25 Years since The Sopranos began

[fonz]

Just rewatching it. Third time around. My boy is loving it. He’s 13. Inner debate about whether he’d be old enough. The language is fruity, and there’s some tits. Violence in places.

He can see all this stuff, and more, online. I’d rather he saw it with me. Good conversation starter.

Anyway, the programme is excellent. Doesn’t feel particularly dated.
The dialogue is brilliant. The details that might only reveal themselves after a couple of viewings are fascinating.

Gandolfini was special.

[Mr. FOLLARD]

Funny you should start this, because I'm just about to start again after I took a couple of months break in the middle of a rewatch. Pine Barrens is up soon. I want to be ready for that one

Gandolfini really was special, wasn't he? Just a natural talent, completely convincing in every aspect. I wonder if the role was made for him, or if he 'adjusted' to the role that was already written? (I read somewhere that he took classes to sound more New Jersey at some point through recording).

But then I think everyone was great. Edie Falco stands out more in this second watch - there's a lot in that face, the reactions, the observations. And Dominic Chianese - a wonderful part and a pitch-perfect performance.

I only have praise, really, it's almost boring to go on.

[rayge]

Odd thing: watched it all as it came out, loved it - I was one of about half-a-dozen worldwide who thought the ending was perfect - but have never felt any desire to watch any of it again.

[davey]

I’m a big fan too. There were a few uneven seasons and bad storylines along the way, but overall it’s a masterpiece.

This anniversary comes at an interesting time. I was just arguing to a friend that the end of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” feels a lot like the last gasp of the television renaissance that The Sopranos ushered in.

[Mr. FOLLARD]

Mar 18, 2024 15:20:24 GMT davey said:

I was just arguing to a friend that the end of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” feels a lot like the last gasp of the television renaissance that The Sopranos ushered in.

That makes sense. We're not really seeing anything like Mad Men, The Wire, Breaking Bad or the likes now - everything seems a little more specific in terms of its themes, or something. 

[fonz]

I get that. But then I get stuck into Succession, Money Heist, Banshee, Kin, Saul etc and I’m reassured that the quality is still there

[fonz]

Mar 18, 2024 15:01:28 GMT Mr. FOLLARD said:

Funny you should start this, because I'm just about to start again after I took a couple of months break in the middle of a rewatch. Pine Barrens is up soon. I want to be ready for that one

Gandolfini really was special, wasn't he? Just a natural talent, completely convincing in every aspect. I wonder if the role was made for him, or if he 'adjusted' to the role that was already written? (I read somewhere that he took classes to sound more New Jersey at some point through recording).

But then I think everyone was great. Edie Falco stands out more in this second watch - there's a lot in that face, the reactions, the observations. And Dominic Chianese - a wonderful part and a pitch-perfect performance.

I only have praise, really, it's almost boring to go on.

Pine Barrens was such an extraordinary episode; where else could a narrative had a whole hour of pissing about in the woods, getting nowhere. But the character development was formative, and essential.
Those two, their story arc was as fascinating as Tony’s. And, provided so much levity.


Christopher in the bakery: “It happens”.
My favourite scene from the whole thing.

[Stacy Heydon]

Mar 18, 2024 15:53:57 GMT fonz said:

I get that. But then I get stuck into Succession, Money Heist, Banshee, Kin, Saul etc and I’m reassured that the quality is still there

Things like that seem more like pulpy entertainments though in comparison to the dramas J mentioned, those dramas had a real novelistic depth.
There's too much competition now, too much content to be filled, budgets are much reduced, so producers are spreading their net and going for sure fire, risk averse stuff. You're not going to get a Matthew Weiner or David Simon type auteur allowed to slowly build something over three or four seasons.

[davey]

I think Succession was every bit as deep as any show we’ve seen. But it’s worth noting that all but one of the shows he mentioned (Kin) has already completed its run.

So the question remains…what shows currently in production are up to the level of the great shows in the Sopranos-era? What are the current standard- bearers?

[DayoRemix]

Started watching it for the first time recently. Got into the fourth season and stopped because of awards season. Up to this point, it's a "good" show, but I'm not as enthusiastic as others are. Gandolfini is Gandolfini. Pretty much same as he is in most of his roles. The standouts for me are Bracco and Falco. Both their characters could have been mere caricatures, but these skilled actresses add proper nuance in the performances.

The show itself tends to feel a bit samey after a while. I know the subject matter doesn't allow for too much variety, but up until the point I'm at, the themes drag a little.(Something The Wire, Oz, Boardwalk Empire, Deadwood, etc, don't do) I'll get around to the rest of the series eventually. Oh and 'Pine Barrens' is oddly hilarious and the most enjoyable episode so far.

[Mr. FOLLARD]

The final season (can't remember the number - 6? 5 1/2? think there were two half-seasons) was, for me anyway, the best by some distance. It was darker, tenser, more gripping, with the rivalry theme more to the foreground.

The last two episodes remain the best TV I've ever seen - and I sat there in awed (and confused, if I'm honest) silence for some time after that final scene. And I found I missed the show, too, in a way I've never experienced before or since for anything as silly as a TV programme. It's rich and powerful stuff.