The Sopranos - Family Values

Season 5 Running Comments

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Last Update: 6/08/2004

Who was the guy with the mullet [Episde 64 - Long Term Parking]? He is going to be a cult hero one day. He changed two peoples lives in 10 seconds. From Joe.

Quickly a few things. I could babble on as many do about their thoughts and opinions and how they dissect everything. The person who mentioned "3:00" from Chris' dreams, and the Raven symbolizing something awry in the future is thinking the way I do as well. Many seeds have been subtly planted and forgotten by many. I guess this happens when you have to wait 18 months for the next season.

This Season has been awesome. The show isn't any more boring nor exciting then it was during Season One. The difference is the Sopranos is no longer a novelty as it was then. It raised the bar and now we're seeing many shows that have followed their lead. With anything that's great, it gets stale after a while. I don't think this show is stale at all, however I do see how they've seemed to stretch what was to be only 5 seasons into an extra 10 episodes. All shows have their filler episodes, and this series is no different. However in those particular episodes many crucial plot roots are dropped to some degree. In Season 3-2, before Livia's wake, there was a scene (no more then 10 seconds in length) where we learn that Raymond has flipped. Nothing was mentioned again until Season 5-2, and the focus on his character has been minimal. What happens with this plot and its relevance, who knows? But it's not dead in the water.

It's cool to have a forum like this so people can express there opinions. Except many confuse the fact that this is NOT a Mob show. It's centered around the Mob, but more of a general soap with all characters involved in their own story all through the main character's interaction with them. The "Test Dream" was brilliant. A filler episode sure, however no episode has ever touched on Tony's "sad clown" persona better then this one. We just know so much about him already, so many were more disappointed on how little progression this episode had regarding the main plots, rather then realizing the symbolic nature and the exclamation point this episode had regarding Tony's conscience and alluding to what will happen in the future to which nobody has a clue.

Season 5 has been fantastic, and if look back to the first episode of this season you'll realize "holy shit, this all happened this season." Expectations are too high for this show that those who expect it always to be like "Long Term Parking" will be only disappointed for probably about 7 out of the final 11 episodes. This Sopranos is basically a nightime soap (just as Dallas was). The only difference is that this show actually has teeth. Shit, I did ramble on after all. From Doggie P.

I thought this episode [Episode 64 - LONG TERM PARKING] was incredible. It was also however, extremely sad. I thought it truly showed us the darkest side of the characters that we sometime forget. Christopher incase we don’t already know is a heartless, stone cold prick. Tony of course has always been evil enough to put a hit on anyone for any reason. We mainly look at Silvio and think of him as this funny guy with good hair. He usually has the good lines and we may forget he is a killer. This episode made us realize again how evil these people are. I think we saw in University as well with Ralph. Ralph was the charming funny mobster and we finally woke up and saw how sociopathic he was when he brutally beat Tracy to death. I think this hit us so much more because Adriana was such a huge character and she died tragically at the hands of the man she loved and the people we know so well in this show.

That is the funny thing with this show. These characters can say and do the funniest things and make us laugh and later do something so brutal and disturbing. I think it was very sad how Adriana died because she was foolish but innocent. She loved Christopher and all she wanted to do was be happy and live a good life with her husband like any women would want. It was sad that she truly loved Christopher and truly believed that he would go with her into the program and was sadly mistaken. Adriana knew once she got deep into the woods that her true love had betrayed her and in her final minutes she would die knowing she that he went to Tony and had her killed. It is sad that the path she took from the beginning led to her death. Christopher was the only man she loved and she truly believed he lover her as much.

If Christopher truly loved her he would have gone with her or at least sent her off on her own. But when he was made he took an oath that his family (the mob) came before all things. He stuck true to that oath. I do believe that he will go to hell for Tony along with many others. He has many opportunities to escape the cruel world he was in and take up his writing career. In season 2 Tony gave him the opportunity to leave for good and he decide to stay. If I ever thought he regretted that decision (which it seemed) I believed he would have taken the choice to go into the program. I think that Christopher who ultimately is my favorite character will regret his decisions and will eventually fall.

I always keep in mind the signs throughout this show. I remember the raven at Christopher’s ceremony. The thing I mainly remember was from the episode From Where to Eternity where Mikey Palmicey tells Chris in his dream to tell Tony and Paulie 3:00. I believe all of these sighs will result in the end of these characters. I think that it is always very hard to see these great characters go. Adriana’s death shocked and disturbed me, as did Ralph Ciferetto’s murder. I think by the end of this series we will see the fate of so many characters who’s lives in the show will lead up to the final moments they have. I love this show like no other. I am eagerly awaiting the finale and when it all ends television will never be the same.

NOTE: Michael Imperiloi deserves and Emmy and this show should finally win Best Drama. Submitted by Mike L.

I'd like to throw in an opinion about the Sopranos being boring. Nothing is boring on the Sopranos-it's all realism- you should be intrigued. Consider the fact that Tony has to see a psychiatrist to discuss his worries. In the real life world of the mafia you have no friends to confide in because those same friends could just as well be sent to kill you. Wiseguys are isolated, lonely idividuals-the show hits this realism accurately with no bullshit. I think its fascinating that the show deals with the fact that Tony's only safe person is his doctor- she helps him keep it together in a world where he lives by the sword and is all alone. At least this show has some complexity and conflict. Submitted by Jim R.

We have a great thought for the show. Although it is somewhat funny, it would fit in nicely in the right spot. Our suggestion is this. Carmella is driving to her parents' home to have dinner. She is bringing with her a huge platter of gravy (sauce to you non-Italians). Her trunk is full of "gatzies" so she puts the platter of gravy, with meat and all, on the front seat of her SUV. On the way to her parents' home, she comes to a four-way intersection, her mind fogged up with her troubles, she runs the stop sign and another SUV whacks into her...
Here's the funny part. The gravy and the meat go flying all over the SUV. All you see is RED on the windows, thick heavy RED. Passers-by can't believe what they see. The RED is catching everyone's eye. They see blood, of course. The police come. They approach the SUV with caution and upset. As they come closer, they see a brojolle on the dashboard of the SUV. "Oh, Christ, is that her liver" one of the cops utters. Carmella is luckily okay, with whiplash and in total shock. A cop pries the door open and sees she is still alive. She can't speak due to the shock and points at the platter next to her... (Laughter follows, we're sure). By the way, this is a true story... It actually happened to my friend's brother-in-law's wife. Submitted by Donna K.

Firstly, I would like to say well done on producing the best sopranos website out there so well done and keep up the good work. I’m a big UK sopranos fan thank god for internet file sharing because we have to wait ages to get a new seasons. Ok I’ve got some 5th season opinions that I would like to share. Finn only got engaged because he knows he wont be able to be touched by Vito because Tony will be his father in law so basically to save his life this season we have began to see Tony as a real loner who is surrounded by brown noses ( suck ups ) like Paulie who just say what he wants to hear. I think the people who he was really close to like Chris hasn’t been the same since end of season 3 when they fell out over Jackie jnr , what about Artie? I think the writers have tried to show tony as a guy who is loosing touch and is too consumed with money and power. Like when he beat that guy from the Bing for no real reason he felt guilty and tried to other him money. Did anyone notice the way he couldn’t handle seeing his sister happy the way she was controlling her anger after therapy he didn’t want her too succeed so he pushed her too far because he was wishing he could control it like she seemed to be and took the well if I cant she cant attitude. So now we are going seeing his relationship with his family starting to deterate, Janice, Uncle jr., I think by the end of the season we will see a very sad and lonely Tony. Reguards. Submitted by Neil C.

I don't know WHO rates these episodes, but it's completely WRONG! How can you give last night's episode "The Test Dream" 5 out of 10?!?! It deserves 8.5 or 9!!! it was ONE of the BEST episode this season. Just because no one was killed (well actually two people were killed, Angelo and Bill Leotardo) does not make it a bad episode... If you study dreams, they have lot meaning to it. For example tony's teeth falling out is a very common dream... In theory it reflect that a person is not comfortable with their appearance, and how other perceive them (i.e Tony's weight, or Tony B's continuous comment on tony's weight). Another theory show that teeth are used to bite, tear, chew, in which case teeth icons power and loss of teeth indicate sense of being powerless (This can have multiple meaning: on being the boss, in the situation with carmela and the divorce, the war that's might go on between New Jersey Vs. New York, etc). Study show that falling teeth are common among women in menopause, because they feel unattractive and less feminine...
In addition to tony's dreams, there so much more to this episode. after last night's show as tony said "we are all f---ed", meaning the battle which will go on between NJ vs NY. Also, Tony and Carlmela relationship....the classic ending when he says something like is "it light were you are yet".....reflects on when they were young and in high school, when they might have talked on the phone untill the sun came up......there are some many hidden meaning behind these episodes....which makes the show so amazing!
Bravo to Matthew Weiner and David Chase for writing this episode... Its because of episodes like these the spoprano is one of BEST SHOW on TV. It's not just about body count, its much much more than that... Submitted bt Nisha P.

Me and a group of my friends get together every sunday night to watch Sopranos, and thus far we have been REALLY disappointed. I know the writers of this show can come up with something better than this. What's up with all of these stupid story lines. It's like every episode there's ten or fifteen minutes worth watching, and the rest is garbage. It's almost like they come up with some of this crap just to kill time. Quit wasting my time, and come up with something that made me start watching in the first place!! Submitted by Christopher N.

So far, I think the fifth season is far better than the 4th. Only thing I dislike about this season is that there would be a really good episode, and then the next would kind of drag on and suck. But i realize that chase likes to do that from time to time to bait it for future episodes. I keep hearing this rumor that there isn't going to be a 6th season, and that there is going to be a movie instead. The last article i read said that there already is a 6th season contract and there will be 10 episodes. Hopefully someone can give some insight on that subject. Submitted by Brett L.

Why dont david chase save his self some money by having hbo cancel this boooring 5th season and have the show to air along with the rest of the daytime soap operas that come on tv.perhaps you need to review the 4th and 3rd seasons episodes and mabe you will recall why so many people looked foward to seeing the show from week to week. "wake up man". Submitted by Jessie S.

This is what i feel about the episode... this is not a series per say... we are supposed to be hanging by a thread each week and its far from that. Chase has too many"eggs in the basket" with introducing people that we could care less about, (tony's dads goomar) situations (ie. tony and adrianna) that go sour after 10 minutes and no plot lines. I am barely staying awake for the show, and the previews are about as vague as you can get. Submitted by Kari

I do have to unfortunately agree with those that say this season is BORING!!!! Where is all the action? Furio was in the picture last season, now where is he? And this divorce thing with Tony and Carmela.. it is dragging too much. This season has not really captured my attention too much. No one has gotten "whacked" but Christopher came close. Where are the kids this season? Meadow... where has she been. I think I can count twice I have seen her thus far, and Tony Jr.. being tossed from Tony's to Carm's.. got old really quick. I hop that the rest of the season picks up or else it will be a disappointing end to a great series! Submitted by Kim from CT

I would like to address the criticism that the fifth season has been boring thus far. I have read several opinions stating that there should be more mayhem and violence. I personally feel the show offers much more than action sequences. The Soprano's delves more into the day to day reality of the mafia lifestyle and its conjunct ramifications in terms of each character's concerns and frustrations in trying to make a living as a gangster. The impact of the realism the show strives to attain is fascinating. For those who are looking to the show for non-stop shoot 'em up scenes- grow up and follow a well written story line for once. Submitted by Jim R.

So far the season is spotty at best. The scene of Robert Loggia's screaming geriatric silently riding back to prison was sublime. The execution of the lady loan shark naked and getting snapped in the ass by a towel and Paulie's "he jumped out of a tree and attacked me with a chain saw" line were high points, as was Junior's conversation with the old lady hooker in Newark on the bench. Question: is the Pabst Blue Ribbon Bottle water tower seen in the distance still painted or was it blacked out on purpose? I haven't been back to that part of Jersey in a while. The interactions between Adrianna and the FBI are lame and have to get somewhere fast. It's obvious that they are trying to get her in deeper and if they do my guess is she'll be next to get hit. Is it Chris that will do the job? Anybody know how many episodes this season? 12? 13? One last thought- this year's guest casting…..why was David Lee Roth of all people at the card game, (a has-been LA rock star at a New Jersey poker game???) is he trying to get his own TV show? And will Frankie Valli play a regular role? THAT was great casting! Submitted by Skip H.

I have been watching the Soprano's since the beginning. I loved it as a MOB related show. It was painful to watch the end of Episode 55 with Tony and Junior. The last thing I wanted to see was Tony say "don't you love me" Give me a break this is a MOB show. What the F-ck was that all about. The show has gone soft. Submitted by Liz

I completely agree with your rating of the episode, "Where's Johnny?" I believe this is one of the best episodes I have seen since "Pines Barens." I think the very last seen with Tony and Junior was a thing of shear beauty. It was clear that Tony really wants Junior's appreciation. I thought this was a very good episode, best in years. Just wanted to share that with you. Thanks for a great site. Submitted by Alex

I have watched every episode and I thought yesterdays [Episode 55] was horrible and insulting to anyone with any intelligence Gangsters aging over landscaping routs? we are talking about a little business of charging people $70-80 a month, who cares? and the most insulting part is the super human strength of this old guy Feech! First he beat the shit out of the biggest black guy in prison? Give me a break, this guy is 100 years old and his method of fighting is kicking a guy in the balls? And why should NY take any suggestions on how to run there business from Tony's Mickey Mouse operation? And the part of Carmines successor? Every boss has his next in line in place and in this case he has a son so it is no question. The biggest joke is the "powerful" woman bookie, that simply does not exist on Earth. I welcome your thoughts. Submitted by David S.

First a 9.8 [for Episode 55] I almost agree totally. I give it a 9 as it was a great episode but a 9.8? First lets talk about the product endorsing. Phillips on all the TV the Sopranos have. This isn't new to this Season as I've seen it in past seasons. I've had a few Phillips TVs in my day and none of them had the name that large on them. Okay with that out of the way lets talk about the episode.
First off I don't like this Lady Loanshark. I just don't see it. I know in the past there have been a couple of females that have done business with the mob in real life. But I don't think TS would be one of them.
Feech why the hell is he always screamin? Seriously he's gonna have a heartattack or something. Him and Paulie will continue to butt heads. And it looks like Chrissy and Feech are hanging out in the next episode. Paulie will not take too kindly to that.
Janice I hate this women! Period I think they waste to much time on her and I think Bobbie is gonna come to his senses. "You want more responsibility, try controlling your wife" wow that was low. But if you remember is Season 2 Tony didn't like Bobbie. Once he started taking care of his Uncle he came around. She is gonna cause some serious problems between Tony and Bobby, Bobby and his kids, Bobby and whoever.
Uncle Junior, an untapped resource. They should use him more when he's not an idiot. My thoughts are they have heard the people cry about not using Uncle Jun and made this medical condition treatable by meds, so he can be more normal now. Probably not whats gonna happen but here's hoping.
The end of the show was classic "don't you lvoe me" and Uncle Jun couldn't say a word, not because he dosen't love him he just can't show it, thats not how he was raised. Its typical shit of people that age or even Tony generation. As he has trouble showing AJ love.
Thats it I think this season is gonna be great, and it will have you guessing the entire season and lead into a great 6th season. Submitted by j. gerber

In the 2nd episode of the 5th season, there is a scene where they show the 4 different FBI teams working on the Tony Soprano case. The camera follows a mail clerk delivering mail to each team. If you watch closely, he kind of lingers a little too long for my taste. Also he is a younger asian man who looks very similar to the man that took the SEC license test for Chrissy in the opening the the first episode of the second season. Just a thought. Keep up the good work on your website. Submitted by Ben N.

Interesting that a "Lady Loan Shark" character has been added to the show... But could a little more effort be put into her dialogue???? A couple of strong-arms rough her up and the best she can do is to offer blow jobs???? Bad job guys, you had a chance to add a little variety and you put in another dumb douchebag who might as well be an older version of the ho's at the 'Bing I'm sorry but to get anywhere in this business, you have to act like a man, what male character in this show would have such little effort put into his character?? Expand your minds please, if you want a woman being part of this thing, go all the way. Submitted by Kalimari

I not sure about the review for episode 2 season 5 only receiving an 8. I thought it was one of the best episodes since Pine Barrens. The suspense was incredible with Adrianna at Carmella's house. I think this season has been great so far and has the potential to be one of the best. Question for everyone, did anyone else find it rather non-Tony when he told Malfi that he wanted her mouth her hair and so on. I really just found that to be out of character. Submitted by Jon G.

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