If the hype is to be believed this time, The Sopranos series is finally wrapping up — and at least three of the regulars make it to the end. The series returns on April 8th and it looks like the finale will air on June 10th. The specifics of the final episode is still under wraps but here’s what we do know…
Shooting is scheduled to be completed this week but the finale scene was shot last week. The last scene takes place, not in a go-go bar like Bada Bing’s, but in a simple ice cream shop by the name of Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionery in Bloomfield, New Jersey. The filming was done on location behind a storefront window that was masked by a large black tarp. According to onlookers, James Gandolfini, Edie Falco and Tony Sirico (Tony, Carmelo and Paulie Walnuts) took part. Though this is believed to be the final scene of the series, a spokeswoman for HBO noted, “Until Mr. Chase goes into the edit room, it would be impossible to say what the final scene will be.”
Its fitting that the eight seasons of the HBO series came to a close in New Jersey. Most of the series is filmed in a Long Island soundstage but the exterior filming is done in the Garden State, at the insistence of series creator David Chase. He’s a native and believes that the authenticity of New Jersey locations are a vital part of the show’s character.
Not everyone agrees and some in the community have tried to block the Jersey filmings. They believe that the HBO drama perpetuates negative Italian-American stereotypes. Bloomfield’s mayor and council even tried to stop The Sopranos crew from filming at Holsten’s but the producers had already secured the permit. There was some drama back and forth but the shoot did go through.
Those that gathered to watch the filming obviously didn’t have a problem with the show and will miss it. Fans of the series were aware well in advance of the location and some set up their lawn chairs as early as 5.am. In true American fashion, one man was even selling $20 t-shirts that read “The Final Episode.”
Will we ever see Tony and his business associates and family again? Both Cross and HBO briefly considered a spin-off (a sitcom featuring Janice and Bobby Bacala) or a prequel series featuring a young Tony. Both are highly unlikely to happen.
Prior to the order for nine final episodes, there had been discussions of a Sopranos movie. Though many believe that the final episodes replace those film plans, Chase has not totally ruled out the possibility. He recently told New York Magazine, “A movie still exists as a possibility, I suppose. But it becomes less and less of a possibility because of technical challenges. I mean, where would you come in on the story? Let’s suppose, at the end of this, there are characters who don’t make it. How would you do the movie without them?”
I dunno… does it sound like we’ll have to make David Chase “an offer that he can’t refuse?” Stay tuned!
i just watched the final episode an it was good until the end … the end was very aggervating an disappointing …. nothing happend but phil gettin wacked …. an then at the end they cut to no music an a black screen ? ? ? it made little or no sense at the end …
The Sopranos turned into crap. It started out strong. The most talked about hour in television. Now it is a worthless pile of crap and the largest pile was laid on June 10 with the series finale. I hope that not only is there never a movie produced but that nobody ever films anything remotely related to the Sopranos again.
What a disapointing ending. The killing of phil was ok but the ending was like one of those movies that has you guessing and personally i don’t like guessing infact I am planning to drop HBO because of there narrow minded inconsideration.
What happened the last 20 seconds the cable went blank. Medow was coming in the door of the resturant to meet the family and everything went blank. It comes back on the credits were rolling. Did I miss something? ugh……..
I can’t imagine the Sopranos ended like that. I am greatly dissapointed. I thaught it was 2 hours for the last episode,,,, jipped once again.
WTF? what kind of last episode was that??
I think that wad THE worst series ending evert
The Sopranos series have been the finest TV ride to be a part of in a long time. How do you put something like this to rest without killing off most of the characters? I heard David Chase filmed 3 alternate endings – once again he will prove he is worthy of all the admiration, I’m sure – can’t wait to see the finale!!
HBO canceled Rome too??
That really sucks..
First of all, Christopher should never have been killed off. What were the writers thinking? It would have been very easy to continue the show with him as boss had Tony been ”offed.” Even if Tony is killed, why not continue on with the show based in Brooklyn with Phil as the main character? There are so many ways to go with so much potential left. Rename the show. Big deal. It’s unfair to take it away from us. My two cents. OOFA.
For 7 seasons my family knows never, ever to come to my house or call my house from 9-10:05pm(allowing for the next weeks previews) on Sunday evening. Now I’ll have no choice, I’ll have to answer the damn phone and open the friggin door!!! Damn-it!
THE ONLY THING I’VE EVER BEEN ADDICTED TO IS BINGO EXCEPT SINCE THE SOPRANOS SERIES APPEARED, I CAN WAIT FOR NOTHING ELSE BUT THE TIME TO COME FOR PETE AND I TO SIT AND BECOME ENGROSSED AS TO WHAT’S NEXT. WOW !!! THIS IS TRULY A PART OF THE REAL WORLD AND WHAT GOES ON IN IT. THE SERIES HAS BEEN THE MOST INTRIGUING AND IN-DEPTH ONE OF OUR TIME. THE SELECTION ON CAST OF CHARACTERS IS UNBELIEVABLE AND SO WELL CHOSEN. CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THIS LAST EPISODE AND SURE HOPE IT WON’T BE AN “ALFRED HITCHCOK ENDING. THANKS… Read more »
The Sopranos was a truly addictive series. The only part of it that smacked of uninspired mediocrity were the many long and painfully boring scenes of Tony and his unconvincing woman shrink fighting it out in verbal assaults. Those scenes gave true meaning to why it is better to record the episodes and enjoy the use of the fast forward button on the hand remote.
time for me to whack myself-its not felonious behavior-yet. sopranos was a true addiction -engrossing and riveting. and now the end-thank you brad grey and co. for letting my laundry build up- i am truly sad to witness my favorite family culminate into reruns. dr. melfi are you available on weekends?
When the Soprano’s go, so does my HBO. They took off Deadwood, Rome, and now Sopraano’s. What’s left ?
Garbage.