The Sopranos (season 6)
The sixth and final season of the HBO drama series The Sopranos was broadcast in two parts, the first beginning on March 12, 2006 and ending after twelve episodes on June 4, 2006. The first of the final nine episodes premiered on April 8, 2007 with the series finale airing on June 10, 2007. The season was initially meant to consist of twenty episodes, but creator David Chase asked for one more to properly round out the story. The first part was released on DVD in region 1 on November 7, 2006,[1] and on Blu-ray on December 19, 2006.[2] The second part was released on DVD and Blu-ray on October 23, 2007.[3]
The Sopranos | |
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Season 6 | |
Blu-ray cover for both parts | |
Starring |
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Country of origin | United States |
No. of episodes | 21 |
Release | |
Original network | HBO |
Original release | March 12, 2006 – June 10, 2007 |
Season chronology | |
The first part of the season focuses on the possibility of redemption as various members of the New Jersey crime family are offered chances to change their behavior, especially mob boss Tony Soprano, who confronts a spiritual awakening following a near-death experience. The second part focuses on the Soprano crime family suffering through the consequences of their actions as they come into conflict with their New York enemies.
Ratings and critical reception were both strong during the sixth season of The Sopranos, but the ending of the final episode was controversial. The Sopranos won Outstanding Drama Series at the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards for the second part of season six.
Cast and characters
Main cast
- James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano (21 episodes)
- Lorraine Bracco as Jennifer Melfi (15 episodes)
- Edie Falco as Carmela Soprano (21 episodes)
- Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti (18 episodes)
- Dominic Chianese as Corrado "Junior" Soprano (7 episodes)
- Steven Van Zandt as Silvio Dante (21 episodes)
- Tony Sirico as Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri (20 episodes)
- Robert Iler as Anthony "A. J." Soprano Jr. (18 episodes)
- Jamie-Lynn Sigler as Meadow Soprano (17 episodes)
- Aida Turturro as Janice Soprano (13 episodes)
- Steven R. Schirripa as Bobby Baccalieri (19 episodes)
- Joseph R. Gannascoli as Vito Spatafore (9 episodes)
- Dan Grimaldi as Patsy Parisi (18 episodes)
- John Ventimiglia as Artie Bucco (7 episodes)
- Vincent Curatola as Johnny "Sack" Sacrimoni (6 episodes)
- Frank Vincent as Phil Leotardo (19 episodes)
- Ray Abruzzo as Little Carmine Lupertazzi (8 episodes)
- Toni Kalem as Angie Bonpensiero (3 episodes)
- Kathrine Narducci as Charmaine Bucco (3 episodes)
- Arthur J. Nascarella as Carlo Gervasi (17 episodes)
- Sharon Angela as Rosalie Aprile (11 episodes)
- Max Casella as Benny Fazio (11 episodes)
- Maureen Van Zandt as Gabrielle Dante (10 episodes)
Recurring cast
- Greg Antonacci as Butch DeConcini (9 episodes)
- Matt Servitto as Agent Dwight Harris (8 episodes)
- Dania Ramirez as Blanca Selgado (5 episodes)
- Cara Buono as Kelli Lombardo Moltisanti (4 episodes)
- Drea de Matteo as Adriana La Cerva (2 episodes)
Episodes
No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | U.S. viewers (millions) | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part 1 | ||||||||||||
66 | 1 | "Members Only" | Tim Van Patten | Terence Winter | March 12, 2006 | 9.47[4] | ||||||
Eugene Pontecorvo is constrained by obligations when he attempts to retire to Florida. Hesh and his son-in-law become the victims of a brutal assault. The FBI loses an informant within Tony's network, and seek to gain a replacement. Uncle Junior's increasingly diminished mental state leads to shocking results. | ||||||||||||
67 | 2 | "Join the Club" | David Nutter | David Chase | March 19, 2006 | 9.18[5] | ||||||
Tony suffers a loss of identity during a journey through his subconscious. The family has to deal with the situation with him and Junior. A.J. comes through for his family, though he admits to Carmela his complete failure as a college student. | ||||||||||||
68 | 3 | "Mayham" | Jack Bender | Matthew Weiner | March 26, 2006 | 8.93[5] | ||||||
Silvio divides the spoils from Paulie's latest score and heads off a territorial impasse between Bobby and Vito. Carmela turns to Dr. Melfi for help with A.J. Christopher revisits his long-lost ambition of breaking into the film business. Tony regains consciousness. | ||||||||||||
69 | 4 | "The Fleshy Part of the Thigh" | Alan Taylor | Diane Frolov & Andrew Schneider | April 2, 2006 | 8.83[5] | ||||||
Tony and Johnny Sack haggle over the future of Barone Sanitation. Tony finds humor and friendship among fellow hospital patients. Bobby Bacala makes a deal with an aspiring rapper. Paulie is shocked by an aunt's revelation; and he later circumvents Tony's authority in pursuit of money. | ||||||||||||
70 | 5 | "Mr. & Mrs. John Sacrimoni Request..." | Steve Buscemi | Terence Winter | April 9, 2006 | 8.58[6] | ||||||
Johnny Sack files a petition to attend the wedding of his daughter. Tony hires a new driver and bodyguard, Perry Annunziata. Tony resumes his therapy with Dr. Melfi. At the wedding, Johnny pressures Tony for a favor. | ||||||||||||
71 | 6 | "Live Free or Die" | Tim Van Patten | David Chase and Terence Winter and Robin Green & Mitchell Burgess | April 16, 2006 | 7.94[7] | ||||||
Tony debates whether to give a top earner a second chance and looks abroad to settle a local dispute. Christopher makes arrangements to put Tony's deal with Johnny Sack into motion. After his sexual orientation becomes common knowledge, an outed Vito flees to New Hampshire to begin a new life. | ||||||||||||
72 | 7 | "Luxury Lounge" | Danny Leiner | Matthew Weiner | April 23, 2006 | 8.49[8] | ||||||
Artie's business is jeopardized by a rival restaurant and staff scandal provoked by Benny Fazio; Christopher and Little Carmine court Hollywood talent in order to get their film venture off the ground but find themselves out of their depth. | ||||||||||||
73 | 8 | "Johnny Cakes" | Tim Van Patten | Diane Frolov & Andrew Schneider | April 30, 2006 | 8.54[9] | ||||||
Tony is tempted by a real-estate offer, and the saleswoman who is making the offer. Still in hiding, Vito is wowed by an act of heroism that introduces him to a kindred spirit. A.J. pays a visit to Uncle Junior, with surprising results for both him and his father. | ||||||||||||
74 | 9 | "The Ride" | Alan Taylor | Terence Winter | May 7, 2006 | 8.49[10] | ||||||
Christopher makes a surprise announcement regarding his new girlfriend, and falls back into old habits. Paulie pays a price for cutting costs at an Italian Street Fair and learns about a potential illness, leading to a reconciliation. Tony and Chris reminisce over past events after a chance encounter with some thieves. | ||||||||||||
75 | 10 | "Moe n' Joe" | Steve Shill | Matthew Weiner | May 14, 2006 | 8.13[11] | ||||||
Tony leverages Johnny's misfortune into a domestic upgrade for his sister. Bacala suffers vision impairment while out on collections. Vito comes clean to Jim about his other life and makes an important decision about his future, as does Johnny Sack. | ||||||||||||
76 | 11 | "Cold Stones" | Tim Van Patten | Diane Frolov & Andrew Schneider and David Chase | May 21, 2006 | 8.18[12] | ||||||
A frenzy of borrowing money hits the crew. Carmela waxes philosophical on a trip with Rosalie to Paris, leading her to ask some difficult questions about a face from the past. Meadow announces plans to relocate to California. Vito returns to New Jersey, but his demise awaits him. | ||||||||||||
77 | 12 | "Kaisha" | Alan Taylor | Terence Winter and David Chase and Matthew Weiner | June 4, 2006 | 8.91[13] | ||||||
Tony helps Carmela get her spec house back on track while Chris picks up where Tony left off. A.J. gets a work perk as he begins a relationship with a colleague and an angered Phil Leotardo will not leave well enough alone. | ||||||||||||
Part 2 | ||||||||||||
78 | 13 | "Soprano Home Movies" | Tim Van Patten | Diane Frolov & Andrew Schneider and David Chase and Matthew Weiner | April 8, 2007 | 7.66[14] | ||||||
After a close call at home involving a gun charge, Tony and Carmela head to the Adirondacks for a weekend with Bobby and Janice to celebrate Tony's birthday. A game of Monopoly turns violent and Bobby does something he thought he would never do. Phil Leotardo returns to his crew. | ||||||||||||
79 | 14 | "Stage 5" | Alan Taylor | Terence Winter | April 15, 2007 | 7.42[15] | ||||||
Art imitates life at the premiere of Christopher's horror film Cleaver, leading Tony to evaluate his relationship with his nephew and his own legacy. Johnny Sack absorbs more bad news in prison as Phil analyzes his family history and his future. A dinner between Silvio and Gerry Torciano is rudely interrupted as various figures in New York vie for power. | ||||||||||||
80 | 15 | "Remember When" | Phil Abraham | Terence Winter | April 22, 2007 | 6.85[14] | ||||||
Tony and Paulie decide to head south to lie low when the heat turns up in Jersey. Tony grows frustrated with Paulie and begins to question his loyalty and reliability while Junior rediscovers some of his old passion when he sets up a poker game amongst his fellow patients. Phil decides to regain his position of prominence in New York. | ||||||||||||
81 | 16 | "Chasing It" | Tim Van Patten | Matthew Weiner | April 29, 2007 | 6.76[16] | ||||||
Tony hits an unlucky stretch with a series of gambling losses, creating difficulties between him and Hesh. A.J. makes a life-changing decision regarding his relationship with Blanca, who makes an important decision of her own. Vito's widow Marie turns to Tony for help with her troubled son. Carmela makes further progress with her spec house as Phil is inaugurated in New York. | ||||||||||||
82 | 17 | "Walk Like a Man" | Terence Winter | Terence Winter | May 6, 2007 | 7.16[17] | ||||||
A.J. struggles with depression. Christopher's father-in-law is the unwitting catalyst of a new feud between Christopher and Paulie. | ||||||||||||
83 | 18 | "Kennedy and Heidi" | Alan Taylor | Matthew Weiner and David Chase | May 13, 2007 | 6.49[18] | ||||||
An asbestos-disposal impasse raises tensions between Jersey and New York. A car accident leads to tragedy – and Paulie being upstaged. Tony, his family and friends cope with a tragic loss. A.J. reconsiders his friendship with the two Jasons. Tony travels to Las Vegas, where he meets an interesting woman and has a revelation. | ||||||||||||
84 | 19 | "The Second Coming" | Tim Van Patten | Terence Winter | May 20, 2007 | 7.34[19] | ||||||
Phil turns down Tony's offer of compromise regarding asbestos-disposal. A.J.'s despair about the world and his future deepens, driving him to the edge. Tony takes umbrage over an affront to Meadow by a member of the Lupertazzi crime family, the consequences of which further widen the rift between Tony and Phil Leotardo. | ||||||||||||
85 | 20 | "The Blue Comet" | Alan Taylor | David Chase and Matthew Weiner | June 3, 2007 | 8.02[20] | ||||||
Phil asks some of the members of the New Jersey family to switch sides, testing the allegiance of those closest to Tony. A case of mistaken identity has serious ramifications. The tense situation between the DiMeo and Lupertazzi crime families comes to a head. Dr. Melfi receives some new information and makes a difficult decision. | ||||||||||||
86 | 21 | "Made in America" | David Chase | David Chase | June 10, 2007 | 11.90[21] | ||||||
Tony seeks to negotiate a truce with the Lupertazzi family, while at the same time handling his family. Paulie gets a promotion. Meadow and Patrick plan their wedding. A.J. suffers a loss and turns his life in another direction with some help from his parents. Tony confronts Junior one last time. |
Reception
Critical reviews
On the review aggregator website Metacritic, the sixth season scored 96 out of 100, based on 18 reviews, indicating "Universal acclaim".[22] On Rotten Tomatoes, the first half of the season has an 89% approval rating with an average score of 9.68/10 based on 36 reviews with the following critical consensus: "The Sopranos' final season craftily builds to its anticipated climax with more of the dark humor and heartfelt characterizations that made it one of television's strongest series."[23] The second half of the season has an 83% approval rating with an average score of 7.75/10 based on 30 reviews with the following critical consensus: "America's first crime family bows out in a chilling cut to black during a meditative final season that is debatably cruel to audience expectations but wholly committed to its thematic integrity."[24]
In Time Out New York, Andrew Johnston placed The Sopranos at the top of his list of the best TV of 2007, stating: "Even before the final episode aired, the last half-season of David Chase's Garden State gangland saga embodied everything that was great about The Sopranos. Then came the Chase-directed 'Made in America,' which miraculously restored Journey's street cred and created the kind of zeitgeist moment that wasn't supposed to be possible anymore in a fragmented, 600-channel cable universe. Lots of TV dramas are compared to novels these days, but few others (maybe only The Wire) have achieved the scope and substance of literary fiction while painting between the lines of small-screen convention."[25]
Awards and nominations
- Nomination for Outstanding Drama Series
- Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Michael Imperioli) (Episodes: "Luxury Lounge" + "The Ride")
- Nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (David Nutter) (Episode: "Join the Club")
- Nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Tim Van Patten) (Episode: "Members Only")
- Award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Terrence Winter) (Episode: "Members Only")
- Award for Outstanding Drama Series
- Nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (James Gandolfini) (Episode: "The Second Coming")
- Nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Edie Falco) (Episode: "The Second Coming")
- Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Michael Imperioli) (Episode: "Walk Like a Man")
- Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Lorraine Bracco) (Episode: "The Blue Comet")
- Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Aida Turturro) (Episode: "Soprano Home Movies")
- Nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series (Tim Daly) (Episode: "Walk Like a Man")
- Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Alan Taylor) (Episode: "Kennedy and Heidi")
- Award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (David Chase) (Episode: "Made in America")
- Nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (David Chase, Matthew Weiner) (Episode: "Kennedy and Heidi")
- Nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Terrence Winter) (Episode: "The Second Coming")
13th Screen Actors Guild Awards
- Nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series (James Gandolfini)
- Nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series (Edie Falco)
- Nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (Entire Cast)
14th Screen Actors Guild Awards
- Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series (James Gandolfini)
- Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series (Edie Falco)
- Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (Entire Cast)
- Nomination for Best Actress in a Drama Series (Edie Falco)
- Nomination for Best Actress in a Drama Series (Edie Falco)
Writers Guild of America Awards 2006
- Award for Best Dramatic Series
Writers Guild of America Awards 2007
- Nomination for Best Dramatic Series
- Award for Best Dramatic Episode (Terrence Winter) (Episode: "The Second Coming")
Directors Guild of America Awards 2006
- Nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (David Nutter) (Episode: "Join the Club")
- Nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Tim Van Patten) (Episode: "Members Only")
Directors Guild of America Awards 2007
- Nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (David Chase) (Episode: "Made in America")
- Nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Tim Van Patten) (Episode: "Soprano Home Movies")
- Nomination for Program of the Year
- Nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Drama
- Nomination for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Drama (James Gandolfini)
- Award for Outstanding Achievement in Drama
References
- "The Sopranos - Season 6, Part 1". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Archived from the original on October 15, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
- "The Sopranos - Season 6, Part 1 (Blu-ray)". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Archived from the original on October 26, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
- "The Sopranos - Season 6, Part 2 (Blu-ray)". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Archived from the original on October 15, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
- "The comeback". Chicago Tribune. March 14, 2006. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
- "Sopranos Ratings Slide Exposes Flaws in Ratings System". Bloomberg Business. April 6, 2006. Retrieved March 19, 2016.
- "Cable Series by Total Households week of 04/03/06-04/09/06". Zap2it. Archived from the original on April 14, 2006. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
- "Cable Series by Total Households week of 04/10/06-04/16/06". Zap2it. Archived from the original on April 23, 2006. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
- "Ratings for cable networks". The Augusta Chronicle. April 27, 2006. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
- "Cable Ratings: 24.04. - 30.04.2006". Quotenmeter. May 2, 2006. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
- "Popular shows can't turn ABC's fortunes". The Los Angeles Times. May 10, 2006. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
- "Television Ratings: May 8-14". The Messenger-Inquirer. Associated Press. May 28, 2006. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
- "Cable Nielsen Ratings: May 15-21". Tyler Morning Telegraph. Associated Press. May 26, 2006. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
- Kissell, Rick (June 6, 2006). "'Deal' seals Peacock win". Variety. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
- Huff, Richard (April 27, 2007). ""Sopranos" ratings slip again". The Denver Post. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
- "Low TV ratings stir networks". Variety. April 17, 2007. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
- "'The Sopranos' No. 1 in cable ratings". USA Today. May 2, 2007. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
- "Cable Series by Total Households week of 04/30/07-05/06/07". Zap2it. Archived from the original on May 8, 2007. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
- "'Survivor's' ratings keep dropping". The Los Angeles Times. May 16, 2007. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
- "`Sopranos' takes top cable rankings spot". Yahoo News. May 24, 2007. Archived from the original on May 26, 2007. Retrieved March 19, 2016.
- "Cable Series by Total Households week of 05/28/07-06/03/07". Zap2it. Archived from the original on June 10, 2007. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
- "'The Sopranos' Ratings: Only 11.9 Million?". Vulture. June 12, 2007. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
- "Critic Reviews for The Sopranos Season 6". Metacritic. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
- "The Sopranos: Season 6, Part I (2006-2007)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
- "The Sopranos: Season 6, Part II (2007)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
- Johnston, Andrew (December 27, 2007). "The best (and worst) of TV 2007". Time Out New York. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
External links
- Official website
- The Sopranos – list of episodes on IMDb