I am – Hercules!!


Does Tony get whacked?

Most guess no. It’s too obvious, and wouldn’t prove as satisfying for the fans as one might think.

Because Tony lives, other big stuff has to close out the series. I would not be shocked if the first scene this week was a flashback to a secret meeting between Phil Leotardo and Paulie Walnuts Gaultieri. Phil probably offered to let Paulie serve as the new boss of New Jersey operations - under Phil’s new leadership. Maybe Paulie betrays Tony, maybe Paulie betrays Phil. Something tells me Tony will kill Paulie no matter who Paulie decides to back at the end. This is not a tale of heroes.

I think Tony’s going to lose daughter Meadow. Meadow used to a be one mouthy little bitch. Then one season, suddenly, she was an angel. Attentive to her parents. Seeking to help the disadvantaged through law or medicine. Karma (and David Chase), I suspect, will punish Tony by taking Meadow and leaving Tony with people who hate him, the selfish and self-absorbed Carmella and A.J. and Janis.

If Tony lives, Phil probably has to die. The only satisfying way I think to resolve this plotline. But I’m guessing it won’t be the New Jersey family that takes him out. Remember how Phil’s heir apparent was gunned down in front of Silvio? The Leotardo organization has problems that have nothing to do with Tony Soprano. Phil might get hit by a some random truck when he hears a funny noise and runs out into the street.

Junior is rumored to reappear. With Bobby dead, Janis would have to broker a reconciliation. Maybe now that Junior’s finally taking his meds he can think straight, and counsels Tony on how to deal with Phil’s now-leaderless mob? Maybe by installing halfwit Little Carmine Lupertazzi at the top as Tony’s puppet?

But how do those middle-easterners fit in? After the New York business is resolved, does a new threat emerge? Would it not be ironic if one of those Arabs was working for the FBI and in possession of damning evidence against Tony?

HBO says of tonight’s installment, “Made in America”:

The final chapter in the saga of The Soprano Family. Written and directed by David Chase.

9 p.m. Sunday. HBO.

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