiven Tony for not giving him up. On the other hand Tony who cannot let anything go (which is one of his biggest flaws) is growing to hate Phil more and more for what he did to Vito. Will there be a big showdown? Will the suburban mobsters have to face up to their big city counterparts? Only time will tell.

For what it’s worth it’s turning out to be a great season. There are many unexpected turns and the writing is just plain brilliant. Five more weeks, enjoy it while it lasts.

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Posted on May 1, 2007

Comments

11 Responses to “The Sopranos: Friends, Family, Murder and New York”

Peepsmate on May 1st, 2007 12:16 pm

I always thought, from episode one, that it would be a great idea if this whole mob business was just a figment of Tony’s imagination, and that the entire story unfolds in his therapy sessions with Dr. Melfi. That in reality he is just a bored and disgruntled traveling salesman, like in season 5, who lies to his shrink about his macho lifestyle to impress her.

T.Adamo
5/1/07

Rustycat on May 1st, 2007 12:48 pm

That’s a great idea!
Really ties up everything, but it will be a bit disapointing as a finale..

Charbarred on May 1st, 2007 4:11 pm

They did an episode like this on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

JP on May 2nd, 2007 12:39 am

Kill Phil and make it interesting….Bring the Soprano crew to the big screen and watch the record breaking lineups… Tony and the crew will love the power and money from all the new territory they have just taken over and they become the most powerful crime family in the East coast. With all the new riches the Soprano crew takes over the biggest casino in Jersey and run it “old school” with all it’s glory !

Ekko on May 2nd, 2007 2:41 am

This season is frustrating as hell. Knowing they’ve got only a few eps left, they promise to resolve NOTHING and instead introduce new storylines nobody cares about, like T’s kid and the girl he proposes to.

Charbarred on May 2nd, 2007 4:13 am

I don’t thing the whole proposition thing is a new story line. It’s more along the lines of tying up loose ends. A.J. has been a nasty kid througout the series and it sort of shows that he’s become a stand up guy who can finally take some responsibility. On the other hand, they might be setting him up for a break down that will eventually result in him taking over his dad’s business.
And JP, a Sopranos movie would be awesome!

Emon on May 2nd, 2007 6:23 am

If they do go the route Peepsmate talked about, I’d hate the series. In fact, it probably won’t happen since it will screw up the show’s after life. Reruns, DVDs and all.

I suspect the series will end in a way to keep your head scratching and go “whaa?” Like the Seinfeld finale. You know, they were still filming until recently whereas the series was supposedly wrapped up a while ago.

This is what should happen: Tony has to get f**ked over by someone unimaginable…like Paulie. Christopher will fade out, move to LA or something. AJ becomes manager at the pizzeria (is that where he’s working?) Carmela runs for Governor of New Jersey (just wanted to throw that in there). Bobby takes his revenge and takes all of Tony’s money. Little Stevie dies.

My question is…”Whatever happened to Artie?”

Of course, I’ll come back with more ‘new’ ending predictions soon. About the last episode , I loved the fact that Vito’s kid got a lot of attention. Maybe the black lipstick’s supposed to mean something. Hmmm….

Another possible scenario:
Tony goes to pick up his morning paper. A car stops. Door opens. A traveling salesman steps out. We know him. He’s the coma episode Tony or Tony 2.

Tony 2 stops in front of Tony 1:

TONY 1: Who the f**ck are you?

TONY 2: No…who the f*&k are youuu?

Fade Out.

Charbarred on May 2nd, 2007 7:15 am

You should be a TV writer Emon
They’re going through each of Tony’s friends systematically. I read that the Artie ep is coming soon.

Emon on May 2nd, 2007 6:14 pm

Thanks,but nah…I’m happy being a famous fashion model….on radio.

frieda on May 3rd, 2007 1:54 pm

Christopher should off Tony and become the new boss and put Paulie in his place

Nancy on June 5th, 2007 9:31 am

I think Paulie is working for NY.
after 6/3/07 episode -

First - Paulie gave NY info before (Ralph’s joke)

Second - Bobbie was promoted over Paulie.

Finally - Phil spared Paulie and killed Bobbie instead