Glad Tidings
Had to push on to the end. Last two episodes of The Sopranos (I feel like I did after reviewing every match of the World Cup, except there's been more bloodshed): Episode 12, Long Term Parking, written by Terence Winter, and directed by Tim Van Patten; and Episode 13, All Due Respect, written by David Chase, Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess, and directed by John Patterson. In the first, Carmela and Tony get back together, on the proviso that Tony ceases all dalliances and Carmela gets $600,000 as a downpayment on a piece of land upon which she can build "a spec house" (Kevin McCloud would be intrigued). At the same time, Johnny Sack (crowned King of New York after Little Carmine retreats back to Florida) gets nasty and demands Tony Blundetto (who's hiding in the farm) "on a spit", making a threat about "raining a shitstorm down on your family like you have never fucking seen." Tony Soprano is once again caught in the cleft stick of familial duty and work commitments. It all goes off between Christpher and Adriana, after the Feds make an ultimatum: bring us the head of Tony Soprano or go to jail. (They've discovered that a vicious stabbing took place at her bar and that she removed evidence - own goal for the colitis-knotted stool pigeon.) Christopher reacts well to her revelation - he only almost kills her. An emotional moment for the couple, Chris disappears ("for a smoke") and the next thing you know, Adriana is being picked up by Sylvio and it's Carlo Rizzi and the canoli all over again. Bang bang. These are the last days.

In the final episode, something has to be done about Tony Blundetto, and Tony Soprano is the man to do it. With a shotgun. To the head. It offers a grim but satisfying end to this particular cycle. The Fredo moment, except rather more hands-on. This clears the air for Tony's family, who are all dark mutterings about their boss's favouritism towards his cousin. There's a terrific scene around a table (the occasion is the birthday of Ray, an old-timer who's also giving information to the FBI, which gives the set-up further crackle): Tony asserts his authority but you can sense the unease even from his most loyal captains. Where will this end, you wonder? "I'm willing to die for a good cause," says Vito. "But this is bullshit." It's been a difficult season for Tony. But hope springs eternal in the final act: after making peace with Johnny Sack, the Feds turn up. Sack is taken in (and, one presumes, his associates, including the dangerous Phil Leotardo, who we saw earlier attacking one of Tony's drivers, Benny, in the parking lot). Tony escapes, despite his bulk, and ends up humorously emerging into his own back garden via the bushes. Home is where the heart is. Even AJ is showing an interest in "event planning" which is right up there with "waste management" if you ask me. A chip off the old block, as it were. The season ends with a reprise of Glad Tidings by Van Morrison. "Be of good cheer," are the last words, from Tony's lawyer.

It's been a fabulous series. Now all we have to do it wait for Season Six to come out. Next stop: The Wire.