Endgame

LET THIS BE A WARNING. IF YOU LOOK BELOW THIS LINE I'LL HAVE RUINED THIS WEEK'S SOPRANOS FOR YOU. PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME THE TiVO POOPER.

So after years and months and weeks (in whichever order of those you choose) it's here.

Something is HAPPENING on the Sopranos. And, so far anyway, it looks like the big action packed ending that fans are likely waiting for. After a slow plod through the last three seasons the Soprano family is at war with New York. We lose two characters that I don't believe anyone could have seen losing.

But, oh, wait, we have to deal with Dr. Melfi first. Tell me if I'm wrong, but does she bring the show down or what?! Not only is she my least favorite character (and actor) on the show, but her stories are always so boring and useless.

But she's got guilt and that's our problem, apparently. It's caught up with her after seven years. Finally. She abandons Tony after finding out she may just be enabling him and not helping. I mean, he fits everything in her medical journal to a T. Sure took her a while to notice didn't it? Anything he may do in next week's finale will still be on her head.

Of course, losing his 2nd Carmella (as he pointed out she really was) set him off more than anything else. Speaking of Carmella, she's been pretty annoying, too. Both of them have succeeded in enabling Tony more than enough throughout the years.

On the fringes this week: The sage Agent Whatshisname was more entertaining than ever; Paulie being in charge of the hit is an obvious recipe for disaster, but there's never been such on odd place for comic relief on this show; Janice, while useful to the story for once in her life brought the buzz down yet again (though the Junior storyline is intriguing, though it won't ever really go anywhere... it'll be sad when he's in public housing, but his story closed up a few weeks ago); Meadow remained blissfully unused (besides fodder for the boorish Tony/Melfi story).

Anyway -- the real story. (Which, side note, seems to be really crammed into this episode. It's almost like it doesn't belong after all this time. Even the editing of the show suggests a cramming of content.)

Phil puts a hit on Tony, Bobby and Silvio. Tony puts a hit on Phil. Tony's crew fails miserably. Phil's goes two for two with another at-bat on its way, it seems. What looked like a good position for the Jersey boys turned out to be a big wash. It had me going, I'll admit. But with Tony holed up in a house somewhere, surrounded by what's left of his crew, the odds are pretty staggeringly grim.

As far as Bobby and Sil go -- I don't think they could have picked anyone else that would have made me sadder. They've consistently been strong characters for the show and, seriously, who doesn't love Bobby? Their deaths were both sadly ominous and messy. It's sad to see them both go out like punks -- no chance to defend themselves, Bobby innocently just buying a set of train cars like the big teddy bear he is -- but that's how things are in their world. I'm glad at least they let Bobby be himself and didn't try to bulk him up by inserting him into the battle that's coming. He really never was a thug. Neither was Silvio, to be honest. He was more of a smooth hit man type. He just wasn't prepared.

It's been a long time since the end of a Sopranos episode has had me on the edge waiting for next week. I suppose it's as good a time as any. At the beginning of the season I would have easily bet you there'd be no payoff next week. Now I'm not so sure. The show has painted a beautiful picture and it's ready to smash it over its viewers' heads like a coffee pot (season one or two, I think... great scene).

It seems everyone may have a part in this ending. (Side note 2: It's odd and somewhat fitting that the biggest headache as far as loyalty goes that Tony has had up until now -- Paulie -- is the only right hand he has left). Even AJ, whose lame story up until now this season may turn out to have a point after all.

As far as exactly what's to come, I don't think it'll matter. I think what will matter is that there'll be some finality to the show. And that may be the most surprising thing of all to some people.