The Sopranos (HBO) TV Show • Page 49

It also pains me to make that interpretation because again, it is not what I want to believe or take away, but much like the lives of the characters in the show, it feels pretty laid out to me

 

At the same time, I think this show captures the grandeur of existence in a beautiful way, reminding me to cherish what I have, to appreciate every moment.

 

It is not a nihlistic show. It is an intensely moral one. Tony is a criminal and a murderer and that is what leads to the pain and misery for him and his family. It is a classic "crime does not pay" movie.

Look at Bobby for example. While he is in the mob, he has never murdered anyone and seems to be used more for running errands than anything deep. He genuinely loves his wife and has a great relationship with his children. What changes? It is getting close to Tony's sphere; Janice makes the home more chaotic and the kids become more combative. When Tony forces Bobby to kill the Canadian, he becomes a more violent person and loses his earlier charms. He is killed because of that close association with Tony.

Arty is the example of the alternative. He suffers a lot through the show, mostly through his association with Tony. He sees the money Tony has, and tries to jump into a few get-rich-quick schemes. He sees the beautiful young women Tony sleeps with, so he tries to get with women that are out of his league. He leaves his wife because he wants to be like Tony. However, the show provides a redemptive arc; he gets back with his wife, and they seem to be doing better than ever. He finds new inspiration to try new recipes and reinvest time in his restaurant. Arty might sleep on a lumpy mattress and live in a small house and worry how to pay some bills, but he ultimately resists the temptation and thus doesn't have to look up every time the bell rings at a restaurant.

 

I can see this, I just don't feel it yet. But hopefully with some time, reflection, and a rewatch. What a ride

 

I'm also about to watch Goodfellas for the first time to continue to scratch my mafia itch

 

Tony's (other) sister Barbara is also a good example of this, even if she's not a major character. Her existence, and the fact that she has fully disconnected herself from the lifestyle, is proof that Tony and everyone in his orbit are ultimately responsible for the choices they make.

 

That is another good example. Another one that I forgot was Dr. Melfi. The entire arc around Employee of the Month is her ultimate rejection of the easy route of vengeance that Tony could provide for her, and by the end of the show we see that she recognizes the need to escape him.

 

Little Carmine is a punchline, but his decision not to contest the leadership position in season six is what leaves him as one of the few men left standing. By contrast, the cat comes out to symbolize how Paulie seals his fate by taking the promotion after being just minor enough to survive all the bloodshed before.

 

Just started listening to Talking Sopranos and really enjoying it. Endlessly entertaining.

 

just finished this show! what a wild ride it was. A lot to process. I didn't even realize I was watching the finale lol

I feel like they really rushed the aj story line at the end but it's all good

 

They did a decent enough job with AJ considering how apparent it became that he was not going to develop into a real actor.

 

I really dug how they handled AJ's story at the end TBH and I think the actor does a great job with his performance in the last season. Actually the scene by the pool might be one of my favorite moments of the show.

 

Yeah I disagree that he’s not a good actor

 

That’s my boy your talkin’ about.

 

and i'd say it again.

 

He's good, but he never had the makings of a varsity athlete

 

Perfect post

 

ty

 

Wow. The end of “Full Leather Jacket” is bananas.

Is there a consensus amongst fans which is the “best” season? Season 2 is absolutely destroying season 1 so far.

 

I do not think there is a consensus. Season Four is the best one, with Season Six rivaling it. Season Five is a noticeable dip in the late-seasons greatness.

 

I think 6B is the easy best personally but every season rips

 

Yeah, 6B almost feels like more of an epilogue to me personally at times and 2 is definitely the one that "hooks" you but I don't think there's a bad season in the bunch

 

Binging them all it’s hard to differentiate the seasons to me.

 

s4 is definitely the best. But for the most part each season has highs and lows