"Remember when is the lowest form of conversation"
So says Tony as he tires once again of Paulie's constant talking of the past...or just talking at all. Paulie really came close this past Sunday to getting whacked, and I have to wonder why. As in, what set Tony off this time? It seems to me that thus far in these last episodes, Tony is itching for a fight. Is it that he is frustrated that his near-death experience has not changed anything in his life, or that he himself has not changed? Has the souring of "the gift" really gotten to him? Or is it that perhaps he has changed in some small way and now can't look upon this life he lives without contempt? This last would perhaps see some positive in Tony's life, but the method in which he pursues this will not endear him to anyone, and could very well get him killed.
The quote from Tony above is actually rather ironic considering how many shout outs Chase and the gang and placing in these final episodes. We had Beansie and Richie, Pussy, Ralph, Johnny-Boy and young Junior, Beppy and Uncle Pat, Uncle June's old executive card game (or something similar) and more. I like it, to be sure. But I also have to say - when are we going to see something actually move the story forward?
I imagine many might say it is doing just that. I guess I don't see it. I really enjoyed last night's episode. But there are only six left. Why couldn't we have seen some of this last year instead of the constant Vito, Vito, Vito? He got what...four episodes? Five? And Junior's had all of...well, one. This episode thankfully focused on Junior heavily and it was a showcase. It was truly great to see him back at his old self and really sad to watch what he has become once they medicate him. What I am most sad about is that this may very well be the last time we have much to do with Uncle June. If they were going to focus on him, I wished it had been with Tony.
But perhaps Chase is not ready for that just yet. It seems clear that Tony is just now finally beginning to come to some terms with his father and the role he played in placing Tony in this life. Of course, there is also Uncle June to consider in that equation, as Junior was more than just an uncle. So too Paulie. Are we seeing Tony appraise all of his father figures? Will we see an altercation with Hesh as well?
It's always difficult to say with The Sopranos. The caliber of show is top notch. I cannot take anything from that. The acting, sets, lighting...everything but the bloody music. "Sing, sing, sing" was a nice ending and hearkens back a little to the end of Member's Only with Artie Shaw. But I am truly missing my great Sopranos mood music. And Melfi. I need my Melfi fix. In three episodes now we've only had one Melfi session. We will need to get back to that before it is all over. I've no doubt we will, but it's taking too long.
Perhaps I just want it all. This is by far the finest bit of television I have ever witnessed and I am surely reacting to the eventual loss I'll experience. Like I said, at least these episodes are truly great. If only they could be two hours long instead. Of course then I'd probably complain that they should be three hours. Keep it coming, Mr. Chase. And a little more Melfi next time. You obviously heard me on the Junior angle, so...yeah, I'm sure David Chase reads me religiously. Well, one can hope. That is all.
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