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Change of Heart
June 13, 2007
If I wrote this Sunday night, Monday morning or even Tuesday, I’d have gone in a completely different direction. But surprisingly, the controversial ending to The Sopranos is starting to grow on me.
Like a great many people, I absolutely hated it at first (and at second and third, as I also rewatched the finale on HBO West at midnight Sunday and on HBO at 8 p.m. Monday).
But one of the many theories floating around about what “really” happened is starting to stick. I’m now a believer in the theory that the screen going black meant that Tony got shot. The repeating of the scene when Tony and Bobby are discussing what they think happens when “it” happens pushed me toward that line of thinking, as did the way most of the final scene was shot from Tony’s perspective.
As for some of the other theories, well, not so much. It turns out that the shady-looking guy who comes into Holsten’s, sits at the counter and walks by the Soprano family on the way to the men’s room was not, in fact, named Nicky Leotardo. It also turns out that the young African Americans near the desert display were not the same ones hired in a failed attempt to whack Tony way back in season one. And as for the cat representing Adriana, don’t get me started.
Speaking of the cat, my very own 8-Ball is very upset at not being contacted by David Chase for the role, after getting clean-shaven and everything. You don’t want to see 8-Ball upset. Trust me.
Bottom line: David Chase accomplished exactly what he wanted to accomplish. It’s now Wednesday afternoon as I type this, and Sopranos chatter is still abundant around the office and among my friends. And it will likely remain so for a while.
On a humorous note, for those of you who remember Animal House (or those of you, like myself, who can likely recite every word in the film), this fun Internet video wraps up the Sopranos finale the same way the John Belushi classic wrapped up -- by telling you what “happened” to all of the characters. It’s amusing and definitely worth a look.
And on a business note, add Journey to the list of people and entities who have profited from The Sopranos. According to CNNMoney.com, as of early Wednesday morning, “Don’t Stop Believin’” -- the musical accompaniment for the final scene -- ranked as the 22nd-most-downloaded iTunes song, and the album Journey’s Greatest Hits was No. 21. Don’t stop believin’, indeed.
Posted by Dave Cohen on June 13, 2007 | Comments (2)
