Take 4 TV: The Sopranos
The Sopranos: Season Five (2004)
What's Going On?: Once again, since we're several seasons into a show, there are going to be some spoilers here, so this is your heads up. Anyway, everybody's favorite mob family next door starts the season with a little marital unrest at home, and Tony Soprano finds himself out and about, living the bachelor's life. Reconciling that, along with the simultaneous release of several not-quite-rehabilitated wiseguys who were imprisoned twenty years ago, doesn't make life easy for our favorite New Jersey mob boss.
Leading the Line-Up: James Gandolfini, of course, stars as Tony Soprano. Brilliant Actor + Juicy Role = Pure Genius. In addition, though, there's Steve Buscemi, who play's Tony's cousin...Tony. Buscemi is pretty much this season's "guest star pain-in-the-ass," which has been filled in prior seasons by David Proval and Joe Pantoliano. Unlike his predecessors, he's pretty likeable. But, much to Tony S's chagrin, he ends up being just as much trouble...albeit a different flavor of trouble.
Things to Look Out For: Some really uncomfortable scenes that are extremely moving to watch. Favorites for me include Tony undermining his sister Janice's attempts to control her temper and the continuation of Adriana's involvement with the federal authorities.
Special Features to Catch: Across the thirteen episodes, there are maybe five that include cast/crew commentary. Two are somewhat worth catching: one with Steve Buscemi and one with Drea de Matteo (who plays Adriana). Now, unless I missed some hidden features on the discs, that was it...very surprised there were no featurettes, behind-the-scenes footage, outtakes, etc.
Random Trivia: HBO was worried that the title of the series would make the audience think it was about music. That is why the gun image is in the title logo. The network also considered other titles for the show, such as "Made in New Jersey".
And I Quote: Christopher: "That's the guy, Adriana. My Uncle Tony. The guy i'm going to Hell for."
Life Lessons From The Sopranos: 1) When working with, for, near or around the mob, keep your head down and just do your job. 2) Nothing comes before family. 3) Stop, drop and roll.
Curt's Take: "Worth Considering:" I wouldn't start with this season...I'm a big fan of following things in order...but if you don't feel like watching from the beginning of the series, you can pretty much just hop right in, as they do have recaps of each of the prior four seasons on the first DVD. If you liked the prior four seasons, then you'll likely enjoy this one...but apart from a couple really intense storyline arcs, this season doesn't stand out as being particularly exceptional in comparison to others (I probably liked Season Four the best). If language and violence offend you...well...obviously avoid this one. But the writing and acting are top-notch, and even though Oz pre-dates it, I consider The Sopranos to be the godfather (no pun intended) of the premium cable serial drama.
Next Time on Take 4: My first Take 4 TV audience request...a little sci-fi action coming your way, in the form of a remake of an old television classic.
What's Going On?: Once again, since we're several seasons into a show, there are going to be some spoilers here, so this is your heads up. Anyway, everybody's favorite mob family next door starts the season with a little marital unrest at home, and Tony Soprano finds himself out and about, living the bachelor's life. Reconciling that, along with the simultaneous release of several not-quite-rehabilitated wiseguys who were imprisoned twenty years ago, doesn't make life easy for our favorite New Jersey mob boss.
Leading the Line-Up: James Gandolfini, of course, stars as Tony Soprano. Brilliant Actor + Juicy Role = Pure Genius. In addition, though, there's Steve Buscemi, who play's Tony's cousin...Tony. Buscemi is pretty much this season's "guest star pain-in-the-ass," which has been filled in prior seasons by David Proval and Joe Pantoliano. Unlike his predecessors, he's pretty likeable. But, much to Tony S's chagrin, he ends up being just as much trouble...albeit a different flavor of trouble.
Things to Look Out For: Some really uncomfortable scenes that are extremely moving to watch. Favorites for me include Tony undermining his sister Janice's attempts to control her temper and the continuation of Adriana's involvement with the federal authorities.
Special Features to Catch: Across the thirteen episodes, there are maybe five that include cast/crew commentary. Two are somewhat worth catching: one with Steve Buscemi and one with Drea de Matteo (who plays Adriana). Now, unless I missed some hidden features on the discs, that was it...very surprised there were no featurettes, behind-the-scenes footage, outtakes, etc.
Random Trivia: HBO was worried that the title of the series would make the audience think it was about music. That is why the gun image is in the title logo. The network also considered other titles for the show, such as "Made in New Jersey".And I Quote: Christopher: "That's the guy, Adriana. My Uncle Tony. The guy i'm going to Hell for."
Life Lessons From The Sopranos: 1) When working with, for, near or around the mob, keep your head down and just do your job. 2) Nothing comes before family. 3) Stop, drop and roll.
Curt's Take: "Worth Considering:" I wouldn't start with this season...I'm a big fan of following things in order...but if you don't feel like watching from the beginning of the series, you can pretty much just hop right in, as they do have recaps of each of the prior four seasons on the first DVD. If you liked the prior four seasons, then you'll likely enjoy this one...but apart from a couple really intense storyline arcs, this season doesn't stand out as being particularly exceptional in comparison to others (I probably liked Season Four the best). If language and violence offend you...well...obviously avoid this one. But the writing and acting are top-notch, and even though Oz pre-dates it, I consider The Sopranos to be the godfather (no pun intended) of the premium cable serial drama.
Next Time on Take 4: My first Take 4 TV audience request...a little sci-fi action coming your way, in the form of a remake of an old television classic.
posted by Curt at 11:49 PM
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