I got very mixed feeling about the 3rd season premier. I consider myself to be one of the biggest Sopranos fans out there. I mean I would not spend countless hours at work, working on this fan site if I was not. Few things I liked about the premier and few things I found very unsettling. Lets start with criticism.

Both episodes were dragged out. They could of fit everything into one. I do understand that they had to tie up some loose ends and introduce new characters but they could of done it better (they did before). Did they really have to spend a whole episode on planting a bug in Tony's basement? The thing with Meadows boyfriend and how Tony would react to it was very predictable. I actually got a lot of emails from fans in the past year saying that this will happen. I did not like Silvio. It looked like he was doing an impression of him self. He is one of my favorites and I would hate it if he becomes a cartoon character. The whole scene with Livia and Tony was very awkward as well. They took all Livia's famous lines (greatest hits) and put her head on some other body. There were huge gaps in the conversation and Livia's responses to Tony's questions did not really make sense. Also, I was sure that Pussy will haunt Tony and he probably will. I hope everyone saw his reflection in the mirror at the wake.

Surprisingly, I did like Janice. I must admit she was great. I think she finally got a hold of her character. The kids did very well also. Both of them are really growing as actors and it is very noticeable comparing to past seasons. Carmela was amazing as usual. I loved the scene at the tennis court when she is collecting balls and watching the instructor come on to Adriana. That look she gives worth a million. Also, her outburst at the wake was very powerful. That whole scene in the living room was the best part of both episodes.

All I can say is the season has potential. But I have to be optimistic. If the show sucks I will have to kill my web site and I don't want to do that yet.