The Sopranos - Season 6, Part 2 (2007)

59 bux well spent

The first TV series since Seinfeld and Married With Children that I waited for. Checked the schedule. And waited for. Didn't see it originally on HBO, so I waited for my local cable to schedule it. Watched every episode until about the last 9 and then...bada bing....nothing. I chased it around the remote [formerly known as the "dial"] for weeks. Ok. Ok.
Not in the least bit disappointed. I think those final shows were among the best.
I think of The Sopranos as a combination Soap Opera/Crime Series. To my knowledge, that was never even done in the movies.
I'va had reservations about what I surmise [based upon 621 viewings of "Goodfellas"] to be flaws in writing and concept: (1) Why would a "Boss" (a 5 o'clock News celebrity) drive up in his own car, looking exactly like himself, using his real name, to a Pschologist's office where he's expected to pour his guts out? (2) Why would he openly display the discord in his own home, to his "Crew"? Why would he even *think* Divorce in his world? (3) Why would his Daughter be allowed to roam unprotected through a rough section of town in her Social Worker Intern role? (4) How would "Cleaver" have even gotten past the conference stage? Also, I don't understand all the footage inside toilets; other bits of business which make the viewer want to look away.
Not all of the above criticisms are really reflected in the final nine, though.
The DVD quality is awesome. And if I say it's awesome, considering my ancient entertainment system, it's gotta be. The viewer obviously has the chance with this boxed-set to watch the show muninterrupted by the commercials (more violent than the show), and so it takes on a more *movie* feel.
Each Disc has one running commentary, with a total of five voices. The voice of "Uncle Junior" is the most impressive. A very insightful, and moving dialogue. He's not particulary emotive, but his calm and cool technique only enhances the detail.
I was disappointed that Lorraine Bracco did not have a Commentary. (Gotta check the other packages). "Dr. Melfi", like "Junior", is a very soft-spoken character, an interesting counterpoint to the often explosive behavior of the other principals.
I'm not comfortable with how the Dr. and The Boss ended. Ultimately, she was to blame for not doing better research on a situation that could only work against her...and society. She basically slams the door on Tony...he replaces the torn out recipe page from the magazine in the waiting room...and leaves.
Not to be overcritical of this amazing series, but I wish that a small romance would have developped with them. Although, on a deeper level, it was a "telepathic" romance. She expressed to *her* Advisor that, yes, in the beginning, she was taken by Tony's masculinity. The fan can decide if that feeling grew even sronger.
Features include the above-mentioned Commentaries, plus a "mock" Documentary on the making of "Cleaver", and the making of the music soundtrack to the show (David Gray's comments about the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Elvis Costello are brilliant and can make their fans swell with pride).
September 2, 2008

Great end to a landmark television series

The Sopranos is my favorite television series of all time. It first aired on January 10th, 1999, and after seventy-seven episodes it finally came down to the final nine episodes that make up "Season 6, Part 2". I definitely miss the series. The combination of great writing, acting, drama, and even humor made me want to never miss an episode.

Season 6, Part 2 is not necessarily my favorite season of the entire series, but that is being picky because all of the seasons are excellent, and some of the episodes in Season 6, Part 2 are among the best in the series. These are the episodes that comprise Season 6, Part 2:

Soprano Home Movies
Stage 5
Remember When
Chasing It
Walk Like a Man
Kennedy and Heidi
The Second Coming
The Blue Comet
Made in America

My personal favorites from this season were Soprano Home Movies, Kennedy and Heidi, The Blue Coment, and of course the finale, Made In America.

As far as the finale goes, David Chase never went by the rules during the Sopranos run, and the last episode was no different. Personally, I thought that the ending was brilliant. A lot has been made about what exactly happened or didn't happen in the final episode, and many people have some very strong opinions about whether or not they approve of the way it ended. I guess we now know why Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" is playing during the last scene:

Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on

Some people liked the finale, while others did not. No matter how the series were to end, there were going to be some people who weren't going to be happy. It is simply too difficult to please everyone. When Tony is looking through the jukebox to play Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'", the song "Anyway You Want It" is clearly visible. Ultimately, the purpose of the ending is for you, the viewer, to decide what happened, and you can have it any way you want it. Some might find that extremely frustrating, while others will see the genius of it all. August 25, 2008

Best series ever!

Literally, the best series ever. Well written. You'll love every episode. I own and love them all. The Sopranos never disappoint. This is the one series I can say I've watched every episode and loved them all. It's so well written and casted that you can watch them over and over again. August 4, 2008

The Ride of a lifetime

Watching the Sopranos season 6 part two was bitter-sweet. It was nice to get to a conclusion, but it was sad to see the show end.

I know many people were disappointed with the ending, but you know, I liked it. I thought it served a purpose in what it was telling us as viwers about life. And I thought it was original, as I can't think of another show who has done anything similar. In all of the episodes this season we're put on a rollercoaster of emotions, we see a lot of things happen in a short time. We see lose ends tied up and questions answered. It's engrossing. By the last episode, we're coming off of that rollercoaster and the ride is winding down. It was a great ride, but it's over now.

I can't say enough good things about this show. Although it's hard to find something that hasnt' already been said. So I'll just say, The Sopranos has earned a spot near the top of my list for my favorite shows of all time. Kudos to the cast, crew and writers. I'll look forward to the chance of a movie!! July 12, 2008

Overall Excellent but not perfect

I loved the last season. It was excellent. As much as anything I was thrilled with the last scene. Chase is telling us that life goes on for Tony. There is no definite end, as in real life there is often no definite end. Unlike what some people believe, there is no Michael Corleone coming out of the bathroom to kill Tony.
There is one objection to the last season. The way that Chase ended the relationship between Melfi and Tony was very poorly done. From the beginning of the series, there was no belief expressed by Melfi that she could change Tony's way of life. Her goal was to make him as comfortable as possible in the life that he had. Thus, it was ridiculous to dismiss him due to the theory that she had discovered.
July 9, 2008

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