The Sopranos: Season 5
Facing an indeterminate sentence of weeks/months/years until new episodes, fans ofThe Sopranosare advised to take the fifth; season, that is. At this point, superlatives don't doThe Sopranosjustice, but justice was at last served to this benchmark series.James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano in a not-so-nice moodFor the first time,The Sopranosrubbed outThe West Wingto take home its first Emmy® for Outstanding Dramatic Series. Michael Imperioli and Drea de Matteo also earned Best Supporting Actor and Actress honors for some of their finest hours as Christopher and Adriana. From the moment a wayward bear lumbers into the Sopranos' yard in the season opener, it is clear thatThe Sopranosis in anything but a "stagmire." The series benefits from an infusion of new blood, the so-called "Class of 2004," imprisoned "family" members freshly released from jail. Most notable among these is Tony's cousin, Tony Blundetto (Steve Buscemi, who directed the pivotal season three episode "Pine Barrens"!  ), who initially wants to go straight, but proves himself to be something of a "free agent," setting up a climactic stand-off between Tony and New York boss Johnny Sack.Carmela and TonyThese 13 mostly riveting episodes unfold with a page-turning intensity with many rich subplots. Estranged couple Tony and Carmela (the incomparable James Gandolfini and Edie Falco) work toward a reconciliation (greased by Tony's purchase of a $600,000 piece of property for Carmela to develop). The Feds lean harder on an increasingly stressed-out and distraught Adriana to "snitch" with inevitable results. This season's hot-button episode is "The Test Dream," in which Tony is visited by some of the series' dear, and not-so-dearly, departed in a harrowing nightmare. With this set, fans can enjoy marathon viewings of an especially satisfying season, but considering the long wait ahead for season six, best to take Tony's advice to his son, who, at one point, gulps down a champagne toast. "Slow down," Tony says. "You're supposed to savor it."--Donald LiebensonExplore MoreFor an even deeper immersion into the world of crime (movies, that is) see our guides tocrime classicsand our who's who compendium offamous mob bosses.Bada Bing! More ofThe Sopranosat Amazon.comThe Complete First SeasonThe Complete Second SeasonThe Complete Third SeasonThe Complete Fourth SeasonSeasons 1-5The Sopranos Family Cookbook