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'Sopranos' finale: Burning questions

Jun 11, 2007, 04:22 PM | by Gary Susman

Categories: 'The Sopranos'

Tony_l WARNING: Spoilers from last night's series finale of The Sopranos abound.

Let's leave aside, for now, the question of whether, with that final blackout, David Chase's refusal to provide narrative closure or any kind of moral reckoning for Tony and Carmela was a fan-frustrating cop out or a true-to-life affirmation of the show's existential thematic concerns. (We discuss that question at length here.) After all, you surely have plenty of additional unanswered questions. As do we. EW's reporters will try to find answers to some of these; others are almost certainly unanswerable. We'll get you started after the jump; if there's anything we've forgotten to ask, add your own questions in the comment section.

  • Was one of those suspicious-looking characters in the diner a hitman, one who might have popped Tony after the blackout? Or was Tony more likely to succumb to an onion-ring-induced coronary?
  • Was Tony peeling an orange an ironic reference to The Godfather, where oranges were always a sign of imminent death?
  • Can an SUV really catch fire that easily?
  • Tony and Carmela said they wouldn't buy AJ a replacement SUV, but isn't it spoiling him just as much to buy him a new BMW?
  • Would Silvio have awakened from his coma? If so, what would this connoisseur of strippers have thought of Abigail Breslin's hoochie dance in Little Miss Sunshine?
  • How many times can TV producers make use of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'?"
  • Did the Feds really flip Carlo? Did he flip because they pressured his son with a drug bust? Was he the one planning to testify against Tony on that old weapons rap?
  • So, is Butchie the head of the New York family now?
  • Did Uncle Junior really stash a fortune? Is he too far gone to remember where, or is he just being cagey? Will Bobby's kids ever see any of that money, or is Tony right to fear Janice would keep it for herself?
  • Was Tony going to get back into therapy, either with the shrink Melfi referred him to, or with AJ's doctor?
  • What was up with Agent Harris and his law-enforcement mistress? Was Tony's dime-dropping on those two terror suspects ever going to pay off, or were they just ordinary, law-abiding folks who happened to be Muslims?
  • Might there be a spinoff series for Paulie (Tony Sirico, pictured)? Might it look like this?
  • Is the aging Paulie now Tony's heir apparent?
  • Is the Christopher-obsessed cat a reincarnated Adriana?
  • Why did Hunter show up after all these years?
  • Where has Donna Pescow (who played Meadow's future mother-in-law) been since Saturday Night Fever and Angie?
  • Might there be a Sopranos movie to tie up all these loose ends? Or would Chase be interested only in making a movie about the family's immigrant ancestors?
  • So, whatever did happen to the Russian?

sara Thu, Jun 14, 2007 at 02:14 PM EST

I have a theory - Meadow is now going to be a lawyer, and her fiancé is close to the 'good guys' - maybe Meadow was hurried and parking like a maniac because she was rushing in to tell Toney he was, INDEED, going to be indicted. I mean, why was she so panicky? No one has addressed this theory! She had a very worried look on her face, and Tony noticed this – she was rushing in to tell him he was going to be put away forever….

mary Thu, Jun 14, 2007 at 12:57 AM EST

There was another referece to The Godfather and possibly a foreshadowing of what happened...when Tony, Silvio and the other guy were in the restaurant and Tony and Sil started boxing in slow-motion, the music playing in the background is the same music that was playing at the end of GodFather III when Mary was accidentally shot. The family had enjoyed a night out (all together, even Kay was with them) and yet another attempt on Michael's life was planned....only it was Mary who died. Also, if I remember correctly, the guy who was dressed as the priest and fired the shot at Michael is the same guy who plays Phil Leotardo....who ordered the hit on Tony.

mary Thu, Jun 14, 2007 at 12:44 AM EST

I think the woman Agent Harris was with is the person he referred to as his Brooklyn "contact". That why he hung up so quickly when she came out of the bathroom and looked at him somewhat disgustingly. I think she knew Agent Harris was feeding the information she gave him to Tony.

sharlene Wed, Jun 13, 2007 at 06:01 PM EST

I just have one thing to say about the end Always leave them wanting more! It was great.

GT Wed, Jun 13, 2007 at 07:39 AM EST

Patsy wasn't the rat that was Ray Curto. I like how this episode while not giving closure pretty much set up where everyone's life is going, starting with Tony's indictment and following with everyone else.

As far as Agent Harris my interpretion is that the woman he was having the affair with was the agent who he said Phil wanted to have raped.

Margarita Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 05:31 PM EST

labrat, Patsy DID have a twin. But he wasn't a rat. He was part of Junior's crew, and was killed at the beginning of season 2 as part of the "cleanup" after the hit on Tony's life failed.

I seem to recall Patsy turned to the FBI, probably out out revenge for what he knows was done to his twin brother. But I honestly can't remember if this was the case.

Ep Sato Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 04:07 PM EST

Well, love it or hate it, the show's last episode's aired.

My other question is as follows: With Sopranos gone and Desperate Housewives on summer hiatus, what the hell am I supposed to do on Sunday night at 9?

me Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 02:51 PM EST

The ending is open to interpretation. End it yourself, however you see fit. Thats my take on it. My personal opinion on the ep is that the show was ending how it began. The fast cut to black, was Tony blacking out. Go back and watch the first ep of season 1. You'll see. Chase wasn't messing with you. He knew exactly what he was doing.

me Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 02:50 PM EST

The ending is open to interpretation. End it yourself, however you see fit. Thats my take on it. My personal opinion on the ep is that the show was ending how it began. The fast cut to black, was Tony blacking out. Go back and watch the first ep of season 1. You'll see. Chase wasn't messing with you. He knew exactly what he was doing.

me Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 02:50 PM EST

The ending is open to interpretation. End it yourself, however you see fit. Thats my take on it. My personal opinion on the ep is that the show was ending how it began. The fast cut to black, was Tony blacking out. Go back and watch the first ep of season 1. You'll see. Chase wasn't messing with you. He knew exactly what he was doing.

me Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 02:50 PM EST

The ending is open to interpretation. End it yourself, however you see fit. Thats my take on it. My personal opinion on the ep is that the show was ending how it began. The fast cut to black, was Tony blacking out. Go back and watch the first ep of season 1. You'll see. Chase wasn't messing with you. He knew exactly what he was doing.

Nick Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 01:47 PM EST

to the un-named person calling me a "douchebag".....the whole point of the series was to show Tony and how he had a human side of him, and a monster side....season 6 taking a closer look at the monster in him. Do i feel bad for him that he has to be as tense and paranoid as we, the viewers, were in that final scene?? HELL NO.

Ceballos Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 11:08 AM EST

I enjoyed the finale, and it REALLY holds up after repeat viewings (especially the final scene)


Out of all the things that seem to bother a lot of people, here's what gets me the most:


I know Phil had gotten to the point where he was kind of out of control in wanting to get Tony, but don't you guys think his crew turned on him kinda easily. I mean, in "The Blue Comet" it seemed like the N.Y. crew was really looking forward to going to war with Jersey, and Butchie and the rest of the gang has seemed to have just as much animosty for Tony's crew all this time.


That was really the only thing I didn't buy.

Brent Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 10:42 AM EST

My lingering question is this, Why does Paulie in the last episode seem to be pondering how he feels about Tony? He gives several stares and then flat out glares at Tony as he walks away. I almost think Paulie has some alternative motives or evil deeds planned. Does he?

Rose Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 09:51 AM EST

I thought that Christopher's ghost was haunting the picture but the cat was the only one asute enough to pick up on it. The combo of purring and wagging her tail (which is a sign of anger or agitation in a cat) as she stared was haunting.

A Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 09:42 AM EST

How about, what was up with the cardboard cutout (of Sil?) in the safehouse? Not a question from the final episode, I realize, but a burning question nonetheless. What WAS that all about?!

Eric Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 09:39 AM EST

I think the last scene was designed to let the viewers see life through Tony's perspective. Having to go through life without being able to trust anyone you come across, that last scene did a very good job of making the viewers paranoid of everyone in the restaurant. I think Tony blacked out from a panic attack.

Doug Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 09:34 AM EST

Was the cat Adrianna, Big Pussy, or looking at Christopher because he was a rat?

Rose Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 09:14 AM EST

I thought the ending was brillant. See, that's Tony Soprano's life. He can't "just" go out for a nice meal with his family, because violent death or a life that ends in a prison cell is always looming over him, lurking in every corner. That was the point. We'll never know how the scene "ended" - is he dead? arrested? or was that suspicious looking guy just a red herring and nothing happened but a family dinner?

Always leave 'em wanting more.

Mr. White Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 08:34 AM EST

Poor Frank Vincent. Except for Casino, he gets a beat down or killed horribly in all his movies.

RTA Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 08:33 AM EST

The theory that Tony's last conscious thought was seeing his beloved daughter coming in the door is the one I'm choosing to believe most. If that was Chase's intent then it is the best ending ever. RIP, Tony.

Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 05:24 AM EST

Great Episode. Tony will be arrested, and if they don't get to Carlo, he might spend some time in jail. He could face a big rico charge.

Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 05:16 AM EST

Chase (in an interview w/Alan Sepinwall on Monday night), "refuses to explain and defend the ending." Just goes to show (again), that he's an arrogent, self absorbed, hack. He knows the ending was a big FU to those who criticized last season's overwrought "Kevin Finnerty" dream/puratory storyline, (another vanity "aren't I briiliant?" Valentine to himself). We didn't want or need blood and guts for the finale, just a semblence of the future.

Kevin H. Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 01:18 AM EST

Now we know what happened to the Russian.....he became the short order cook at Holsten's. He's come a long way for someone who killed 16 Czechoslovakian's and was interior decorator........LOL!!!!!

labrat Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 11:58 PM EST

Margarita - For some reason I thought Patsy had a twin and that's who the rat was. I could be wrong, it was a while ago.
I LOVED the look on Carmela's face when Hunter said she was in med school. That was priceless. I think she was expecting her to say she was getting a job at the Bada Bing.

BrianD Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 09:37 PM EST

Hunter, Meadow's friend from the first season, was played by Michele DeCesare, David Chase's daughter, was in the first episode, so I'm guessing it was meant to invoke a circling of sorts.

mark Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 09:12 PM EST

If you checked the HBO.com synopsis of the show last night, it read: "Finally parking the car, Meadow runs inside to join her family, just in time for...” If you checked it today after constant lauding of Chase for letting Tony, live, it now reads, "Finally parking the car, Meadow runs inside to join her family, just in time for dinner." As much as I love the various levels this show worked on, Chase simply messed with the viewer in the end.

Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 08:59 PM EST

Nick, you are a douchebag.

songeuse Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 08:03 PM EST

The girl that plays Hunter is Chase's daughter - so that explains her return.

Faith Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 07:05 PM EST

Don't Stop Believin': The theme song for Tony Soprano, Aileen Wuornos and the Chicago White Sox.

That speaks volumes.

ns Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 06:54 PM EST

The cat was definitely Adriana. And as for why Hunter showed up again, I think she was meant to serve as a contrast to Meadow--the more middle class Hunter is well on her way to a career in medicine, while the spoiled Meadow drifts from ambition to ambition and will almost certainly follow in the footsteps of her mother by abandoning any career goals the second she gets engaged.

And they got AJ the BMW as part of the "reward" for not going into the Army.

Tammy Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 06:44 PM EST

My question is...why did it take Meadow 20 minutes to park her car in a space that was the size of Texas?

Joe in Philly Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 06:40 PM EST

That ending was David Chase showing his utter contempt for the loyal viewers who were so invested in these characters and spent so much time speculating and obsessing over how they would end up. By basically wrapping up nothing except for killing off Phil, and making that quick cut followed by 10 seconds of a black screen, causing many people to think the signal was cut, Chase essentially gave all of those loyal viewers the finger.

maryanne merritt Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 05:54 PM EST

I am so sad that The Sopranos is gone forever! It is almost as awful as the day Johnny Carson quit!

Justin Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 05:43 PM EST

Nikki Leotardo got out of her SUV to attend to her dead father and then her car rolled over his face. Nikki isn't his nephew, it's his daughter.

Duffi Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 05:23 PM EST

MacGuffin alert -- that was David Chase in the final shots, the fellow who entered Hosten's in a bball cap.

K Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 05:10 PM EST

Is that it? That's all their is? I thought my DVR quit. What a shocker. I will echo pdt's comment that I was wishing that whiny litte pissant AJ would get iced. He annoys me.

Michael Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 04:28 PM EST

None of those questions really matter. This is a show that has always defied viewer expectations, and the ending was true to the series as a whole. People die, but life goes on. People sit and talk about the same stupid things they've always talked about. They eat onion rings and have trouble parallel parking. But as Don DeLillo once said, all plots tend to move deathward.

Akaky Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 04:20 PM EST

I can't remember what the last shot was before it went black. Was it from Tony's perspective watching his daughter walk in? If so he prolly got iced.

drock Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 04:19 PM EST

to me, Carmela, Tony & AJ eating the onion rings looked a bit like communion to me... redemption maybe?

Margarita Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 04:18 PM EST

REVEALED. :-p

Elizabeth Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 04:18 PM EST

Re: Donna Pescow - hello! Evie's mom. Out of This World. I kept staring at her last night, thinking what the heck else was she on. That was it!

Margarita Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 04:18 PM EST

Here's my question:

Am I crazy, or was it reveled awhile back that Patsy was a rat for the FBI? If so, whatever became of that?

Mike D. Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 04:11 PM EST

Donna Pescow -- she was the mom on Even Stevens, still the place to catch Shia Labeouf's best work.

Dan Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 04:11 PM EST

Tony's definitely not dead, check out the episode recap at HBO.com

Dan Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 04:10 PM EST

Tony's definitely not dead, check out the episode recap at HBO.com

Kate28 Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 04:08 PM EST

What do people think of the rapidly-circulating theory online right now that the guy at the bar in the diner was named "Nikki Leotardo"??? This has all the makings of an urban myth-- but the story making the rounds of Inboxes everywhere is that the credits for the episode list the man at the bar as Nikki Leotardo (seems like a weird spelling for a guy, if you ask me) who is apparently Phil's nephew. And therefore, that final moment of blackness and silence represents Tony's death-- quick and quiet, like he and Bobby imagined it would be when they talked about it on the fishing boat in the season's premiere.
Of course, IMDB has yet to list the full cast for the episode, so it beats me where the unknown author of this email is getting the Nikki Leotardo info from (I would think anyone credited as Nikki Leotardo from the episode would be Phil's wife, who left the SUV in drive...) The email is also crammed with lots of other "links" to past episodes.
EW, please get to the bottom of this!!

Hi Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 04:05 PM EST

I don't have the answers to those questions but I do know that The Walnuts trailer you linked to was terrible. Not funny at all.

Chris Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 04:03 PM EST


I LOVED IT! Hated it last night, but this morning I love it. I really dislike being able to figure out what is going to happen. The ending they chose surprised the heck out of me, it wasn't even on my radar, so I have to give them props. ( I was thinking there were 3 choices: arrest, death, or witness protection).

I was on the edge of my seat, it was so tense. They tricked me, and I love them for it! Predictablity is boring.

Ep Sato Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 04:02 PM EST

A few thoughts

First, on the ending. Chase's point, IMHO, was to show how even in the most sincere environs (a family restaurant), life for a gangster means constantly having to watch your back. There's no security, no assurances of safety, even at a diner with the wife and kids.

Regarding the orange, Chase made several homages to gangster flicks throughout the show. Passages from Pileggi's "wiseguy" were practically acted out in the series, Tony immitated Raging Bull recently, the bathroom guy at the end was straight up godfather.

What struck me, besides Paulie's survival (I always knew he weren't no rat), was how empty the seats in front of Satriale's were. Remember how full those chairs were a few years ago?

Regarding Junior, he was trying to dig up his fortune the ep Tony was shot. Junior probly' took off with that loot years ago and forgot all about it.

My question is: Did Benny ever get made?

Nick Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 04:01 PM EST

Imagine feeling it for 8 years? Yeah...ill do that. In my multimillion dollar home like Tony has. boohoo he felt that for 8 years

missy Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 03:58 PM EST

Loved the ending. For the first time in the entire series I understood what life was like for Tony. Every time the door opened it ws a chance for death. Looking around and waiting for the other shoe to drop. That feeling of dread that I had in those last 10 minutes was awful... imagine feeling it for 8 years. Also, loved the fact that while Tony laments his hard driving Mom she drove him to be the man he is. Without that he would have ended up like poor pointless AJ.

sdr Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 03:51 PM EST

did tony ever have the makings of a varsity athlete?

Fluff Daddy Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 03:49 PM EST

did the FBI agent sleep with that woman to get info on Phil?

pdt Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 03:40 PM EST

i thought the ending was bold. i was hoping aj would get shot (but that is another issue).

Rebekah Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 03:31 PM EST

Is Tony dead?

Nick Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 03:27 PM EST

That ending was WORSE than a Lost episode. ughhhhh

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