‘Sopranos’ set to debut fifth season
One thing a mobster always appreciates is a new lease on life. That’s exactly what Junior Soprano and Christopher Moltisanti received in the season four finale of ‘The Sopranos.’ The upcoming fifth season hopes to redefine the high standards the show has set for itself and attract a broader audience.
‘I don’t watch the show because I don’t have HBO,’ said Alex Perkinson, freshman in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. ‘But I’ve heard it’s pretty good.’
The season premiere of ‘The Sopranos’ will air Sunday, March 7 at 10 p.m. on HBO. The season will continue weekly for 13 episodes. The show, which was awarded the Golden Globe Award for best dramatic television series in its first season, took home four Emmy awards this year, including outstanding lead actor and actress in a drama series for James Gandolfini and Edie Falco, who play Tony and Carmela Soprano.
The upcoming season of ‘The Sopranos’ will look to resolve conflicts set up during last year’s finale. Aside from Junior’s lawsuit acquittal and Christopher’s release from drug rehab, mob boss Tony will deal with his marital problems. During the season finale, Carmela received a phone call from one of Tony’s old mistresses, who told her that if it weren’t for her children, Carmela would be out on the street. Carmela became furious with Tony, who moved out of the house and into a hotel by the end of the episode.
The issues with Tony’s marriage will not be the only thing keeping him restless this season. He also has reason to worry about the murder of Carmine, which he called off during the season finale. Johnny, the New York under-boss, seemed disappointed in the failure of Tony and his crew.
All of the main characters on the show will be returning for the fifth season, with the addition of Steve Buscemi as a regular cast member. Buscemi, who previously directed the ‘Pine Barrens’ episode, will return to co-direct the series and play the part of Tony Blundetto, the cousin of Tony Soprano.
‘I’ve been a big fan of Buscemi ever since ‘Reservoir Dogs,” Santangelo said. ‘I think he’ll be a great addition to the cast.’
Notable guest stars of the upcoming fifth season include Four Seasons lead singer Frankie Valli and Tim Daly, former star of the sitcom ‘Wings.’ Allen Coulter, John Patterson, Allen Taylor and Tim Van Patton will return to direct the show, along with newbie Peter Bogdanovich, whose film ‘The Last Picture Show’ received an Oscar nomination last year.
With plots thickening and new problems occurring, the fifth season of ‘The Sopranos’ looks to maintain its status as one of the top dramatic series on television. The return of cast members and the addition of Buscemi can only bolster the reputation the show has developed and the legacy it hopes to build. The show hopes to continue its success even in the face of new rival series.
‘I think ‘The Sopranos’ will be on for a while,’ Santangelo said.
