Goodbye Boda Bing!

Well, it’s already happened. I’ve had several debriefings on The Sopranos finale. It worked. The writers and producers managed to end the show in true Sopranos style with lots of questions and open ends. J was disappointed from the very beginning. Why was it only an hour long? Will Paulie turn on Tony? Are they going to waste the entire show with this? I’m sure he’s not alone in his criticism.

We’re used to the grand Godfather endings where multiple people meet their grisly demise at the same time while classical music plays over the actions. But The Sopranos stayed true to its macabre and cerebral leanings. The show has been known to spend a lot of time on what seems like trivial action. Remember the endless dream sequences while Tony was in the coma. I personally felt like the writers were putting a mind fuck on us. The last five minutes were painful. Is Meadow that useless that she can’t park?

I liked the ending. It did what it was supposed to do. We know Tony survived and Phil died in what was the best whacking in Sopranos history. Brilliant! You knew he was dead as soon as was playing with the grandkids. I threw my hands up in victory when the gun appeared near his head. Getting his head squashed and making the bystander throw up was the cherry on the top.

Tony coming to term with his crazy family was another piece of closure. His sister is a raging bitch. He did the right thing by seeing her but realized when it was time to walk away. His visit to Uncle Junior had me on edge. My paranoid thoughts made me think he would turn on Tony. Instead it was a sad ending to a tough little man. Tony even came to terms with the fact that AJ is to the Soprano family what Fredo was to the Corleones. The weak link.

The cat. What was the significance of the staring cat? I think it was Adrianna. I know that’s a bit mystical for the Diva but I think it was someone they knew. It could be Christopher. And the Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” at the end. I think it was very telling. They want to keep the mystique alive long enough for a movie.

With that said, I took a look at other finales that got it right.

The Wonder Years

After years of watching the adorable Kevin Arnold spin tales of his childhood, it was bittersweet to see it end. The writers cleverly wrapped up the show by telling the future of the character. It was sad to hear his father died and they he remained only friends with sweetheart Winnie.

Six Feet Under

I stopped watching this show in the second season but felt compelled to watch the finale. It took the same approach as the Wonder Years but took it a step forward. We saw their lives evolve and the moments of the deaths. For some reason I cried during the entire ending.

Sex and the City

I liked this one the best because it had the great declaration of love we had waited for. We found out Big’s name and each woman saw closure and growth in their character. My favorite was brassy Miranda who found compassion for family.

What was your favorite series finale?

Fugidabboubit!

The blood has finally been shed and by blood shed I’m referring to The Sopranos. You’ve read my declaration for all things mafia. Well, TV shows and movies are no different. I’m a relative newbie in the world of TS. I just started watching it about four years ago but was instantly enthralled.

Like most classic TV shows, TS lures you into the hypnotic, flashy, energetic world of modern day mob families. It harkens to the Godfather flicks with a hint of Archie Bunker. The show is well written and humorous with well-defined characters that go beyond stereotypes. It follows the conflict between occupational obligations and moral dilemmas. It also broadens the circle to include therapists, girlfriends, mistresses and innocent laborers drawn into the organized crimes of TS.

The talk among TS devotees is how it will end. Will Tony live or will he die? Who will take over? Of course, this sets my mind in motion and I have a clear vision of how the award-winning show should go out- in a blaze of glory ala The Godfather.

Here’s the show-ending episodes as seen by the Diva:

Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini)

After many health woes and anxiety attacks, Tony will die of natural causes most likely while having sex with his wife or some random stripper/Jersey Girl.

Carmela Soprano (Edie Falco)

She will be heart broken but ultimately released from her services as a mob wife. She will find her soul mate Furio Giunta and split her time between Italy and New Jersey. She’ll also act as consultant to the new boss.

Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli)

Paranoia concerning Tony and heartbreak over having Adriana killed will drive him to drugs once again. However, several lapses of judgement and disrespect will cause Tony to whack him personally.

Meadow Soprano (Jamie-Lynn Sigler)

Despite a power struggle with her bitter Aunt Janice, innocent Meadow will summon her book smarts and indirect knowledge of the family to take over for Tony. She will show a natural aptitude for organized crime. Mother Carmela will help fill in the blanks since she’s spent decades watching the business.

A.J. Soprano (Robert Iler)

A.J. will continue to be a bumbling idiot unable to get his life on track regardless of many golden opportunities. He will become the Fredo of the Soprano family.

How do you see it ending?