It is unlike some or actually most mafia shows/films in that it has nearly no elements of glorification in it. Therefore it doesn't portray the mob as this all powerful phenomenon that can't be fought (as it once was), but portrays it as a way of life slowly fading and dying. Revealing its own values as mere self protective claims. The mob is in crisis. It possesses no sex appeal or charme at all. And while the mob is in crisis, so is America. People are insecure of their place in the new world. They are in constant fear in the aftermath of 9/11. To them, the mob has mostly stopped being a relevant form of danger and has become a source of entertainment. An escape from reality, even though it is reality itself. They are voyeuristic and cheering for its survival.
Right in this climate we meet Tony fecking Soprano. Charme, anger, humour and depression crammed into a single person. A force of nature incapable of healing itself. Like the mob itself a wounded animal fighting for survival.
We are confronted with immense guilt and the many people who have become guilty. We see the lines blur between victim and perpetrator. We fall in love with complicated people. Often for the wrong reasons. We hate others. Sometimes for the wrong reasons.
The characters are deep and complicated. They reveal new layers of their personality to us all the time. They develop. They surprise, disappoint and wow us. All this is accompanied by beautiful music, incredible acting and overall top quality direction. It's a masterpiece of mind and craft.
