The Sopranos Return

Tony and the rest of the crew will finally return to entertain our Sunday nights. Insiders have assured us that this season will focus mainly on the relationship between Tony and his wife Carmela. Past seasons have seen Tony Soprano deal with his mother, his sister, and his children. Rumors are also circulating that this season will touch on the September 11 tragedy and the family’s reaction to that situation.

The fourth season was supposed to be the last, but the network made creator David Chase an offer he couldn’t refuse for a fifth season. Chase has already said that the fifth will be the final season and castmates including James Gandolfini (Tony), Edie Falco (Carmela) and Lorraine Bracco (Dr. Melfi) have all said that if Chase goes, they go. What could The Sopranos be without James Gandolfini? Chase has always said that he wanted the "swan song" to last over two seasons. With the fifth season already a go, it appears that he will get his wish. After 75 episodes, which the show will hit with the fifth season, The Sopranos can "cash in" on the syndication market. The downfall to the late start is that the show will be ineligible for Emmy nominations, after racking up 22 nominations last year.

Last season’s final episode left a few things dangling and a desire for more of a cliffhanger. Whatever happened to Dr. Melfi’s rapist? What about the escaped Russian in the woods? It seems as if these stories disappeared into thin air, but hopefully Chase has something up his sleeve. Will the loose ends be tied up or will they be wearing cement shoes and sleeping with the fishes (and Sal "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero)?