The Sopranos Ending

Don't read this if you're one of the four people left on Earth who don't know what happens in the last episode of The Sopranos.

This guy (via Kottke) makes a long and extremely persuasive argument that the blackout represents Tony's death. Despite being riddled with spelling errors, and despite a few minor improbable (I think) interpretations, It's compelling reading, especially if you like discussions about symbolism and foreshadowing and the mechanics of setting up film shots. It neatly ties together events throughout the series (especially the last season) and even provides an analysis of the Kevin Finnerty storyline from season 6/1. I was decisively in the "viewer got whacked" camp but now I'm converted.

Part 1 will show how Chase directed, edited and scored the final scene of the Sopranos to lead to the interpretation that Tony was shot in the head in Holsten’s and how this ties into the “never hear it happen” concept that Chase hammered into the viewer before the show’s final scene. Part I will also discuss (and debunk) the other theories about the end including the “Tony always looking over his shoulder” interpretation. Part II, will concentrate on what Tony’s death means and how his death was thematically constructed throughout the final season. Part III will focus on the use of symbolism in Holsten’s. Part IV will focus on “The Godfather” influence on the final season and Tony’s death. Part V will focus on how the final episode and final scene are linked to America’s war on terrorism. Part VI will concentrate on the “fun stuff” created by Chase and his creative team to foreshadow Tony’s death. Finally Part VII will discuss the possible inspiration of two films on the ending of “The Sopranos”.

Did I mention it was long?