The Sopranos Final Season

[Dolla Bill]

Its coming. April 8th is the premiere, and I had to ruin it myself by reading about the first 2 episodes. All I am going to say is they are holding no punches for the remaining episodes.

[dj_stouty]

Its coming. April 8th is the premiere, and I had to ruin it myself by reading about the first 2 episodes. All I am going to say is they are holding no punches for the remaining episodes.

How many total episodes will there be this season?

Don't forget that Entourage premiers immediately following...

[Keino]

How many total episodes will there be this season?

Don't forget that Entourage premiers immediately following...

I think Im looking more forward to Entourage than Sopranos, after last season. I will say that I hope the Sopranos writers got it together and decided to give us a less watered down version of the show we all grew accustomed to watching sans johnny cakes et. al.

[Minnesota Mike]

I can't wait. I've got my TiVo all ready to go!

[helimech24]

I think Im looking more forward to Entourage than Sopranos, after last season. I will say that I hope the Sopranos writers got it together and decided to give us a less watered down version of the show we all grew accustomed to watching sans johnny cakes et. al.I think the writers realize they have to step up their game this season or they will be crucified on the internet.

BTW, I can't wait to see how Arie is in the Entourage, or how big a part he actually has after being fired to end last season.

[Keino]

I think the writers realize they have to step up their game this season or they will be crucified on the internet.

BTW, I can't wait to see how Arie is in the Entourage, or how big a part he actually has after being fired to end last season.

I think Arie's entire focus will be getting Vince back.

[WarEagle]

There were articles about the Sopranos in the latest Time and Newsweek.
I enjoy checking out the Television Without Pity website for the latest Sopranos spoilers and speculation.

[helimech24]

I think Arie's entire focus will be getting Vince back.I think so too, but how far will they draw it out because he is an awesome part of the show, so the writers would be stupid to write him out.

[redskin_rich]

Pretty good 1st episode. Started slow but I knew something was going to happen with Tony and Bobby. Bobby really beat the crap out of Tony and I knew Tony wouldn't let that go but he did the right thing in pressing Bobby into duty. The end scene was pretty touching.

I don't get this whole gun charge on Tony, as far as why the Feds are picking it up. They have already been watching him for years, so I don't see why they would pursue such a small case.

Watching this final season, there is that strong feeling of impending doom, the only question is how it comes.

[The_Sonny_Of_Sammy]

LOL when Tony had the "monopoly house" stuck to his face after Bobby beat him up.

[redskin_rich]

LOL when Tony had the "monopoly house" stuck to his face after Bobby beat him up.
Yeah, that was very symbolic of the humiliation he received, especially when his wife flicked it off. Imagine being beaten in front of your wife and sister by your brother-in-law, who is a big wuss as it is. I knew that wouldn't sit well with Tony but he handled the situation well.

[WarEagle]

It must've really hurt Tony to get punched in the same gut that took a bullet.
No wonder he lost the fight.

Edie Falco has a great body.

[GolfFreak]

I thought it was an OK episode, the fight was the highlight. With only 9 episodes in total though I thought it was weak, but we'll see.

[dj_stouty]

Watching this episode makes me wish I owned a lake house. That was a great house...and perfect location right on the water.

Oh yeah...and the episode wasn't too bad either. ;)

[Keino]

I thought Bobby was stupid for interjecting himself into a Brother/Sister argument, but in the end, Tony had to respect him more than he did. I Also think having Bobby make his bones didn't have anything to do with their fight, but more to do with the fact that Tony plans on entrusting more of the Family business to Bobbby since Christopher has obviously fallen out of favor.

Entourage was better BTW.

[Spence]

I doubt Tony has reconciled himself to Bobby. I'd expect it to come back. As we know, Tony isn't very good at putting things behind him.

[helimech24]

I thought it was a pretty good episode considering the time between this season and last. The fact that Christopher wasn't in it much and when he did call Tony, Tony hung up doesn't look good. I think Bobby was in Tony's favor until the fight.

My Bold prediction: Tony in Jail, Christopher killed by the gang, and Bobby in control.

[dj_stouty]

I thought it was a pretty good episode considering the time between this season and last. The fact that Christopher wasn't in it much and when he did call Tony, Tony hung up doesn't look good. I think Bobby was in Tony's favor until the fight.

My Bold prediction: Tony in Jail, Christopher killed by the gang, and Bobby in control.

Christopher is definitely getting waxed.

[Dolla Bill]

I thought it was a pretty good episode considering the time between this season and last. The fact that Christopher wasn't in it much and when he did call Tony, Tony hung up doesn't look good. I think Bobby was in Tony's favor until the fight.

My Bold prediction: Tony in Jail, Christopher killed by the gang, and Bobby in control.


I think Bobby is gonna be in jail right along with Tony. He left way too much evidence with his first hit. It was also a little weird that he was talking with Tony about how far DNA forensics have come. He is going to get pegged for that murder.

[helimech24]

I think Bobby is gonna be in jail right along with Tony. He left way too much evidence with his first hit. It was also a little weird that he was talking with Tony about how far DNA forensics have come. He is going to get pegged for that murder.The only thing that might help Bobby is the fact it was in Canada.

[helimech24]

Christopher is definitely getting waxed.I think AJ is walking on thin ice too, I just don't know what will happen with him.

[Dolla Bill]

I think AJ is walking on thin ice too, I just don't know what will happen with him.


A very good plot point to drive things home would be to have something happen to AJ or Meadow. That would cause Tony's world to be turned upside down. I didn't even think of it happening in Canada.

[helimech24]

A very good plot point to drive things home would be to have something happen to AJ or Meadow. That would cause Tony's world to be turned upside down. I didn't even think of it happening in Canada.I think it will happen to AJ since he can never get his life straight. I think Meadow stays out of everything to much to be part of it.

[Dolla Bill]

I think it will happen to AJ since he can never get his life straight. I think Meadow stays out of everything to much to be part of it.


Which would hurt Tony even more. His perfect little daughter who is studying to be a pediatrician. Losing either one would hurt, but I think he's got a softer spot for Meadow.

[helimech24]

Which would hurt Tony even more. His perfect little daughter who is studying to be a pediatrician. Losing either one would hurt, but I think he's got a softer spot for Meadow.Very true, and it would be even bigger if it were AJ's fault.

[WarEagle]

Fantastic episode tonight. Tony and Paulie go to Florida to escape some "heat," and things get interesting. I don't want to spoil it for you so I'll stifle myself now. I got a real charge out of seeing Big Pu**y in a dream sequence. :eek:

[GolfFreak]

Fantastic episode tonight. Tony and Paulie go to Florida to escape some "heat," and things get interesting. I don't want to spoil it for you so I'll stifle myself now. I got a real charge out of seeing Big Pu**y in a dream sequence. :eek:


Yeah, it was funny to see him. I really thought Paulie was gone, but glad Tony didn't go through with it. Only 6 episodes left, this better start heating up more so we're going to be left disappointed.

[dj_stouty]

Tonight's episode was slow and boring...and nothing really came out of it.

[redskin_rich]

Tonight's episode was slow and boring...and nothing really came out of it.
Yeah, too much trip down memory lane. I thought it was funny when Tony and Pauli went to Culpeper looking for ome old seedy motel, only to find a modern, upscale hotel there. It would have been more believable had they kept to Fredericksburg.

They keep whacking the potential leaders in NY, noone's going to be left but Phil Leotardo.

[Keino]

Tonight's episode was slow and boring...and nothing really came out of it.


Entirely too much time in the Mental institution. Once again, Entourage was better.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Entirely too much time in the Mental institution. Once again, Entourage was better.
I agree. The only thing I was thinking was maybe this is the ribbon on the Junior Soprano story. Then, I guess the episode had some meaning to tie up loose ends on an important character, but overall the episode was dull.

[Minnesota Mike]

Way too much Junior for my taste. I did like the Tony and Paulie road trip though.

And look out now for Phil. Things are about to get ugly.

And this is the second week in a row that they made big deal about the newspaper at the end of the driveway... hmm.

[akhhorus]

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

I love(d) the Sopranos, but is David Mamet writing for them? Get John Milius in there....STAT!

[WarEagle]

Chase wants me to believe that Tony has become a degenerate gambler? And I don't care about Vito's troubled son (although the shower scene was funny). I never would have guessed they would need such "filler" in the final season.

[redskin_rich]

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

I love(d) the Sopranos, but is David Mamet writing for them? Get John Milius in there....STAT!
AGREED! And using scat to disturb is the lowest of the low.

[dj_stouty]

AGREED! And using scat to disturb is the lowest of the low.

Nothing more grody than a kid stepping on poop the shower in front of his peers.

With very few episodes left, why on earth are they feeding us this storyline with so much detail?

[GolfFreak]

I never would have guessed they would need such "filler" in the final season.

Yeah really ... so much for the final season. They need to go out with a bang!

[helimech24]

These episodes have been so horrible. They aren't killing anyone important, actually they are doing the exact opposite. They are killing off people that have had no bearing on the show just to say they are killing still. I am really getting sick of it, and I look forward to watching Entourage more than the Sorpanos at this point.

[WarEagle]

These episodes have been so horrible. They aren't killing anyone important, actually they are doing the exact opposite. They are killing off people that have had no bearing on the show just to say they are killing still. I am really getting sick of it, and I look forward to watching Entourage more than the Sorpanos at this point.

Entourage was pretty darn good last night. :)

As for Sopranos, maybe Johnny Cakes can do us all a favor next week and go postal at the Bada Bing.

[Keino]

These episodes have been so horrible. They aren't killing anyone important, actually they are doing the exact opposite. They are killing off people that have had no bearing on the show just to say they are killing still. I am really getting sick of it, and I look forward to watching Entourage more than the Sorpanos at this point.

I agree with this. And the whole Hesh/$200K Storyline was just dumb. I wish someone would just off Tony and they can call it a day. This season is picking right up where the previous craptacular season left off.

[WarEagle]

Tonight's episode, "Walk Like a Man" was great. A great deal of tension, violence, and a murder. I think Christopher is skating on thin ice. If the rest of this season's writing is as good as this episode, I'll be happy.

[akhhorus]

OMFG

Did see it coming, but not that way.....OMFG.

[WarEagle]

OMFG[/B].

OMFG seems to be the universal reaction of Sopranos fans around the internets tonight. Christufuh was lucky he wasn't whacked for the Adriana incident. Long overdue.

[GolfFreak]

OMFG seems to be the universal reaction of Sopranos fans around the internets tonight. Christufuh was lucky he wasn't whacked for the Adriana incident. Long overdue.


Yeah, finally a good episode! We got home late last night so my wife went to bed while I watched the show ... I wanted to run up and wake her to see the 1st few minutes.

[Dolla Bill]

Can anyone give us a recap?

Edit: Nevermind. Wow....that was harsh. It was way overdue though.

[Keino]

With only 3 episodes left, last night's decent episode notwithstanding, I think this season has been as bad if not worse than last season...Johnny Cakes and all.


I can't wait for this to end, just because it has been so agonizing getting to this point.

[BurgundyNGold]

With only 3 episodes left, last night's decent episode notwithstanding, I think this season has been as bad if not worse than last season...Johnny Cakes and all.


I can't wait for this to end, just because it has been so agonizing getting to this point.
Really, the whole thing is anticlimatic. Tony is either going to get whacked or pinched. I don't see how it can turn out any different.

[Keino]

Really, the whole thing is anticlimatic. Tony is either going to get whacked or pinched. I don't see how it can turn out any different.

He could get whacked by the FBI who pin the arrest warrant to his cadaver. LOL

[BurgundyNGold]

He could get whacked by the FBI who pin the arrest warrant to his cadaver. LOL
LOL, I hadn't thought of that one.

[Keino]

BTW - I agree that Crissy needed to be taken out, but cmon....Doesn't anyone here think that it was done in such a cowardly way that would seem in opposition to how Tony Soprano operates?

[WackyJacky]

BTW - I agree that Crissy needed to be taken out, but cmon....Doesn't anyone here think that it was done in such a cowardly way that would seem in opposition to how Tony Soprano operates?
I saw it as Tony being handed a great opportunity to take care of a problem, and he took advantage of it. I think what gave him that extra incentive to take action was Christopher moaning about how he wouldn't pass a drug test. Maybe if he hadn't been saying that -- pretty much throwing his relapse in Tony's face and reminding Tony what a liability he was -- Tony might've gone ahead and called 911.

I agree, though, that this final season has been pretty blah. I almost feel like I'm watching the show out of habit rather than because I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Keino]

He could get whacked by the FBI who pin the arrest warrant to his cadaver. LOL

The more I think about it, the more I want it to end this way......Only I would also make it so that Johnny Cakes is the one who gives the FBI the tip.

[akhhorus]

The more I think about it, the more I want it to end this way......Only I would also make it so that Johnny Cakes is the one who gives the FBI the tip.

Im hoping for the Hamlet end, where everyone ends up dead, except Artie Bucco who's left to tell the story.

[WarEagle]

Im hoping for the Hamlet end, where everyone ends up dead, except Artie Bucco who's left to tell the story.

lol. He finally made an appearance last night. I was wondering what happened to him. He was at the wake (don't blink or you'll miss him).

[Minnesota Mike]

So far, I feel like there has been about 2 1/2 episodes worth of material in the 6 episodes they have shown. I hope the last 3 make up for that. It has seemed kind of thin so far. I want more!

[Spence]

I'm enjoying this season. A couple of episodes have not been top notch but the season premiere and last Sunday's episode are in The Sopranos Hall of Fame. I expect it to get even better.

[WarEagle]

Van Morrison's live version of "Comfortably Numb," as heard on the Sopranos, has caused quite a stir. The Departed soundtrack has shot up from #1000 something to #18 on Amazon. Here's the song, as recorded in Berlin when the wall was coming down ('89 or '90). Van and members of The Band do most of the vocals. Van the Man is the best, and sings with great authority here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dc45zHdfRg

[WarEagle]

I was hoping David Chase was going to kill off A.J. tonight. No such luck.

[GolfFreak]

I was hoping David Chase was going to kill off A.J. tonight. No such luck.


Me too ... liked the line when Tony's therapist asked about the length of the rope and Tony said he's just a f--ing idiot. I think the last few episodes have been pretty good.

[Keino]

This wee's episode was the best one in 2 years. It's about we got back to some good ole fashioned Mob Beefs. Enough of this introspective, life is too short to not stop and smell the roses crapola....

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Me too ... liked the line when Tony's therapist asked about the length of the rope and Tony said he's just a f--ing idiot. I think the last few episodes have been pretty good.
Great line.

I thought it was a good episode. They have a lot to cover in only two episodes if they want to sufficiently tie up the series.

[Spence]

I wouldn't take it for granted that David Chase is going to end the series with all questions answered. He might, but it would be just like him to not do that. Chase's view is that we live with unresolved questions our entire lives, they hang over us, and we never really figure most of them out. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he leaves a lot of things unchanged. We'll see.

Just don't expect it to be like the final episode of a show like "Friends" or something like that. The thing that makes Chase's writing and story arcs so interesting is how he constantly flouts the conventions of television. He'll do as he pleases, not how he thinks you'd be pleased.

[GolfFreak]

I wouldn't take it for granted that David Chase is going to end the series with all questions answered. He might, but it would be just like him to not do that. Chase's view is that we live with unresolved questions our entire lives, they hang over us, and we never really figure most of them out. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he leaves a lot of things unchanged. We'll see.

Just don't expect it to be like the final episode of a show like "Friends" or something like that. The thing that makes Chase's writing and story arcs so interesting is how he constantly flouts the conventions of television. He'll do as he pleases, not how he thinks you'd be pleased.


A friend of mine thinks the final episode will end like any other. He doesn't think Tony will be killed off because that limits the possibilites for the movie! I could actually see this happening.

Anyone notice we have to wait 2 weeks for the next episode?

[redskin_rich]

Anyone notice we have to wait 2 weeks for the next episode?
It's Memorial Day weekend, lot's of shows skip this weekend, since so many people go out of town.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

A friend of mine thinks the final episode will end like any other. He doesn't think Tony will be killed off because that limits the possibilites for the movie! I could actually see this happening.

Anyone notice we have to wait 2 weeks for the next episode?
Little Stevie was talking about the movie on a radio show, and he said he thought it would be a prequel rather than picking up where the show left off.

My understanding is there is more than one ending and not even the cast knows which one will air.

[lakeskin]

Last two episodes have been pretty good.

And Meadow is looking fiiiiiiiine. Damn.

[Minnesota Mike]

Lincoln Log Sandwiches?

What the heck is that? I grew up in New Jersey and I have never once heard of a Lincoln Log Sandwich! It appeared to be a hot dog split in half with cream cheese on a bun. Has anybody ever heard of that?

(Although that does give me an idea for tomorrow night's dinner.)

Other than that, I thought the episode was going for some kind of a record in the "Therapists in one episode" category. Tony's therapist was in the show. His therapist's therapist was in the show. AJ's therapist was in the show. I was waiting for Meadow's looney bird therapist to reappear.

[WarEagle]

Lincoln Log Sandwiches?

What the heck is that? I grew up in New Jersey and I have never once heard of a Lincoln Log Sandwich! It appeared to be a hot dog split in half with cream cheese on a bun. Has anybody ever heard of that?

(Although that does give me an idea for tomorrow night's dinner.)

Other than that, I thought the episode was going for some kind of a record in the "Therapists in one episode" category. Tony's therapist was in the show. His therapist's therapist was in the show. AJ's therapist was in the show. I was waiting for Meadow's looney bird therapist to reappear.

Last weeks's episode was called "Kennedy and Heidi." The most recent episode showed A.J. watching the commercial about sleeping pills that features Abe Lincoln. Then we have the Lincoln Log sangwiches. The fans at a Sopranos website that I read say these references foreshadow a possible assasination attempt on Tony.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Last weeks's episode was called "Kennedy and Heidi." The most recent episode showed A.J. watching the commercial about sleeping pills that features Abe Lincoln. Then we have the Lincoln Log sangwiches. The fans at a Sopranos website that I read say these references foreshadow a possible assasination attempt on Tony.
Interesting theory.

[redskin_rich]

I just want Phil Leotardo killed and in a dreadful way.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

I just want Phil Leotardo killed and in a dreadful way.
And please kill Butch. He reminds me of Smithers from the Simpsons. How did that guy ever become a made man?

[Keino]

I just want Phil Leotardo killed and in a dreadful way.


Me too. He is not acting like a Business man and no other Boss (Big Carmine or Johnny Sac) would have tolerated his man approaching a boss' daughter the way dude did.

BTW - I loved Tony's response. I wouldn't have blamed him for pulling the trigger when he stuck the gun in dudes mouth. No way was he out of line there IMO

[Keino]

You know I just realized.....

Phil Leotardo's character is the same guy who told Joe Pesci's character in Goodfellas to go get is Shinebox (and was subsequently whacked).

Seem he's pretty good at playing a jerk.

[Minnesota Mike]

You know I just realized.....

Phil Leotardo's character is the same guy who told Joe Pesci's character in Goodfellas to go get is Shinebox (and was subsequently whacked).

Seem he's pretty good at playing a jerk.

Here is his personal website:

http://frankvincent.com/

You can buy Billy Batts t-shirts with the shine box line there.

[redskin_rich]

You know I just realized.....

Phil Leotardo's character is the same guy who told Joe Pesci's character in Goodfellas to go get is Shinebox (and was subsequently whacked).

Seem he's pretty good at playing a jerk.
The actor who played Christopher was the kid [Spider] who tells Pesci to go F himself and subsequently gets shot by Pesci

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Don't forget Loraine Bracco. Huge parts in Sopranos and Goodfellas.

[redskin_rich]

Don't forget Loraine Bracco. Huge parts in Sopranos and Goodfellas.
She ate a lot of cheeseburgers in between those performances.

[WarEagle]

She ate a lot of cheeseburgers in between those performances.

She's on Oprah right now talking about her struggle with depression. That probably didn't help her weight problem.

[WarEagle]

Here is his personal website:

http://frankvincent.com/

You can buy Billy Batts t-shirts with the shine box line there.

He was on Jimmy Kimmel last week and mentioned his website and the famous "shine box" line. He was a great guest, and very funny. You can buy autographed pics of him for $17 on his website.

[redskin_rich]

She's on Oprah right now talking about her struggle with depression. That probably didn't help her weight problem.
My comment was a childish attempt at humor based on the drastic change of appearance she has went through from Goodfellas to The Sopranos. I don't know anything about her otherwise.

But then, I don't watch Oprah, so I might not be as sensitive to fat chicks as I should be.

[WarEagle]

My comment was a childish attempt at humor based on the drastic change of appearance she has went through from Goodfellas to The Sopranos. I don't know anything about her otherwise.

But then, I don't watch Oprah, so I might not be as sensitive to fat chicks as I should be.

Oh, I agree with you. It took me two seasons of Sopranos before I realized she was the wife in Goodfellas.

[WarEagle]

Only two more episodes left, and I'm getting sentimental. Tonight's episode is "The Blue Comet," and the finale next week is "Made in America." I hope Phil gets whacked. Hope Tony survives.

[akhhorus]

***SPOILER***




Bobby had to die after killing the guy in the first episode, something that he's never done before. Looks like Silvio is dead also. I think we might be headed for Hamlet ending.

[GolfFreak]

I think we might be headed for Hamlet ending.


Yeah, next week looks like more of the same. Wonder who makes it through and who ends up dead? Was hoping for a two hour finale, but from what I've seen it's the regular length.

[akhhorus]

Yeah, next week looks like more of the same. Wonder who makes it through and who ends up dead? Was hoping for a two hour finale, but from what I've seen it's the regular length.

Well, teasing Phil in the finale, I think, means that he's going to die also. But I have a feeling that there won't be many main characters left standing at the end of the day.

[WarEagle]

That was nice of Agent Harris to warn Tony...

Hasn't the mob heard of bullet-proof vests?

[thickskin]

syl's fate was literally disappointing beyond belief. bobby's death had the episode named after it and was much more dramatized. on teh other hand, i didn't think syl was dead in the car. then we hear he's only hospitalized, and then we hear he likely won't pull out. i just don't believe it. i have to think he pulls through, and depending on t's fate, either takes over or helps out the happy ending. if not, i'll be sadly disappointed. not that he's dead , but that the powers that be with the show let him be overshadowed by bobby in such a way. yeah they've been developing bobby for awhile now, but they have to know that he still couldn't have passed over syl for fan sympathies.

it was also odd that, when t ordered friends from the other side be brought over, there was that odd suspense, where a secret was kept from the audience, making me think of furio. so i'm hoping he still shows up, but i'm afraid that if he does, it'll be for the wrong side.

[WarEagle]

syl's fate was literally disappointing beyond belief. bobby's death had the episode named after it and was much more dramatized. on teh other hand, i didn't think syl was dead in the car. then we hear he's only hospitalized, and then we hear he likely won't pull out. i just don't believe it. i have to think he pulls through, and depending on t's fate, either takes over or helps out the happy ending. if not, i'll be sadly disappointed. not that he's dead , but that the powers that be with the show let him be overshadowed by bobby in such a way. yeah they've been developing bobby for awhile now, but they have to know that he still couldn't have passed over syl for fan sympathies.

it was also odd that, when t ordered friends from the other side be brought over, there was that odd suspense, where a secret was kept from the audience, making me think of furio. so i'm hoping he still shows up, but i'm afraid that if he does, it'll be for the wrong side.

-I want Sil to survive, too, but David Chase is going to do what he needs to do. He's going to have lots of angry fans if Sil dies! Anyway, the motorcycle crash was a nice touch during the shooting. ;)

-On another Sopranos fan forum that I read, other fans thought about Furio, too, when Tony mentioned bringing Italians over for the hit. But he's brought them over before, so I didn't think of Furio at all. I liked Furio. Wish he was still in the show.

[thickskin]

-I want Sil to survive, too, but David Chase is going to do what he needs to do. He's going to have lots of angry fans if Sil dies! Anyway, the motorcycle crash was a nice touch during the shooting. ;)

-On another Sopranos fan forum that I read, other fans thought about Furio, too, when Tony mentioned bringing Italians over for the hit. But he's brought them over before, so I didn't think of Furio at all. I liked Furio. Wish he was still in the show.

yeah the cycle crash was very odd. sil and paulie both being downplayed against bobby, aj not stepping up like we'd hoped: the whole episode was a low note, ending tellingly with tony in his boyhood home, alone in the dark with a gun. it makes me think the final will see a swing in the other direction. i'm guessing litle carmine provides some pivotal information at some point.

[GolfFreak]

So I found out that the last episode is 61 minutes vs. the regular 50 minutes ... so we get a little extra for the finale.

[akhhorus]

So I found out that the last episode is 61 minutes vs. the regular 50 minutes ... so we get a little extra for the finale.

If it sucks, I hope the extra time is for the apology from David Chase.

[WackyJacky]

Ugh, my stomach was in knots throughout this last episode. I found it very stressful to watch!

I was sorry to see Melfi cave in to peer pressure and dump Tony as a patient.

My biggest complaint is that most episodes this season just dragged on, with very little plot development, and now they're cramming everything into these last few shows. It feels too hurried to me.

Still, I really hate to see the series come to an end. :(

[thickskin]

agreed. will or won't syl? will or won't aj? will or won't trent green? how now janice? what of little carmine? patsy and son? paulie? it just seems that with just an hour, some things will be glossed over or the showdown won't get enough airtime.

[WarEagle]

Ugh, my stomach was in knots throughout this last episode. I found it very stressful to watch!

I was sorry to see Melfi cave in to peer pressure and dump Tony as a patient.

My biggest complaint is that most episodes this season just dragged on, with very little plot development, and now they're cramming everything into these last few shows. It feels too hurried to me.

Still, I really hate to see the series come to an end. :(

Agreed. That seemed totally out of character for Melfi. Besides, a patient like Tony comes around once in a lifetime, so I really doubt any shrink would dump him out of the blue like that.

But it was a terrific episode. I wish they'd sent A.J. to military school last season so we wouldn't have to put up with him this season.

[thickskin]

it occurs to me now as significant that we never saw teh hit attempt on t, which we knew was supposed to come within 24 hrs of the other hits. if it hasn't come yet, it could only be an inside job. patsy maybe, or even paulie. patsy seemed fairly involved in that gunfight at the bing though, and paulie seemed pretty nonchalant at t's house, watching aj's girlfriend. and frankly, i think it would be out of character for paulie, who while being miserly and petty and ingratiating, is no betrayer on this sort of level.

[WarEagle]

it occurs to me now as significant that we never saw teh hit attempt on t, which we knew was supposed to come within 24 hrs of the other hits. if it hasn't come yet, it could only be an inside job. patsy maybe, or even paulie. patsy seemed fairly involved in that gunfight at the bing though, and paulie seemed pretty nonchalant at t's house, watching aj's girlfriend. and frankly, i think it would be out of character for paulie, who while being miserly and petty and ingratiating, is no betrayer on this sort of level.

Could be. And didn't Phill Leotardo specifically tell his crew not to kill Paulie?
Then again, maybe David Chase is just messing with us.

[GolfFreak]

My biggest complaint is that most episodes this season just dragged on, with very little plot development, and now they're cramming everything into these last few shows. It feels too hurried to me.


I was thinking the same thing! I wish they would've started this sequence earlier rather than waiting until only 2 episodes left. Oh well.

[thickskin]

Could be. And didn't Phill Leotardo specifically tell his crew not to kill Paulie?
Then again, maybe David Chase is just messing with us.

exactly, though it's a little out of character for teh show itself to use misinformation to make a big twist, so i hope they don't go that route. i would imagine they'd have to flashback awhile to show the development of the betrayal, and flashback is a viewed as a cheap and easy device these days.

[akhhorus]

The problem with Paulie as a traitor working for Phil is that they haven't set it up that there might be a rat in the house for Tony. Paulie did flirt heavily with Johnny Sack, but turned his back on him.

[WarEagle]

exactly, though it's a little out of character for teh show itself to use misinformation to make a big twist, so i hope they don't go that route. i would imagine they'd have to flashback awhile to show the development of the betrayal, and flashback is a viewed as a cheap and easy device these days.

I made a slight mistake. I watched Blue Comet again a little while ago. Butchie, not Phil, tells the hitmen to kill just the top three (Tony, Sil, Bacala). He said to spare Paulie because he wasn't considered a real leader in Tony's family. I think Chase is just trying to get our goat with that remark.

I'd hate for the terrorism angle to just peter out. I need satisfactory resolution to that plot line.

[Keino]

Ugh, my stomach was in knots throughout this last episode. I found it very stressful to watch!

I was sorry to see Melfi cave in to peer pressure and dump Tony as a patient.

My biggest complaint is that most episodes this season just dragged on, with very little plot development, and now they're cramming everything into these last few shows. It feels too hurried to me.

Still, I really hate to see the series come to an end. :(

I hope Melfi gets whacked.....and I agree with your entire assessment of this season. No way is Chase going to tie up all of the loose ends that we care about. Oh but he'll wrap up the seemingly inconsequential plotlines.

Sorpanos = the Month of March. In like a Lion, out like a Lamb that will be mercifully slaughtered.

I sure hope the Wire doesn't disappoint the way the Sopranos has.

[dukeuch]

Agreed. That seemed totally out of character for Melfi. Besides, a patient like Tony comes around once in a lifetime, so I really doubt any shrink would dump him out of the blue like that.

But it was a terrific episode. I wish they'd sent A.J. to military school last season so we wouldn't have to put up with him this season.

My opinion: Melfi had to dump Tony; the end of the episode shows Tony in alone in a room, the inside of the door, the whole rest of the world on the other side, giving him no support. Tony's gonna die alone and abandoned.

My prediction: Paulie does it.

[Keino]

My opinion: Melfi had to dump Tony; the end of the episode shows Tony in alone in a room, the inside of the door, the whole rest of the world on the other side, giving him no support. Tony's gonna die alone and abandoned.

My prediction: Paulie does it.

It wouldn't surprise me if it is Paulie. He made reference to himself as a survivor in this episode, citing the Gambino wars of the 70's.

Im still holding out hope that they get Phil and that Sylvio lives.

Was Tony not justified in doing what he did to Butch's boy? I though there was a hard rule about involving families in mob beefs? I am having a hard time understanding why that is the perverbial straw that broke the camels back?

[SkinsfaninNJ]

it occurs to me now as significant that we never saw teh hit attempt on t, which we knew was supposed to come within 24 hrs of the other hits. if it hasn't come yet, it could only be an inside job. patsy maybe, or even paulie. patsy seemed fairly involved in that gunfight at the bing though, and paulie seemed pretty nonchalant at t's house, watching aj's girlfriend. and frankly, i think it would be out of character for paulie, who while being miserly and petty and ingratiating, is no betrayer on this sort of level.

I think this is a distinct possibility for a few reasons:
1. NY has made overtures to at least a few NJ guys as evidenced by why Syl killed the guy at the beginning. He said to Tony some guys have been propositioned about going to NY and that guy asked Syl if he wanted to flip as well.

2. Last week someone brought up the assination connections to Lincoln and Kennedy. I really like that angle, so I don't want to let it go as a possibility.

3. They could easily explain how someone in Tony's family could flip in a few short minutes next episode by brinning up that guys have been propositioned by NY.

[thickskin]

The problem with Paulie as a traitor working for Phil is that they haven't set it up that there might be a rat in the house for Tony. Paulie did flirt heavily with Johnny Sack, but turned his back on him.

well, they haven't sert it up as clearly as they usually do, but here at the end, i can't put it past them to try to blindside us. but there are plenty of hints. we know paulie's history. we know he was afraid t would kill him on that boat earlier this season, and that soon thereafter he started lifting weights and buttering t up with an espresso machine. we know he showed hesitation when approached about the plan to kill phil. we know he wasn't targeted by ny. i hope that they are only setting it up to make us think about it, since i think it's too out of character for both paulie and the show to take it in that direction. patsy is more probable, characterwise, but he was in that gunfight with syl (unless--way out on a limb here--he shot syl inside the car).

[thickskin]

I think this is a distinct possibility for a few reasons:
1. NY has made overtures to at least a few NJ guys as evidenced by why Syl killed the guy at the beginning. He said to Tony some guys have been propositioned about going to NY and that guy asked Syl if he wanted to flip as well.

2. Last week someone brought up the assination connections to Lincoln and Kennedy. I really like that angle, so I don't want to let it go as a possibility.

3. They could easily explain how someone in Tony's family could flip in a few short minutes next episode by brinning up that guys have been propositioned by NY.

good points. and the fact that t seemingly has no suspicion that there's a turncoat worries me. while, like akh says, they haven't been overt in showing conflicts of interest with t's intimate crew, there are legit questions surrounding some guys. and with the need to finish the show strong, who knows what they might write.

[Keino]

well, they haven't sert it up as clearly as they usually do, but here at the end, i can't put it past them to try to blindside us. but there are plenty of hints. we know paulie's history. we know he was afraid t would kill him on that boat earlier this season, and that soon thereafter he started lifting weights and buttering t up with an espresso machine. we know he showed hesitation when approached about the plan to kill phil. we know he wasn't targeted by ny. i hope that they are only setting it up to make us think about it, since i think it's too out of character for both paulie and the show to take it in that direction. patsy is more probable, characterwise, but he was in that gunfight with syl (unless--way out on a limb here--he shot syl inside the car).

Patsy certainly has the most motive, given what happenned to his twin brother due to Tony, but I think his son's relationship with Meadow would probably back him off of that.........

[redskin_rich]

I'm not even going to make any predictions for the finale but I am being guardedly pessimistic. I expect to be unhappy with either how it all gets tied up or who gets killed and who doesn't.
I didn't like that Phil's crew got the jump and initiated the action. Tony should have foreseen this the moment Phil refused to see him and then shot his mouth off out the window and planned accordingly right then.
I'm especially pissed that Syl got taken out so easily (I know he isn't dead but his involvement is over). Why the heck wasn't he armed heavily at that point?

They've played AJ as such a wuss for many seasons now, I can't help but think he somehow becomes a player in the end, which, of course, would be pathetic.

I'm leaning towards the Hamlet style ending like Akh suggested.

[thickskin]

my thinking at the moment begins with the premise that phil has to go. i don't think anyone would be satisfied if he made it out alive, either in truce or in victory. so if he's gone, it means either that t wins out or that they both die. the latter, the hamlet, just doesn't make sense in terms of the world within teh show. no one cares enough about t to avenge his death. likewise, should he win out against phil, why kill him then? the only way i can see the dual death working is if carmine makes a huge powerplay, which just seems beyong him. overall, insofar as i can imagine it, t and phil both going down just seems contrived. so, if i give the writers credit for a) knowing phil has to go and b) knowing killing everyone is contrived, then i have to say that t wins the day. and with all the suggestion that paulie might flip, i have to think that he won't. that scenario would make me happy anyway

[Dolla Bill]

my thinking at the moment begins with the premise that phil has to go. i don't think anyone would be satisfied if he made it out alive, either in truce or in victory. so if he's gone, it means either that t wins out or that they both die. the latter, the hamlet, just doesn't make sense in terms of the world within teh show. no one cares enough about t to avenge his death. likewise, should he win out against phil, why kill him then? the only way i can see the dual death working is if carmine makes a huge powerplay, which just seems beyong him. overall, insofar as i can imagine it, t and phil both going down just seems contrived. so, if i give the writers credit for a) knowing phil has to go and b) knowing killing everyone is contrived, then i have to say that t wins the day. and with all the suggestion that paulie might flip, i have to think that he won't. that scenario would make me happy anyway



I'm gonna laugh hysterically if it was all undermined by Junior in the retirement home. :D

[WarEagle]

Here are some stills from the final episode, "Made in America." You'll have to manually go into the address and change the "01" to "02," and so on, to see all 12.

http://www.hbo.com/sopranos/img/episode/season06B/ep86/ep86_01.jpg

No people in coffins or getting whacked. They never give away much in the episode stills.

[thickskin]

Here are some stills from the final episode, "Made in America." You'll have to manually go into the address and change the "01" to "02," and so on, to see all 12.

http://www.hbo.com/sopranos/img/episode/season06B/ep86/ep86_01.jpg

No people in coffins or getting whacked. They never give away much in the episode stills.

well, there's alot there between the lines so to say. t and paulie chilling out front of satriale's doesn't exactly smack of danger. scenes with aj, janice, june seem to suggest alot of time spent on matters other than gang warfare. it would seem, from the stills, that the phil problem gets resolved fairly soon into the episode. of course, the sopes are notorious for misleading viewers with teasers, so who knows?

[WarEagle]

well, there's alot there between the lines so to say. t and paulie chilling out front of satriale's doesn't exactly smack of danger. scenes with aj, janice, june seem to suggest alot of time spent on matters other than gang warfare. it would seem, from the stills, that the phil problem gets resolved fairly soon into the episode. of course, the sopes are notorious for misleading viewers with teasers, so who knows?

Very true.
I love the first pic of Paulie and Tony where Paulie is getting some sun. He's such a vain wise guy! I sure hope they resolve the Phil situation early on in the episode.

[WarEagle]

Gotta bump this one to the top for obvious reasons. I read that only 300 people at HBO know how it ends. They weren't allowed to leave the office with copies of the episode this time, and none of them have spilled the beans. The only vague constant that I keep reading on the spy sites is that the end will be considered controversial.

Should be fun to find out.

[ihatedallas]

............


*sorry*


i dunno if it was just my tv, but form what i know they jus tblacked out the end.

who wa the guy in the bathroom?

[hail2skins]

............YOu need to do better than this?

[akhhorus]

I know I'm going to be in the minority, but I really loved that ending. And it was perfect for the show.



***SPOILER***


Am I wrong for laughing at Phil's death?

[akhhorus]

............


*sorry*


i dunno if it was just my tv, but form what i know they jus tblacked out the end.

who wa the guy in the bathroom?

The guy who walked into the bathroom was the guy who basically pointed out tony to the hitters.

[thickskin]

no closure. in fact, so little closure, that no closurelessness is actually the point of the episode, which is not very viewer friendly, but makes good sense in terms of the world within the show, alot like the end of deadwood. paulie, syl and t are all up in the air at the end. the only morsel we get is phil going out in maybe the best death scene the show has ever produced, which is saying something. the whole meadow parallel parking isn't settling in yet. opulence; difficulty trying to find a place the world; and the pressure to make it to the family? that's all i got as of 10 minutes after the show. i liked how the aj arc worked out, but i feel a little hoodwinked after all the antichrist talk--the yeats, the 66(6) in the elevator last episode and the immediate reference to the rapture coming just after it. really, the whole episode is a commentary on our theorizing about the show, our pet hypotheses and endles speculation. i don't know. i need to think more on it

[akhhorus]

no closure. in fact, so little closure, that no closurelessness is actually the point of the episode, which is not very viewer friendly, but makes good sense in terms of the world within the show, alot like the end of deadwood. paulie, syl and t are all up in the air at the end. the only morsel we get is phil going out in maybe the best death scene the show has ever produced, which is saying something. the whole meadow parallel parking isn't settling in yet. opulence; difficulty trying to find a place the world; and the pressure to make it to the family? that's all i got as of 10 minutes after the show. i liked how the aj arc worked out, but i feel a little hoodwinked after all the antichrist talk--the yeats, the 66(6) in the elevator last episode and the immediate reference to the rapture coming just after it. really, the whole episode is a commentary on our theorizing about the show, our pet hypotheses and endles speculation. i don't know. i need to think more on it

I think it was pretty closed at the end of it. Tony died.

[redskin_rich]

Suck, suck, suck, suck, suuuuuuuuuuuck!!!

I'm sorry but that was the worst finale ever. Please tell me I missed something.

IMO, David Chase mailed it in.

[higgybaby]

did it black out for everybody, to leave it up to us to speculate??

[ryflan47]

terrible ending. my town didn't even get props at the end

[thickskin]

I think it was pretty closed at the end of it. Tony died.

they certainly point a finger in that direction, but you're filling in the blank.

[akhhorus]

they certainly point a finger in that direction, but you're filling in the blank.

I don't think it was blank at all, the three guys were the hitters. And since this show was about Tony, him dying leaves the viewers without perspective, so its like we all died from that world.

[thickskin]

i loved that scene where the fbi started cheerleading

[ryflan47]

I don't think it was blank at all, the three guys were the hitters. And since this show was about Tony, him dying leaves the viewers without perspective, so its like we all died from that world.

nice take

[thickskin]

I don't think it was blank at all, the three guys were the hitters. And since this show was about Tony, him dying leaves the viewers without perspective, so its like we all died from that world.

there's alot of support for that reading, but it's a reading, a readign of the blank

[akhhorus]

there's alot of support for that reading, but it's a reading, a readign of the blank

Quite possibly, but its hardly a leap of faith. It was pretty clear that TOny was going down to the FBI(because of Carlo) and it was going to be bad for him. I guess there's a possibility that tony's family got hit instead of him, but its doubtful.

[ryflan47]

Quite possibly, but its hardly a leap of faith. It was pretty clear that TOny was going down to the FBI(because of Carlo) and it was going to be bad for him. I guess there's a possibility that tony's family got hit instead of him, but its doubtful.

what of his daughter? hit by a car going into holstens? or was that her at the door?

[akhhorus]

what of his daughter? hit by a car going into holstens? or was that her at the door?

She opened the door, she was behind the hitters and probably saw them hit TOny.

[thickskin]

Quite possibly, but its hardly a leap of faith. It was pretty clear that TOny was going down to the FBI(because of Carlo) and it was going to be bad for him. I guess there's a possibility that tony's family got hit instead of him, but its doubtful.

i just think the superstition talk t had with paulie informs that final scene. t both dismissed and confessed to superstitious thinking. so, while 'don't stop believing' plays, maybe the focus, in this case t's focus as well, is on the suspicious character to say that there is no end to the paranoia or the famliy bond. mobsters can't stop believing in either. so, i take the blank as punctuation, but a question mark. is he paranoid? is he right to be? are we?

[GolfFreak]

Odd way to end the show. I'm on the side of letting the viewer fill in the blanks vs. the whole family getting whacked. I thought they generally don’t go after the family anyway (didn’t they say that last week?). All in all, lame way to end the show.

[thickskin]

Odd way to end the show. I'm on the side of letting the viewer fill in the blanks vs. the whole family getting whacked. I thought they generally don’t go after the family anyway (didn’t they say that last week?). All in all, lame way to end the show.


right. of course, phil got done right in front of his fam, hilariously. i loved the shot of those babies as the car bumped over phil's head

[WarEagle]

My take is that Tony's dead and he never saw or heard it coming, as they say (he and Bobby B. had talked about that very thing).

The clincher is that they did it in front of his family - fitting payback since Phil was hit in front of his grandkids (and daughter?).

I fingered the bathroom guy as the shooter, but the more I think of it, Arkhous is probably right. He pointed out Tony to the black guys (the hired guns).

BTW, a Sopranos fanatics website I read is full of posters furious at Chase for ending it like that. Very few of them believe it was lights out for Tony. Many think it was a "life goes on ending," like NYPD Blue or something.

[thickskin]

My take is that Tony's dead and he never saw or heard it coming, as they say (he and Bobby B. had talked about that very thing).

The clincher is that they did it in front of his family - fitting payback since Phil was hit in front of his grandkids (and daughter?).

I fingered the bathroom guy as the shooter, but the more I think of it, Arkhous is probably right. He pointed out Tony to the black guys (the hired guns).

BTW, a Sopranos fanatics website I read is full of posters furious at Chase for ending it like that. Very few of them believe it was lights out for Tony. Many think it was a "life goes on ending," like NYPD Blue or something.


well it's certainly not as simple as life goes on, since we were all feeling anxiety at the end there. that anxiety didn't come from nowhere, it was built into the narrative for a reason, the same way there was a reason the show blanked out. so that we'll be talking about it here and at teh watercooler

[redskin_rich]

The whole grandkids of Tony thing was stupid. Like those infants had a clue or would ever remember. It would have been far more tragic had the car ran over a gas pump and caught fire, after Phil's wife abandonded it. As it was, it was just a lame attempt of putting a sympathetic face on Phil.
Lame, very lame, as was the entire episode.

[WackyJacky]

i take the blank as punctuation, but a question mark. is he paranoid? is he right to be? are we?
Yeah, that's how I feel about it -- we're left wondering if it's just our paranoia that makes us think there was something sinister about the one guy, or if those other guys were shooters.

I liked the ending. I would have been disappointed if it had all been neatly wrapped up for us. That would have been the easy way out for Chase.

BTW in no way did I think the car smushing Phil's head was intended to make us feel sympathy for him. I kind of thought of it as just desserts.

[redskin_rich]

BTW in no way did I think the car smushing Phil's head was intended to make us feel sympathy for him. I kind of thought of it as just desserts.

No, you're right about the Phil's head getting run over. I just thought the whole grandkids thing was pathetic. Like I said before, had they met some tragedy, caused by the execution of Phil, then it would have had shown some legitimate consequence but as it was, it was just to add some color to an otherwise boring, unthoughtful death sequence.

[WarEagle]

The AP review of this episode starts off with "Tony Soprano carries on." Reviewers seem to be interpreting the ending that way. They think he lives.
I still think he gets whacked, then immediate blackness.

Drudge Report item says that HBO's website went down briefly due to the many viewer complaints. I know that the cast and crew watched the finale down in Florida at the Seminole Hard Rock, so I hope that interviews with them pop up as the night progresses.

[WackyJacky]

At that point, though, who is it that still wants to whack Tony? Phil is dead (and yes, that was a great kill scene!) and Tony made peace with the rest of Phil's crew. Who would be out to get him now?

[akhhorus]

At that point, though, who is it that still wants to whack Tony? Phil is dead (and yes, that was a great kill scene!) and Tony made peace with the rest of Phil's crew. Who would be out to get him now?

I think it was Phil who set that into motion before he got killed because he thought his guys weren't doing enough to get Tony.

[thickskin]

At that point, though, who is it that still wants to whack Tony? Phil is dead (and yes, that was a great kill scene!) and Tony made peace with the rest of Phil's crew. Who would be out to get him now?

the guys from his own crew who were approached by the other side, as discovered in the penultimate episode. i think we're supposed to suspect that paulie and patsy are those guys. paulie has been suspicious for awhile now, and patsy seemed to be hiding something when they were all together with their kids, when t made him the drink. also, patsy and paulie were shown standing together on teh fbi tape of bobby's funeral. and there was something else weird, when paulie was eating at the young folks' table, and patsy called someone over to him. and when they have the sitdown, pualie shakes hands with the lazy eye guy. i think the idea is that the nj and ny underguys conspired to have both bosses knocked off. moreover though, there's that damned cat, christopher reincarnated or whatever we're supposed to be thinking. point is, we're remembering christopher, and that makes us think of retribution, which makes us think it was a hit at the end.

[FanFromArizona]

Yeah, that's how I feel about it -- we're left wondering if it's just our paranoia that makes us think there was something sinister about the one guy, or if those other guys were shooters.

I liked the ending. I would have been disappointed if it had all been neatly wrapped up for us. That would have been the easy way out for Chase.

BTW in no way did I think the car smushing Phil's head was intended to make us feel sympathy for him. I kind of thought of it as just desserts.


Two thumbs down for that ending. Yeek and yuck. An ending is supposed to be just that, not the beginning of more speculation. They should have made this a 2 hr session, with 1:30 for the finale and 30 minutes with actor interviews.

[thickskin]

I think it was Phil who set that into motion before he got killed because he thought his guys weren't doing enough to get Tony.

oh. really? does phil have any convos other than the one with lazy eye?

[akhhorus]

oh. really? does phil have any convos other than the one with lazy eye?

He just has to call a hitter and do himself. I got that feeling from his call to Lazy eye(Butch?).

[thickskin]

At that point, though, who is it that still wants to whack Tony? Phil is dead (and yes, that was a great kill scene!) and Tony made peace with the rest of Phil's crew. Who would be out to get him now?

i just turned it back on again, and it's at teh scene where carm and t pitch the script to aj. with carmine in on that, it seems improbable that carmine was also in on the hit.

[WarEagle]

the guys from his own crew who were approached by the other side, as discovered in the penultimate episode. i think we're supposed to suspect that paulie and patsy are those guys. paulie has been suspicious for awhile now, and patsy seemed to be hiding something when they were all together with their kids, when t made him the drink. also, patsy and paulie were shown standing together on teh fbi tape of bobby's funeral. and there was something else weird, when paulie was eating at the young folks' table, and patsy called someone over to him. and when they have the sitdown, pualie shakes hands with the lazy eye guy. i think the idea is that the nj and ny underguys conspired to have both bosses knocked off. moreover though, there's that damned cat, christopher reincarnated or whatever we're supposed to be thinking. point is, we're remembering christopher, and that makes us think of retribution, which makes us think it was a hit at the end.

Excellent food for thought on Patsy and Paulie. I'm going to watch it again in a few minutes and pay extra attention to them. The cat might represent death.

I don't think TV has ever given me such an intense sense of paranoia as the final 5 minutes of this episode. wow.

[thickskin]

He just has to call a hitter and do himself. I got that feeling from his call to Lazy eye(Butch?).

he was definitely unhappy, as was butch?. i liked how over teh course of the convo, butch had wandered from little italy to chinatown.

[thickskin]

Excellent food for thought on Patsy and Paulie. I'm going to watch it again in a few minutes and pay extra attention to them. The cat might represent death.

I don't think TV has ever given me such an intense sense of paranoia as the final 5 minutes of this episode. wow.

paulie is the real piece of work. for teh whole season, he'll give you looks that you want to take as lean and hungry, but that will reveal themselves as just paulie being dumb, like that superstition about taking the job t offered him. this has been going on awhile now. you want to say his comment about 'living to serve you' was blowing smoke, but it's coming from the guy who commissioned a painting of t as napoleon to hang over his mantle

[thickskin]

well, i just saw the end again, and what a tease. 'don't stop believing'? thanks alot chase. more like, 'don't stop talking about my show.'

[redskin_rich]

well, i just saw the end again, and what a tease. 'don't stop believing'? thanks alot chase. more like, 'don't stop talking about my show.'

You just picked up on that? That stupid Journey song and Tony's search and selection of it, was a big part of my "what a piece of crap" ending, immediately.

Truthfully, I am getting more enjoyment out of you all's speculations, than I did out of the final show iself.

[thickskin]

You just picked up on that? That stupid Journey song and Tony's search and selection of it, was a big part of my "what a piece of crap" ending, immediately.

Truthfully, I am getting more enjoyment out of you all's speculations, than I did out of the final show iself.

i think i mentioned it earlier as--get ready for it-- an eliotic objective correlative of t's mindset at the time, his inability to stop either being superstitious or trying to be a family man. i wonder if rumors of t's survival outlive rumors of tupac's. i'm really still on the fence about it. the golden rule of writing is that you have to 'murder your darlings' and chase couldn't do it. best case scenario for him is that he hinted at the demise of his darling, but for the second time (adrianna), he shied away from making a hard scene with one of his darling characters.

[TonyStewart]

well, i just saw the end again, and what a tease. 'don't stop believing'? thanks alot chase. more like, 'don't stop talking about my show.'

I know I have never posted about the sopranos but here goes my opinion...
To be honest I figured Chase was the kind of guy that would leave you hanging, I was pretty sure he was not a go out w/guns-a-blazing type of person. I think overall we could see a movie come if Chase's career doesnt continue to prosper. The terrorists do battle w/ the Soprano criminal family type movie so it doesnt ruin the taste too much for the fans but will make enough money for Chase to die a happy man about a prosperous career. A movie would make 9 digits pretty easily whether it sucked or not.

I was very satisfied with the shah's death but I was confused about the whole Meadow-Patsy Jr potential wedding, I know families dont have to get along but still there is a lot of bad blood between Tony and Patsy. 6 seasons over 8 years has resulted in a lot of forgotten things but I just didnt understand a lot of stuff in the last few episodes. Bobby shouldnt have died, it should have been Janice(just gets on my nerves) by mistaken identity. I geuss Syl didnt exactly die and Paulie is still alive but I thought of all the people who could be the rat it would have been Patsy with his lawyer son OR Tony himself to save his immediate family.

I was hoping that Tony would have taken New York over but with Carlo taking him down, I geuss it will be Lil Carmine until he is taken down by the feds.

[thickskin]

I know I have never posted about the sopranos but here goes my opinion...
To be honest I figured Chase was the kind of guy that would leave you hanging, I was pretty sure he was not a go out w/guns-a-blazing type of person. I think overall we could see a movie come if Chase's career doesnt continue to prosper. The terrorists do battle w/ the Soprano criminal family type movie so it doesnt ruin the taste too much for the fans but will make enough money for Chase to die a happy man about a prosperous career. A movie would make 9 digits pretty easily whether it sucked or not.

I was very satisfied with the shah's death but I was confused about the whole Meadow-Patsy Jr potential wedding, I know families dont have to get along but still there is a lot of bad blood between Tony and Patsy. 6 seasons over 8 years has resulted in a lot of forgotten things but I just didnt understand a lot of stuff in the last few episodes. Bobby shouldnt have died, it should have been Janice(just gets on my nerves) by mistaken identity. I geuss Syl didnt exactly die and Paulie is still alive but I thought of all the people who could be the rat it would have been Patsy with his lawyer son OR Tony himself to save his immediate family.

I was hoping that Tony would have taken New York over but with Carlo taking him down, I geuss it will be Lil Carmine until he is taken down by the feds.


i think you might be right. the interesting thing about that final scene, as someone said already, is that there's really not any evidence at all that a hit is out. we read it that way bc we're on edge, know it's the last scene, and see a suspicious-looking character. of course, the guy in teh usa cap was kind of suspicious too. the two black guys didn't seem suspicious at all, but t looks in their direction in teh final shot.

[TonyStewart]

i think you might be right. the interesting thing about that final scene, as someone said already, is that there's really not any evidence at all that a hit is out. we read it that way bc we're on edge, know it's the last scene, and see a suspicious-looking character. of course, the guy in teh usa cap was kind of suspicious too. the two black guys didn't seem suspicious at all, but t looks in their direction in teh final shot.

You know what I was unsure about was that I read that the final scene had been taped several weeks ago at that ice cream shop & the 3 cast members that came out of the building after taping were Tony, Carmela, & Paulie but I didnt see Paulie and so I was like whatsup? I geuss Chase changed some stuff or it was a ploy to throw people off with speculation.

The song I geuss was somewhat appropriate but I thought something happened to my TV when the music stopped and the screen went blank. Shoulda been a Jersey guy like the Boss or Frank ...or even Bon Jovi since his songs are just as metaphorical as Journey.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

You know what I was unsure about was that I read that the final scene had been taped several weeks ago at that ice cream shop & the 3 cast members that came out of the building after taping were Tony, Carmela, & Paulie but I didnt see Paulie and so I was like whatsup? I geuss Chase changed some stuff or it was a ploy to throw people off with speculation.

The song I geuss was somewhat appropriate but I thought something happened to my TV when the music stopped and the screen went blank. Shoulda been a Jersey guy like the Boss or Frank ...or even Bon Jovi since his songs are just as metaphorical as Journey.

I read somewhere that he shot three different endings in the ice cream polar and not even the cast knew which one he was going to use.

Maybe a DVD comes out with the alternate endings?

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Stevie Van Zandt was on a radio show a few weeks back and said don't be surprised if a movie is a prequel to the series.

I wouldn't mind a movie that maybe starts when Jackie, Tony, Syl, etc. are mid 20's or so and getting their start, and Junior and Tony's dad are running things with Paulie. I would hate to see someone other than James G. play Tony, but maybe with right make-up or whatever they could pull it off.

[thickskin]

Stevie Van Zandt was on a radio show a few weeks back and said don't be surprised if a movie is a prequel to the series.

I wouldn't mind a movie that maybe starts when Jackie, Tony, Syl, etc. are mid 20's or so and getting their start, and Junior and Tony's dad are running things with Paulie. I would hate to see someone other than James G. play Tony, but maybe with right make-up or whatever they could pull it off.

what's going to piss me off is if these actors, to grab some spotlight, throw in their 2 cents on the ending, bc someone always bites hard on the intentional fallacy, and then we'll be hearing about it for months

[WarEagle]

I'm reading the reviews in some big papers as they trickle in. My favorite line is from the Miami Herald:

"...the show's final scene ended with something that resembled a power failure more than a climax."

[Keino]

The AP review of this episode starts off with "Tony Soprano carries on." Reviewers seem to be interpreting the ending that way. They think he lives.
I still think he gets whacked, then immediate blackness.

Drudge Report item says that HBO's website went down briefly due to the many viewer complaints. I know that the cast and crew watched the finale down in Florida at the Seminole Hard Rock, so I hope that interviews with them pop up as the night progresses.

If I had known that, I would've watched the episode there instead of my house.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

I don't think the ending was bad enough to complain about.

Interesting point a caller made today on a radio show. Seinfeld ends up in jail and Tony Soprano ends up eating at a diner. Weird.

[BurgundyNGold]

I don't think the ending was bad enough to complain about.

Interesting point a caller made today on a radio show. Seinfeld ends up in jail and Tony Soprano ends up eating at a diner. Weird.
The Seinfeld ending sucked the carrot. Maybe one of the worst endings ever for a show. Hell, the swan song for John Doe was better than the Sienfeld finale, lol. And that was on FOX!

[akhhorus]

The Seinfeld ending sucked the carrot. Maybe one of the worst endings ever for a show. Hell, the swan song for John Doe was better than the Sienfeld finale, lol. And that was on FOX!

Supposedly, Seinfeld was going to satire the Godfather III ending, where Newman tries to kill him(or something), but wounds Elaine. And then it would cut to an older Jerry reminiscing and drops dead.

[BurgundyNGold]

You just picked up on that? That stupid Journey song and Tony's search and selection of it, was a big part of my "what a piece of crap" ending, immediately.

Truthfully, I am getting more enjoyment out of you all's speculations, than I did out of the final show iself.
You just hate Journey as a sissy band, lmao.

[BurgundyNGold]

Supposedly, Seinfeld was going to satire the Godfather III ending, where Newman tries to kill him(or something), but wounds Elaine. And then it would cut to an older Jerry reminiscing and drops dead.
Now THAT would have been an ending worthy of that show.

[akhhorus]

Now THAT would have been an ending worthy of that show.

Oh yeah, that would have been classic.

[shally]

Now THAT would have been an ending worthy of that show.

kind of like 6 feet under.... everybody dies in that one...i thought that was cool

[BurgundyNGold]

kind of like 6 feet under.... everybody dies in that one...i thought that was cool
Yeah. It could've happened far sooner on that show, though.

Zing! :D

[shally]

Yeah. It could've happened far sooner on that show, though.

Zing! :D

actually that was the only episode i watched. my wife had been following it the whole way and had to explain it to me as it was unfolding.. she almost added me to the list of fatalitities because i bugged her so much for explanations..:smash:

[thickskin]

jay from first and ten just gave teh most astute analysis i've ssen yet. chase isn't holding back for a movie, but holding back for the special dvd with all the alternate endings.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

jay from first and ten just gave teh most astute analysis i've ssen yet. chase isn't holding back for a movie, but holding back for the special dvd with all the alternate endings.

See post #157 from last night.

[WarEagle]

actually that was the only episode i watched. my wife had been following it the whole way and had to explain it to me as it was unfolding.. she almost added me to the list of fatalitities because i bugged her so much for explanations..:smash:

And Six Feet needed lots of explaining. What with the dead people appearing and all. I enjoyed that series.

Great headline in the Boston Herald today on the Sopranos ending. "Bada-Bomb." ha!

[thickskin]

See post #157 from last night.

jay?

[SkinsfaninNJ]

jay?

:lolbig:
No just someone that can see dollar signs coming, except of course when they would actually go in my pocket.

[thickskin]

:lolbig:
No just someone that can see dollar signs coming, except of course when they would actually go in my pocket.

well, sorry to miss your insight last night. i certainly didn't want to give jay any credit.

[redskin_rich]

I tried to watch it again last night, to pick up on any subtleties I may have missed but fell asleep about 20 minutes into it. Meh, I'm done with it and probably held on about 3 years too many. I won't be buying the DVD's or seeing the movie, if and when they come out. I strongly doubt I'll be investing any interest into any other David Chase projects again, either.

On another note, I was really hoping the new show, John From Cincinnati, would be good and could fill a void but I wasn't exactly overwhelmed by it's debut.

[Keino]

I will probably watch the DVDs when they come out, just to see that various endings, but I agree that I probably stuck with this show about 3 seasons too many. The Johnny Cakes season was a complete waste and really that could've been used on the war between Brooklyn and NJ, by spending less time on Vito and more on the fact that Phil was a jerk.

[shamrok999]

Here is something that one of my fraternity brothers emailed to me...its interesting but Im not sure how much weight it holds...

Tony DID get whacked. The only question is by who?

Remember first Tony's comments earlier this season about getting whacked (which were also replayed either last week or the week before). Tony said something to the effect of "you don't see it coming, you don't feel nothing, everything just fades to black". That was your ending.

As for the who, take note of the credits for the folks in the restaurant at the end. The guy at the counter that goes to the bathroom is Nikki Leotardo, phil's nephew. The black men are the same ones that shot Tony in season two, but only clipped his ear. Oddly, the Boy Scouts were in the store last week when Bobby got it, so they are going to have some issues, but my money says it wasn't the Boy Scouts.

My money says that based on the title, "Made in America", it was the trucker with the hat that read "USA". The same trucker who was the brother of the trucker that Christopher robbed and killed in season two...he was the guy that had to identify the body. It's all in the credits.

Add the fact that Steven van Zandt was on a radio show this morning and said, "The answers are in the credits"

Tony was, indeed, whacked.

[redskin_rich]

Here is something that one of my fraternity brothers emailed to me...its interesting but Im not sure how much weight it holds...

Tony DID get whacked. The only question is by who?

Remember first Tony's comments earlier this season about getting whacked (which were also replayed either last week or the week before). Tony said something to the effect of "you don't see it coming, you don't feel nothing, everything just fades to black". That was your ending.

As for the who, take note of the credits for the folks in the restaurant at the end. The guy at the counter that goes to the bathroom is Nikki Leotardo, phil's nephew. The black men are the same ones that shot Tony in season two, but only clipped his ear. Oddly, the Boy Scouts were in the store last week when Bobby got it, so they are going to have some issues, but my money says it wasn't the Boy Scouts.

My money says that based on the title, "Made in America", it was the trucker with the hat that read "USA". The same trucker who was the brother of the trucker that Christopher robbed and killed in season two...he was the guy that had to identify the body. It's all in the credits.

Add the fact that Steven van Zandt was on a radio show this morning and said, "The answers are in the credits"

Tony was, indeed, whacked.

I've read this "email" in discussions on quite a few sites now. Most of these points have been debunked and there was no fade to black, it was an abrupt end of video and audio. I haven't checked for myself but supposedly the guy in the diner is not credited as Nikki Leotardo, nor is it even the actor who played him previously. The truckers that tried to kill Tony before and failed, one of which was killed in the failed attempt, so throw that theory out.

Another thing, both Van Zandt and an HBO rep said that there are no alternate endings and that was another fabrication.

So there you have it, there is no ending, only pointless speculation. David Chase, MYBIH! :devil2:

[skinfan43]

Here is something that one of my fraternity brothers emailed to me...its interesting but Im not sure how much weight it holds...

Tony DID get whacked. The only question is by who?

Remember first Tony's comments earlier this season about getting whacked (which were also replayed either last week or the week before). Tony said something to the effect of "you don't see it coming, you don't feel nothing, everything just fades to black". That was your ending.

As for the who, take note of the credits for the folks in the restaurant at the end. The guy at the counter that goes to the bathroom is Nikki Leotardo, phil's nephew. The black men are the same ones that shot Tony in season two, but only clipped his ear. Oddly, the Boy Scouts were in the store last week when Bobby got it, so they are going to have some issues, but my money says it wasn't the Boy Scouts.

My money says that based on the title, "Made in America", it was the trucker with the hat that read "USA". The same trucker who was the brother of the trucker that Christopher robbed and killed in season two...he was the guy that had to identify the body. It's all in the credits.

Add the fact that Steven van Zandt was on a radio show this morning and said, "The answers are in the credits"

Tony was, indeed, whacked.
Sounds like a viable argument to me...I'll have to check the credits again, and good call on the van Zant quote.

[WackyJacky]

On another note, I was really hoping the new show, John From Cincinnati, would be good and could fill a void but I wasn't exactly overwhelmed by it's debut.
Gosh, I really liked it. I think it's gonna be a good show. (You could sure tell it's done by the same guy that does Deadwood because of all the f-bombs they were dropping!!!)

[WackyJacky]

Sounds like a viable argument to me...I'll have to check the credits again, and good call on the van Zant quote.
I just looked at the credits, and the people in the diner are identified as "Man in Members Only Jacket," "African American #1," "African American #2," stuff like that.

(Oops, sorry for the double post. I'm not padding my post count, I swear!!!)

[WarEagle]

I've read this "email" in discussions on quite a few sites now. Most of these points have been debunked and there was no fade to black, it was an abrupt end of video and audio. I haven't checked for myself but supposedly the guy in the diner is not credited as Nikki Leotardo, nor is it even the actor who played him previously. The truckers that tried to kill Tony before and failed, one of which was killed in the failed attempt, so throw that theory out.
:devil2:

Agreed. This is turning into an urban legend. The NY Times reviewer discounted it on ESPN radio yesterday. The guy at the counter is identified in the credits as "Members Only Jacket." He's not even an actor - he works at an area restaurant. The Sopranos staff knew him, and when they had a need for an "Italian-looking man from 30-50 years old" they asked him to help out.

Here's something for you all. Look at the rear-right of this guy's jacket as he walks into the restroom. Some fans are insisting they see the outline of a gun stuck in his waistbelt. It might help if you can pause the action.

[dukeuch]

The more I think about it, the more it was a great ending (my wife totally disagrees).

[SkinsfaninNJ]

The more I think about it, the more it was a great ending (my wife totally disagrees).

I feel the same way. As the days go on and watching it again last night, I'm liking it more and more.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

I've read this "email" in discussions on quite a few sites now. Most of these points have been debunked and there was no fade to black, it was an abrupt end of video and audio. I haven't checked for myself but supposedly the guy in the diner is not credited as Nikki Leotardo, nor is it even the actor who played him previously. The truckers that tried to kill Tony before and failed, one of which was killed in the failed attempt, so throw that theory out.

Another thing, both Van Zandt and an HBO rep said that there are no alternate endings and that was another fabrication.

So there you have it, there is no ending, only pointless speculation. David Chase, MYBIH! :devil2:

Thank you for mentioning that. Everyone everywhere is talking about this fade to black stuff. That was not a fade to black. It was a cut to black. A completely different thing and totally destroys the point anybody is trying to make with a fade to black argument.

[WarEagle]

The New Jersey Star-Ledger spoke with David Chase yesterday. This is really good, folks.

http://www.nj.com/sopranos/

[skinfan43]

The New Jersey Star-Ledger spoke with David Chase yesterday. This is really good, folks.

http://www.nj.com/sopranos/
Great read WE...thanks for the link!
Nowhere better to hear it than from the horse's mouth...the more I think about it, the ending would never be able to please everybody anyway, so taking the artistic approach was Chase's personal choice as a director and writer, and I think the millions of debates the final episode has sparked is the most blatant sign of his success - by allowing his audience to...THINK FOR THEMSELVES.
It was truly a great, great series, but I love Entourage just as much these days;-)

[ryflan47]

holsten's is bumpin now.. business is up about 40% i've heard

[WarEagle]

holsten's is bumpin now.. business is up about 40% i've heard

A real mob boss would never select a table right next to the men's room. In fact, NO ONE would decide to sit near the men's room! ;) Yuck.

[thickskin]

that "same black guys" thing is hilarious. those dudes got whacked while trying to kill tony. i guess it doesn't matter when they all look the same. j.a. adande said something similar on horn the other day. around the horn, real world v. road rules, the repubican pres candidates: we're not exactly chomsky/foucault these days.

[BurgundyNGold]

Great read WE...thanks for the link!
Nowhere better to hear it than from the horse's mouth...the more I think about it, the ending would never be able to please everybody anyway, so taking the artistic approach was Chase's personal choice as a director and writer, and I think the millions of debates the final episode has sparked is the most blatant sign of his success - by allowing his audience to...THINK FOR THEMSELVES.
It was truly a great, great series, but I love Entourage just as much these days;-)
Yeah, that's it. Mark my words: There will be alternate ending(s) on the DVD set. ;)

[dj_stouty]

OK. I've watched the finale several times now and I finally "got it". When Tony looks up and sees the guy with...

*Thread Music Stops*

*Thread Turns black*

Sorry. I've chosen to end my post this way. Interpret my post as you see fit. ;)

[BurgundyNGold]

OK. I've watched the finale several times now and I finally "got it". When Tony looks up and sees the guy with...

*Thread Music Stops*

*Thread Turns black*

Sorry. I've chosen to end my post this way. Interpret my post as you see fit. ;)
:lol1:

How artistic!

[Keino]

OK. I've watched the finale several times now and I finally "got it". When Tony looks up and sees the guy with...

*Thread Music Stops*

*Thread Turns black*

Sorry. I've chosen to end my post this way. Interpret my post as you see fit. ;)

As crappy as Sunday's nights ending. Will you also be escaping to France so as to avoid the criticism of the Millions of people who invested 5 years of their lives into your product?

The more I think about it, the more I hate David Chase. I didn't need every thread of the story wrapped up, but real closure would have been nice.