The Sopranos Has Aged Poorly

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From 1999 to 2007, spanning six seasons, “The Sopranos” consistently redefined the concept of a “mob series.” Instead of following traditional patterns, significant events frequently transpired at a leisurely, calculated tempo. Unforeseen circumstances could just as easily lead to a character’s demise as deliberate violence. Over an eight-year period, the show’s creator David Chase and his team of writers delved into the pervasive unease that was spreading across America at the dawn of the 21st Century, exploring both pre-9/11 and post-9/11 societal landscapes.

Nowadays, with an entire series accessible through Max subscription, it’s tempting to finish it off in a few weeks rather than stretching it out over years. Interestingly, watching shows like The Sopranos quickly might diminish the series’ narrative impact. In fact, some programs that originated before the streaming age were enhanced by their gradual unfolding, and The Sopranos is one of them.

Some Older Shows are Good for Bingeing, and Some Aren’t

It might appear self-evident that The Sopranos wasn’t designed for marathon viewing, given that its entire run concluded before the concept of binge-watching was even conceived. In those days, shows didn’t release their entire seasons simultaneously; instead, they were structured around a one-episode-per-week format, with occasional two-part premieres or finales. However, some pre-streaming series actually thrive when watched in quick succession, especially those with more fast-paced, enigmatic storylines where the prolonged wait for answers could sometimes become irritating. For instance, Lost is an engaging show to binge, as the solutions to its many island mysteries are just a click away. While lengthy mid-season breaks fostered excitement, they also led to feelings of weariness or the perception that the creators were prolonging the suspense.

It’s clear that the storytelling objectives of The Sopranos differ significantly from Lost, and it seems that the episodic release format is better suited for the former compared to binge-watching multiple episodes at once. This is because The Sopranos delves into themes such as the inevitability of change, the gradual realization that good times might be over, and the fear that the characters may not fit in the world that’s emerging next. These undertones become more explicit in the sixth season, as the old neighborhood establishments are bought by corporations, signifying a shift in the Italian-American community towards other cultural demographics. The experience of gradually witnessing this narrative unfold over time likely made the impending doom feel more palpable for viewers who watched the series as it was airing.

The narrative in The Sopranos often exhibited a circular pattern, where characters kept repeating their old habits without many chances to escape them. This can lead to an unwanted sense of repetitiveness when watching the series in a marathon format. Typically, each season unfolds around a growing conflict between characters that culminates in violence, and the show’s slow-burn approach makes the tension feel more intense as you watch multiple episodes in quick succession.

‘The Sopranos’ Character Connections

Viewing the series over an extended duration fosters a more profound bond with the characters, which is particularly significant in a show like The Sopranos. Although it’s feasible to form a connection with the characters through binge-watching, that connection will likely be shallower compared to one that evolves gradually over time. The characters in this series, who essentially remain static and don’t stray far from their harmful behavioral patterns, can become somewhat aggravating when watched in quick succession, as these patterns become increasingly evident.

Watching The Sopranos in a short span of time may not have been the most effective way to appreciate the series, as it was intended to gradually disillusion the audience about Tony and his associates, who were portrayed as deeply corrupted individuals. This rapid consumption can sometimes lead to a draining experience, as the constant exposure to the series’ grim and violent world might desensitize both the characters and the viewers over time. A more leisurely viewing pace might have allowed audiences to adjust their expectations between visits to this increasingly cynical universe, making it easier to fully grasp the show’s intended impact.

To put it simply, The Sopranos is an exceptional television show, whether you watch one episode a week or multiple episodes at a time. Replicating the original viewing experience might require following the show’s original broadcast schedule, a challenge that only dedicated TV enthusiasts may be willing to take on. While there are numerous rewards to be gained from binge-watching the series, such as its remarkable acting and dark humor, some of the deeper themes may lose their impact when the passage of time is compressed, with 1999 feeling like it’s only a few years ago instead of over two decades.

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2025-04-06 17:32