On this week’s episode, Sonny Bunch (The Bulwark), Alyssa Rosenberg (The Washington Post), and Peter Suderman (Reason) break down the strange story of Ozy Media, the various scams of which have been chronicled by the NYT’s Ben Smith in recent weeks, and the overall state of media accountability. Then they review The Many Saints of Newark, David Chase and HBO’s new prequel to The Sopranos currently in theaters and on HBO Max. And in the members-only bonus episode, the gang debates the biggest question in the history of prestige TV: What, exactly, happened to Tony Soprano at the end of the series? Sign up now to listen today!
I loved the Sopranos ending when it happened because it was just so bold. I continue to really enjoy it because of the conversations that it creates, such as the one in the bonus episode.
For my money, Tony doesn't die. We just have a hard out as an audience. I do think he ends up beating the indictment but does spend the rest of his life deeply unhappy and plagued by existential dread.
Also, I think The Many Saints of Newark enhanced reinforced the credibility of Christopher's vision of hell being an Irish bar on St. Patrick's Day. I don't think things would go to black for Tony when his time comes. I think he would find himself stuck in the corner of a both next to Paulie for eternity.