An interesting take:
http://www.bobharris.com/content/view/1406/1/
More to follow if time permits.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Thoughts About The Finale
A quote that has been mentioned in a number of blogs that refers to the "Soprano Home Movies" episode when Bobby remarks to Tony something to the effect, "You probably don't even hear it when it happens, everything just goes black", when talking about death. It was also shown in a flashback scene in the "The Blue Comet". Many people think that this means that Tony was killed in the finale since this is what happened in the episode.
But what about this possibility? Not that Chase really "whacked" the audience, but maybe he he knew the audience would be so into the episode waiting for something to happen that we weren't ready for when it was actually over, and we were out of the Soprano's lives forever. We didn't hear it when it happened, it went black and we thought the cable went out. Of course we may never know what he really intended if anything at all. I wouldn't listen to the HBO suits, only David Chase knows what was intended. Although, with all the evidence that was presented, it is hard to believe that Tony was killed. I would go into it, but it already has been talked about ad nauseam.
But what about this possibility? Not that Chase really "whacked" the audience, but maybe he he knew the audience would be so into the episode waiting for something to happen that we weren't ready for when it was actually over, and we were out of the Soprano's lives forever. We didn't hear it when it happened, it went black and we thought the cable went out. Of course we may never know what he really intended if anything at all. I wouldn't listen to the HBO suits, only David Chase knows what was intended. Although, with all the evidence that was presented, it is hard to believe that Tony was killed. I would go into it, but it already has been talked about ad nauseam.
Ending This Thing Of Ours
Did the cable just go out? Just like millions of HBO viewers this is the first thought that came into my mind during the ending of The Sopranos on Sunday night. But before I could register a complaint with Comcast the end credits rolled, and I realized that this was the ending. Some may have mixed feelings, but no one can deny that this will be the most talked about ending in television history. There are many interpretations to the final scene, and none are clear cut. This is the beauty of the ending.
The most plausible interpretation is that the ending is told through the perspective of Tony Soprano. Everytime person who comes through a door could be your assasin, every man in a "Members Only" jacket seems suspicious. Basically, you are constantly living your life in fear. This was portrayed beautifully by David Chase. The tension was so great that I found myself pacing around my apartment. Even an everday problem like finidng a parking spot was turned into a tense moment. In addition to this constant state of fear, Chase shows that Tony's life will be cyclical after the show ends. A.J. went from a spoiled kid in the first episode and ended as a spoiled kid in the last episode. Carmella is still as materilastic as ever, and Meadow seems to still have the same issues with leaving New Jersey that she has always had. Speaking of Meadow, in a Tony/Melfi session Tony stated that he wanted his daughter to get as far away from him as possible. And in the final episode Meadow gives the example of how Italian-Americans are treated unfairly by the Government as a reason for persuing a career in law. What a crushing blow this must have been to Tony knowing that his lifestyle has led to Meadow's decision.
The second interpretation is that at the moment the screen turned black, Tony Soprano had been shot dead. This is an interesting thought because in the first episode of the season Bobby B. says that ,"You probably don't even hear it" in response to what will go through your mind when you are whacked. This line is brought up again at the end of "The Blue Comet", which leads some to believe that this was foreshadowing to Tony's death in the diner.
Some fans will surely be dissapointed with the ending thinking that David Chase has gave the finger to millions of loyal fans across the world, but he didn't. David Chase has stated that "EVERYTHING IS THERE" when asked about the ending, and he is correct. Most likely the ending shows that Tony will continue to live his life, but he will have to do it in a constant state of fear for himself and those he loves.
The most plausible interpretation is that the ending is told through the perspective of Tony Soprano. Everytime person who comes through a door could be your assasin, every man in a "Members Only" jacket seems suspicious. Basically, you are constantly living your life in fear. This was portrayed beautifully by David Chase. The tension was so great that I found myself pacing around my apartment. Even an everday problem like finidng a parking spot was turned into a tense moment. In addition to this constant state of fear, Chase shows that Tony's life will be cyclical after the show ends. A.J. went from a spoiled kid in the first episode and ended as a spoiled kid in the last episode. Carmella is still as materilastic as ever, and Meadow seems to still have the same issues with leaving New Jersey that she has always had. Speaking of Meadow, in a Tony/Melfi session Tony stated that he wanted his daughter to get as far away from him as possible. And in the final episode Meadow gives the example of how Italian-Americans are treated unfairly by the Government as a reason for persuing a career in law. What a crushing blow this must have been to Tony knowing that his lifestyle has led to Meadow's decision.
The second interpretation is that at the moment the screen turned black, Tony Soprano had been shot dead. This is an interesting thought because in the first episode of the season Bobby B. says that ,"You probably don't even hear it" in response to what will go through your mind when you are whacked. This line is brought up again at the end of "The Blue Comet", which leads some to believe that this was foreshadowing to Tony's death in the diner.
Some fans will surely be dissapointed with the ending thinking that David Chase has gave the finger to millions of loyal fans across the world, but he didn't. David Chase has stated that "EVERYTHING IS THERE" when asked about the ending, and he is correct. Most likely the ending shows that Tony will continue to live his life, but he will have to do it in a constant state of fear for himself and those he loves.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Predictions for the Finale
Although I have entertained numerous outcomes and ongoings in the finale, I have to remember it is only an hour show and there is only so much they can possibly squeeze in.
Obviously, resolutions will me made in the ongoing NY/NJ saga. Look for some kind of truce to be made after Tony and Phil both realize that they have lost far too much to continue the bloodshed. I predict one more major character will die. I hope it is not Paulie, who at around 70 is looking to take a lesser role in family.
Tony, who left us last episode laying in a sheetless mattress holding and assault rifle for comfort, may have time to finally reflect on all his misdeeds over his lifetime in the Mafia. To draw from previous episodes, the shark has finally stopped moving, and the roulette ball has come crashing down into the cup. Hopefully, it is not too late as Tony is in danger of losing his entire Mafia family to the war and may have no one left to give orders to. Also, his own family, like the ducks, may be in danger of flying away if they come out of denial about what Tony does for a living and realize that it has had disastrous consequences on everyone.
Also, it seems like the terrorist issue has not been completely cleared up as the writers continue to push the issue. Somehow this might tie in to AJ's obsession with terrorism, violence and the war in Iraq. The "Made in America" title may also have something to do with this storyline.
In the end, I believe Tony will end up with the worst outcome possible: Living the rest of his life dwelling on the past, and having no one to comfort him in the future.
Wild Card: The women, who have possessed the most power in the show will put Tony out of his misery. Carmela or Janice will pull the trigger that may have been Livia's to pull had Nancy Marchand still been alive.
Obviously, resolutions will me made in the ongoing NY/NJ saga. Look for some kind of truce to be made after Tony and Phil both realize that they have lost far too much to continue the bloodshed. I predict one more major character will die. I hope it is not Paulie, who at around 70 is looking to take a lesser role in family.
Tony, who left us last episode laying in a sheetless mattress holding and assault rifle for comfort, may have time to finally reflect on all his misdeeds over his lifetime in the Mafia. To draw from previous episodes, the shark has finally stopped moving, and the roulette ball has come crashing down into the cup. Hopefully, it is not too late as Tony is in danger of losing his entire Mafia family to the war and may have no one left to give orders to. Also, his own family, like the ducks, may be in danger of flying away if they come out of denial about what Tony does for a living and realize that it has had disastrous consequences on everyone.
Also, it seems like the terrorist issue has not been completely cleared up as the writers continue to push the issue. Somehow this might tie in to AJ's obsession with terrorism, violence and the war in Iraq. The "Made in America" title may also have something to do with this storyline.
In the end, I believe Tony will end up with the worst outcome possible: Living the rest of his life dwelling on the past, and having no one to comfort him in the future.
Wild Card: The women, who have possessed the most power in the show will put Tony out of his misery. Carmela or Janice will pull the trigger that may have been Livia's to pull had Nancy Marchand still been alive.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)