If the last episode ended with Tony going out to get the paper and maybe we even got to see the date on the paper, wouldn't that be a huge shock to know that everything was in fact in reverse? I don't know if they could keep it a surprise over 20 episodes though. Selfishly, I hope it isn't in reverse because I want to see a better (maybe happier) ending for Tony.

Well, in all seriousness, it would be impossible for them to keep it a surprise for one more episode, let alone 20. Tony would have to be completely healthy and normal next episode, and Gene would be alive as well. The cat is out of the bag right then and there.

That's why there is no way in hell they are doing it. When a show does a reverse thing, it's over the course of one episode, not a whole season.

Really enjoyed that, but I'm having a hard time remembering who's who. Didn't remember Gino at all, but from reading this thread, I guess he was featured last year. Loved the return of Hesch, but was SUREhe was the guy to die first.
Who did Carmela dine with and "patch things up"? She didn't ring a bell at all. Was that the mother of Meadow's former (and late) boyfriend?

I gotta say I called Gene killing himself and Tony getting shot. Although Gene's suicide wasn't like I thought it would be. When they panned over to the chairside table, I expected to hear a gunshot and see blood splatter all over the table.

Also, they really setup Uncle Junior shooting Tony. He was so scared and confused when Tony walked in, and then when he called down from upstairs asking who was there, Tony never should have said what he did. I knew as soon as he said it that he was going to get shot. I'm pretty sure Tony's going to be ok though, since they made such a big deal about his weight, and he happened to get shot in the gut.

that was Angie, Big Pussy's widow, if I remember correctly. I guess the body shop's been doing well. I also had the thought that Junior might somehow hurt Tony, when they showed how he was confused and everything. I just had no idea it would happen so soon.

Last season, Rosalie Aprile explained to Adrianna that all the other wives shunned Angie because Big Pussy went into the witness protection program (or so they thought).

Great opening... and it would be really lame if this was the final show and everything else is flashback. But I really don't think that is the case.

Brian

True. But I miss the Actress not the character. The actress is huge star in Russia. I also miss Tony's girlfriend.

Great episode, and it feels the most urgent since Season 2. I remember reading David Chase had an original plan for a 4 season story-arc for the Sopranos, but the $$$ from HBO extended the series. I believe the last 2 seasons have been fillers where he was holding off all the good stuff from happening and anyone major dying. Think of Season 2: Big Pussy and Richie Aprile bit the dust, two major characters.

I don't know what to think of a flashback season, it kinda doesn't make sense since everyone is alive earlier in the show, so I think Tony will make it through for a normal season. But damn that was a punch in the mouth for any Soprano fan last night, totally unexpected!

I actually said holy shite out loud when I saw the ending...I have never been so surprised at any TV show ending. I FIGURE he will survive, but I am not sure, I am so tempted to try to find a spoilers site, but I want to see how this plays out w/o having to cheat.

One thing about the Sopranos I have noticed when I am watching, that's different. I always seen to watch the clock while watching the show... and I am always dreading the ending, thinking oh no only 10 minutes left etc...

I dont think there will be a flashback. Good episode. Didnt expect him to get shot like that.

i thought the suicide was very realistic...not saying i know first hand of that.. but it was showing everything....

Maybe im the only one that thinks this but, i think Junior's "mental illness" is all a scam. It helps him with his trial, and it gives him an excuse to try and get rid of Tony which if you remember he plotted with Tony's mom in the past to do just that.

I seriously doubt they'll flashback, however I wouldn't be surprised if everything that happens from here on will just be something playing out in Tony's mind right before he dies from the gunshot.

I enjoyed this episode alot! At first I thought Geno's story was featured because he might end up being the one, at the end of the season, who ultimately whacks Tony in order to live his dream in Fla with his family. Then when he was sitting in his chair, looking at pix, I said- "uh-oh..he's going to take his life." I was wrong about my first thought! Tony getting shot by Uncle Jr was a suprise for me!

Here's my theory for this season:

Thinking back to season 1: John (I think that was his name; the former boss) was dying of cancer in the hospital, which made Tony the active boss.
What if this final season kind of "mirrors" season 1: Tony will be in the hospital for most of this season, fighting for his life, while Christopher becomes the active boss until Tony's death or recovery?

Not a chance. If it was all a scam, he's really overplaying it...especially AFTER he shot Tony, there would be no need to go cower in the closet, he could just hang out upstairs waiting for someone to arrive and then play crazy. If Junior wanted to get rid of Tony, there are much easier ways.

Dynamite premiere. Wasn't a fan of the opening "song" but other than that, a solid episode and a great return to form. Christopher was excellent tonight. The ending had me shouting at my television. There is definitely no way he can be dead...if he was (this early) I would never watch this show again.

I don't think Tony will be hospitalized for more than a few episodes. His being out of it gives Melfi nothing to really do on the show, and that's a dynamic the show thrives on, so I'm sure he'll be back walking and talking shortly.

The hanging was one of the most brutal deaths I've seen on this show...just the length and then the urine...horrific! Welcome back Sopranos.

MATT

My thought is that if Tony is in the hospital and Christopher starts to run the show, he will screw everything up. Tony will then come out of his coma and be forced to "deal" with Christopher, like he almost did last season.

Yeah, the hanging was brutal to watch. With the length of it, the twitching, the grasping at the noose, the urinating, all very real.
I didn't even recognize him at first. When he was with his wife and they opened the letter about the inheritance, I was wondering who they were. I think his biggest prior appearance in the show is the episode on the construction site when Fin caught Vito with the security guard. He was also at the card game robbed by Jackie Jr. & crew; "Very bad, boys. Very bad."

As for Junior, if he is permanently around the bend, I can't see him lasting much longer. They can't really do a meaningful plot with someone who's unbalanced.

If this is a "flashback" season, I will immediately cancel my HBO. This show doesn't need gimmicks like that. That's something a first year film student would do.

Terrific start to the season. And no, I don't think it will be a <i>Memento</i> scenario, or flashbacks. People tend to "recover" quickly in TV dramas (remember Dennis Franz taking a bullet in the very first <i>NYPD Blue</i>?) and we really don't know how serious a wound this is. It may very well be a flesh wound that missed any vital organs, and loss of blood may be the big problem.

Anyway, great to have it back and make my weekends complete again!

Great begining, can't wait for next Sunday.



Anyone else think of Grunter when Tony was on the scales? I thought he might get his wish this episode.

Having Chris running the show while Tony recuperates and Phil running the show for Johnny Sack could make for some interesting situations..two hot heads that hate each other

I think that's exactly what's going to happen

Every time they show Tony with his shirt off I think of <b>grunter</b>. :lol:

Why does everyone here think that Christopher will run the Show?

Sylvio is the 2nd in charge !

I hope not. I absolutely hated when "Seinfeld" did that and that was only one episode (although spread throughout a whole season, it could be less jarring).