Sopranos Thread

[prothunderball]

don't worry guys it'll all make sense after Mafia Life Chris' wrap up tomorrow, I'm sure all your questions will be answered.

[Peeps]

That ending sucked. It's not a Choose your Own Adventure book. So everybody is supposed to sit around and guess what happened? David Chase stinks.

[CJJames]

The fact that Chase threw the Godfather reference with the guy going to the mens room thing and then ends it suddenly is cheap. ANYONE could end it this thing with a multiple choice question. Thats the easy way out, "Let the viewer interpret it, maaaaan." But to invest years of your life writing and sometimes directing it and NOT have an end to the story? Well, Chase may be an ass, but I have to think this is a ploy for more episodes (less likely) or a movie (more likely).

[kevcala]

Part of me is also laughing at the idea that HBO really did go out in those last 20 seconds.

I can imagine Chase having some huge ending, and the people at HBO flipping shit that the ending got cut off. After reading and hearing what everyone has to say about the episode, they decide to never admit it and pretend that's how they wanted it to end.

[Death Metal Moe]

Who cares what happened.

[kevcala]

Who cares what happened.
Fans of the show

[epo]

http://www.gonemovies.com/WWW/XsFilms/SnelPlaatjes/Snel400Blows.jpg

[Tenbatsuzen]

don't worry guys it'll all make sense after Mafia Life Chris' wrap up tomorrow, I'm sure all your questions will be answered.

"Uhhh, guys, I wish I could tell you what happened, but it looks like my cable cut out just as Meadow came in..."

[MikeB]

The fact that Chase threw the Godfather reference with the guy going to the mens room thing and then ends it suddenly is cheap. ANYONE could end it this thing with a multiple choice question. Thats the easy way out, "Let the viewer interpret it, maaaaan." But to invest years of your life writing and sometimes directing it and NOT have an end to the story? Well, Chase may be an ass, but I have to think this is a ploy for more episodes (less likely) or a movie (more likely).
O&A replays start soon, you will feel better


That ending sucked. It's not a Choose your Own Adventure book. So everybody is supposed to sit around and guess what happened? David Chase stinks.
Comparing Sopranos to a kids book. The show was too smart for you. I am sorry.

[TheMojoPin]

MikeB, why have you been nothing but a dick to anyone and everyone you disagree with in this thread?

[sailor]

i think it's hilarious knowing how angry some people will be. very andy kaufman of them fuckin' with ya with the black screen.

[extracheese]

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003596823

"If Tony was indeed an anti-hero, the show he helmed came to an anticlimax. There's no question fans will be frustrated. Those who've defended the show all along will claim Chase is brilliant, leaving fans to finish the plotlines in their own minds, while those who had other expectations were likely be furious."

[Hottub]

Who cares what happened.

Pretty much everyone, but you.

[CJJames]

MikeB, why have you been nothing but a dick to anyone and everyone you disagree with in this thread?

Maybe it gives him a hard-on.

[King Imp]

I thought for sure my cable went out.

That's exactly what I thought as well. I was all ready to switch to the regular HBO when the credits started rolling. I'm so glad this is finally over so we don't have to be led to believe we are watching a masterpiece when it's basically nothing more than glorified crap.

Like someone else said, we waited 7 years for that?

And what was with A.J. just snapping out of his depression simply because of a movie script? It's nice to know so many people can be cured that easily.
And what is the deal with Meadow? Wasn't she just 2 episodes ago going into law as she gave up medicine? Now all of a sudden she's being offered $170,000 to work somewhere?

[celery]

I'm pitching a concept for a new show on HBO. I'm calling it "Black Screen and Silence". At first people won't like it, but after a few hours of message board discussion, most will change their tune and praise it because it leaves so much open for interpretation.

Casting call will soon follow...

[Peeps]

Comparing Sopranos to a kids book. The show was too smart for you. I am sorry.

Sorry, Professor, I guess I just don't get Chase's "genius".

Take your symbolism interpretation and blow it out your ass. I would have preferred and ending, be it either Meadow sitting down and them all smiling, or Tony getting his head blown off. It's not up to me to guess what happened, it's not my story. David Chase wrote the story, but chickened out of an ending.

[SinA]

if you're asking "what happened" or think it's a "choose your own ending"

i'm sorry to tell you, but you just don't get it


And you may ask yourself
Am I right? ...am I wrong?
And you may tell yourself
My god!...what have I done?

[epo]

Maybe I'm crazy but I truly think that episode was Chase's finest hour.

The Sopranos has always had a duel reading as a viewer: the literal violent/gangster tale & the symbolic arthouse cinema. The manner in which Chase ended the episode (like a Truffaut film) tells you exactly how he felt his story should be viewed.

There was so much in this episode, it was simply amazing:


Tony's persuasive power: Using the lessons of psychology to make Paulie take the job and Agent Harris to give him Phil's location.
The AJ storyline was kind of brilliant: Tony's son was given something (a career in entertainment) that his Golden Boy Christophaaaa desired. Plus the statement by Chase that THIS is the type of idiot that I deal with everyday in Hollywood!
Meadow selling out her ideals for a paycheck. Just awesome.
Paulie's jealousy of a cat that looks at Christopher's picture. Paulie was always jealous of Tony's "pet" Chris and Tony's fondness of the new pet drives Paulie wild.
Carmella's shallowness: Bitching about the quantity of mail after Tony risks everything to meet & settle the mess. She's not a good person, despite her chatter & dance with religion and Chase lets you know how everything is a drama to her.
You could in a discursive reading of the show look at AJ as the personification of America's youth & Chase's indictment of it.
Agent Harris cheering for Tony to "win". Hilarious.


There's a ton more, but I guess here is my point....David Chase set out to make a gangster story that was more than the cliche. He did that. He resolved the story and gave you an ending that you may not like, but that makes you think. It's actually a shame that more of American media doesn't do that.

In my view Chase told us how the story ends with the lyrics of the final song:

Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on

[epo]

Sorry, Professor, I guess I just don't get Chase's "genius".

Take your symbolism interpretation and blow it out your ass. I would have preferred and ending, be it either Meadow sitting down and them all smiling, or Tony getting his head blown off. It's not up to me to guess what happened, it's not my story. David Chase wrote the story, but chickened out of an ending.

The ending was clearly what Chase intended all along. Chase actually would have chicken-shitted out if he would have went with one of your ideas.

[Snacks]

Who cares what happened.

most people on this board. thats why it has had so many posts in less then 3 hours on a sunday night.

[Peeps]

What is there to get? Nothing happened. It that what the point was?

It's a mob show, it isn't masterpiece theater. There was no conclusion. How is it chickeining out to have a conclusion? Why am i asking so many questions?

It was probably just to set up a movie. And that is a cheap ending.

[CofyCrakCocaine]

I don't want Peeps to get the last post tonight.
BOOOOOOOOOO

[epo]

What is there to get? Nothing happened. It that what the point was?

It's a mob show, it isn't masterpiece theater. There was no conclusion. How is it chickeining out to have a conclusion? Why am i asking so many questions?

It was probably just to set up a movie. And that is a cheap ending.

Who said a mob show can't be great cinema?

[Peeps]

I don't want Peeps to get the last post tonight.
BOOOOOOOOOO

I can wait you out, Tripa C.

[Doogie]

What a chunk of shit, anti-climactic ending that was. Wow. I missed the first showing cause I was out with friends. I rushed home to watch the west coast HBO, only to watch that?! David Chase is NOT a genius, I dont give a fuck who says what about him. Ok so Tony likes cats, and Phil getting popped were the highlights. Wow.

[Fat_Sunny]

What a chunk of shit, anti-climactic ending that was. Wow. I missed the first showing cause I was out with friends. I rushed home to watch the west coast HBO, only to watch that?! David Chase is NOT a genius, I dont give a fuck who says what about him. Ok so Tony likes cats, and Phil getting popped were the highlights. Wow.

Epo, Care To Refute? :lol:

[hammersavage]

At that point at the restaurant, the story was concluded. Take it as that. AJ and Mead's future was clear. Tony would be indicted. Paulie's got some power. Phil's dead. New Jersey crew goes on. Sil's on the verge of death. Christopher and Baccalla dead. That's the end of Chase's story.

The brilliance I think Chase showed was a message to all those fans who complained about trying to tell HIM how to write HIS series. He built a fake tension in the final scene and abruptly cut it off as one last jab to those who think they knew better than him on how he should tell his story rather than letting him play it out as he had planned or not planned for that matter. I was initially shocked but after I received angry texts and heard about friends fighting each other over the ending, it became clear. One last tease for those who always thought they knew better. You didn't, the series was brilliant...

[celery]

http://i12.tinypic.com/6godo43.jpg

[RogerPodacter]

Man I'm so glad i didnt mention that grenade spoiler before the episode. I guess I should have used my brain cause it gave the whole episode away. <insert sarcasm here>

[epo]

Epo, Care To Refute? :lol:

What would be the point?

I'll just state with that ending David Chase is probably the envy of 95% of the directors in Hollywood right now. The other 5% think it's stupid and are planning Rambo 4 as we speak.

[hammersavage]

Or, to quote a great man, David Chase just 'FACED' America...

[Friday]

Brilliant and Perfect ending.

Chase did what every good director/creative team wants to do... build and build... but instead of giving the audience that fulfilling but predictable orgasm ending... DON'T end. Create the uncomfortable setting of REALITY where no conclusion is completely free of loose ends and a million different scenarios going forward.

I believed in this ending. And in that... to me... this series was a complete success.

[hammersavage]

(As Earl) "No and again", I'm not big on the make your own ending gimmick. I don't think anyone has to guess what happens in the future. The story was told, the tease was pretty much a joke but it ends where it ends. You don't make your own ending with other shows I don't think you have to with this one. But anyone can take the final scene as they wish.

All I know is that if people complain about this ending, they're gonna HATE the Lost series finale cause they're is no way to answer everyone of those questions...

[spoon]

Did I kick your dog or something?

I thinks it's even more obvious you're being smug. That's worse.

[King Imp]

It's not about questions being answered. It's about wrapping things up and ending. That's what series endings do. This show did not wrap anything up and basically left it open for interpretation.

And to all those who have implied it, shove it with the "you obviously aren't smart enough to get it" bullshit. There was nothing to get as that ending could have meant any number of things.

[hammersavage]

Who says that's what series endings do?? He wrote the series, he can do whatever he wants. Chase wrapped up the storylines that he wanted to as far as he wanted. Phil, Baccalla, AJ, Meadow, etc. The point of the show was never the body count/shock factor. It was a psychological examination of a mobster.

If you want to interpret further, that's up to each viewer. I don't need to. it was wrapped up enough and the last tease was just fucking funny. Andy Kaufmann-esque.

And no one's not smart enough to get it. Every can think what they want. You come here to bitch or praise, no one's right or wrong. No one "got it" more than anyone else cuz opinions differ IMO...

[MobCounty]

...can I get this chalkmark off my back now?

[spoon]

Who cares what happened.

Look who had to pop in and be a fuckwad again!

Seriously, stay in threads you care about and shut the fuck up asshole!

[Kevin]

Look who had to pop in and be a fuckwad again!

Seriously, stay in threads you care about and shut the fuck up asshole!


Wow! Reading this, does not make me feel so hated by Spoon.. He has never been this bad with me..

[hammersavage]

That's just Moe being Moe

[Snacks]

I have now watched the ending 3 times and the more I watched it the more I think it may be the ending it should have been. Dont get me wrong I hated it the first time I watched it and screamed wtf at the tv. I did want some closure but the next 2 times I watched it I started to like it.

I would love to hear the explanation from Chase about why he ended it the way he did.

[JPMNICK]

Wow! Reading this, does not make me feel so hated by Spoon.. He has never been this bad with me..

stay around a little longer

[BadGuyDavey]

I have now watched the ending 3 times and the more I watched it the more I think it may be the ending it should have been. Dont get me wrong I hated it the first time I watched it and screamed wtf at the tv. I did want some closure but the next 2 times I watched it I started to like it.

I would love to hear the explanation from Chase about why he ended it the way he did.

"i was drunk at the time.."


im not hating the ending... oh wait yes i am, i think that was complete shit... and i was like wtf... does it actually end with "dont stop..." and then a black screen? i just thought it was my tv fucking up...


i wanted to cry, because i was like... wtf give me some closure

but instead i just went out and killed some assholes

[Reephdweller]

Just saw it.

In a word.

SUCKED.

I get it as far as those who are pointing out the cinematic qualities that it had. I can appreciate that, but I also believe with the way they sold the show and the season overall especially as "explosive" that to go out in an anticlimactic way was insulting. To put viewers through this many years of shows, twists, and story lines and then to end it the way it did. Very disappointing. It leaves open so many doors for expansion which is kind've cool if they want to revisit the characters, but that's it.

[Don Stugots]

i think it would have been better to end it last week.

[Kevin]

Harris Allan on the fan just said it perfect.. WHEN HAS CHASE FOLLOWED THROUGH ON ANYTHING!!!! So this last ep was fitting..

[drusilla]

i must have really not been paying attention. i didn't really see it as a "oh man what happened????" ending. i felt that they just went on living because all questions were answered. the episode was just uninteresting. yeah i got a laugh when the fbi agent yelled out "we're gonna win this!" & when people started puking when phil's head was run over. but other than that it was just really boring. that's why i thought it was a piece of crap. not because of the "un-ending" most of the last two or three seasons were really really fucking boring.

[legroommusic]

the ending was fuckin' stupid. Who goes to holstiens for dinner, especially if you're a mob boss. yeesh.

[MikeB]

What would be the point?

I'll just state with that ending David Chase is probably the envy of 95% of the directors in Hollywood right now. The other 5% think it's stupid and are planning Rambo 4 as we speak.
You sir are a saint.

[MikeB]

Man I'm so glad i didnt mention that grenade spoiler before the episode. I guess I should have used my brain cause it gave the whole episode away. <insert sarcasm here>

It didn't matter if it turned out to be true or not. The guy called it a possible spoiler and put in black for a reason.

[spoon]

It didn't matter if it turned out to be true or not. The guy called it a possible spoiler and put in black for a reason.

And funny enough, there were a lot of accuracies mixed up in that spoiler. Way too many parts were right in that write up, only they were twisted up a little here and there.

[rckiller]

Kinda like blue balls.

[sailor]

I don't think anyone has to guess what happens in the future. The story was told...

But anyone can take the final scene as they wish.

double-talk

[nassue]

seriously what the fuck did everyone else expect to happen
when you sit back and think about an open ending was really the only logical thing


people would've complained no matter what happened;
tony gets wacked, flips, imprisoned somebody would have been disappointed

so why not just end it with no resolution life goes on. who the fuck cares ?

i liked it mostly because it will piss everyone else off.... good everyone complained anyway why not give them the right to complain

i sit back completely satisfied

[PapaBear]

There will be a movie, and my crazy prediction will be proved to be true.

[cupcakelove]

The more I think about how the show ended, the funnier it gets to me.

[Tall_James]

Maybe I'm crazy but I truly think that episode was Chase's finest hour.

The Sopranos has always had a duel reading as a viewer: the literal violent/gangster tale & the symbolic arthouse cinema. The manner in which Chase ended the episode (like a Truffaut film) tells you exactly how he felt his story should be viewed.

There was so much in this episode, it was simply amazing:


Tony's persuasive power: Using the lessons of psychology to make Paulie take the job and Agent Harris to give him Phil's location.
The AJ storyline was kind of brilliant: Tony's son was given something (a career in entertainment) that his Golden Boy Christophaaaa desired. Plus the statement by Chase that THIS is the type of idiot that I deal with everyday in Hollywood!
Meadow selling out her ideals for a paycheck. Just awesome.
Paulie's jealousy of a cat that looks at Christopher's picture. Paulie was always jealous of Tony's "pet" Chris and Tony's fondness of the new pet drives Paulie wild.
Carmella's shallowness: Bitching about the quantity of mail after Tony risks everything to meet & settle the mess. She's not a good person, despite her chatter & dance with religion and Chase lets you know how everything is a drama to her.
You could in a discursive reading of the show look at AJ as the personification of America's youth & Chase's indictment of it.
Agent Harris cheering for Tony to "win". Hilarious.


There's a ton more, but I guess here is my point....David Chase set out to make a gangster story that was more than the cliche. He did that. He resolved the story and gave you an ending that you may not like, but that makes you think. It's actually a shame that more of American media doesn't do that.

In my view Chase told us how the story ends with the lyrics of the final song:

Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on

IMO, you summed it up perfectly.

I thought the ending was fitting and appropriate.

[AKA]

What major loose ends didn't get wrapped up with this season? Melfi, AJ, Meadow, Paulie, Junior, Janis, Bobby, Sil, Christopher and Phil - not much more really to say. The last scene was Tony enjoying what will more than likely be his last night of freedom with his family. The guy going to the bathroom - maybe it really was simply some guy giving Tony Soprano the hairy eyeball in public - I love the idea that that the cut to black was Tony's perspective as he gets whacked. That was my first, gut reaction, until I began to worry the HBO had gone out!! And then I laughed my ass off when the silent credits began.

It was a fuck you to everyone else in the world who thought they knew this show better than David Chase - just in case anyone missed that point last season with the prolonged Gay Vito storyline, he is not afraid to piss off and even scare away a core fan base.

What other ending would have worked? We KNOW he is murdered? We KNOW he goes to prison? We KNOW he cops a deal? We KNOW life goes on, as he sits back smoking a cigar waiting for the ducks to return? We pick up the timeline 20 years from now and learn how pathetic Tony turned out - that HE became Uncle Junior? We find out Blanca gave birth to A.J.'s kid - Tony's grandson? Fuck that noise.

They gave us one, brief happy moment, that we know from watching the series won't last - maybe not even through the meal.

The stuff with Paulie was a nice, comedic touch that was very much in line with the very, very first episode (which we watched right before this one). Once you get past how young and skinny Tony was then, it's kind of fun to see that Christopher was always more interested in things more than just this life - bringing "Hunter" back was also a cool way to tie in the beginning with the end.

Loved it.

[drjoek]

Was I the only one who thought this was classic Ronnie B, the way he keeps setting up the ending with a big announcement The big tense build up then snap to black. I expected Fezzie to say "And thats the end of our show DONK...":bye:

[Crispy123]

Was I the only one who thought this was classic Ronnie B, the way he keeps setting up the ending with a big announcement The big tense build up then snap to black. I expected Fezzie to say "And thats the end of our show DONK...":bye:

don't you mean this guy?

http://www.fiftythree.org/~dwcarder/brak-5.jpg

[Hottub]

I eventually thought the same thing, Doc. But only after sitting there for a minute muttering "What the fuck" to myself.

[drjoek]

... But only after sitting there for a minute muttering "What the fuck" to myself.

Several "What the fucks" after I made sure the cable hadnt died.BUT the last 5-6 minutes had me as antsy as Ive eveer been watching TV.

[SinA]

don't you mean this guy?


no, this guy
http://dailytitan.fullerton.edu/Full%20Effect/Apr_10/images/homestar.gif

[angrymissy]

I was concerned that Paulie was going to whack the cat.

[cupcakelove]

no, this guy
http://dailytitan.fullerton.edu/Full%20Effect/Apr_10/images/homestar.gif

Thats what I thought too.

[drjoek]

I was concerned that Paulie was going to whack the cat.

That cat does not live out the week

[Crispy123]

no, this guy

you are correct sir

[AKA]

That cat does not live out the week

That cat will outsmart Paulie.

[Furtherman]

Love it or hate it, those last 10 minutes were the most tense minutes I ever experienced watching television. On the edge of my seat and practicaly watching the diner scene through my fingers.

And then I thought my cable went out too!

I see what Chase did, and the more I think about it, the more I like it.

But as a loyal fan who never turned, I guess I was expecting a little more. Not so much a different ending, but just more within the show. I don't know. It's over.
Whaddya gonna do?

[drjoek]

That cat will outsmart Paulie.

I'm thinking it would end in a draw

[MobCounty]

Who knew the ending would be about Medow ruining her rims while trying to parallel park.

[Terry-Two]

Look who had to pop in and be a fuckwad again!

Seriously, stay in threads you care about and shut the fuck up asshole!

BEST POST EVER

[BeerBandit]

The diner scene may have been the most tense few minutes I've ever watched. The way I look at it, because the ending was so abrupt, Tony had to die. What's the point of the snap to black other than to "stick it" to the viewers, and there's no fucking way in hell Chase did it as a big Fuck You. He's a storyteller, not a jilted screenwriter. This man has gotten everything he's ever wanted as it pertains to the show and despite all of the criticism over the last few years, people kept watching. He doesn't give two shits about stiffing us on the ending, he just wants to tell his story. He did however find himself in a Catch-22. Don't kill Tony, everybody bitches that he copped out. Kill Tony and it seems obvious and expected, everybody gets what they wanted. So while I didn't care for how it was done, kudos to Chase for doing something different...if Tony's dead, that is. If he didn't kill Tony and ended it that way, then fuck him and his non-sensical ending. If "life goes on" Meadow walks in, sits down, and the camera rolls back a la Seinfeld finale.

[spadanko]

Love it or hate it, those last 10 minutes were the most tense minutes I ever experienced watching television. On the edge of my seat and practicaly watching the diner scene through my fingers.

And then I thought my cable went out too!

I see what Chase did, and the more I think about it, the more I like it.

But as a loyal fan who never turned, I guess I was expecting a little more. Not so much a different ending, but just more within the show. I don't know. It's over.
Whaddya gonna do?

totally agree... that was a really tense last 10 minutes. We see what Tony feels like. Every time you hear that jingle of the door, you don't know if it is going to be the end. The more i think back, the more i liked it

[RogerPodacter]

I thought i read somewhere that David chase wrote 3 different endings? Regardless, I am sure that on the DVD we will get some commentary insight into the ending. Or the bonus features will be viewing the alternate endings and those may show some clues as to what the ending actually meant.

[spadanko]

2 things..

1) My buddy knows someone who works on the show as a grip, and the last scene was filmed with the guy coming out of the bathroom with his hand in his jacket

2) I jsut got this email.. not sure if it is true, but it seems to be going around:

So here is what I found out. The guy at the bar is

> also credited as Nikki Leotardo. The same actor

> played him in the first part of season 6 during a

> brief sit down concerning the future of Vito. That

> wasn't that long ago. Apparently, he is the nephew of

> Phil. Phil's brother Nikki Senior was killed in 1976

> in a car accident. Absolutely Genius!!!! David Chase

> is truly rewarding the true fans who pay attention to

> detail.

>

> So the point would have been that life continues and

> we may never know the end of the Sopranos. But if you

> pay attention to the history, you will find that all

> the answers lie in the characters in the restaurant.

> The trucker was the brother of the guy who was robbed

> by Christopher in Season 2. Remember the DVD players?

> The trucker had to identify the body. The boy scouts

> were in the train store and the black guys at the end

> were the ones who tried to kill Tony and only clipped

> him in the ear (was that season 2 or 3?).

[badmonkey]

How could you not like the ending? Quick cut to black for 20 secs, then cut back to the diner and Tony's banging Meadow, who is blowing AJ, while Carmela takes a giant shit on Tony's head. This goes on for 30 seconds then they stop abruptly and yell "Tada! The Aristocrats!" and immediately cut to credits. I can't beleive you guys all fell for the old "my cable is out" gag and changed the channel and missed it.

Best ending ever.

Badmonkey

[RogerPodacter]

"The Aristocrats!!" I just pissed myself laughing...

[drjoek]

"The Aristocrats!!" I just pissed myself laughing...

I actually like Ron telling his mom he sitting there crying cuz they shot Tony in front of Carmella

[PhilDeez]

2 things..

1) My buddy knows someone who works on the show as a grip, and the last scene was filmed with the guy coming out of the bathroom with his hand in his jacket

2) I jsut got this email.. not sure if it is true, but it seems to be going around:

The guy at the bar had not been on the show before. He is the owner of a local pizza shop who was casted as a "shifty looking Italian", just a random guy.
Look at the television without pity threads, or the deadwoodstage site, they both have articles that interview this guys and discuss his "pivitol" role.

[spadanko]

The guy at the bar had not been on the show before. He is the owner of a local pizza shop who was casted as a "shifty looking Italian", just a random guy.
Look at the television without pity threads, or the deadwoodstage site, they both have articles that interview this guys and discuss his "pivitol" role.

cool.. thanks man.. i guess it is just bs floating around the net

[mildly amusing]

some of the responses to last night's finale reminded me of a quote from Futurama...

Leela: Why not? It's clever, it's unexpected.
Fry: But that's not why people watch TV. Clever things make people feel stupid, and unexpected things make them feel scared.

[badmonkey]

some of the responses to last night's finale reminded me of a quote from Futurama...

Leela: Why not? It's clever, it's unexpected.
Fry: But that's not why people watch TV. Clever things make people feel stupid, and unexpected things make them feel scared.

And fear leads to the dark side.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c142/PrinzValium001/darkside.jpg

[johnniewalker]

some of the responses to last night's finale reminded me of a quote from Futurama...

Leela: Why not? It's clever, it's unexpected.
Fry: But that's not why people watch TV. Clever things make people feel stupid, and unexpected things make them feel scared.

Exactly it's why when every critic loves a movie you know its completely thoughtless or straightforward. Not necessarily bad, but its not great. Borat, for example.

Also, Hbox is a smart boy, i think he's right on.

[KnoxHarrington]

I feel better about the ending now with reflection, but I still find it to be a bit of a cheap trick. You could have given an actual ending that left us with the same sense of dread and uncertainty, and done so in a more dramatically satisfying way.

I'm going to assume that Tony was not killed, because the other strands of the plot seemed to me to be indicating that he would not be; peace was reached with New York, and Phil was dead. So here's my ending:

We pick up where it left off: Meadow comes running into the restaurant. At the same time, the guy in the windbreaker comes out of the bathroom, and the two black guys approach. Tony looks around, trying to stay calm, wondering if he should bolt, tell his family to get down, what he can do.

And then the guy in the windbreaker goes back to the counter, and the two black guys settle into a booth, and Meadow sits at the table.

And they try to chat pleasantly, but Tony keeps looking around, and we may or may not see the guy in the windbreaker looking over again, and you know he's not at ease. Jump to black. Series over.

It's just that I can't shake this feeling that, at the end, Chase wanted to go with an ending that makes some sort of message about art and artists and the viewers' expectations over an ending that gives us a closure dramatically. He ended it with some sort of assertation of his power as a creator, rather than letting Tony and the boys end it on their own terms.

[epo]

I feel better about the ending now with reflection, but I still find it to be a bit of a cheap trick.

Cheap Trick? Hmm, you mean like this?

http://onestientertainment.com/pages/cheap-trick-1.jpg

[K.C.]

Here's my take:

First, I think Tony is alive.

The guy walking into the bathroom WAS eyeballing Tony, but I took that more as being a Fed than a hired hitman. Remember, he was about to be indicted, and he's under constant suspicion. Tony got to the restaurant first and the guy probably followed him to keep tabs on him. For a hired hitman to find Tony when he was in such secret seclusion for so long, and nobody knew of his plans that evening save family members, and few outsiders (A.J and Meadow's girlfriend/boyfriend), would mean someone in that circle sold him out.

And that's completely inconsistent with the characters.


So operating under the premise he's alive, what the hell happened?

The point, to me, was that Tony is unredeemable as a character...him in that booth was exactly what he was in the first episode in Season 1...the life he chose is the life he always desired, despite the therapy, despite all the bitching and moodiness...because at the heart of it all, the guy is a psychopath. It's what he's always been...there was going to be no flip, no change of heart, no guilt or remorse for the life he lived.

And that's the point of the Journey song and the whole montage at the end...Tony will always believe in the rightness of his lifestyle, and the world will go on around him. And the suddenness of the fade to black was to make the point that they could have faded at ANY time and nothing will EVER be different...there is no ending, because Tony Soprano as a character will never be resolved...there's no depth, no character growth...he is what he is and that's what he'll always be. If they showed Meadow enter and the family sit together and THEN faded, it'd be no different.

In the end, it's his destiny to be what he is...and he'll probably end up exactly as he always believed, in prison. David Chase setting it up that Tony is going to be busted on only a gun charge instead of the big stuff leaves it open for a few years down the road to make the movie and bleed a little more cash out of the franchise.

[underdog]

I just rewatched the last 10 minutes of the finale. How do people not love this? Sure, it wasn't wrapped up in a neat little package like Vanilla Sky or Six Feet Under, but the last 7 minutes just showed what made The Sopranos fantastic.

They made the most mundane activities of a family suspenseful. Its a family sitting down for dinner, and you're on the edge of your seat.

Everything that happens in that last scene could go somewhere else, but it doesn't. Its just some random family sitting down for dinner, with their daughter running late.

Also, David Chase just showed you that, for 10 years, or however long its been on the air, you've basically been watching a show about a family eating dinner.

[HBox]

One more thing I like about the finale is how they showed how Tony and Carmella kinda ruined each of their kids. They wanted Meadow to be a doctor but Tony's lifestyle is what pushed her to defend guys like him for a living. AJ finally comes out of his depression and decides to do his own part in changing things and his parents offer him easy money. He takes it and immediately forgets about everything he just valued. I thought his best line was "That's the cool part. 23 highway. That's not so bad!" And then proceeds to just laugh like an idiot at the people he once despised.

But the episode still moved way too fast. One scene was just ridiculous. Tony opens the bathroom door and tells Carmela "AJ wants to join the army." She looks at him for a second. End of scene. Cut to psychiatrist's office. Done in 3 seconds.

[Gvac]

I just want this thread and all talk of The Sopranos to die.

Mercifully, the series is over.

If everyone was honest with themselves they'd admit it really hasn't been any good for the past 3 years or so.

I guess that's what happens when a writer has to stretch a storyline out to milk the cash cow.

[Bossanova]

I just want this thread and all talk of The Sopranos to die.

Mercifully, the series is over.

If everyone was honest with themselves they'd admit it really hasn't been any good for the past 3 years or so.

I guess that's what happens when a writer has to stretch a storyline out to milk the cash cow.

This is why I love you. I stopped caring about that show the minute I posted my hate for the ending

[HBox]

I just want this thread and all talk of The Sopranos to die.

Mercifully, the series is over.

If everyone was honest with themselves they'd admit it really hasn't been any good for the past 3 years or so.

I guess that's what happens when a writer has to stretch a storyline out to milk the cash cow.

This is why I love you. I stopped caring about that show the minute I posted my hate for the ending

You don't have to post here then. You don't even have to click on and read the thread if you feel that way. I'm assuming of course that there isn't someone standing next to each of you with a gun forcing you to read and post in this thread.

[Gvac]

Oh stop being so touchy HBox.

We just like to laugh at all of the pseudo intellectuals who like to think they're so much more brilliant than everyone else and only they can see the genius in Chase's work.

[Zorro]

You don't have to post here then. You don't even have to click on and read the thread if you feel that way. I'm assuming of course that there isn't someone standing next to each of you with a gun forcing you to read and post in this thread.

Mafia Life Chris?

[El Mudo]

How great was it that the guy who played Bill Guarnere in Band of Brothers was the one who took out Phil?


He should have called him Cowboy first

[HBox]

Oh stop being so touchy HBox.

We just like to laugh at all of the pseudo intellectuals who like to think they're so much more brilliant than everyone else and only they can see the genius in Chase's work.

I can understand the jealousy of someone who can't see the obvious brilliance of "I ordered for the table."

[HBox]

Mafia Life Chris?

Bang Bang. You're dead. I whacked you.

[underdog]

We just like to laugh at all of the pseudo intellectuals who like to think they're so much more brilliant than everyone else and only they can see the genius in Chase's work.

See, I just like laughing at all of the pseudo intellectuals who cannot enjoy anything unless the writer tells you exactly what to think.

"THEY DIDN'T WACK HIM. I HATE THIS. I HAVE TO USE BRAIN. ARG!"

And I think most people are trying to read TOO much into the show. Its a fucking show about a dysfunctional family with a guy who hates his mother. It just happens to feature the mob.

[Gvac]

Honestly, the whole "you guys have no brains...all you want is violence" argument is absurd.

In plain English, you can't polish a turd.

I don't believe in arguing on the internet, though.

[Bossanova]

Honestly, the whole "you guys have no brains...all you want is violence" argument is absurd.

In plain English, you can't polish a turd.

I don't believe in arguing on the internet, though.

I hated the ending, because the entire episode was shit. I was hoping for at least something to wow me. If I wanted to think about things after watching tv I would talk to my Philosophy major girlfriend while smoking a j.

[lleeder]

Honestly, the whole "you guys have no brains...all you want is violence" argument is absurd.

In plain English, you can't polish a turd.

I don't believe in arguing on the internet, though.

Oh yea!!!!!

[CofyCrakCocaine]

Why exactly are people getting so polarized and adopting some rabidly moblike mentality and getting all snotty in their opinions? You have an opinion, fine, so do I, wham bam thank you ma'am. The end. Don't act like one opinion is better than the other, they're all just ham 'n' egger opinions. Jesus H. Do we all need to group hug and chant it's not your fault?

[Bossanova]

Why exactly are people getting so polarized and adopting some rabidly moblike mentality and getting all snotty in their opinions? You have an opinion, fine, so do I, wham bam thank you ma'am. The end. Don't act like one opinion is better than the other, they're all just ham 'n' egger opinions. Jesus H. Do we all need to group hug and chant it's not your fault?

Im up for a hug CCC, you make a valid point sir

[DIRTY_MEX]

i hate the fact that they made Phil into the biggest pussy. why the fuck did he go into hiding? what a waste that Tony didn't use his M4 rifle... the final show fucking sucked

NOW GO GET YOUR FUCKIN SHINE BOX

[MikeB]

Oh stop being so touchy HBox.

We just like to laugh at all of the pseudo intellectuals who like to think they're so much more brilliant than everyone else and only they can see the genius in Chase's work.

Yet it is ok to get mad at someone and tell them they don't get the Ron and Fez show?

[MikeB]

Here ya go, like I said David Chase doesn't give a shit about your expertations or sticking it to "you."
"No one was trying to be audacious, honest to god," Chase said. "We did what we thought we had to do. No one was trying to blow people's minds, or thinking, 'Wow, this'll (tick) them off.' People get the impression that you're trying to (mess) with them and it's not true. You're trying to entertain them."

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2007/06/sopranos_creator_we_did_what_w.html

[underdog]

In plain English, you can't polish a turd.

Then why did you expect to like a finale of a series you don't like? Why the fuck are you even watching it?

I don't believe in arguing on the internet, though.

Then why did you come to this thread trying to start shit?

Now, I know this may shock you, but people have different opinions. Just because you haven't liked the Sopranos for the last three years (for your own reasons) doesn't mean other people haven't loved the last three years (for our own reasons).

Why don't you go start a thread about how great everything used to be and you and Blowhard can argue over whether the MASH finale was better than the finale of the Andy Griffith Show.

[badmonkey]

http://www.allknowingforce.com/sitebuilder/images/Images_White_Men-255x216.jpg

"Look man, You can listen to Jimi but you can't hear him. There's a difference man. Just because your listening to him doesn't mean you're hearing him."

[Gvac]

Now you be nice underdog.

Respect your elders!

And FYI - I think the Andy Griffith Show and MASH both sucked!

[underdog]

Now you be nice underdog.

Respect your elders!

Alright, you just literally made me laugh out loud. Thank you.

[Bossanova]

Or how both of them were better than the Sopranos finale

[sailor]

what happened with the russian in the snow?

[Gvac]

Alright, you just literally made me laugh out loud. Thank you.

See?

We CAN all get along!

And for the record, I'm a big "less is more" kinda guy. I like 3 minute songs, not 9 minute epics. I think The Sopranos would have been an incredible series if it ended just like it did last night after 3 or 4 seasons. To stretch it out as long as they did and make you wait a year and a half between seasons and then give no payoff makes me feel like I've been had.

I kept watching because I was hoping it would regain the magic it had it the beginning, but for me it never did.

To each his own, I suppose.

[BadGuyDavey]

I think The Sopranos would have been an incredible series if it ended just like it did last night after 3 or 4 seasons. To stretch it out as long as they did and make you wait a year and a half between seasons and then give no payoff makes me feel like I've been had.

I kept watching because I was hoping it would regain the magic it had it the beginning, but for me it never did.




preach gvac.. that was the best statement for this series ever

[Kevin]

what happened with the russian in the snow?

They moved into Stugots neighborhood..

[johnniewalker]

How great was it that the guy who played Bill Guarnere in Band of Brothers was the one who took out Phil?


He should have called him Cowboy first
Hilarious i knew he looked familiar.

[underdog]

I think The Sopranos would have been an incredible series if it ended just like it did last night after 3 or 4 seasons. To stretch it out as long as they did and make you wait a year and a half between seasons and then give no payoff makes me feel like I've been had.

I kept watching because I was hoping it would regain the magic it had it the beginning, but for me it never did.

I don't particularly disagree with the opinion of it probably would have been better if it ended after 3 or 4 seasons. The problem is Americans cannot have short lives on series, so HBO throws millions of dollars to Chase to keep it going too long. And if it were up to HBO, the show would be on a few more seasons. But I liked the extra seasons, but understand if people don't. If any American television should have ended with the length of a BBC series, it should have been The Sopranos.

And no show ever regains the magic it had at the beginning. The longer a show stays on, the more it tried to top itself, and that almost never works.

[Kevin]

Tony dies in a fiery limo after walking past his jobber members of his crew with a retard look in his face.... fade scene...


Better ending??

[Doogie]

what happened with the russian in the snow?

He became the imondidable snowman and eventually helped a queer elf, and a misfit reindeer realize their dream assisted by an alcoholic prospector. They over run Santas shack and take out the other elves eventually ruling the North Pole family.

[TheMojoPin]

Now see, if you all just realized that The Wire is an infinitely better show that damn well deserves the "best show on TV EVER" praise more than anything else, this frustration could have been avoided. Plus, it's actually bucked the trend and gotten better with each year, and they're going out with a planned conclusion after this next season, the 5th and final one. Get on board while you still can, scrubs.

[MikeB]

See?

We CAN all get along!

And for the record, I'm a big "less is more" kinda guy. I like 3 minute songs, not 9 minute epics. I think The Sopranos would have been an incredible series if it ended just like it did last night after 3 or 4 seasons. To stretch it out as long as they did and make you wait a year and a half between seasons and then give no payoff makes me feel like I've been had.

I kept watching because I was hoping it would regain the magic it had it the beginning, but for me it never did.

To each his own, I suppose.
The "blowhard" style Sopranos fans seem to forget things like a whole season being about Billy the singing bass (or whatever that thing was), a less than smooth (and anti climatic) transition to Pussy being an informant, and Tony trusting Johnny Sac despite Sac always asking (Take out Carmine Sr.) and never helping Tony. Yet they seem to hate a few episodes about Vito, an anti climatic end of Christopher, and Tony putting up with A.J. being an ass.


My whole point is the show is not like Seinfeld. They did not lose a creator. 80% of the writers lasted all the way through including the big two to three. It is the same show so there is no reason to have expectations that would not fit the show. Every season ended similarly with everyone together and a underlying metaphorical message to the future. Chase was ready to end it after season 4 thus he was fine with the ending that year, so why would you would expect him to want bodies in a converted ice cream shop.

[King Imp]

We just like to laugh at all of the pseudo intellectuals who like to think they're so much more brilliant than everyone else and only they can see the genius in Chase's work.

I personally love those who claim David Chase is such a genius, amongst the likes of Bochco, Lear, Marshall, Sorkin, Spelling, etc. when the biggest thing he's ever been known for before The Sopranos is The Rockford Files. Stellar resume.

Tony dies in a fiery limo after walking past his jobber members of his crew with a retard look in his face.... fade scene...


Better ending??

:lol:

[K.C.]

Now see, if you all just realized that Rome was an infinitely better show that damn well deserves the "best show on TV EVER" praise more than anything else, this frustration could have been avoided.

Fixed it for you.

[Kevin]

Fixed it for you.

I LOVED Rome.. And i love the Wire.. So i dunno..

[MikeB]

I personally love those who claim David Chase is such a genius, amongst the likes of Bochco, Lear, Marshall, Sorkin, Spelling, etc. when the biggest thing he's ever been known for before The Sopranos is The Rockford Files. Stellar resume.


I got agree with you, I would never compare David Chase to the genius of Aaron Spelling. I mean spelling is behind some of the GREATEST shows of all time... 7th Heaven, Charmed, Models Inc., The Love Boat, Charlies Angels, Fantasy Island, and of course the epic and untouched Beverly Hills 90210. I have a feeling you might be one of those people that made Spiderman the number one movie of all time.

[tele7]

I thought the onion rings symbolized how life can be sad with a crispy coating. Tony ordered them for the whole table, which means everyone was shot. Meadow was going back in forth in her life like trying to paralell park. She hit the sides but eventually made things work out.

They placed them in their mouths like communion wafers....Everyone except Meadow.

[weezcase]

He became the imondidable snowman and eventually helped a queer elf, and a misfit reindeer realize their dream assisted by an alcoholic prospector. They over run Santas shack and take out the other elves eventually ruling the North Pole family.

imondidable ?!?

That made me laugh out loud. Now my girlfriend thinks I'm crazy

Thanks Doogie:thumbup:

[Fat_Sunny]

imondidable ?!?

That made me laugh out loud. Now my girlfriend thinks I'm crazy

Thanks Doogie:thumbup:

Ya Know, If You Don't Pay Attention, You Miss The Really Good Stuff. Good Catch Weez!!!!

[Kevin]

Ya Know, If You Don't Pay Attention, You Miss The Really Good Stuff. Good Catch Weez!!!!

Your too busy fighting with Yerdaddy..

[ChrisTheCop]

My Tivo fucks me all the time, so when I watched it (just about an hour later than it aired) and it went black, I unknowingly joined the thousands of people who thought something went wrong on their end at an incredibly wrong moment.

Then the credits rolled. And I sat there, thinking, "okay, maybe they want to thank the production staff before they end it it? ok..ok...thats cool I guess, they deserve it...ok...ok...here comes the real ending..."

and then I realized David Chase had just given me and everyone else who stuck up for his show , in oft-recurring bad times, the finger.

I'm not disappointed that no one got whacked, I'm disappointed that there was no closure.

We found out what Paulie will be doing, and that Chris' memory will be ever present with him. We found out what direction the NY family took. These were 2 good wrap ups.

But to not know what the fuck happened after watching Meadow park the car...and park the car...and park the car some more. Chase has been criticized before for being too artsy, and I believed there was a place for him in this genre. But cmon. Its 7 seasons in, everyones counting on you to deliver an ENDING...and you just go black? Awful.

I've read the thread, and other comments elsewhere supporting his choice. I just simply disagree. I'm glad that someone enjoyed it, but it wasnt right for me.

[King Imp]

I got agree with you, I would never compare David Chase to the genius of Aaron Spelling. I mean spelling is behind some of the GREATEST shows of all time... 7th Heaven, Charmed, Models Inc., The Love Boat, Charlies Angels, Fantasy Island, and of course the epic and untouched Beverly Hills 90210. I have a feeling you might be one of those people that made Spiderman the number one movie of all time.

1 out of the 5 I mentioned. I'm impressed. Have fun having an orgasm watching reruns of the Rockford Files.

[Fallon]

What was up with the cat?

Maybe Chris was a rat before he died and gave information to the Feds.

Or they just needed something for Paulie.

[MikeB]

1 out of the 5 I mentioned. I'm impressed. Have fun having an orgasm watching reruns of the Rockford Files.

I am not a fan of the Rockford Files or shows similar to it. Thus I have a difficult time believing my love for that show matches your love of Luke Perry and Rose Macgowan's epic works.

[King Imp]

I am not a fan of the Rockford Files or shows similar to it. Thus I have a difficult time believing my love for that show matches your love of Luke Perry and Rose Macgowan's epic works.

A) I wasn't a fan of those shows, and
B) I'm not equating their quality of work to genius

It's more of a winning strategy and there is no denying the fact the the people I mentioned constantly knocked out huge winners that America loved. What these men have done blows away anything Chase has done in his career so to constantly call this man a genuis simply because he came up with one good idea is ludicrous.

[Fat_Sunny]

Your too busy fighting with Yerdaddy..

You See Kev, F_S Almost Missed Your Post Cause He Wasn't Paying Attention!

Yerdaddy....Pfffft !!

[HBox]

A) I wasn't a fan of those shows, and
B) I'm not equating their quality of work to genius

It's more of a winning strategy and there is no denying the fact the the people I mentioned constantly knocked out huge winners that America loved. What these men have done blows away anything Chase has done in his career so to constantly call this man a genuis simply because he came up with one good idea is ludicrous.

By that logic Jerry Bruckheimer is God's greatest gift to humanity.

[King Imp]

Do you guys read other forums at all? I do and the backlash everywhere over this finale is immense. Do you think HBO.com was crashed by rave reviews. Bzzzz, try again! I would say it's easily 80%-90% of people that either hated it or were disappointed.

I guess then by your logic that were all uneducated morons that can't appreciate faux art like the 10%-20% of you in this country who think you some kind of intellectuals that "get it."

You liked it though. Fine, I'm happy for you. But guess what, those who didn't care for it far, FAR outweigh those of you who did. But I guess we are all morons who are wrong and can't appreciate "genius."

[MikeB]

A) I wasn't a fan of those shows, and
B) I'm not equating their quality of work to genius

It's more of a winning strategy and there is no denying the fact the the people I mentioned constantly knocked out huge winners that America loved. What these men have done blows away anything Chase has done in his career so to constantly call this man a genuis simply because he came up with one good idea is ludicrous.
No one calls Chase a genius for coming up with the idea of a mobster balancing his three families rather they call him that for what he did with the idea, silly.
You sound like you are a Jerry Bruckheimer fan. (edit: Just saw after I posted it that Hbox already brought that up.)


You really sound like someone who loves those pirates, spidermans, and shrek movies just because a bunch of people like it.
Now for you to back peddle more from your original statements.

[King Imp]

Amazing how those Pirates and Spiderman movies are near the top of the highest grossing movies of all time list. Imagine that. Tons and tons of stupid people, right?

But of course, in your little intelligent world, all those people must be morons who can't understand art and can't appreciate the genius of a man who has taken one good idea in his whole career and made a hit out of it.

[CofyCrakCocaine]

I got agree with you, I would never compare David Chase to the genius of Aaron Spelling. I mean spelling is behind some of the GREATEST shows of all time... 7th Heaven, Charmed, Models Inc., The Love Boat, Charlies Angels, Fantasy Island, and of course the epic and untouched Beverly Hills 90210. I have a feeling you might be one of those people that made Spiderman the number one movie of all time.

1 out of the 5 I mentioned. I'm impressed. Have fun having an orgasm watching reruns of the Rockford Files.

I am not a fan of the Rockford Files or shows similar to it. Thus I have a difficult time believing my love for that show matches your love of Luke Perry and Rose Macgowan's epic works.


http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u46/CofyCrakCocaine/geekfight.jpg

[booster11373]

The ending was filled with a lot of symbolism and sub-text which most likely disappointed the people who were looking for some kind of typical mob movie ending.

I had my problems with the Sopranos as much as anybody else but I remain a fan of the show and thought the ending
was...........http://www.wurst-wasser.net/Wurst-Wasser.net/Pictures/Wiki/Projects/blank.jpg

[AKA]

Now see, if you all just realized that The Wire is an infinitely better show that damn well deserves the "best show on TV EVER" praise more than anything else, this frustration could have been avoided. Plus, it's actually bucked the trend and gotten better with each year, and they're going out with a planned conclusion after this next season, the 5th and final one. Get on board while you still can, scrubs.

Troll.

[Furtherman]

Now see, if you all just realized that The Wire is an infinitely better show that damn well deserves the "best show on TV EVER" praise more than anything else, this frustration could have been avoided. Plus, it's actually bucked the trend and gotten better with each year, and they're going out with a planned conclusion after this next season, the 5th and final one. Get on board while you still can, scrubs.

Mojo, you'll be pleased to know that after years reading your love for The Wire (and a few other friends of mine too), I've picked up the first season and watched the first three episodes last night. I'm looking forward to getting into this series.

[underdog]

Amazing how those Pirates and Spiderman movies are near the top of the highest grossing movies of all time list. Imagine that. Tons and tons of stupid people, right?

Fez?

My wife's favorite movies ever are the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, but even she's not going to sit down and try to convince me that they are great movies.

And have you watched the news at all? This country is filled with tons and tons of stupid people.

[AKA]

Amazing how those Pirates and Spiderman movies are near the top of the highest grossing movies of all time list. Imagine that. Tons and tons of stupid people, right?


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/curtoid/54.jpg

[kevcala]

Amazing how those Pirates and Spiderman movies are near the top of the highest grossing movies of all time list. Imagine that. Tons and tons of stupid people, right?

But of course, in your little intelligent world, all those people must be morons who can't understand art and can't appreciate the genius of a man who has taken one good idea in his whole career and made a hit out of it.

Were you being sarcastic?

[Earlshog]

Now see, if you all just realized that The Wire is an infinitely better show that damn well deserves the "best show on TV EVER" praise more than anything else, this frustration could have been avoided. Plus, it's actually bucked the trend and gotten better with each year, and they're going out with a planned conclusion after this next season, the 5th and final one. Get on board while you still can, scrubs.

Not to hijack this bloodbath of a thread, Mojo I read rumors they may do a sixth season on illegal immigration.

Have they said when season five will start?


Now back to the battle of pseudo intellectuals and ham and eggers

[mildly amusing]

aside from whether or not you liked the ending (i did) the amount of buzz Chase created by ending it the way he did is incredible, and for that he's genius...less than 2 days after it aired, this thread alone has 300 new posts, imagine all the posts on all the countless boards, especially those devoted to the Sopranos...

I missed R&F yesterday, but I listened to O&A bash the finale, it gave them about 4 hours of content over two days...not bad for something that "sucked"

[King Imp]

My wife's favorite movies ever are the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, but even she's not going to sit down and try to convince me that they are great movies.

Find once where I said they were great movies. No, they are not, but what they are is popular and entertaining. Imagine that, wanting fun and entertainment when I watch something vs some faux art.

Listen, this could go back and forth forever, but what's the point. Some of you like it, but the majority didn't. That's fact, deal with it. We're not some low intellect morons that don't "get it" like you think. We just expected something different and from the reaction all over the country, there are a lot more of us.

I just want to say one last thing. People always say how this wasn't a show about the mob and it was more about Tony's families. Guess what, I don't disagree or argue there. What I do dispute is David Chase's "genius" behind making us care about both. For the most part, who really cared about family #1 (Carm, the kids, etc.)? I know I sure didn't and so didn't many, many others from what I've read.
Did you care about A.J.'s depression, or his relationship with Blanca, or his fuckups at school that almost got him sent to military school? I sure as hell didn't.
Did you care about about Meadow and Noah, or Finn, or her desire to save the world by fighting for civil rights? I sure as hell didn't.
Did you care about Carmella wanting to fuck Father Phil, or her oh so exciting trip to Paris with Rosalie Aprile, or her infamous spec house? I sure as hell didn't.
I won't even go into Janice as a huge sigh would usually go up throughout America anytime she was ever seen or heard on screen.
The only family member that was really of any interest was Uncle Jun and even then it could be said that it was because of family #2 (the mob) and not because if his relationship to Tony.

If David Chase was such a genuis, then we should have cared about all aspects of this show and frankly many people didn't. That why some of us focused on and enjoyed the other part and that was the mob aspect.

[Disaster]

Chase uses music to tell the story also have you listened to the song. There are many way to take the words in this song.

“Strangers, waiting, up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlight people, living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night

Working hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Paying anything to roll the dice
Just one more time
Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on”


Just another way he leaves the viewer to come to his own conclusion on what happed. I mean he has this song in the end and what do you take from it. It tells a story on its own.

[Crispy123]

How can you people disparage Jim Rockford?

[TheMojoPin]

Not to hijack this bloodbath of a thread, Mojo I read rumors they may do a sixth season on illegal immigration.

Have they said when season five will start?


Now back to the battle of pseudo intellectuals and ham and eggers

God, I hope they don't do a sixth season. David Simon and co. have always said from day one that they have a five season-arc in mind, and that's it. I'd prefer to see them stick to the plan since everything has gone so great so far, and it really is shapping up to be good and done after this final season. Besides, they kind of sorta did illegal immigration with season two and the girls in the shipping containers. I mean, that's really going to be the brunt of what kind of a "frontline" a city like Baltimore would have in terms of illegal immigration, people coming in by sea.

Season 5 is shooting now, wrapping up, actually, and should air this fall, starting in September.

[pennington]

I was half expecting Chase was holding back more of the ending for the DVD to boost sales. But according to the phone interview he gave to the Star-Ledger yesterday, this is it. An HBO spokesman also said there were no alternate endings filmed.

Chase knew what a steaming pile this was, he even went to France before it aired. This has to affect future DVD sales. What a waste...

[lleeder]

Chase uses music to tell the story also have you listened to the song. There are many way to take the words in this song.

“Strangers, waiting, up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlight people, living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night

Working hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Paying anything to roll the dice
Just one more time
Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on”


Just another way he leaves the viewer to come to his own conclusion on what happed. I mean he has this song in the end and what do you take from it. It tells a story on its own.

Its a sad day when we are forced to "look into" Journey lyrics. Listen to the words...Man.

[Snacks]

chase is arogant.

He has the right to end his show any way he wanted, but atleast tell us fans why. Instead he went on vacation to get away from all this (IMO). Look at what he says.

"I have no interest in explaining, defending, reinterpreting or adding to what is there," he told the newspaper of the series-ending, Journey-scored scene. "I hear some people were very angry and others were not, which is what I expected."


http://tv.yahoo.com/the-sopranos/show/218/news/urn:newsml:tv.eonline.com:20070612:e388f0a05eb5_4d 21_b8e3_881733c470c2__ER

Thanks for making us waste our time for 8 years (6 seasons). But what should I expect from him after he ended the show like that? I shouldnt expect an explanation b/c he just doesnt care he has made his money.

[MikeB]

chase is arogant.

He has the right to end his show any way he wanted, but atleast tell us fans why. Instead he went on vacation to get away from all this (IMO). Look at what he says.

"I have no interest in explaining, defending, reinterpreting or adding to what is there," he told the newspaper of the series-ending, Journey-scored scene. "I hear some people were very angry and others were not, which is what I expected."


http://tv.yahoo.com/the-sopranos/show/218/news/urn:newsml:tv.eonline.com:20070612:e388f0a05eb5_4d 21_b8e3_881733c470c2__ER

Thanks for making us waste our time for 8 years (6 seasons). But what should I expect from him after he ended the show like that? I shouldnt expect an explanation b/c he just doesnt care he has made his money.
Chase gave away millions when he said he would not original score the show so I dunno questioning his artist integrity is right.

It would be stupid to explain the ending to just appease those that need everything to come spoon fed.
Does Ron need to explain the jokes he does on the show? Oh wait he must only care about the money.

[Furtherman]

The more people I see pissed off, the more I love Chase.

Well done sir. They will be talking about this years and years from now. What else could a director want?

[BoondockSaint]

The more people I see pissed off, the more I love Chase.

Well done sir. They will be talking about this years and years from now. What else could a director want?

Couldn't agree more. My only problem is that I've had that fucking Journey song stuck in my head all week.

[TheMojoPin]

I laugh my ass off when people talk about "wasting time" watching a TV show, as if the finale not being what they wanted only makes it wasted time, otherwise it's time well spent.

I don't care how good it is, IT'S STILL JUST A TV SHOW. You were wasting time no matter how good the show was by sitting in front of a glowing, talking box doing nothing.

[lleeder]

I have a question about the cat. Some people said it was Christopher and others said it was Adrianna. Another name for cat is pussy. Was the cat Big Pussy? Pauly saw Pussy in an earlier episode and now pussy was reunited with Pauly.

[keithy_19]

I loved the ending. I think that Chase made the most shocking ending by not having anything shocking happen. And to me there was some closure with the Soprano family and stuff.

Pete got killed. Everyone wanted him dead.
AJ was happy again and laughing about the president rather than going into his political rants.
Meadow was going to be making good money working for that law firm.
Tony, in my opinion, came to terms that Uncle Jr didn't know what he was doignw hen he shot him.

LOVED IT.

[MikeB]

I have a question about the cat. Some people said it was Christopher and others said it was Adrianna. Another name for cat is pussy. Was the cat Big Pussy? Pauly saw Pussy in an earlier episode and now pussy was reunited with Pauly.

Anyone who thinks the cat was suppose to be anyone other than christopher is silly. Paulie did not have a history of problems with anyone other than Chrissy.

[RogerPodacter]

Let me clarify some things for everybody. People keep saying that nobody had any reason to whack Tony at the end. Thats wrong. NY OK'd the Phil hit, but NEVER in front of personal family like that. Tony was indeed killed, meticulously waiting for all members of Tony's family to arrive at the diner so that they all witnessed the hit. For the NY mob boss to go out like that re-opened some personal feelings which caused him to have the favor returned.

Phil was killed when he least expected it, saying "bye bye, grandpop" to his grandkids, in front of his real family. The only logical payback would be to return the favor to the Soprano family.

David Chase spelled it out pretty clear with the Bobby conversation about not hearing it coming; everything going black. And the nail in the coffin is the way the final scene went down. Each Soprano arrived, one by one, to meet Tony. When the final piece was in place, i.e. Meadow walking thru the door, the bathroom guy put a bullet thru his head. That’s why he kept eyeing up the family, watching the table fill with each Soprano. When he heard Carm mention that Meadow was on her way, her retreated to the bathroom to get ready for a clean shot. Even the circumstances were the same as Phils hit, i.e. Tony was totally happy and off-gaurd, chatting with his family, and things were good between them all for once. The hits of each mob boss was earily similar. Each boss was killed by a virtual nobody from the other family (that’s why we don’t recognize the shady looking guy). Phil was killed by a low ranking member of Tony’s crew, and vice versa. Tony was killed; the family watched it happen. That was the payback.<o:p></o:p>

[RogerPodacter]

This link almost sums it up, with a few things wrong.

http://www.thesopranos.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3873

[MikeB]

Many things were wrong and he takes so absurd leaps. At one point he calls Carlo "Carlos." Why would Phil have some people in place to kill Tony if he himself died? Phil had no reason to believe he was going to be found and killed. And the idea NY would come back and do it because Jersey killed Phil in front of his family has pretty much has been pretty much been discounted by Chase's recent interview. He thought Butch was a smart guy that knew Phil was getting caught up in personal grudges, so why would he himself do that. How could you come away with the idea the first woman looks like an FBI agent? She is suppose to be Janice/his mom. He contemplates that Tony imagined "Don't stop believing" being there?! He also ignores Tony Bennett's "Lonely Place" which I thought was the easiest thing to pick up. All these FBI agents are watching Tony eat? They know he does not discuss business with his family so there is no reason for them to be there. "This explains the reason for the long-winded sequence where Meadow is parking her car. " Yea that was in there for no reason other than pass time. Ha. Why would the "assassin" need to hide his weapons in a bathroom at a famous onion ring place.
This guy is looking for a Michael Mann movie instead of a show that relied so much on metaphors.

I think too many people are looking for a conclusion and this guy definitely was at every turn. I honestly don't believe there is some sort of conclusion to be taken away from this last scene. The people in there are no "assassins" instead they represent Tony's past, present, and potential futures. Only the viewer is wacked at the end.

[Furtherman]

I think too many people are looking for a conclusion and this guy definitely was at every turn. I honestly don't believe there is some sort of conclusion to be taken away from this last scene. The people in there are no "assassins" instead they represent Tony's past, present, and potential futures. Only the viewer is wacked at the end.


Exactly.

Besides, if Tony got whacked and the blackout represented the "never see it coming" line, we would have seen Meadow come through the door, over Carmella's shoulder, from Tony's point of view.

Tony lived, but will always have to look up and out when someone enters a room.

[RogerPodacter]

Many things were wrong and he takes so absurd leaps. At one point he calls Carlo "Carlos." Why would Phil have some people in place to kill Tony if he himself died? Phil had no reason to believe he was going to be found and killed. And the idea NY would come back and do it because Jersey killed Phil in front of his family has pretty much has been pretty much been discounted by Chase's recent interview. He thought Butch was a smart guy that knew Phil was getting caught up in personal grudges, so why would he himself do that. How could you come away with the idea the first woman looks like an FBI agent? She is suppose to be Janice/his mom. He contemplates that Tony imagined "Don't stop believing" being there?! He also ignores Tony Bennett's "Lonely Place" which I thought was the easiest thing to pick up. All these FBI agents are watching Tony eat? They know he does not discuss business with his family so there is no reason for them to be there. "This explains the reason for the long-winded sequence where Meadow is parking her car. " Yea that was in there for no reason other than pass time. Ha. Why would the "assassin" need to hide his weapons in a bathroom at a famous onion ring place.
This guy is looking for a Michael Mann movie instead of a show that relied so much on metaphors.

I think too many people are looking for a conclusion and this guy definitely was at every turn. I honestly don't believe there is some sort of conclusion to be taken away from this last scene. The people in there are no "assassins" instead they represent Tony's past, present, and potential futures. Only the viewer is wacked at the end.

I dont believe any of that crap about the fbi agents or anything. also he didnt have to hide weapons in the bathroom, he needed to shoot T inthe head without him seeing it coming, like Phil's hit.

And you really think that the top guy/mobb boss of NY having his head crunched by a car while his grandkids are locked in it does NOT call for action? thats crazy talk. they would retaliate just on principal alone.

either way, nobody knows. so its over.

[Dougie Brootal]

I dont believe any of that crap about the fbi agents or anything. also he didnt have to hide weapons in the bathroom, he needed to shoot T inthe head without him seeing it coming, like Phil's hit.

And you really think that the top guy/mobb boss of NY having his head crunched by a car while his grandkids are locked in it does NOT call for action? thats crazy talk. they would retaliate just on principal alone.

either way, nobody knows. so its over.

and on top of all that... EINHORN'S A MAN!!!

[RogerPodacter]

"I'm in psychoville and Finkle's the mayor."

[kevcala]

http://www.collegehumor.com/article/tag:thesopranos

[RogerPodacter]

whatever the ending was supposed to portray, it could have been done better.

[MikeB]

whatever the ending was supposed to portray, it could have been done better.
no.

[MikeB]

And you really think that the top guy/mobb boss of NY having his head crunched by a car while his grandkids are locked in it does NOT call for action? thats crazy talk. they would retaliate just on principal alone.
Chase fn' told you Butch thought Phil was letting personal feelings get in the way of business. That post you thought pretty much summed it up was stupid, face it.

[pennington]

My theory is that some people are reading too much into this episode. Chase is very good at creating characters and scenarios but must have ADD. He loses interest in story lines like the Russian, the Arabs, Melfi's rape, etc and moves on.

So he didn't actually have an ending and said screw it and ended it mid sentence leaving the main characters alive (except for Christopher) just in case, in his words, an idea pops into his head for a movie.

[Bay Ridge Tim]

Has anyone seen the alternate ending? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EwUG2nSLdw

[RogerPodacter]

I just think that if the black screen did not mean death, then Chase would have did a normal fade out and played the music thru the credits, like any other normal ending. He also wanted to skip the credits for the finale to add the death effect, but was not allowed due to legal reasons. Just my interpretation anyway...but its over so i'm done with it.

[RogerPodacter]

Not to beat it to death, but an HBO rep came out and said some interesting things about Chase's intent in the final scene.

http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN0644006120070615

More or less the intent was that Tony was killed. Whether you guys think it was poorly executed is another story.

[johnniewalker]

Not to beat it to death, but an HBO rep came out and said some interesting things about Chase's intent in the final scene.

http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN0644006120070615

More or less the intent was that Tony was killed. Whether you guys think it was poorly executed is another story.

I hate that they have to tell us that that's what happened. We should be able to put together the most likely scenario.

[MikeB]

I hate that they have to tell us that that's what happened. We should be able to put together the most likely scenario.

I dont see anywhere in there where chase points one way or the other. If you really want an answer from the article I think it is that Tony lived for the fact he used "some" becuase most have thought the black means tony is dead.

[Judge Smails]

Just a thought: If Tony is really dead, I guess that leaves Paulie as next in line. So, Paulie's in charge of New Jersey and Little Carmine's in charge of New York? Those guys are going to run this thing of ours into the ground in no time at all. The FBI can start concentrating full-time on terrorism because these mooks are no longer any threat.

[RogerPodacter]

I dont see anywhere in there where chase points one way or the other. If you really want an answer from the article I think it is that Tony lived for the fact he used "some" becuase most have thought the black means tony is dead.


"I think that is one of the most legitimate things to look at," Schaffer said when asked about theories that the Bobby Bacala flashback was meant to foreshadow Tony's death.

Well thats the way i take the above statement.

[badorties]

Not to beat it to death, but an HBO rep came out and said some interesting things about Chase's intent in the final scene.

http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN0644006120070615

More or less the intent was that Tony was killed. Whether you guys think it was poorly executed is another story.

i think this is the most fucked up thing a corporation can do to an artist ... why dissolve the illusion, it was pretty much fifty/fifty what happened ... there's no need to over-explain things -- the fans would go back and catch things

i love chase, and his ending, even more now

[EliSnow]

i think this is the most fucked up thing a corporation can do to an artist ... why dissolve the illusion, it was pretty much fifty/fifty what happened ... there's no need to over-explain things -- the fans would go back and catch things

i love chase, and his ending, even more now

When I read the article, what I said to myself was that this guy doesn't really know what Chase meant, but like everyone else, has his opinion.

That's one thing about art. One person can look at something and get something out of it and another person sees the same thing but gets another thing out of it. It doesn't mean one is right and the other wrong. The way Chase set this up means neither is wrong. If you think that it's better if Tony is whacked, well you can interpet the ending that way, if not, well then you can interpret it another way.

[MikeB]

"I think that is one of the most legitimate things to look at," Schaffer said when asked about theories that the Bobby Bacala flashback was meant to foreshadow Tony's death.

Well thats the way i take the above statement.

haha that is Schaffer not Chase saying that. This Schaffer guy is just worried about the idiots that think the ending some how ruined the hours and hours they spent watching this show and thus not invest time in other HBO shows.

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

Interesting point of view from a former TV writer. (http://www.bobharris.com/content/view/1406/1/)

Kind of wordy and he tends to reiterate many of his points.

[Doogie]

Has anyone seen the alternate ending? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EwUG2nSLdw

Ok I laughed my ass off at that. That was fantastic...

[MikeB]

Interesting point of view from a former TV writer. (http://www.bobharris.com/content/view/1406/1/)

Kind of wordy and he tends to reiterate many of his points.

finally got around to watching the much-debated Sopranos finale last night. I haven’t seen the show much in years
Yea I think most people should stop reading his point of view after that line.

[ChimneyFish]

"I went ahead, and ordered for the table."

I'm listening to Mondays show.
I think Ronnie really summed it up.:tongue:

[Bulldogcakes]

A lot has been made of the Journey song, so here's the lyrics.


Just a small town girl
Living in a lonely world
She took the midnight train going anywhere
Just a city boy
Born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train going anywhere

A singer in a smoky room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on

{Refrain}
Strangers, waiting, up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlight people, living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night

Working hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Paying anything to roll the dice
Just one more time
Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on

{Refrain}

Don't stop believing
Hold on to that feeling
Streetlight people

[MikeB]

A lot has been made of the Journey song, so here's the lyrics.

I didnt put as much as others did into the song until I heard Chase thought of the song before the shooting of the scene and he said people were against it and then he explained, thus there must be something to it.

I think the song (and name of the artist) adds to the proof that its full of metaphors about his past, present and possible futures and that he lives through dinner.

[Bulldogcakes]

Here's a problem I have with people who talk about all the ambiguity in the show and the story lines, and the ending just being more of the same.

Was there ambiguity for Philly Leotardo? For Bobby Bacala? For Jackie Jr, (Tony's cousin) Tony Blundetto, Tracee the stripper, Ritchie Aprile, Ralph Cifaretto, Johnny Sacks, Vito Spatafore, Big Pussy, on and on and on. Actually, MOST of the main characters on the show ended up dead outside of Tony's family, who aren't involved in his business. The ambiguity being "more of the same" holds no water with me. For every Russian I'll give you 3 dead main characters.

[Mafialife Chris]

Can i review this thread, since my segment was whacked?

The Legacy lives on!!
(the show, not my segment, calm down folks. lol)

[TheMojoPin]

Here's a problem I have with people who talk about all the ambiguity in the show and the story lines, and the ending just being more of the same.

Was there ambiguity for Philly Leotardo? For Bobby Bacala? For Jackie Jr, (Tony's cousin) Tony Blundetto, Tracee the stripper, Ritchie Aprile, Ralph Cifaretto, Johnny Sacks, Vito Spatafore, Big Pussy, on and on and on. Actually, MOST of the main characters on the show ended up dead outside of Tony's family, who aren't involved in his business. The ambiguity being "more of the same" holds no water with me. For every Russian I'll give you 3 dead main characters.

But none of them was as important as Tony. Looking at it that way, doesn't he "deserve more" than those other characters? And ending like this gives him and us a ton of options. The other guys are just dead and gone.

[RogerPodacter]

haha that is Schaffer not Chase saying that. This Schaffer guy is just worried about the idiots that think the ending some how ruined the hours and hours they spent watching this show and thus not invest time in other HBO shows.


"While he won't say to me 100 percent what it all means, he says some people who've guessed have come closer than others," HBO spokesman Quentin Schaffer told Reuters after speaking to Chase.
"There are definitely things there that he intended for people to pick up on," Schaffer said.

You dont think he ever talked to Chase before about the finale's intentions? You dont think that Chase said to him something like, hey after reading some of the blogs and the news stories about the finale, maybe we oughtta clarify it a little bit. The above quote says it all. Blah blah AFTER SPEAKING WITH CHASE. I think there was a little planning there.

[Recyclerz]

For those of you who didn't like the "official" ending of The Sopranos, Slate has collected a selection of alternate endings from You Tube.

http://www.slate.com/id/2168695/ (http://Clicky)

Nothing of Sleeves or Mooch quality but check it out anyway.

[MikeB]

You dont think he ever talked to Chase before about the finale's intentions? You dont think that Chase said to him something like, hey after reading some of the blogs and the news stories about the finale, maybe we oughtta clarify it a little bit. The above quote says it all. Blah blah AFTER SPEAKING WITH CHASE. I think there was a little planning there.

He did not quote him. Just because you talk to someone about an issue does not mean your opinion is now one in the same as that persons on the issue in question.

[EliSnow]

I don't think anyone has posted this blog yet, but if they have, I'm sorry to duplicate.

But anyway in this blog, the author gives a lot of information as to why:

Tony Soprano didn’t just get whacked; he practically got a funeral (http://www.bobharris.com/content/view/1406/1)

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

I don't think anyone has posted this blog yet, but if they have, I'm sorry to duplicate.

But anyway in this blog, the author gives a lot of information as to why:

Tony Soprano didn’t just get whacked; he practically got a funeral (http://www.bobharris.com/content/view/1406/1)

Hmmmm, looks familiar.

Interesting point of view from a former TV writer.

Kind of wordy and he tends to reiterate many of his points.

[Furtherman]

I read that (Mizz Fuzzys post!) and although I think he has some good points, overall I think he's looking too much into it. I still think Tony lives.

[EliSnow]

Hmmmm, looks familiar.

Yeah, I figured someone covered it, but wasn't certain. Sorry to repeat.

[Furtherman]

James Gandolfini Shot By Closure-Seeking Fan (http://www.theonion.com/content/news/james_gandolfini_shot_by_closure)

http://www.theonion.com/content/files/images/James-Gandolfini.article.jpg

[King Imp]

Tony Soprano didn't die, suggests David Chase (http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/10/23/tv.sopranos.davidchase.ap/index.html)

[epo]

It's on the front page of Yahoo as well. (http://tv.yahoo.com/show/218/news/urn:newsml:tv.ap.org:20071023:tv_sopranos_david_ch ase__ER:69581)

[Bulldogcakes]

Link (http://jischinger.wordpress.com/2007/06/29/sopranos-james-gandolfini-shot-by-closure-seeking-fan/)

http://www.theonion.com/content/files/images/James-Gandolfini.jpg

NEW YORK—Actor James Gandolfini, best known for his portrayal of mob kingpin Tony Soprano on the hit HBO show The Sopranos, was shot to death Tuesday in a Greenwich Village restaurant by a fan unable to accept the open-ended conclusion of the series finale that aired earlier this month.

According to police reports, 28-year-old marketing research assistant Louis Bowen walked into the small Italian restaurant Occhiuto’s at approximately 7:40 p.m. and headed directly toward Gandolfini’s table. Bowen then drew a snub-nosed .38 revolver from his jacket and shot Gandolfini point-blank in the head three times before dropping the gun and calmly exiting the eatery.

Bowen was apprehended two blocks away by two NYPD officers and reportedly put up no resistance.

“I couldn’t let it just hang,” Bowen told police in a post-arrest confession released to the media. “Eight years of my life, and a fucking artsy cut to black? It was eating me up inside.”

In his statement, Bowen also used the word “betrayal” to describe the series’s resolution, which he was convinced set up a climactic death for the sociopathic mafia don. The realization that Soprano’s brutal life of constant fear and anxiety would have no real end slowly drove the obsessed Bowen over the edge.

“I had to tie up the loose ends, I just had to,” Bowen said. “I’m positive this is exactly how [creator and executive producer] David Chase wanted fans to interpret the ending.”

Love the Onion. Just found this. About a year late, but still funny.



EDIT-I really should read back a few posts back before posting. You'll have to excuse me, I'm accustomed to skipping over a lot of posts in the Yankee thread.

[badorties]

The Sopranos: Definitive Explanation of “The END” (http://masterofsopranos.wordpress.com/the-sopranos-definitive-explanation-of-the-end/)

INTRODUCTION:

“If you look at the final episode really carefully, it’s all there.”* These are David Chase’s words regarding the finale of the Sopranos. He is right, it is “all there”. This is the definitive explanation of why Tony died in Holsten’s in the final scene of The Sopranos. The following is based on a thorough analysis of the final season of the show and will clear up one of the most misunderstood endings in film or television history. Chase took almost 2 years to construct the final season of the show after the fifth season ended in June of 2004. Part 1 will show how Chase directed, edited and scored the final scene of the Sopranos to lead to the interpretation that Tony was shot in the head in Holsten’s and how this ties into the “never hear it happen” concept that Chase hammered into the viewer before the show’s final scene. Part I will also discuss (and debunk) the other theories about the end including the “Tony always looking over his shoulder” interpretation. Part II, will concentrate on what Tony’s death means and how his death was thematically constructed throughout the final season. Part III will focus on the use of symbolism in Holsten’s. Part IV will focus on “The Godfather” influence on the final season and Tony’s death. Part V will focus on how the final episode and final scene are linked to America’s war on terrorism. Part VI will concentrate on the “fun stuff” created by Chase and his creative team to foreshadow Tony’s death. Finally Part VII will discuss the possible inspiration of two films on the ending of “The Sopranos”. Some of these topics will overlap but the ultimate conclusion is the same, Tony’s death is the only ending that makes sense.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Part I: How David Chase killed Tony Soprano: A look at the directing and editing in the final scene and the “Never hear it Happen” concept laid out by David Chase. Plus a closer look at why the other theories about the end just don’t hold up.

Part II: What does Tony’s death mean? How the themes of the final season and all 86 hours of the show lead to a family dinner in a small diner in New Jersey.

Part III: The Symbology of Holsten’s.

Part IV: The final season and “The Godfather”.

Part V: How 9/11, terrorism and the U.S. war in Iraq unlock the keys to the final scene in Holsten’s.

Part VI: Miscellaneous “Fun Stuff” that could only be created by David Chase.

Part VII: “The Public Enemy” and “Goodfellas” influence on the end of The Sopranos.

[King Imp]

I'm sure some good points were made in there, but that was too long a read to get into. Especially since it contradicts what David Chase himself said. He suggested shortly after the ending that Tony wasn't dead so to read a thesis on why he is dead seems like a waste of time to me.

[pennington]

I'm sure some good points were made in there, but that was too long a read to get into. Especially since it contradicts what David Chase himself said. He suggested shortly after the ending that Tony wasn't dead so to read a thesis on why he is dead seems like a waste of time to me.

Plus a few months ago there was a small article in The Star-Ledger where the guy that owns Satin Dolls (which was The Bada Bing in the show) was going to remodel the inside of the club but one of the Sopranos production people told him to put those plans on hold because there is supposedly going to be a movie.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/03/club_owner_says_sopranos_movie.html

[cougarjake13]

man that took about an hour to read

very thorough but its all subjective

only chase himself can confirm or contradict

[Furtherman]

Plus a few months ago there was a small article in The Star-Ledger where the guy that owns Satin Dolls (which was The Bada Bing in the show) was going to remodel the inside of the club but one of the Sopranos production people told him to put those plans on hold because there is supposedly going to be a movie.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/03/club_owner_says_sopranos_movie.html

Chase Closes Door On Sopranos
10 July 2008 9:06 AM, PDT

A Sopranos movie will never happen - because creator David Chase can't decide how to take the mob drama to the big screen.

Rumours of a film have circulated since the last episode of the Emmy-winning series aired last year, and a number of castmembers have voiced their support for a cinema adaptation.

But film maker Peter Bogdanovich, who has appeared in and directed several episodes of the show, claims Chase told him privately it will never happen.

Bogdanovich says, "I spoke to David Chase about it a month ago, and he said no.

"He said he thought about it, and he can't figure a way to do it.

"So I don't think it will ever happen. I don't think you can ever say never, but my hunch is it won't happen."

[pennington]

I wonder if Bogdanovich did his Hitchcock impression for the reporter.

I do believe Chase doesn't have a story idea, he's said he's agonized over this the whole run of the series (this is why it took so long between seasons). I think after enough time and enough $$$ being offered, he'll come up with something. Or maybe not, this whole subject seems to exhaust him.

[CountryBob]

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Its been awhile - this is a good refresher...

[Dell]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Tz_Ees_-kE4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Its been awhile - this is a good refresher...

that was good...I'm glad other shows followed them to cable

[asayresk]

that was good...I'm glad other shows followed them to cable

I bet that fat fuck Bacala is still fat.

[CountryBob]

I bet that fat fuck Bacala is still fat.

Damn, he was a lard ass

[PapaBear]

Looks like Lillo will finally be able to hook back up with Jane... (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/sopranos-actor-linked-death-released-prison-article-1.1561923)

“Sopranos” actor Lillo Brancato will ring in the New Year a free man after serving less than 10 years for a botched Bronx burglary that led to the murder of an NYPD cop.
Brancato’s scheduled Tuesday release from the upstate Hudson Correctional Facility sickened Yolanda Rosa, the sister of slain Officer Daniel Enchautegui.
“I was just in shock,” Rosa, 49, told the Daily News Monday. “I wasn’t thinking about him coming out and now here he comes.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/sopranos-actor-linked-death-released-prison-article-1.1561923#ixzz2p1fWnLsc

[CountryBob]

switching channels and ran into the final episode of the Sopranos - now I am sad.
On the short list of my favorite shows of all time and Gandolfini dying, my lord how awesome was this show?

wadda ya gonna do?
Gabblegoul!

[cougarjake13]

Def no movie now
O well

[Kevin]

switching channels and ran into the final episode of the Sopranos - now I am sad.
On the short list of my favorite shows of all time and Gandolfini dying, my lord how awesome was this show?

wadda ya gonna do?
Gabblegoul!

Honestly.. After season 2... not so much...

[pennington]

Honestly.. After season 2... not so much...

I bought the entire series on DVD and I had forgotten how good the first few seasons were. Then Tony's mother died and his sister Janice came back full time. As I watched it I started fast-forwarding through any scenes with Janice (nothing against the actress, it is the character). Then I started fast-forwarding through Tony's marital woes.

There was speculation about a Soprano's prequel involving Tony's father and Uncle Junior. That would be interesting. What would be nice is if David Chase did it as a novel first and then possibly make it like a 13 episode HBO mini-series with a definite ending. Unfortunately, I don't think Chase needs the money or has the desire to get involved with this again and it wouldn't be the same if anyone else wrote it.

[realmenhatelife]

I think The Sopranos had two kinds of fans. People who stuck with the show because it started out so strong even though they were not thrilled by it after the first few seasons, and people who genuinely loved it the whole way through.

I am one of the former. I was always amazed when people would talk favorably about the dream episodes. But my brother has rewatched it a few times.


The Sopranos was also a big sea change for TV and I think people got that at the time, which is rare. So it was worth it to watch just because it was groundbreaking for a series to be produced to that level.

Next week, on the Sopranos: Five guys grimacing and shooting their guns then one says "you wont see this ugly bastage no more!"

Then it turned out they were shooting a spare tire for fun and Big Pussy was eating some chinese food.

[sailor]

I didn't get to watch the first few seasons as we didn't have hbo. I always heard how groundbreaking and great it was. People would play episodes at friends houses - without knowing all the details and back story it was fast paced and riveting. By the time I was able to watch regularly (maybe season 4?) it was good, but had slowed down so much. Things didn't happen at the frenetic pace of early on (but how COULD it?) I always thought maybe it was just me and I didn't like it as much as the people who'd watched from the beginning - glad to hear others thought it lost its oomph as well.

[newport king]

I didn't get to watch the first few seasons as we didn't have hbo. I always heard how groundbreaking and great it was. People would play episodes at friends houses - without knowing all the details and back story it was fast paced and riveting. By the time I was able to watch regularly (maybe season 4?) it was good, but had slowed down so much. Things didn't happen at the frenetic pace of early on (but how COULD it?) I always thought maybe it was just me and I didn't like it as much as the people who'd watched from the beginning - glad to hear others thought it lost its oomph as well.

I watched the first 4 seasons of Breaking Bad over the course of a week. It was better watching one per week. Felt the same about The Wire. It was good but the way people carry on about it, i didnt think it was THAT good.

[sailor]

I watched the first 4 seasons of Breaking Bad over the course of a week. It was better watching one per week. Felt the same about The Wire. It was good but the way people carry on about it, i didnt think it was THAT good.

Never watched the wire, but BB (and GoT) ARE that good and get better as the seasons go on.

[newport king]

I think the back to back marathon watching just became a chore to get caught up

[sailor]

I think the back to back marathon watching just became a chore to get caught up

Yeah, we did it over 2-3 months. You're a loon.