After looking at a few other message boards (and seeing the end of the first new Sopranos on the ABC morning news), I guess protecting people from spoilers is a moot point. So, contrary to my previous posts, feel free to say whatever it is that you want to say without blacking it out.

I found the dream sequence to be gripping and the acting to be some of the best the series has seen yet.

I also think the real story isn't Tony's situation, but what's gonna happen between the rest of the 'family' over control. Silvio, Chrissie, Paulie Walnuts, Vito...the shit's gonna hit the fan.

One great thing about the Sopranos is that they're one of the few shows on television to come up with their own original plot devices instead of plugging their own themes into recycled ones.

A dream sequence in a regular show would have characters showing up and shoving the theme of the dream in the dreamer's face until he has the revelation he's expected to have. In this they just show Tony dreaming out what his life would have been like if he never went into crime.

But, the highlight of yesterday's episode wasn't Gandolfini, it was Edie Falco.

I think Falco has proven she can act before (see "Whitecaps"). I do agree with pE...this season might turn out to be more about a power struggle ABOUT Tony, not one involving Tony like usual. Vito is already getting on my nerves with all his fitness tips and blatant ass-kissing...I bet Vito gets into a position where he can take lots of control in the business, but then someone blackmails him on account of his homosexuality.

quote:

Originally posted by paxsoprano:
I think Falco has proven she can act before (see "Whitecaps").

I wasn't trying to imply that this was the first time any of them was really showing acting chops, but as an ensemble, it was marvelous. Between Edie Falco and the kids, there was a palpable sadness. The scene where A.J. vows revenge on the 'mummy' was chilling, particularly from a character I've never cared a whit about before.

I agree, the tone of this last episode was very well-established. I'm not sure who directed, but kudos.

I don't share your feelings about AJ though...it is getting to the point where every time he comes on the screen I get mad at him. What a fuckin dumb ass apathetic loser. That's why I didn't find that "revenge" speech very compelling. If AJ can't even muster enough effort to pass through community college, how can we expect him to kill the former boss of the New Jersey mafia? He seems more like just another loser than a venge-driven madman.

I agree with you on AJ, Pax. His vow of revenge should last about as long as his next joint. I also agree with pE on Carmela. Her character reached new depths and it was impressive. I just will be disappointed if Tony remains in this state and dream sequence until the last episode. I guess I won't mind as long as Sil buries one in Vito's head by episode 4. If that happens, the rest can turn into a musical for all I care. And my last question; will we get any insight into Silvio's character before all is said and done? He has been consistent, compelling, and a complete mystery from the beginning.

quote:

Originally posted by paxsoprano:
I agree, the tone of this last episode was very well-established. I'm not sure who directed, but kudos.

I don't share your feelings about AJ though...it is getting to the point where every time he comes on the screen I get mad at him. What a fuckin dumb ass apathetic loser.

The episode was directed by David Nutter, who is known for directing episodes of The X-Files, Millenium, Roswell, ER, The West Wing, and the pilots of Dark Angel and Smallville. He directed around 15 eps of the X-Files, and some of the best (Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose, Beyond the Sea). He's a good director for TV...I'm surprised he's not gotten a big movie yet.

I actually agree with you about AJ, but this episode was the first time where it seemed like there was something MORE to him than apathetic spoiled rich kid, although his revenge might be spurred as much by fears of his future without his dad (who's gonna take care of his lazy ass when Daddy's gone?) than actual love for his father. But I think you're right...could he even do it? I wonder if this is the beginning of AJ's attempt to try to emulate his father after years of not caring about anything but himself...

I always thought that the Sopranos would end in a Tony-gets-upset-that-AJ-is-following-in-his-path storyline. More and more I think AJ may be too lazy to even take the easy way out (hah).

I think AJ's revenge rant was a sign of immaturity, not maturity...shouldn't a nineteen year old be able to figure out that maybe Uncle Junior wasn't acting in his right mind?

quote:

Originally posted by Bobthespirit:
One great thing about the Sopranos is that they're one of the few shows on television to come up with their own original plot devices instead of plugging their own themes into recycled ones.

A dream sequence in a regular show would have characters showing up and shoving the theme of the dream in the dreamer's face until he has the revelation he's expected to have. In this they just show Tony dreaming out what his life would have been like if he never went into crime.

But, the highlight of yesterday's episode wasn't Gandolfini, it was Edie Falco.

I agree. I can't think of another show that has utilized dream sequences as well. Every season usually has at least a couple, and they're always effective.

Hmm...

I defended last week's episode...

But that was based on the assumption that the dream was going to go somewhere.

The whole dream that occupied the last two episodes never really formed any sort of cohesive vision. It seemed to be vaguely about Tony wanting to stop running and just let go off all the stress of his life, with overtones of 'What life would be like if I had never joined the mob' and impending, inevitable death.

But...it didn't really congeal into anything.

I totally disagree Bob. I thought this whole dream sequence was kind of like a Tony wake-up call. Did you ever see the episode of Star Trek where Picard was kidnapped by aliens, etc. and he lived an entire life on some other planet and forgot all about his Enterprise life? That's how I saw this Tony dream world. It was good to shake things up and see how Tony responds.

What did the dream mean? At first it seemed like that "beacon" might be death, but in the end it turns out that it was life. When he let go of Finnerty's briefcase he was letting go of his regrets with regard to the "life he never led." That plotline was paralleled with Carmela's anguish over AJ. Carmela has dealt with issues regarding her own acceptance of Tony's sinful lifestyle, but she is just beginning to see her children arrive at the same acceptance, which makes Carmela sad because her denial is her own greatest weakness.

Anyway, excellent episode. I expect Tony from now on to be much more dedicated, hard-nosed.

I liked the dream arc. And I found it realistic because dreams OFTEN fail to congeal. It's very much a hallmark of the Sopranos to toss red herrings and other oddities into the mix. Does every event in the dream have significance? Maybe...but if not, that's pretty realistic as well.

What I REALLY liked about the last two episodes was the ground-laying for the bust ups within the 'family.' Sil, Paulie, Vito, Bobby...when everyone is purely out for their own best interests and there's not a powerful leader to keep them in check, it's chaos! It was Hobbes' state of (mob) nature come to life!!!

I did like the outside world parts of the episodes.

It was a realistic dream, but realistic dreams aren't necessarily entertaining or artistically solid. Not that it was a bad idea, just it was a bit too long for it's merits.

What is with this new nice tony? how long will it last?!

I'm not sure how long it will last. In the previews for the next show it looks like he's beating the hell out of someone. If it does last, I think it will be short lived.

Tonight's episode was hands down, the best of the season, and maybe ever; Amazing story, well acted and directed. I can't wait to see how the new turn of events play out. This season has truly been a pleasure to watch.

I thought it was pretty good. What made it the best though? It seemed similar to an episode last season when Janice was in anger management, and at the end Tony got fed up with her positive attitude and got her really mad, and then when Tony left the end credits began playing "I'm Not Like Anybody Else." That was probably the best closing scene for any Sopranos episode.

Back to this episode...yeah lots of possible plotlines out there. I'm not sure what the deal is with this Johnny Sack situation, he wants to kill one of his captains and is asking Tony to do it for him? Why? And what will happen with Uncle Junior? And does Meadow get hotter every week?

I'd say it was just the overall feel of the episode. I couldn't leave the recliner until it was over. I've been very impressed so far with the continous development of the individual characters such as Silvio, Paulie, and Vito. It makes for much better TV than just some guy in a jumpsuit knocking off the Wal-Mart truck at the docks. The one thing I can say for sure is that I'm gonna miss the hell out of The Sopranos when it's gone. I'm still hoping this won't be the last season but things seem to be playing out that would suggest that it is. Here are my predictions. (Wild shot in the dark predictions based off of previous foreshadowing and a fan's hope)

1. Phil takes over New York after John's breakdown. (Possible whack coming)
2. Paulie gets killed over his side business.
3. Janice chokes on a sandwich ala Mama Cass.
4. Christopher goes into the movie business
5. Tony leaves the business and Sil takes command

I'm intrigued to see if this developing power struggle ends in a blood bath or just plays out naturally. Also, it will be very hard for Tony to walk away and his Ass Whuppin on the new guy hints that he wants to re-establish his dominance. Either way, I'll be glued to my TV for many Sundays to come.

I agree with your first two predictions...that one conversation at the wedding after Johnny left crying was definite foreshadowing, and something is brewing between Paulie and Tony (based on Carmela's warning to Tony about Paulie's holding out). I think Tony has figured out that he can still be new-feel-lucky-to-be-alive Tony without letting other people think he's a pussy, that's what we were supposed to get from the end of this recent episode.

A lot of the members of the 'family' don't seem too bright, but Vito is just dumb, dumb, dumb...