I read an interesting article in Tuesday’s Los Angeles Times where Times Staff Writer Martin Miller interviewed actor/musician Steven Van Zandt about almost anything regarding his role as Soprano’s number-2 man Silvio Dante and a little about Van Zandt’s musical career with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Just prior to my reading this article I had completed my own write-up for Point-Spreads.com speculating on different scenario for the Soprano’s finale. Online sportsbook Bodog.com had posted Sopranos wagering odds in its entertainment props page and the props were the main subject of my article. Then I read a comment Van Zandt made about the shows ending that really got my attention.
Van Zandt tells the LA Times, “It (Sopranos final episode) is going to be controversial; it’s going to be talked about.”
As I think about Van Zandt’s quote I realized the finale might be more complicated than I originally thought. Of course to find out all I need to do is tune in Sunday night; However, I want to make bets now.
I had previously thought the end would be centered on Tony’s war with Phil Leotardo and maybe a main character (Paulie Walnuts) gets caught in the cross fire. Phil then gets killed, and Silvio emerges from a coma; Tony rides off into the sunset as leader of the mob world with his family intact. After reading Van Zandt’s comment, my entire view is shattered and I have to rethink the five Bodog.com betting props surrounding the Sopranos final episode.
What role will the FBI play in the final episode if any? It seems the writers have purposely led us to believe the FBI is a non-factor where in fact they could enter the picture in a big way. Who knows; Tony and his crew could be hauled in on RICO charges before Phil ever gets a crack at him.
As I recall, it was the FBI that got Tony released on a firearms charge made by an over eager local sheriff. The FBI has to reveal they had been trying to get Soprano on RICO charges for several years. Now that would be controversial because the viewing audience wants to see blood. It wouldn’t be a very happy ending for fans of the show to stomach; especially after six years of investment.
My next scenario would be even more controversial but plausible. Suppose Tony sees his organization crumbling beneath him and decides to enter the witness protection program with his wife, Carmela and two kids, Meadow and A.J. In return Tony testifies against the New York mob now led by Phil Leotardo. As this scenario unfolds, Leotardo gets hauled in on RICO charges and off to a Super-Max he goes. Tony would never do this if Paulie and Silvio are alive so we can assume their lives expire prior to anything Tony does.
If you recall back to the season-six opening episode , Tony is gut shot by his uncle Corrado Soprano. Tony goes through a kind of spiritual transformation where he loses some of his edge. All through season-six Tony seems to be going through the motions as mob boss when in fact he would prefer leading a different life. Tony loves his family and would do anything to protect them. This is where the role of A.J. comes into play. A.J. doesn’t have the mean spirit needed to rise in the ranks of mob-hood. His father, fully aware of this, needs a career change and enters a federal protection program. This would clear the way for A.J. to go to college and grow up without the pressures and guilt of being a member of a mob family.
Van Zandt says the end will be controversial and people will talk about it. An ending something similar to what was just described wouldn’t surprise me at all.
Wagering Props posted on the entertainment page at sportsbook Bodog.com. All bets limited to a $50 maximum.
Prop 1. Will Tony Soprano survive the final episode of the Sopranos?
Yes -320. I strongly believe TS survives.
Tony must be dead before the end of the June 10th episode for NO to be the winner.
Prop 2. Will Paulie Walnuts survive the final episode of the Sopranos?
No +150. I was on the fence on this one but now I believe Paulie gets bumped off. No is an underdog wager but I feel it has good value.
Paulie Walnuts must be dead before the end of the June 10th episode for NO to be the winner.
Prop 3. Will Phil Leotardo survive the final episode of the Sopranos?
No. -260. I will go along with the idea Leotardo is killed but I don’t think the bet is a slam dunk.
Phil Leotardo must be dead before the end of the June 10th episode for NO to be the winner.
Prop 4. If either are killed (TS or PL), who will be killed first?
Phil Leotardo -500. It’s been nice knowing you Phil. On second thought, no it hasn’t. You’ll get what you deserve.
If both are killed the winner will be determined by whoever is killed first in the show, regardless of flashbacks or non-linear story telling.
Prop 5. Will Silvio Dante wake up on the final episode of the Sopranos?
Silvio must verifiably wake up before the end of the June 10th episode for yes to have action. Eyes must open or words must be spoken by Sil for yes to grade the winner.
