The Sopranos is well known for being a violent and brutal show, but the saddest deaths of every season still keep the audience guessing. The series ran through season 6 and aired on HBO starting in 1999. Created by David Chase, the show is known for originating the archetype of the anti-hero on TV and revolutionizing the television landscape. Every episode was bold and experimental, and since it was on HBO, the series was unafraid to get graphic in its depictions of the realities of the mob. However, living a dangerous life has consequences, and many characters pay them.
The concept of the series is that Tony begins suffering panic attacks because of his high-tension lifestyle and must start seeing a psychiatrist to help balance his mood and keep him in the game.
James Gandolfini plays the titular Tony Soprano, the rising mob boss living in a predominantly Italian-American suburb of New Jersey. The concept of the series is that Tony begins suffering panic attacks because of his high-tension lifestyle and must start seeing a psychiatrist to help balance his mood and keep him in the game. Most episodes revolve around Tony and his family and are intermixed with the sessions Tony goes to at Dr. Melfi’s (Lorraine Bracco) office. She becomes an important character as well, and their dynamic is one of the most important and intriguing on the show.
Besides Tony and Dr. Melfi, many other characters color Tony’s world, and each has the opportunity to grow and develop over the seasons. Tony’s wife, children, and home life draw a sharp contrast between his role as head of the crime family and the sleazy club where they do their business. Despite the show’s popularity, The Sopranos ended after season 6 because the nature arc of the show had to end. Chase, the writers, producers, and actors were ready to say goodbye to Tony Soprano and did so in one of the most iconic endings of a TV series.
Although Jackie Aprile Sr. (Michael Rispoli) doesn’t play a large role outside the first few episodes, his death is what sets the plot in motion. He is the previous boss of Tony’s crime family, and his death opens the door for Tony to step up and take a position of leadership. However, things are complicated by the fact that Tony’s uncle, Junior (Dominic Chianese), also wants to be the new boss. While Tony wants to be the boss, he must move carefully with Junior and not upset him. Additionally, Jackie getting cancer is not something Tony ever wanted to happen.
Throughout the series, it comes to light that Tony had a difficult relationship with his parents, and he saw Jackie Sr. as a father figure. Due to this, and that the audience never saw Jackie do anything terrible or violent, it’s easy to feel sad that he passes on. Additionally, it’s a death of natural causes, one of the few in the show, which makes it all the more jarring when compared to other instances of death. Jackie’s ghost haunts The Sopranos, and his tenure as boss hangs over Tony’s head as he tries to live up to his legacy.
