The End

A cultural phenomenon is reaching its conclusion. Never before, in my lifetime, has the breadth of a television drama had so much far-reaching cultural impact. Naturally, with a mere two episodes left, everyone in America seems eager to weigh in, no matter how adamant, indifferent, benevolent, disappointed, or cynical. Hailing from the Garden State originally, and always ready for a glimpse, whether historical or fictional, into organized crime, I've been on board all along.

Part of what's enabled The Sopranos to transcend all other crime dramas, in addition to its television medium, has been the expertly developed array of characters, each complete with his or her own moral ambiguity, crisis, and fate. Ultimately, and fittingly, the show has spent its waining moments focused on the apex of its storm; the fate of Tony Soprano.

Up until very recently, the dichotomy of Tony's character has provided a fair share of the allure. On one hand we've had glimpses into an undeniably human father and family man. Armed (ironic choice of words) with this knowledge, we then struggle to reconcile an affinity for this character who, over the course of a single hour, also shows us the other side of the spectrum; the ruthless, anti-social sociopath and head of the New Jersey mob.

This dynamic battle between good and evil for dominion of Tony's soul has only recently ceded almost entirely to the darkness. This was made clear by the murder of Christopher, his surrogate son and former protégé, and only been exacerbated by his narcissistic grieving process which manifested itself in an orgy of dismissal, denial, relief and elation, rather than the traditional seven steps of the grief.

David Chase has maintained that he has known from the very beginning how the series would end. Interesting when you consider the secretive conditions under which the series has been filmed: the actors themselves didn't know what was about to happen until the day an episode was shot.

At this point it's really anyone's guess. One thing is for certain: New York and New Jersey are headed for war. In the name of symmetry, I wouldn't be surprised to see Tony whacked, and for the "tragedy" to serve as the catalyst for Anthony Jr.'s official baptism into a life of crime.

You?