Family not quite redefined

I've been a fan of "The Sopranos" for quite some time now. It paved roads for so many other series like it and in many ways redefined how Americans watch television series. When it first hit the scene it was unlike anything people had seen. The writing was sly and top notch, the acting was phenomenal (especially considering most players were unknowns), the show had a comforting dark sense of humor, was as gritty and raw as a Scorsese film and at the same time acted as a vehicle for deeper issues that make for good drama such as redemption, love, loyalty and above all the role of family.\nThe first three seasons were unparalleled, each one brilliantly different and unique. The fourth season lacked at times but was ultimately rewarding in its final four episodes. The fifth season was a breath of fresh air for hardcore fans as it opened up a number of new conflicts and side stories, while also introducing us to a slew of new brilliant characters (Steve Buscemi's performance alone was worth the countless Sunday nights of devotion). This brings us to season six, which concluded its jaded twelve episode run two Sundays ago. \nAnyone familiar with the show's history will know that creator David Chase originally planned on finishing up the series with a post season five, eight episode mini season. After what I can only imagine was pressure from HBO execs for more, the crew decided to film a 12 episode six season that would be followed by the final eight episodes. The result was a season that seemed more like a drawn out, uneventful prelude to Chase's original, most likely out of this world, final eight chapters in this American television epic. Season six started out strong with a killer first episode cliffhanger that showed Tony at his most vulnerable. The first few episodes featured arising storylines regarding power struggles not only between the New York and New Jersey families, but also inside the Jersey family. Eventually though things got back to normal and most events that took place during the initial episodes suddenly became insignificant (anyone remember Paulie deliberately going against Tony's wishes during the unfortunate beating of a crew boat rower)? \nChase took an interesting route this season essentially banking on one major storyline regarding a fairly minor character, Vito Spatafore, who is exposed as a homosexual and runs away to "Cozyville" New England to seek out a new life and the world's best Johnny Cakes. The Vito saga, or "Brokeback Vito" as I've heard it called, could have been something brilliant, but somehow managed to be the worst major storyline in "Soprano's" history. \nSeason five had briefly introduced the closeted Vito with a tense storyline revolving Meadow's fiancé Finn discovering his little secret and fearing for his safety. This aspect of the plot was pretty much dropped entirely in season six. Instead the Vito saga ultimately was nothing more than a fairly mundane character study about one man's forced need to reevaluate his life, battle what he believed were inner demons and learn the basics of noble and studly voluntary firefighting. \nThe Vito chapter had its highs and lows and all along had promising moments, however, all possible chances of something brilliant coming out of it were scrapped during Vito's unfortunate, but fairly unintriguing culmination. \nThe main problem with season six is that it tried to tackle more storylines and character developments than it could actually handle. The beauty of the first three seasons of the show was that, although the show always featured hundreds of minor characters and intricate, often complicated plots, we were always given a deep and intimate look at the main characters. Season six opened up a lot of doors and explored many different characters, however, I can't help but feel that much of what happened this season will be insignificant or forgotten in the long run. As my friend Billy said towards the end of the season, "you could probably skip season six all together and still be able to comprehend what will happen in the final eight."\nWhile there were some strong moments, the sixth season was ultimately quite disappointing compared to previous chapters in "The Soprano's" extensive history. This disappointment combined with the recent announcement that "Deadwood," HBO's other brilliant show, will not return after its third and final season, and with the final eight "Sopranos" episodes airing supposedly in early 2007, one can't help but wonder what the future holds for HBO.\nThe opening to "The Sopranos'" sixth season had the worst ratings since its second season aired back in 2000. Other new HBO shows like "Rome" or the recent "Big Love" garnered some critical acclaim but most likely will never be able to the top brilliant predecessors like "The Sopranos," "Six Feet Under," and now "Deadwood." While I will no doubt tune in for the final eight Sopranos episodes and hope that David Chase makes up for a lousy filler season, I can't help but worry for HBO's uncertain future and hope that, like "Six Feet Under" which wrapped up its series beautifully, David Chase's coveted final eight episodes will blow us away the same way he did back when the show first premiered.