Granted, the opening episode to a season should be it’s slowest. This one was a treat. The principal actors, Tony (James Gandolfini) and Carmela (Edie Falco) are sensational. Most of their acting is without talking. A rare gift. The writers seem to indulge the intellect of their viewers. To watch Tony & Carmela say one thing while doing another is almost unique. I am too used to being spoon fed – and hating it.
If you are new to this show, do not worry. The plot is of small significance. What you should be watching is the relationship between the main characters. That is where true drama lies. Anything else is wrapping.
The best scene in new episode – Carmela in the water with her niece. A horror story has been recalled in which a 3 year old died while at a pool party surrounded by adults. Tony’s sister is petrified. This scene is an excellent, realistic powerplay. Tony’s sister panics and demands her daughter to get out of the water. Carmela is keeping her perfectly safe, not even water to the waist. The daughter says no repeatedly to her mum. Mum turns it into “Don’t you ever say no to me.” She plucks her daughter out of the water. Carmela is standing there listless. Tony’s sister takes her daughter away and comes back. She continues to make small talk while Carmela is still in the water, splashing in a bored manner. Eventually Carmela gives up and sits down next to Tony’s sister. Tony’s sister rambles on and on in a circular manner until an argument ensues.
Absolutely brilliant. The manner in which the characters ignore each other’s needs and wants is so human and real.
Review is for episode 1, season 5.
I enjoyed the series ending episode. The uncertainty over whether Tony died or not was a good move. Sopranos helped to redefine television. It was not the first to do so, however, it's reach was far. Thankyou to the popularity of this show for seeping the realm of movies into television. The greatest point to take away from this is: Episodes were not designed as stand alone packages. A resolution was not reached. I was nothing but impressed by this approach.
To suddenly abandon this basic, quality approach at the series end would have been a travesty. The end was dissected in massive proportions. For starters, that is a display of the hold Tony & Carmela had over people's lives. I may as well end by saying that true fans of the show could only applaud the direction taken in the last episode. Perhaps non-applauders deserve the more regular fare on daily offer.
2 comments:
most definitely. There isn't a damn thing worth watching.
Burn notice ain't bad ...
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