OK, so we all know “The Sopranos” calls it quits a week from Sunday, ending one of the most successful shows in TV history.
“Sopranos” fans anticipate a bloodbath sooner rather than later – meaning this Sunday’s next-to-last episode could result in some all-out carnage, setting the stage for the “What did it all mean?” navel-gazing June 10 finale.
HBO’s descriptions of the final two episodes give absolutely nothing away, and that’s been show creator David Chase’s style from the very beginning. Keep ’em guessing – because they’re probably wrong anyway.
This Sunday’s episode, “The Blue Comet,” is short on detail. “The allegiance of those closest to Tony is put to the test,” reads HBO’s description. “A case of mistaken identity has serious ramifications.”
Ambiguous at best, but there’s absolutely nothing to read into HBO’s description of the June 10 finale: “Series finale. The final chapter of The Soprano Family.”
Which answers none of the burning questions being bandied about around watercoolers and on “Sopranos” message boards:
* Will Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) ultimately get whacked, or will he live to tell his tale to Dr. Melfi?
* What will befall Tony’s loyal crew members Paulie (Tony Sirico), Silvio (Steven Van Zandt) and Bobby (Steve Schirripa)?
* What about Phil Leotardo (Frank Vincent), who heads the New York family and is still stewing over long-held resentments toward Tony and his Jersey Boys?
* And what about Valery, the Russian from Season Three’s famous “Pine Barrens” episode? His fate has continued to vex “Sopranos” fans ever since. Will he re-appear, or what?
It’s interesting to note that Chase co-wrote this Sunday’s episode and, more significantly, wrote and directed the June 10 finale – reportedly filming several different endings to throw everyone off the scent.
(Translation: If you think you know what happens, you’re wrong – maybe.)
Fasten your seatbelts for a bumpy ride.