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Weakest episode of the Season so far -- which is what I would expect from any episode focusing on Artie sorry-sack-of-shit Bucco, and Chris "dumber-than-dirt" Moltisanto. A whole episode produced for the seemingly sole purpose of getting guest apperances by Ghandi and Bacall -- lame. Also, while Max Casella actually makes for a good thug despite his Doogie roots, I really don't need to see this much of him.
While I wasn't too keen on Artie (who acted like a really douchy dick in this episode), seeing Bacall getting punched in the face more than made up for it.
I was hoping Kingsley would go into Don Logan mode at least once during the show.
And yes, seeing Bacall getting socked in the kisser was a beautiful thing. It should receive some sort of Emmy nomination.
Aw, man, why all the Artie Bucco hate?
I like his character, although I was sorry to see him turn so pathetic these past couple seasons. He's the only average guy in the Sopranos circle. He doesn't murder people or do drugs or have a huge gambling problem, he just has normal problems like the rest of us shmucks. In this episode, he rebounds from his cycle of self-pity and depression. The final scene, where he reaches into his old handwritten recipe book to cook up a rabbit, is really touching.
I'm glad Benny Fazio received some fleshing out, I've been a fan of Max Casella since Doogie.
And indeed, Bacall getting punched in the face was the best part of the episode.
I could listen to Little Carmine talk all day. "Specificities" cracked me up.
I really liked this episode. Some quality drama and Christopher continues to be downright hilarious. That broad he had was smoking hot too.
I think Sunday's episode hit pretty close to home for a lot of TNL members.
The "yes... they're really all gay fireman" face that Mr. Moustache made was the lol.
Vito got his ass kicked by a homo.
I sure could go for some of them Johnny cakes.
Reasons why this is the WORST season ever:
1. No more significant character development. After 5 seasons, we know who these characters are front to back and through and through. All of the major ones have had their defining moments, so there is nowhere else to go. The writers tried to create a new defining moment for Tony when he gets shot, but A) he's already been through this "live-for-the-moment" crap when his mom/Uncle tried to kill him and B) he hasn't changed (see: beating up musclehead). I will say that I was shocked (shocked!) that he denied himself the poon. Otherwise, it's the same old stuff. Tony, who thinks he's a good guy inside, talks about how he's changed and he's going to live to help others...but it never lasts, and it won't here. So, writers and producers, please stop pretending like we're going to see real change in this guy!
2. Boring plot pacing we've seen before. Let's see, Tony has a problem w/one of his minions and takes forever to decide what to do (see: Richie, Ralphie, Tony B. and now Vito). I suppose one could call it an homage, or say that this is how the show works but let's call it what it is: stringing along a "plotline" b/c they're out of ideas.
3. Advertising. Cell phones, cookies, cars...it's a wonder they haven't had bodyguard dude ask for some XYIENCE EXTREME SUPPLEMENTS.
4. Pointless guest stars. Ben Kingsley? Lauren Bacall? Margolis? It's starting to come across like the guests (and the show) are just trying to say, "OMGLOOK!" Contrast this with the earlier seasons where a one-shot guest star really worked (see: Charles Dutton's cop turned lawn salesman).
5. Lack of plot development. This ties in w/No. 2 but in a different way. Not only are we seeing stuff from before, but the show is moving entirely too slowly on the development of all this "conflict" b/w NY and NJ. Just get to the freaking war and be done with it!
I used to watch this show for the tremendous character exposition. Now all I care about is who will get shot. :cry:
http://www.8bitjoystick.com/archives...micBookGuy.gif
Wah wah. Go watch Prison Break or some other shitty show.
You obviously have horrible taste in television.Quote:
Originally Posted by sleeveboy
I like what they're doing with Tony this season. He never changed after he was shot in the first season, it was back to regular Tony bullshit. He's actually trying to be a good person now, so much though that it has me worried that they're trying to make the audience care for him before they give him cancer/heart attack/ gunshot to the head.
lol,that was pretty funny. But damnit, they ruined the ep. for me when I didn't get to see the hot sales lady buck naked....damnit Tony! And LOL when he came home bitchin' about no turkey or ham or w/e. He really flew off his rocker there... :lol: Can you say blue balls... :lol: And AJ, omfg what a worthless human being... I guess he is on par for a typical kid that grew up with a ritch and powerfull daddy. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh
It was good to see some develpment from AJ. He's always been a whiney bitch, but the confrontation with his dad should change things. Really good interaction between them.
Meach: Tony has changed. He had to "beat up the musclehead". He had to show dominance to his pack or lose total control. He saw everything sliding out of control and had to make some kind of foothold. The old Tony never would have apologized to that kid.
I had a feeling he would apologize to him. We need to see Meadow in a lesbo scene. :)
Are you really 24 years old? It's honestly hard to tell.
I joke around a lot. You really think I'm being serious half the time? I swear atleast half of you TNL'ers need to take a fuckin' exlax...lol
I can be a prick too. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Rumpy
I also find it funny how most of the pricks at TNL have really high post counts. I guess it gives you a big head? :bang: Really, having a high post count at TNL makes you about as special as George W. Bush. :lol:
So um..where are the fans in this thread...nothing has really happened for a while.
I missed this weeks ep, so I'm downloading it as I'm typing this (Should be done a a few mins)...
I hope its better then last weeks.
Anyone wanna take odds on Phil Leotardo being gay?
He did 'come out of the closet' to kill Vito
Aside from the "let's waste 20 minutes for no good reason" Paris scenes, it was a really good episode.
The coming out of the closet to kill Vito was just too obvious if it wanted to hint at him being gay. Doesn't he have a son that's gay? I just think he's tired of his wife talking shit about gays and it was her who wanted Vito dead so she got up his ass until he actually did it.
There isn't much to talk about. The season started off strong but has been underwhelming since.Quote:
Originally Posted by EMAGDNIM
Even if there is a NY/NJ war it probably won't be too interesting because all the NY guys we've gotten to know over the course of the show aren't around.
Was there an episode on Sunday?
Nah, the finale is this weekend.Quote:
Originally Posted by Raz0r
I agree with Kinopio about the season starting strong, then tapering off. Too much time was spent on the Vito subplot, as interesting as it was at times.
I try so hard to care about this show since I used to like it so much... but I don't know anymore...
So that was it? Am I the only one who is really disappointed with this season?
What? Were you expecting the entire family to die in some kind of bloody orgy?Quote:
Originally Posted by Raz0r
The final episode provided some nice symmetry to both the first episode of this season (Phil going to the hospital) and the final episode of the first season (all the family together in some semblance of happiness).
The romance between Juliana and Michael was interesting, too. I'm anxious to see how it plays out over the final eight episodes.
It was a tidy ending to a season that saw many of the key players experience some real emotional growth. I enjoyed watching the gradual humanization of Tony (with periodic relapses) over each episode. And this season also successfully turned A.J. into an interesting, nuanced character. Even Paulie showed some humanity in the face of his prostate cancer diagnosis.
It's like they're trying so hard to keep these episodes from being pointless. I dont understand. Phil disrespected Johnny for crying and then cried himself, Phil hates Vito for being gay but might be gay himself, WE GET IT. HE'S A FUCKING HYPOCRITE.
Anyway, the time spent focusing on the lack of respect the younger guys in Phils crew have for the old school way and Tony in particular makes things look pretty bleak for Tony's chance at surviving the season if Phil dies.
But how are these episodes "pointless"? I think there's a lot going on in these character's minds, and I think that really plays out onscreen. Season six has been all about death and consequences. There's been plenty of death in previous seasons, but none of them have really dealt with it on a serious level, to say nothing of the consequences.Quote:
Originally Posted by dave is ok
This was the last episode of the season.Quote:
Anyway, the time spent focusing on the lack of respect the younger guys in Phils crew have for the old school way and Tony in particular makes things look pretty bleak for Tony's chance at surviving the season if Phil dies.
I wasn't expecting that, but I also wasn't expecting 8 out of the 12 episodes being completely focused on Vito, and his struggle with making out with dudes. This season has easily been the weakest of all Soprano's seasons so far, with the final episode being good, but not making up for the rest of the season being a dude fest.Quote:
Originally Posted by sleeveboy
Last episode was pretty good, but nothing amazing. I know its not officially the last episode of the season, but it certainly went out with a whimper. It wasn't as good as the beginning of the season and certainly not as good as past season finales.
I completely agree, this season was awful. However, I think the only interesting storyline this season was the Vito stuff and they didn't give it nearly enough development. Phil killed him before he really had the chance to interact with his old life, which is what we were all looking forward to.Quote:
Originally Posted by BrAnDX105
Pretty weak episode to leave off on a 6 month break.
Breaks almost over... lets recap SCANLINES!
Hm, well that... kind of caught me up after not watching most of Seasons 5 and 6.
That was pretty damn accurate.
Wow hearing it like that ... its pretty shallow.
But damn that was a good summary of events.
"Under the boardwalk...with a schlong in Janet's mouth..."
I'm liking this final season so far. Any thoughts on who gets whacked in the next episode? I'm lead to believe that it'll be Chris but too many signs are pointing in that direction that I expect a swerve. I thought the Johnnie Sacks deathbed scene with Ginnie offering him a cigarette was well done. But geezus, did Ginnie blow up even more! When Ginnie hauls ass, she has to make two trips.
I cannot fucking wait for Janice to die.
And I really thought chris was going to get whacked at the wedding the way they cut it.
I dunno the way it was shown to me Paulie is getting whacked. And I really want that movie Cleaver to be made.
This is news I believe. I would go to a theater to see that shit in a heartbeat.Quote:
Originally Posted by Advocate
When Chris explained the plot, I thought it would be dumb. Then when the beginning of Sopranos starts with the scene from Cleaver. It looked real good. And when they show it at the premiere it looked bad ass.
I was half expecting Johnnie Sack to end up in the hospital ward with Uncle Junior after maybe Junior's cancer came back or something like that. But still no sign of Junior. They did a great job of making Johnnie look like death was breathing down his neck.
Hey, I just got into this. When I was upstate, the I-tays I worked with thought I was weird for having never seen it. So I got Season 1 & 2 for Christmas and just now got around to watching them. Two questions:
1. Which is the best season? I’m hooked after 1.
2. Why was there like a 3 year hiatus in 02 – 04?
I saw the first five seasons of the Sopranos together so I cannot remember where one season ends and another begins but I know it started to go downhill during season six. I'm not even that much of a fan of this Sunday's episode.
Most say the first 2 seasons are the best. 5 is widely hated.
I rank the seasons as follows:Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc Holliday
3
2
1
5
4 and 6 part 1 are tied for worst.
I just caught up with the new episodes and I came in here expecting to have a good discussion, but the thread lies dormant.
I just watched the latest episode...it's hard to describe how I feel about what's going on.
You could kinda see it coming, what with the look Tony gave him during the BBQ, and how he grabbed his gun from his car when he thought he was coming up the driveway. I wonder if he's just in denial and will breakdown emotionally soon. Or maybe he was dead to him before it happened.
I hope they have another dream-heavy episode before its all over. Those are usually my favorite.
I didn't see it coming after their talk about the "big picture". In hindsight it made more sense, with Tony worried about him ratting and now clearly being back on drugs. I was bummed that his confession in therapy was a dream and not for real.
I read the recaps and I am still glad I canceled HBO.
Sopranos has largely sucked since season 4. You're really not missing anything.
Fuck both of you. Last week's episode was one of the best in the series to date.
Also, if you're a true fan of this series, I don't really understand the point of "rating" each individual season. It's about as meaningful as rating each individual chapter of Anna Karenina. The entire series is one continuous saga, meant to be watched and enjoyed as such.
I would no sooner tell someone interested in this show to watch "only season 3," or "just Pine Barrens," than I would tell them to read only the last chapter of Great Expectations. To me, my sublime enjoyment of this series comes from its extraordinarily rich characters and the choices they make.
Why do you think so? It was awesome for the first 6 minutes and then the rest was rambling and silly. The first 6 minutes made it by default the best episode in years, but that's not saying much.Quote:
Originally Posted by sleeve
IAWTP.Quote:
Originally Posted by sleeve
I don't see how one can deny the Sopranos dip in quality the past 3 seasons. I still think its worth watching and I'd rather have 3 great seasons and 3 inconsistent seasons than just 3 great seasons. I would never tell someone to skip any season, but with an obvious discrepancy in quality over the years, its impossible to avoid comparing them and complaining about how the most recent episodes are generally the worst.
Anna Karenina doesn't cost $17.95/month. To hear that season 7 is floundering as it was in six, I am glad to have canceled HBO. I have no desire to pay to hear see how the story ends.Quote:
Originally Posted by sleeve
When my wife and I stopped watching TV (for the most part), we never watched HBO except when I'd watch the Sopranos (this being around the start of season 6). Even season 5 was worth the price of admission. Season 6 left such a stale taste that I knew it was time to save the money and cut my losses.
Chris. :(
The show is floundering according to whom? Spodaddy? Most of the television critics I respect have been enjoying the final seasons immensely (keep in mind, I don't hang around places like TwoP so I have no idea what's going on there). The show is no longer a simple cliffhanger-driven, "who will get whacked next" Mob soap opera (if it ever was). The character work I'm seeing is so much deeper, so much more fascinating that it was in the early seasons. If that's not your bag, fine, but I just don't see how this season is "worse" than the previous ones.Quote:
Originally Posted by portnoyd
You come for one, I come for another, even if it probably lowers your opinion of me.
Two close friends have HBO and said that's it's awful. I trust their opinion so hence my response.
I think he already did at his Vegas getaway. When he's high and wins at roulette he says "he's dead" and starts cracking up, then at the end when they're watching the sun go down in the desert. He took off to get away from everyone he knew, I think his dream prompted him to do that. He wanted to try and get his head back together and knew being around people that made him angry wouldn't let him do that.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kinopio
I think it was like a pilgrimage for Tony so he can come back home and start to get things back on track. He's got his work cut out for him with the way shit is going.
The writing isn't as good, the stories aren't as interesting, the characters aren't given as much to do. A few TV critics on the take say it's not true though so I guess it's not.Quote:
Originally Posted by sleeve
It's not easy for me to trash the Sopranos; I love the show. I also love 24 and that's going straight down the shitter too. There's a point where you have to accept that it's over and move on.
Which dream, the Melfy one where he said he was relieved?Quote:
Originally Posted by Rumpy
I agree it was a trip to get away from things and put his life in perspective, sort of similar to what he experienced after coming out of the coma. But to me laughing about his death wasn't grief or remorse, nor was anything else he did during the episode.
I suppose the big question is if he actually changes and stops to smell the roses. Maybe he'll start living by that motto instead of just saying it. Is that what he meant by "I GET IT!" ? I somehow doubt it.
I don't see Tony doing that. I think we will see one hell of a bloody end, NY and NJ look like they'll be going to the mattresses, and I'm not sure if I expect Tony to still be standing after it all. It's apparent that with all the gambling issues and his own comments, that Tony views his post-coma life as him playing on house money. You take a lot of chances under that mindset.
The question I have is what direction are they taking A.J. towards now? The guy gets involved in some violence, runs with a bad crowd, and seems to be growing some balls now (in his own way). Is he gradually and indirectly being groomed to lead a simliar life as his old man?
I like how they are using metaphors. The Isreali/Palastine conflict ... Phil/Tony.
Two eps left ... I think there will be many bodybags.
Two words:
CURB STOMP!
I like this. It really does explain Tony's behavior over the last few shows. And when you have two dangerous people like Tony and Phil who feel like they have nothing to lose, things get violent pretty fast.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gooch
Today's episode shows him turning away from that life rather abruptly. It's impossible for me to predict what's going to happen to A.J. by the end of the show -- he's such a cipher -- but I think his suicide attempt shows his intense dissatisfaction with that lifestyle.Quote:
The question I have is what direction are they taking A.J. towards now? The guy gets involved in some violence, runs with a bad crowd, and seems to be growing some balls now (in his own way). Is he gradually and indirectly being groomed to lead a simliar life as his old man?
Last nights show was intense. Looks like all hell could break loose next week.
I think its also showing the effect of Tony's life is having on the family.Quote:
Originally Posted by sleeve
AJ wanting to die. Especially after Meadow telling him "he will always be the more important one."
Meadow always dating her dad's associates and never having a stable career.
And NYC mob > NJ mob.
I love the Phil Leotardo scenes. Frank Vincent injects humor in almost every scene through his blunt dialogue and non-chalant delivery. Some of my favorites this season include:
"How was Miami?"
"Hot and sweaty like my balls."
"Compromise? I jerked off into a tissue for 20 years because of compromise."
"Our name was originally Leonardo, but the Americans changed it to Leotardo, like what a ballerina wears. Why? Because they're stupid, that's why."
His character toes the line between funny caricature and a vicious, redemption seeking old man in the twilight of his life. What an actor!
The compromise thing was hilarious.
"I wanted this girl." and Gooch said the rest.
His lines are great.
People have been talking about an all-out NY/NJ war for years, and things seemed headed that way, and for those reasons I don't think it will happen.
My guess? The law is about to come down on Tony, and someone warns him of this, so he hits the road and leaves the country, Whitey Bulger style.
If that happens, I will flip a shit.
I could see him taking off too. I really don't think he's going to be killed.
I think he's going to die, they put a lot of emphasis on his wife putting money away is the 4th season. I think he'll get whacked by somebody in his own crew, they show him dead at his office table and fade out.
Yep. And the scene in the doctor's office with him finding a tooth in the cuff of his pants was absolutely fucking perfect.Quote:
Originally Posted by sleeve
I agree, a swerve is in order here. Something tells me the escalating Palestinian situation and the 5K letter will play a role.
Not a bad montage here.
Yup.Quote:
Originally Posted by Biff_Pocoroba
That is, hands down, the worst thing I've ever seen on TNL.Quote:
Originally Posted by Biff_Pocoroba
Meh, I liked it.
All you're doing in this thread is hating by the way, so your post loses it's impact.
In addition;
Somebody at work linked me to a spoiler site for the Sopranos, and some fucking loser who follows around the filming all the time has posted some info
Fat Bobby whacks Tony after Soprano catches him with some of the NY goons, there appeared to be pretty extensive dialog before Tony takes three in the head
true or not, would be a swerve ending.
After following the Sopranos for this long, I just can't bring myself to highlight that.
If that is true a permanent ban is in order.
Pics for the next episonde (no spoilers )
http://www.hbo.com/sopranos/img/epis...85/ep85_01.jpg
http://www.hbo.com/sopranos/img/epis...85/ep85_02.jpg
http://www.hbo.com/sopranos/img/epis...85/ep85_03.jpg
http://www.hbo.com/sopranos/img/epis...85/ep85_04.jpg
http://www.hbo.com/sopranos/img/epis...85/ep85_05.jpg
http://www.hbo.com/sopranos/img/epis...85/ep85_06.jpg
http://www.hbo.com/sopranos/img/epis...85/ep85_07.jpg
http://www.hbo.com/sopranos/img/epis...85/ep85_08.jpg
http://www.hbo.com/sopranos/img/epis...85/ep85_09.jpg!!!!! Oh boy...
http://www.hbo.com/sopranos/img/epis...85/ep85_10.jpg
http://www.hbo.com/sopranos/img/epis...85/ep85_14.jpg
http://www.hbo.com/sopranos/img/epis...85/ep85_15.jpg!!!!
http://www.hbo.com/sopranos/img/epis...85/ep85_16.jpg
NJ.com gave up the spoiler on Friday. I just happened to glance it and I readi t before it even registered. On the fucking front page, too. I told my former boss about it but he didn't want to go remove it since that meant he'd have to read it first.
I fucking hate that place.
Fantastic episode. LOL at the failed attempt at Phil's life. And this picture
http://www.hbo.com/sopranos/img/epis...85/ep85_14.jpg
nearly says it all.
Wow that episode was awesome.
Oh man, one more...
Now I didn't see the spoiler that Razor talked about, but does anyone think ...
Paulie is the one that is helping Phil?
I'm on the fence on this one. When the guy playing Paulie was hired his stipulation was that he wouldn't be a "rat" or a turncoat.Quote:
Originally Posted by Advocate
RIP Sil
http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/a...1&d=1180969864Quote:
Originally Posted by Cowdisease
I guess, but still. It seems to be headed that way. I hope not though.Quote:
Originally Posted by Biff_Pocoroba
QFT.Quote:
Originally Posted by Biff_Pocoroba
He's not officially dead yet, although Paulie said the doctors don't think he'll regain consciousness.Quote:
Originally Posted by Biff_Pocoroba
Sil won't be in the last episode, hence RIP
My theory:
In an attempt to kill Tony, they kill Carm or Meadow. This totally flips AJ into stone cold killer mode, he helps Tony and Paulie whack Phil, and then get's made.
Hence "Made in America"
Probably won't happen, but I would be okay with that.
They definitely burn down Tony's house, or some place that AJ is at. You can see fire reflecting off of AJ's face during the preview.
Nah. For one thing, this is way too close to the ending of "The Godfather Part III." No one wants to be accused of copying that movie.Quote:
Originally Posted by Biff_Pocoroba
And why the hell would A.J. get made after one simple murder? Assuming he even had the intestinal fortitude to kill someone, which he clearly lacks.
I see a swerve coming up.Quote:
Originally Posted by sleeve
Here is another theory.
Paulie fucked up the hit on Phil, who ignored Paulie when he was naming sopranos management, and seems slightly okay with what's happening (making AJ jokes, etc) he may indeed be the rat.