September 17, 20241 yr On 9/15/2024 at 8:04 AM, GhostOfTomJoad said: The doc is really well done and essential for any fan of the show. I really enjoyed the details about how during the table reads the actors would check in to see if their characters were safe or getting whacked in that episode, and how Chase or the producers would take them out for dinner as a way to soften the blow. Chase insisting that Drea's execution take place off camera was also quite telling. And I thought the DP gave the best insight about the ending of the series and how that final scene just adds to the rewatchability of the Sopranos. If it had simply ended with an on camera killing/arrest/escape and tied up the series it wouldn't have worked as well. I'm of the belief that Chase's immediate cut to black was his way of executing us, the viewers. He pulled us all into the mob life, and as the series has shown the only way to truly get out is to die. And most times the people getting whacked never see it coming. What better way for the viewers to experience that finality and uncertainty than by simply ending it? Documentary was awesome. And showed insight that I never knew about the show. I laughed at Edie Falco calling Chase the overlord. He definitely seemed like a beating to work with but it was his show, his direction and he didn't want to deviate that much. But you could tell the toll it took on some of them. The long, grueling hours.
September 17, 20241 yr On 9/15/2024 at 8:15 AM, CurlyDumps said: Nah. No way. Just think about Drea's death which you brought up. He cared about the character so much he didn't wanna see her shot. He (and others) talked about how he practically lived inside this show. He loved the show and the characters too much to end it with a 4th wall breaking gotcha prank. It's very possible that Tony was whacked. Probable, even. Maybe the entire family. But my point still stands that Chase brought the viewer into the world of the Jersey mob, and the only way you get out is when you die. In this instance, the audience is on the opposite side of the frame from Tommy Devito in Goodfellas when he thinks he's about to get made. "It goes on, and on, and on, and on..."
September 18, 20241 yr I have a question. I believe it was Edie Falco who in the documentary said something about how the entire cast was shocked when they saw the finale, because apparently they weren't expecting it to end that way? How were they expecting it to end? Was there more shot after the cut to black?
September 18, 20241 yr 19 hours ago, GhostOfTomJoad said: It's very possible that Tony was whacked. Probable, even. Maybe the entire family. But my point still stands that Chase brought the viewer into the world of the Jersey mob, and the only way you get out is when you die. In this instance, the audience is on the opposite side of the frame from Tommy Devito in Goodfellas when he thinks he's about to get made. "It goes on, and on, and on, and on..." Yeah, at the end of the day it is still technically left open ended and will remain that way unless Chase pulls a Ridley Scott. As the DP said, the open endedness made for an indelible ending that will talked about for a long, long time. Here we are still debating it. The "only way you get out is when you die" reality is another reason why I think Tony was whacked. Just about everyone (except Paulie?) eventually ends up dead, in prison, sick, or shot. Tony was gettin it one of those ways, and I think Chase planned for Tony to die all along. Chase implied that in one of those more recent interviews when he talked about having an idea for a death scene back when they were shooting season 2(?). Edited September 18, 20241 yr by CurlyDumps
September 18, 20241 yr 2 hours ago, Red Five said: I have a question. I believe it was Edie Falco who in the documentary said something about how the entire cast was shocked when they saw the finale, because apparently they weren't expecting it to end that way? How were they expecting it to end? Was there more shot after the cut to black? This is what I wondered. The cast is usually around for shooting, right? I would imagine they saw some alternate cuts for how it ended. I guess one of them being Tony dying or something. Seems like no one but Chase knew that the black screen ending was going to make the final cut. Series was a 10/10. The ending? Not so much. Sure, it's still being discussed but a show/movie should have a definitive ending unless abruptly cancelled. I am watching for the director/writers vision of the entire story. I don't want to make my own assumptions of the ending. Doesn't take away from the series, though, even in my 2nd run through a few years ago. As others have said, that profession never ends well. Death, prison, witness protection are about the only 3 options.
September 18, 20241 yr 2 hours ago, Red Five said: I have a question. I believe it was Edie Falco who in the documentary said something about how the entire cast was shocked when they saw the finale, because apparently they weren't expecting it to end that way? How were they expecting it to end? Was there more shot after the cut to black? They shot a fake ending to avoid potential leaks since that had become an issue. Nobody from the cast and crew knew which one was gonna be used until they saw it. Deadline Interview where Chased talks about the fake ending.
September 18, 20241 yr Gandolfini would have been 63 today. Hard to believe he's been gone over 11 years. Such a loss.
September 23, 20241 yr We are rewatching the entire series…at a non binge pace. Tonight is S2E13 The Funhouse (S2 Season Finale)…Holy FuckingShit…They could do oil paintings of the scenes and I’d decorate my whole house with them. This is an entire genre of Gangster Movies in one TV episode
September 23, 20241 yr Just realized that the woman playing Leslie Abramson in the new Netflix series about the Menendez brothers played Meadow's college roommate Caitlin.
September 23, 20241 yr 18 minutes ago, Deej said: Just realized that the woman playing Leslie Abramson in the new Netflix series about the Menendez brothers played Meadow's college roommate Caitlin. Despite the craziness, I had the hots for Caitlin. Ari Graynor is an attractive woman.
September 23, 20241 yr Nice catch. Watched a few episodes over the weekend and never would have guessed. I did notice her husband is a Mad Men alum.
September 23, 20241 yr 5 minutes ago, CurlyDumps said: Nice catch. Watched a few episodes over the weekend and never would have guessed. I did notice her husband is a Mad Men alum.
September 24, 20241 yr 20 hours ago, billfromlaketravis said: Despite the craziness, I had the hots for Caitlin. Ari Graynor is an attractive woman. When it aired originally, I thought she was chunky but on rewatch she was hot.
September 24, 20241 yr Robert Iler has also moved to Austin. Smart. Royalty checks will last longer in Austin than LA. I’d rather he not attend Texas home games, but I won’t put jinxing powers on him.
September 25, 20241 yr Mama and Bsby Llama left me at home for a couple of weeks and I watched the whole schmeer beginning to end. Just rewatched the last episode last night. Jesus it’s so much better without the interruptions. The Soprano family refrigerator “mark” set the tone for each scene. Either Tony says too much or Meadow rolls her eyes and pisses off Carm or Anthony goes off about some dumb shit as he plays in his cereal. Have to say my favorite moment of the whole series is Tony schumping down the stairs in his robe and slippers, singing 🎶 When I i i was a child, I had a fleeting glimpse, two ships on the horizon. . . . “. That or Paulie amazed telling Chris the “Ukranian guy (who eluded them) had killed 17 Czechoslovakians!” (Chechens) i kept hoping the ducks would come back. Gandolfini was mighty fuckin good. RIP, Tony PS/ Janice bugged the shit out of me. Dingbat needy frontrunner space cadet. Have you heard? Narcoleptic boyfriend.
September 25, 20241 yr On 9/23/2024 at 8:16 AM, BigDHornfan said: What's your favorite season? Season 5 IMO is the best. Season 3 was peak Sopranos. Jackie Jr provided laughs with his stupidity and flailing attempts to break into the Mafia. Noah being a complete hateable douchebag. Pine Barrens was the best episode of the series. Vito’s fatass getting the drop on Jackie Jr. and whacking him from behind is an indelible image.
September 25, 20241 yr 3 hours ago, billfromlaketravis said: Robert Iler has also moved to Austin. Smart. Royalty checks will last longer in Austin than LA. I’d rather he not attend Texas home games, but I won’t put jinxing powers on him. drugs are cheaper in Austin?
September 25, 20241 yr "Less yacking, more whacking" cracked me up. And Paulie's refusal to let professionals touch his hair was hilarious as well.
September 28, 20241 yr I enjoyed the documentary. Just the right length. Chase acknowledging the comedy or drama debate was refreshing. I think it changed from scene to scene. Chase is going to be a cautionary tale in the industry. 1 extremely successful show, but such an unwavering prick that nobody would work with him again. His protege Matthew Weiner has enjoyed a similar fate.
November 3, 20241 yr 23 minutes ago, Dennis Taylor said: Also the best Shaq impression I’ve ever seen. Spears is a very talented guy. RIP Mad TV.
January 10Jan 10 I still think AJ’s line holds up as the funniest line of the whole series. Definitely made me laugh the hardest. Still does.
January 11Jan 11 I've watched it through probably a dozen times but it's the little things. Tony's assessment of Charmaine Bucco in Season 5. Great tits, can cook better than Artie and a notary public on top of that. Amen Tony
January 11Jan 11 Can't believe I'm watching for the first time. Season 4. I guess I just wasn't watching much TV in 99 and got into HBO seriew with BOB and The Wire. Really enjoying it. Made some bad ass baked Manicotti last week.
January 11Jan 11 20 hours ago, Jive Turkey said: I still think AJ’s line holds up as the funniest line of the whole series. Definitely made me laugh the hardest. Still does. I like when tony drags him from his bed into the closet
January 11Jan 11 HBO has been running Sopranos seasons per day on one of their channels. It's great seeing all the Easter eggs David Chase buried in there.
January 11Jan 11 22 hours ago, Jive Turkey said: I still think AJ’s line holds up as the funniest line of the whole series. Definitely made me laugh the hardest. Still does. Yep, he peaked there and should’ve been killed off the next scene.
January 11Jan 11 He was perfect for the character. Embodied everything wrong with Tony and his approach to his family.
January 11Jan 11 3 hours ago, Underdog said: Yep, he peaked there and should’ve been killed off the next scene. While he and Walt Jr. were having breakfast together
August 2Aug 2 started a rewatch, and I'm seriously considering fast forwarding until Richie Aprielle gets buried on a hillside with pine cones.
August 2Aug 2 Gil Bang never had the makings of a Varsity Sopranos watcher. Small hands, that's his problem.
August 2Aug 2 12 hours ago, Gil Bang said: started a rewatch, and I'm seriously considering fast forwarding until Richie Aprielle gets buried on a hillside with pine cones.
August 2Aug 2 13 hours ago, Gil Bang said: started a rewatch, and I'm seriously considering fast forwarding until Richie Aprielle gets buried on a hillside with pine cones.
August 3Aug 3 7 hours ago, qwertyu1234 said: Gil Bang never had the makings of a Varsity Sopranos watcher. Small hands, that's his problem. he's a hothouse flower
August 3Aug 3 9 hours ago, qwertyu1234 said: Gil Bang never had the makings of a Varsity Sopranos watcher. Small hands, that's his problem. always thinking about cooze
August 24Aug 24 10 hours ago, Celery Man said: Sad when they go young like that. "He was only 96...just a kid"
August 24Aug 24 Tony owing Hesh money was a great storyline. Carlo wanting to kill Hesh so Tony didn’t have to pay him was such a POS statement.
August 25Aug 25 1 hour ago, billfromlaketravis said: Tony owing Hesh money was a great storyline. Carlo wanting to kill Hesh so Tony didn’t have to pay him was such a POS statement. Man when tony comes to “ pay his respects” after he kills the guys wife is so dark
August 25Aug 25 10 hours ago, Bogeywon said: Man when tony comes to “ pay his respects” after he kills the guys wife is so dark Tony didn't kill her. She died in her sleep. Stroke or heart attack.
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