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Post by LS on Jun 1, 2004 0:25:11 GMT -5
Eh, just seems to me that while they've made mention of Al Queda, it's only now, three years hence, that they showed real concern of terrorist capabilities. Seemed Johnny Come Lately to me. I think that concern should have been addressed last season. I'm just not seeing it- didn't really seem like anything out of the ordinary to me that was enough for me to even take notice of. First- you're talking about a series that has had (since the first couple) anywhere from a year to 18 months between seasons. This season's scripts were written over a year ago and they didn't start filming them until this time last year. Think about it- how long after 9/11 happened was it first addressed in the show because of the long lapses between seasons?? This season's scripts were written when all the stuff about how 'security' is no better now than it was then came out...and really- in real life how long did it take the EPA to finally admit they falsified the reports and how much stuff is still coming out today??...whereas at least The Sopranos is a fictional drama. Next- recall the scene. The episode was about his psychological conflicts. He was facing down the relationship with his mother, the guilt over Tony B getting sent away and the reason he didn't, the collapse of his marriage and the problems with the 'family' & NY...Tony saw the report on the TV news, and on top of everything else that was happening, it was merely the trigger that set him off. At the Bing when he went off about it- what was the reaction of the others?? 'They' all just looked at each other in bewilderment- shrugged and then chimed in agreeing with him- but in a patronizing manner...'they' were just humoring him till his outburst passed. And what was their reaction when he beat the crap out of the bartender?? Disbelief (conduct very unbecoming of a boss). Like I said, while they may have some concern there- it's not high up on their list of priorities, Tony's not about to go patrolling the docks- the 'issue' was merely used as a way for Tony to ('legitimately') vent all his pent up anxieties- not really any different than anyone else who's ever had a bad day and inadvertently took it out on co-workers or family who had nothing to do with it. You can pull current political analogies out of just about anything these days- if that's how someone chooses to spend their time...How about the children's book The Emperor's New Clothes?? And that one was only written a couple hundred years ago. It just poured a little more oil on the fire- but Charmaine never forgave Artie for when Tony torched the <original> restauraunt. She knew Tony was behind it- but Artie refused to believe he had anything to do with it (which of course he later found out he did). It struck me as odd but Uncle Junior and Janice weren't in the dream either that I noticed. Why?? Johnny Sacks has a NJ address. Remember- that's what set off the tensions between Tony & Johnny. Johnny moved to Jersey and Tony saw it as a sign he was making a move on their turf- which he has. Tony has to give Johnny a cut on enough of their 'Jersey' business dealings and I'm sure Tony's got arrangements on dealings in NY. But then that's the point- very few finales ever live up to the fans expections- and probably more the case today because they pour so much $$ into over the top media hype- the hype always seems to far exceed the actual payoff. But the series was built on a unique twist- the mobster/mother/shrink triangle and the resulting conflicts of balancing both families. Livia was gone after the second season and Melfi's rarely been seen since the third. Personally, the 4th season meandered when it could have realistically been wrapped then. Then things were going to be wrapped up this season- but then Chase said he couldn't do it in one season and needed a 6th. This season started off strong with the first few eps- but then things started meandering again...a lot of wasted episodes that didn't set anything up or tie up any loose ends that would impact the finale...and I'm thinking if things had stayed focused- he could've easily wrapped things up this season. Would that be fictionally speaking- or in real life?? None of the NY families are what they used to be- they've been virtually muscled out by the Chinese, Jamaican and Mexican gangs. And the most powerful of the remaining families (the Bonnanos) is being brought down as we 'speak.' There ain't much glue left holding any of them together. Nah- I seriously thought he wasn't gonna stop strangling her till she was dead (which probably woulda made things easier- he coulda pinned it on Matush saying he killed her because she witnessed the club murder and Tony wouldn't find out she'd been talking to the Feds). Then when he wouldn't take one of her smokes and made a big deal about going out for his own- dead giveaway he had serious second thoughts about running- the guy at the gas station just sealed his decision and the fact that Tony made the call from a roadside payphone. If Chris makes it through the next episode, probably- it's gonna have some kind of impact on him. I can see where she'd be a bigger threat. I mean for a long time Puss was giving the Feds the runaround- purposely feeding them deadend info. But Adriana- being clueless- was telling them whatever she saw or heard- which may have seemed like nothing to her- but it was filling in the blanks for the Feds. That $600,000 lot. She's learned enough that she's gonna get that land put in her name (or maybe her father's)...she told Tony she's going in with her old man- and there's obviously a lot of affection between him & Tony. If she makes him believe this is really a reconcilliation, which is what Tony decided he wants, she's already laid down her conditions- certain things change (including the mention that now that the kids are gone- she needs something to fulfill herself)- and with everything else that's going on with Tony- I think she's gonna slip this one by him without him even realizing it. She's got a $600,000 lot- if she builds a house on it- that translates into a 2 or 3 million dollar house...which she sells. Nice nest egg- she's got her payoff, dumps Tony for good and uses it to get her real estate license and she's got it made. Which is what I'm thinkin'. They loathe Johnny- especially whats-his-name (the guy Frankie Vallie plays). They could pull a Gotti- eliminate Johnny & put Carmine back in so they can go about doing things their way. So then why'd Tony bother tracking him down- and why'd he offer him up to Johnny (on the condition that Tony handled it)?? And you know even if Johnny had gone for it- he'd demand proof- like personally seeing the corpse. And I forgot- who'd Tony tell when he found out where Tony B was- Sil or Chris?? Well yeah- Johnny's only threatened Chris a couple dozen times. And I think he realizes if Johnny doesn't get Tony B- then he's next on the list and if it was Chris Tony told where Tony B was- or if he finds out- it's a pretty safe bet that Chris'll probably go after Tony B himself rather than take the fall for him.
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Post by Roughneck on Jun 5, 2004 23:29:04 GMT -5
Well, borrowed it from someone at work, finally saw season 3. Fills in a lot of the blanks. The last scene with Livia really looked canned. I realize they din't have a choice, but the worst was where they had obviously "different Livias." Funny parts, yeah, Pine Barrens was funny. Not the laugh out loud funny, but funny. I think the Russian is dead. He certainly would have made it back to Slava had he lived, and created grief for Tony. Satan's Power, it was nice to see more Pussy, and sto get a sense of Jackie Sr. Seems Pussy was talking for far longer than he admitted on the boat. I was rolling when Meadow gave Tony the talking fish in that one! but tony's hair looked awful! They spent $250,000 dollars on the Livia scene, $4,000 on the deer in PB, but the topue...what's they spend on it, $1.50? Jackie Jr, yeah, he was an idiot (But Ralphie as "Dad" didn't help). It was almost comical watching Tony smack him for doing to Meadow exactly what he does to Carmella. The other scene that I found hilafrious was Junior running from the funeral! But I forget, how did Junior get placed back under house arrest? I'd like to see him back out rather than still rotting on the couch. Ralph, they obviously should have killed him really early on, when he hit Georgie with the Gladiator reenactment. Even if it was a matter of Georgie not being made, Ralph was unstable. Trixie, that has to be the first really brutal murder on the show, in the sense that she didn't deserve it. But didn't the HBO promo photos for Test Dream have her as a blonde?I also saw the 30 second scene (if that) where Ray Curturo was flipped. It's interesting that he offered to wear a wire, rather than being told to. I really liked this season. season 1 was better, I'd have to see season 2 again to rate it. It was also interesting seeing how many references dated the show, like Hillary, the Matrix, and Survivor. I noticed Angie Bompinsero was eating with them, after the car incident. Then Gloria was a piece of work. I suppose I'll have to deal with that? That final fight, they took nearly every one of Gloria's lines straight from Livia, verbaitim. Would have been interesting to see with Livia still alive.
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Post by LS on Jun 6, 2004 21:00:08 GMT -5
Yeah, but at the same time I doubt they'll want to leave off on a Seinfeldish note, where even the fans were like what the he*ll is this (No, I never watched it). Ok...so now I reiterate my point. ...WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT ??!! And how much more anti-climatic can ya get??
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Post by Roughneck on Jun 6, 2004 23:53:13 GMT -5
Well, I had thought Tony wasn't going to give up Tony because of the torture. But it didn't really surprise me in the end to see him get popped. It's SOP to wack a major character in the finale anyway. They are also still alive. but Johnny's crimes are primarily in New York. Yeah, but that show was a REAL let down from what it sounds like. Still think NY beats NJ, even weakened. At least that's what the Mob reporters say. The finale-Well, it's an interesting twist, putting Johnny in jail. No telling what point they'll be at when the show comes back. Season three to four hopped from late January to mid August. Johnny's gotta be outta the picture, else they wouldn't have done that. I'm wondering what happens with NY now headless. Phil is probably gone soon into season 6. He's too unstable, and will probably still be gunning for Chris. I think next season you'll see Tony fighting for his life from his own family. What he did to Paulie, then Vito suggesting taking him out! Da*mn! Everyone's getting pissed that he seems to be willing to sacrafice them for his cousins. And I have to wonder, would he circle the wagons like this for the others? I see him spending season 6 fighting off his own family. Also, seeing AJ get into the racket. No, he's not killing anyone, but that looked awfully like a kids version of the mob. And then, of course, they mentioned my alma-matta, which I thought was neat. Of course, it hasn't been known as East Stroudsburg State since I was in diapers, been University as long as I've known, but there's only one Eastburg, and there';s only one college in this town. It was freaky to say the least. notice how all the folks who royally screw up get sent to Pennsyltucky?
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Post by LS on Jun 10, 2004 23:16:09 GMT -5
Well, I had thought Tony wasn't going to give up Tony because of the torture. But it didn't really surprise me in the end to see him get popped. It's SOP to wack a major character in the finale anyway. Tony B's demise was a foregone conclusion...we just took bets before the show started as to whether it'd be Tony or Phil that got him. (My money was on Tony- just like I figured. ;D ) The only real surprise was that Chris survived...we really expected he wouldn't and Phil was gonna get him. Yeah, but so are Artie, Paulie, etc. and they didn't mention if the coach was still alive (possibly retired somewhere) or deceased... Still enough to take him down...and besides- the Feds are supposed to be working together these days... ;D I've seen it and it was really no more or less dumber than the show itself was...I'm not really sure how people thought a show about 'nothing' was supposed to end anyway. Saw the Friends finale too and that one was actually not even on par with most of the regular episodes...and it FAR from lived up to all the finale hoopla. Opinions are pretty evenly divided- NY is falling fast and many say it's a toss up. With all due respect ;D ...I thought it totally blew!! The meeting between Johnny & Tony...Come on- Johnny suddenly backs down, they start making nice...and then- boom- right in the middle of the kiss & make up fest, Johnny gets busted outta nowhere?? And considering when the Feds swooped in- they saw Johnny was with someone...how come they didn't bother to chase down Tony- when they even cuffed and hauled in the gardener?? Like Tubby Tony was gonna outrun 'em...and in a foot of snow no less, leaving foot tracks (and his gun) all over the place behind him?? How utterly convenient, contrived and totally lame- a shockingly major cop out. Very disappointing- thought Chase was better than that... Could he have wrapped everything in a prettier bow?? Let's see, in a blink of an eye both 'wars' (Tony's marriage & the one with NY) go from hatred, vengance and bloodshed to an abrupt 'everything's right with the world.' Yeah right. According to Tony's lawyer- NY went down (18 years worth of stuff) and it would've went right up to Carmine if he hadn't dropped dead. So right now, just who was rounded up besides Johnny is unknown- but since Phil's a capo, would probably include him too...so the problems with NY look to be out of the way. As far as the discord within Tony's crew...well all that was shown before Tony capped Tony B and the Feds inadvertently ended the war with NY (not to mention- just as the Feds were moving in to bust Johnny, Tony & Johnny had already kissed and made up). So now Tony's showing he's back in control and things within the family could very well settle down. Looks like Chris isn't too broken up over Adriana- and feels she betrayed him ("She was willing to rat me out because she couldn't do five f------ years. I thought she loved me." ) so that doesn't look like it's gonna play a factor as far as Chris goes (and everyone else bought the story she ran out on him). The only loose end left is Raymond The Rat... Of course I'm sure (the unusual move of) neatly tying up this season is lulling everyone into a false sense of security- but why waste time with episodes that only dragged things out more instead of getting to the point, resolving what was already on the table and <finally> wrapping the show?? Buscemi was unfortunately wasted...his appearances were too sporadic and his storyline too weak- unlike those of Ritchie & Ralphie who's psyches were fleshed out. In the end- did anyone really have any feelings or care one way or the other about him being whacked?? Uncle Junior (and even Janice) who was Tony's nemesis and conspired against him (starting back with Livia) has been sadly reduced to nothing more than a bit player, when that relationship produced a lot of the series' high points... It might be different if the series was shown in regular seasons and things moved faster...but when you're talking a year, 18 months, and now possibly two years between seasons- the way he's gone about it is dragging things out way longer than necessary...and it's showing in the ratings- every season they get lower. What'd he do to Paulie?? Could go either way...it also looked like a bunch of spoiled rich kids that need to get smacked down. Carmella & Tony even asked themselves if they'd given him too much...Duh!! Sorry to say- but they should have stuck to the original plan and ended it after 3 seasons- while on top of the game. Season 4 was a bore (except for episode 9 when Ralphie lost his head) and only resulted in the loss of Furio- who was a great character- to an idiotic twist in the storyline...And this season The Two Tonys, The Rat Pack and Long Term Parking were the only decent episodes all the way through...the season finale was beyond lame and my patience and interest is really fading fast. About the only thing that's remained consistent throughout is Chase's brilliant choice of songs for the episodes. I might skip 6 altogether (if I'm even still around by then ) and just tune in for the series finale- just to see if that one sinks or swims with the fishes.
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Post by Roughneck on Jun 16, 2004 1:22:04 GMT -5
Tony B's demise was a foregone conclusion...we just took bets before the show started as to whether it'd be Tony or Phil that got him. (My money was on Tony- just like I figured. ;D ) The only real surprise was that Chris survived...we really expected he wouldn't and Phil was gonna get him. I'd figured on him living once Adrianna got it and he didn't in Long Term Parking. Didn't think they'd kill two major major characters like that. So it seems that Phil is the only one left of the Class of 04, and he may have been picked up. I'm guessing the coach is dead. I didn't see Paulie in this dream, and Artie I'm thinking there's a significance to the fact that he was the only character still alive in that car. He figured prominantly in the whole dream. The dreams are the one area where I think you can analyze things. given his problems, the dissension, and the dream, I'm beginning to think that he just might get out. Yeah, I heard the FBI just found out Tenant resigned. Yeah, but that one was supposed to be extra messed up, even by hyped finale standards, even the diehard fans thought so. I guess I'll give it more credit because I thought the whole season was better than season 4. Any episode from this one blows away 4. I didn't realize about the tracks, but it did seem weird that they didn't nab Tony, especially with them having all other escapes covered, and the gun should have been found. The kiss and make up, hey, it's all business. Chris sold out his fiance, the guys clipped Pussy, and Tony did a cousin he loved, whether out of guilt or not. What makes you think that this couldn't be papered over? The FBI deux ex machina I think is to leave room for fighting in the family next season. I think the tagline from this season will ring true ten times over next season. BINGO! Watching seasons 1 and 2 over, I'm thinking Curturo was wired since he got clipped with the cop in the tramphouse near the end of season 1. They just chose not to show us til 3, or at least can say that's when it happened. But I don't think all is well just because he gave up Tony B. You've still got years of resentment built up, and favorite son Christopher is still around to be resented. But I do think Ray is going to be crucial to bringing tony down if that's how it ends. Notice that he offered to wear a wire to Livia's funeral, whereas a reluctant rat would have to be ordered to do it, and would probably resist at that. I know I didn't care too much about him one way or the other. And while I'm no expert on actting ability, if he's as good as everyone says he is, they REALLY wasted him! He's been involved in the show since season 3, he was supposed to be a coup as big as Robert Loggia, and they waste both of them on BS bits! nother thing, why do he, and Charmaine have spots in Cast and Crew, but Mikey Palmice doesn't? He lasted longer, and played a bigger part! Janice, yeah, they did start stop with her, and Junior, he's one of the best characters, but they've been wasting his role in house arrest ever since season 2! He's a great character, and they waste it! Walking into his house and taking down that painting. Yeah, he's the boss, but I'd resent that if I were Paulie. Lol, yeah. But I think the both of them are accepting and even embracing what Tony does, just as he appears that he might be getting set up to get out. When Meadow was making excuses for the construction beat down, the contrast struck me from when she was grilling him four episodes into the series, and loved making smart remarks. Again, I'm a little more forgiving because season 4 sucked so bad, but yeah, out of the five, season 5 is #4, and season 4 is #5. I'm glad I rented seasons 1 & 2 before watching season 4, else I would hav ebeen majorly turned off from the get go. but I thought you said you liked season 4 better than 3. I'll probbaly watch 6, but I can't say it will be an automatic hit the way the past was. Now that I've seen three, you're right, that's where it went wrong, after that season. I rate it 1, 3, 2, all close, then 5 a distant 4th, then 4 a real distant last.
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Post by Roughneck on Jul 24, 2004 1:42:11 GMT -5
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Post by LS on Jul 24, 2004 23:55:15 GMT -5
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Post by Mr._Shooter on Jul 25, 2004 10:33:10 GMT -5
When I read about the 2006 thing, I immediately canceled HBO. No sense in forking over an extra $14 a month for two years without anything to show for it. I'll let others tell me how dopey "Entourage" is. ;D
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Post by Roughneck on Feb 2, 2005 0:56:30 GMT -5
A&E is supposedly getting the rights to rebroadcast the series. While it'll be good for those folks who don't have HBO, somehow I don't see the Sopranos cleaned up and with commercials breaking it up as being anything good. Oh well, that's what DVDs are for.
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Post by Mr._Shooter on Feb 3, 2005 10:03:21 GMT -5
A&E is supposedly getting the rights to rebroadcast the series. While it'll be good for those folks who don't have HBO, somehow I don't see the Sopranos cleaned up and with commercials breaking it up as being anything good. Oh well, that's what DVDs are for. Good point, Roughneck. By way of example, I've seen Sex and the City reruns on TBS (whether of my own volition or at the insistence of my wife, I'll let you decide ), and, due to the extensive editing, the experience just isn't the same. You have to agree, there's really no effective substitute for the well-placed F-bomb. ;D
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Post by Roughneck on Feb 3, 2005 21:42:31 GMT -5
On another note, forgot to put it up, but they're supposed to begin shooting again on April 25th...no pun intended.
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Post by Roughneck on Apr 21, 2005 8:48:25 GMT -5
Interesting, saw Michael Imperioli and Michael Santoro (Father Phil) were both on Law and Order last night. Santoro was on trial, but Imperioli was a cop and looked like he might be a regular. Wierd seeing him on the right side of the law. ;D
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Post by LS on Apr 21, 2005 21:12:01 GMT -5
Hey- it's a l-o-n-g time between 'seasons' and an actor's gotta eat... Imperioli to Appear on 'Law & Order'NEW YORK (AP) - Michael Imperioli is a turncoat. The "Sopranos'' star plays a homicide detective on four episodes on NBC's "Law & Order.'' Going from mobster to police officer, though, wasn't a dramatic leap for the actor. "I find a lot of similarities just in the basic genetic makeup of these guys, of Christopher Moltisanti (his character on the HBO show) and Nick Falco (his role on "Law & Order''),'' Imperioli told The Associated Press in a recent interview. "Geographically, economically and culturally, they grew up kind of similar.'' A New Yorker, the 39-year-old Imperioli can now check off two of the city's signature metro-area dramas - and would like to add another Big Apple tradition. "I've always wanted to work with Woody Allen in one of his movies,'' he said. "I actually got a role in `Celebrity' but it conflicted with the pilot episode of `The Sopranos.''' "The Sopranos'' will begin shooting its sixth season April 29, but Imperioli said he hasn't yet seen a script. Creator and producer David Chase has said this will be the show's last season, but Imperioli hopes otherwise. "I think we're all hoping for it,'' he said. "I think everyone's a little reluctant for it to end. I also have faith that if there's not (another season), it's David Chase making the right decision for the show.'' On "Law & Order,'' Imperioli teams up with his character's uncle, Detective Joe Fontana (Dennis Farina). His first appearance on the police drama was set to air Wednesday night.
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Post by Roughneck on Apr 22, 2005 12:46:45 GMT -5
Oh yeah, I knew that. I did a quick check in my head and figured that Season 6 hadn't begun filming yet, and obviously his shooting for Law and Order was done for now, and by the time he was shooting again for Law and Order, Sopranos would be done. Interesting to see two characters, although I knoiw they grabbed all metro area actors for Sopranos, and I'm guessing Law and Order is filmed in the area as well.
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