According to an article by Renee Graham in the Boston Globe (which you can read here until they lock it in their pay-up vault), The Rockford Files were a major influence on The Sopranos. David Chase, the Sopranos’ creator, cut his teeth writing 20 of the Rockford episodes, and they share his sharp dialogue, his strong women characters, his 3D bad guys, and even an occasional plot twist or two. (In one of the Rockford episodes, a character refers to his cousin Carmella back in Jersey.)

But can we convince Chase to make this season the last for Tony? David, ask yourself: What would Willy “The Bard” Shakespeare (AKA Eddie DeVere) do? Tony’s gotta die.

Otherwise, we can look forward in seasons 7, 8 and 9 to jumping the shark episodes such as:

Dr. Melfi consults with her old college mentor … Dr. Frasier Crane!

The lead singer in Tony Jr.’s high school band (“The Hits”) quits right before the big dance, when, wouldn’t you know it, Li’l Kim’s tour bus breaks down outside the high school auditorium…

Ralph Cifaretto slips acid into the punch at the Soprano’s annual Christmas Party (where Silvio delights everyone with his unexpected guitar skills), resulting in Matrix-like effects during the annual Christmas Party shoot-out.

Uncle Junior wins American Idol and gets to sing a duet with Celine Dion.

After an entire season of intimations, Meadow and Adriana make out.

After an entire season of intimations, Furio comes out of the closet. Is he whacked? Nah. Group hug!

Big Pussy is back — as a friendly but bumbling ghost. And get this: Only Tony can see him!

A new crime family tries to move in on Tony — The Boss and the E Street Gang.

Categories: Uncategorized dw