The Sopranos

     The Sopranos is a dramatic television series produced by HBO, airing from 1999 through 2007. It follows the day-to-day experiences of fictional mobster anti-hero Tony Soprano as well as his associates and his family in North Jersey. Early on in the series Tony suffers from a panic attack. His physician and his wife recommend that he seek psychiatric help, and he does. From this point on the series’ focus shifts back and forth between Tony’s experiences and his therapy sessions. The show gradually introduces underlying causes for Tony’s anxiety, the most notable being his parents. While Tony’s dad has been dead for many years, he had a profound impact on Tony as a child, and eventually goes on to introduce him into the mafia. The viewer is able to recognize this in the form of traumatic flashbacks, as well as characters discussing past events. Tony’s mother, Livia Soprano, has psychological problems of her own. Although her disorder is unclear, Tony’s therapist speculates that she is likely to suffer from borderline (or narcissistic) personality disorder. She is a miserable woman whose only pleasure in life seems result from inflicting hardships upon others, especially Tony. After Tony places her in a nursing home, Livia vengefully manipulates her brother-in-law (Junior Soprano, the new head of the mafia) to put a hit out on her own son. And so, the main cause of Tony’s anxiety can likely be attributed to his parents.

Although the show mostly would be considered a psychological drama, there are many other aspects to it. It follows the criminal activities of Cosa Nostra members and associates. In this regard it can at times be thrilling and suspenseful. And while it is usually dramatic, there is a ton of comic relief. Characters regularly make lewd jokes to, or about, each other and in reference to others. In addition, the viewer will find humor in some character’s incompetence or foolishness, particularly in their malapropisms and ridiculous mishaps.

Fans of The Sopranos are likely to be inclined toward The Wire. The two shows share many similarities. Both are dramatic television series produced by HBO that are centered on crime, but have many overarching themes. They are both commentaries on contemporary American lifestyle, emphasizing societal problems. Both are meant to be taken seriously, but are riddled with politically incorrect dark humor.