The Sopranos: Watch It

I was fortunate last night to attend a screening of the first two episodes of the new (and last) Soprano's season, which begins Sunday evening. I do not want to ruin the viewing experience for any fans of the show, but I'll say this: the episodes are two of the best of the entire series. The first is a brilliant piece of writing--almost a stage play. Think Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, but with mobsters not academics. The tension-soaked dramatic buildup of the episode defies television conventions. You may well need a drink--or two. The second episode contains its own twists and stunning performances.

I say this as someone who was slightly disappointed in the previous season and who wondered if the show was running out of steam, though not blood. But these two episodes indicate that Soprano's creator David Chase and his team are returning for their final run in triumphant form. They have already made TV history--and they will continue to do so with their last shots. (Connection declared: I and several other authors of books on the Iraq war are being signed by HBO as consultants for a project about the war.)

Posted by David Corn at April 6, 2007 11:17 AM