The Sopranos is known as one of the most influential and groundbreaking series of all time, and it shows the complexity of mob life. Created by David Chase, it premiered in 1999 and introduced viewers to a truly damaged character, Tony Soprano, the leader of the New Jersey mob. The series addressed both loyalty and mental health, and while many people like the action and dark humor of the show, it actually reveals the reality of the Italian mafia and the complexity that comes with it.
Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini, plays both the role of a powerful mafia boss and a man who desires to become better. He is known as violent, manipulative, and authoritative. Tony makes decisions based on cold calculations and does not let anyone underestimate him. At the beginning of Season 1, it becomes clear that Tony Soprano is more than just a one-dimensional criminal, but he is also a deeply flawed man who even has problems judging his own actions.
Tony eventually undergoes secret therapy sessions with Dr. Jennifer Melfi (played by Lorraine Bracco), and this is one of the most important aspects of the show. As a mob leader, he is seen as cold and stoic, and yet Tony is haunted by his own horrific actions that he cannot get out of his head. His family and enemies might see Tony’s therapy as a weakness, which is why he decides to take these sessions in secret.
While many people normalize the mob as being “cool” and assume it would be a cool thing, it is not. The Sopranos shows the reality of violent crime, and it proves that being affiliated with criminal activities is not a flex, but it may in fact be one of the worst things to be involved in.
Another element that this series explores is that, while people like Tony may have power and control over other people, in reality, they may be struggling with not only their mental health but their own identity. The Sopranos challenges the audience to think critically about ambition and the lines between good and evil.
The Sopranos also features an actor named Tony Sirico, who plays Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri, and he was actually tied with the mob in real life. Sirico was known to have a very criminalistic background and was part of the Colombo Crime Family in the late 1970s. Since Sirico knew how the mob lifestyle was in reality, he helped David Chase write part of the show to make it more realistic.
Ultimately, The Sopranos is a must-watch for anyone interested in complex human psychology and the pursuit of unlimited power. This series is known to be one of the most realistic portrayals of the mafia lifestyle, especially when compared to the exaggerated depiction that most movies show.
If you are interested in watching The Sopranos, it is now streaming on HBO Max and Prime Video. And you don’t have to just take my opinion about this series, because former Explosion staff writer, Alex De La Garza, feels the same way. You can read his article HERE!
