They Didn't Live By The Code

Last night was a great disappointment. It had nothing to do with any events in my family, no, it was another family that let me down. After an 18 month hiatus, "The Sopranos" came roaring back onto HBO in January. Like millions of fans, I looked forward to this season with a rabid devotion that confounds all reason. Last night the season ended, and I was left thinking "so what".

I stuck with Tony and the gang this year, even thought my heart wasn't in it. I liken it to hanging out with an old friend even though they keep disappointing you. You try to remember the good times and keep hoping that they'll turn themselves around. The "Sopranos" would have to spin like a Tazmanian Devil to get back to their starting point.

I've argued my opinion with a couple friends who think that this season has been better than previous ones. They try to explain symbolism and how we finally get to see the banality of Tony's life and the way things really are. Blah, blah, blah. All I know is this season was Boring! If I wanted symbolism, I'd go to the Art Institute. I'm watching a show about the mob. How 'bout some more violence, extortion and retribution? The whole season was the promise of hot action with no payoff. It was exactly like the scene where Tony was about to bang the real estate agent. Everyone got all worked up, and then...Nothing.

While I'm at it, here are my other problems with the season. If you got a problem wid it, we'll have a sit down.

First, I have to say that I hated the Vito story line. It did nothing to move the "Family" story forward. I think it was a cheap stunt to get attention for a season that was sub-par. I didn't need to keep seeing scenes of Vito and some Morgan Spurlock look-a-like recreating "Splendor In The Grass". It's not that I mind the depiction of gay romance on TV, it's just that Vito is so hideous. Would it have been so bad for Johnny Cakes to get involved with a better looking mobster? If they had a couple of the "Bing" girls tongue wrestle, I would be all for it. I like my televised gay romance to be between good looking people. Does that make me shallow? Maybe.

Tony in "limbo". B O R I N G ! Maybe I have a short attention span, but one episode of that would have been interesting. Three made me sleepy.

For all the beefs that keep coming up between Tony and Phil's crews, nobody does anything. There's a lot of angry talk, but very little angry action. Come on boys, you're heartless Mafia soldiers. Stick an ice pick in somebody's eye. How about a couple more stabbings like the one in the back of the sausage store? I'd like to see a frozen head dropped down a well in every episode. Why make us wait until the end of the season?

Let Christopher O.D. already. I'm tired of him always relapsing and then worrying that Tony will find out. Maybe I'm jaded after so many good seasons, but the story is tired. Why not have him get stronger and challenge Tony for once. That may be far fetched, but it would be interesting. If I see him fall off the wagon one more time, I may start "chasing the dragon" too just so I can forget the show. While I'm talking about Christopher, are there any women who are as clue less as the new, where did she come from, wife that Chris has? This guy NEVER comes home. He's leading a complete second life that not only includes another woman, but also booze and heroin and the only question she asks is if he'll bring her a "quattro frommage" pizza. Puh-lease! If I'm in the basement for too long, "Wife" wants a detailed accounting of my whereabouts.

There is a lot more, but why beat a dead horse, or smoke it, as Christopher would. The season ended with everyone sitting around on Christmas Eve. In January, we'll be given the final eight episodes. Maybe this season will end up being just a dream of Tony's. I hope so, it was a nightmare for me. Later....Brian