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US viewers watch Sopranos finale US viewers watch Sopranos finale
(about 7 hours later)
The final episode of the highly popular Mafia drama series, The Sopranos, has been aired in the US.The final episode of the highly popular Mafia drama series, The Sopranos, has been aired in the US.
The award-winning series, which has run for eight years on cable channel HBO, centres on the life of a dysfunctional mob family in New Jersey.The award-winning series, which has run for eight years on cable channel HBO, centres on the life of a dysfunctional mob family in New Jersey.
Millions had been expected to watch to learn the fate of the top mobster and main character, Tony Soprano.Millions had been expected to watch to learn the fate of the top mobster and main character, Tony Soprano.
As the series came to an end after eight years and 86 episodes, the question was: "What happens to Tony?"As the series came to an end after eight years and 86 episodes, the question was: "What happens to Tony?"
Tony Soprano was last seen in the bedroom of a safe house cradling an automatic weapon as assassins from a rival crime family closed in.Tony Soprano was last seen in the bedroom of a safe house cradling an automatic weapon as assassins from a rival crime family closed in.
Irony and satireIrony and satire
It has been described as the richest achievement in the history of TV, likened both to a Shakespearean drama and a Greek tragedy - the tale of Tony Soprano and the Mafia crime family he controls.It has been described as the richest achievement in the history of TV, likened both to a Shakespearean drama and a Greek tragedy - the tale of Tony Soprano and the Mafia crime family he controls.
Tony Soprano has got a depth to him that we've rarely seen in mobsters Paul ChickletHollywood screenwriter Hollywood screenwriter Paul Chicklet says the character is a person audiences love to hate.Tony Soprano has got a depth to him that we've rarely seen in mobsters Paul ChickletHollywood screenwriter Hollywood screenwriter Paul Chicklet says the character is a person audiences love to hate.
"Inside ourselves we know we should not be liking this person - he is a killer."Inside ourselves we know we should not be liking this person - he is a killer.
"On the other hand, he has got a depth to him that we've rarely seen in mobsters so we want to see what's going to happen to him, just like we want to see what's going to happen to our Uncle Ralph.""On the other hand, he has got a depth to him that we've rarely seen in mobsters so we want to see what's going to happen to him, just like we want to see what's going to happen to our Uncle Ralph."
With its complex characters, social satire and rich irony, The Sopranos was always about more than the mob.With its complex characters, social satire and rich irony, The Sopranos was always about more than the mob.
By portraying Tony and his associates as everyday citizens, many believe it held a mirror to modern society.By portraying Tony and his associates as everyday citizens, many believe it held a mirror to modern society.
The Sopranos has been both a cultural and a ratings sensation - essential viewing for millions of fans on both sides of the Atlantic.The Sopranos has been both a cultural and a ratings sensation - essential viewing for millions of fans on both sides of the Atlantic.
For many here, Sunday nights will never be quite the same.For many here, Sunday nights will never be quite the same.
Did you watch the finale? What did you think? What will you do without Tony Soprano? Please tell us what you think using the form below.
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