The Sopranos
''The Sopranos'' changed television forever.
In a medium known for tacky sit-coms and endless commercials, the saga of a Mafia patriarch captured American audiences and made HBO the most popular premium channel. The show became critically acclaimed for its strong storyline, compelling characters and sudden, shocking violence. ''The Sopranos'' was TV with ''teeth'' and it paved the way for other dark adult dramas like ''Deadwood, Six Feet Under, Dexter,'' and ''True Blood''.
What made the show so popular was the fusion of compelling family drama and gangland violence. The show centers around Tony Soprano, embattled head of the DeMeo crime family and patriarch of a dysfunctional family. As Tony struggled with the pressures in his life, the demands of mob life spiraled around him. It wasn't always a nice story, but it was always compelling.
Family. Redefined.
The Sopranos ran for six seasons and the storyline often became intricate, which can be intimidating for new viewers. Here's a quick primer on the characters.
* '''Tony Soprano''': The series starts with Tony dealing with an insane mother, strife within his gang, and trouble at home. His life is in constant chaos and the effects begin grinding him down as the series goes on. He's larger than life, capable, and occasionally brutal, but life gets the best of him.
* '''Carmela Soprano''': Tony's long suffering wife, Carmela struggles to balance the luxury she lives in with Tony's stubbornness and constant adultery.
* '''Meadow and Anthony Jr.''': Tony's children, both of whom are spoiled and oblivious to their father's work. Meadow is very gifted in school but makes bad decisions in love, while surly A.J. inherits his father's depression issues.
* '''Dr. Melfi''': Tony's therapist, the kind-hearted Dr. Melfi attempts to help Tony with his panic attacks, but has to reconcile herself for enabling a monster.
* '''Christopher Moltisanti''': Tony's godson and one of his primary foot soldiers, Christopher Moltisanti harbors dreams of Hollywood and a serious drug problem.
* '''Paulie Walnuts''': The hotheaded torpedo of Tony's crew, Paulie Walnuts is brutish, stupid, insecure, and violent. He's also tremendously funny.
* '''Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero''': Tony's lifelong friend and capo in the family, Salvatore is secretly an informant for the FBI. The guilt he has over betraying his friends eats at him, but he keeps getting deeper and deeper.
Sopranos Merchandise
''The Sopranos'' has become a cultural phenomena. Aside from the box sets, there are t-shirts, board games, video games, cookbooks, guide books, and other merchandise. Though the show was always controversial in the Italian American community due to what was perceived to be stereotypical presentation of Mafia thugs, the show did generate interest in Italian culture. Many cultural commentaries were written after the show for people who want to learn more about the world of Tony Soprano.
Top Sellers
*Other must-haves include:
**
The Sopranos: The Complete Third Season
**
The Sopranos: The Complete Fourth Season
**
The Sopranos The Complete Fifth Season
**
The Sopranos: Season 6, Part 1
Related Guides
*
Popular TV Series
*
Mad Men
*
Law and Order
*
True Blood
*
Jersey Shore
