Lorraine Bracco Says The Sopranos’ Ending Was ‘Bad and Wrong’

Lorraine Bracco Says The Sopranos' Ending Was 'Bad and Wrong'

As a cinephile with a penchant for crime dramas and a soft spot for strong female characters, Lorraine Bracco‘s portrayal of Dr. Jennifer Melfi in The Sopranos has been nothing short of captivating. Her performance was a testament to the complexity of human relationships, particularly when they intersect with the murky world of organized crime.


Lorraine Bracco, known for her portrayal of Dr. Jennifer Melfi in The Sopranos, has voiced criticism towards the show’s debated finale. Dr. Melfi is among several characters that form part of mobster Tony Soprano’s life. Initially, she serves as his therapist, but their bond extends beyond therapy sessions, where Dr. Melfi evaluates and judges Tony Soprano, a morally ambiguous Mafia boss.

On SiriusXM’s The Spotlight with Jessica Shaw, actress Lorraine Bracco expressed her ongoing dissatisfaction about how the series finale wrapped up. She attributes this to showrunner David Chase for his bold move in leaving Tony and Jennifer’s relationship unresolved, but she also hints that their story may not have truly ended there. Despite never knowing what became of them afterwards, Bracco suggested:

It seems to me that they may have run into one another at various restaurants or similar places. To be honest, it’s all just speculation on my part. There’s a part of me that hopes they had a brief separation and are now working things out again, possibly through therapy.

Speaking about her emotions after the show’s finale and shooting her final scenes, Bracco stated: “In discussing my feelings at that time, I would say…” or “Discussing her feelings after wrapping up the series and filming her final scenes, Bracco commented:…

I felt devastated and unhappy about how David concluded things. I thought it was unfair and unjust. I was frustrated and expressed my feelings by saying, “It’s not right to pour five years of your life into someone and then just leave without a second thought.” I added, “That’s not cool,” and that was the end of our conversation.

Lorraine Bracco didn’t just get involved with the Mafia on the show; her portrayal of Karen Friedman Hill in Martin Scorsese’s crime masterpiece, Goodfellas, was a significant dive into the world of organized crime, where she played the role of Henry Hill’s romantic partner.

The Ending of The Sopranos is One of TV’s Most Polarizing Endings

Lorraine Bracco Says The Sopranos' Ending Was 'Bad and Wrong'Lorraine Bracco Says The Sopranos' Ending Was 'Bad and Wrong'Lorraine Bracco Says The Sopranos' Ending Was 'Bad and Wrong'Lorraine Bracco Says The Sopranos' Ending Was 'Bad and Wrong'

David Chase, who was both the writer and director, concluded “The Sopranos” with the episode titled “Made in America“. Although it likely required input from multiple individuals, Dr. Melfi’s observation is valid as Chase bears responsibility for wrapping up the series in such an ambiguous (some might say frustrating) manner. The ending between Tony and Melfi leaves her character unresolved, as she has merely decided to stop treating him without a typical resolution that mirrors their dynamic over the six seasons of the show.

As I sat there, engrossed in the climactic scene of the series, I watched with bated breath as Chase opted to portray the Soprano family sharing a meal, all while the upbeat tunes of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” filled the air. When Meadow, Tony’s daughter, walked into the restaurant, I held my breath, anticipating Tony’s reaction. But as I looked into his eyes, I saw nothing but an empty gaze. The screen suddenly turned black, and for what felt like eternity, that darkness persisted before giving way to the credits. This moment, this enigmatic ending, has since divided viewers and sparked heated debates, a legacy that endures even now in TV history’s annals.

The Sopranos
is available to stream on Max.

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2024-09-27 16:32