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.