Showstopper for 'Sopranos'

Jun 11, 05:05 PM

Current Headlines: By Eric Edwards, The Charlotte Observer, N.C.

Jun. 11--The Sopranos was a drama about a family.

And in Sunday's finale of the long-running HBO hit, family remained the focus. Tony settled his bets with the warring New York tribe, and somehow set about business as usual. Keeping son AJ out of the military; accepting, perhaps, daughter Meadow's decision to work as a lawyer fighting for those who don't get a fair shake; and more importantly, keeping them all together.

But even as it ended, "The Sopranos" left viewers with something that every family can relate to: Uncertainty and insecurity.

Yes, Tony's arch rival, Phil Leotardo, met his end. And yes, Tony appeared to make peace with a New York mob that had sought to kill him. But in the last moments as fans' hearts crept into their throats at what seemed to be a imminent mob hit on Tony, AJ, Meadow and Tony's wife, Carmela, the TV screen went dark, and all that was left was Journey's iconic song "Don't Stop Believing."

And that's how producer and series creator David Chase decided to leave it. Hope for a brighter future for Tony's family and the belief that no matter what, even when it comes to HBO mobsters -- family is more important than business.

Oh, yeah, and the dream that a "Sopranos" movie could be a possibility.

Eric Edwards, a design team leader for the Observer, is a longtime "Sopranos" fan and has seen every show.

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