The season premiere of “The Sopranos” (8 p.m. Sunday) continues a period of transition for HBO. It’s the channel’s first season premiere following the long-anticipated exit of “Sex and the City,” the flagship show in recent years.
“The Sopranos” is facing its end–creator David Chase has signed on for one more season after this one. After that, the cable channel will have to hang its hat on popular–but not as wildly popular–series “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Six Feet Under.”
In just about a year, HBO’s stellar roster of four shows will find its ranks cut in half, and what many will consider the “golden age” of HBO will effectively be over.
Coincidentally, the first few episodes of this season’s “Sopranos” are about transition. Tony and Carmela are still struggling to sort through daily life after their separation. Tony is simultaneously dealing with his feelings toward Dr. Melfi, his therapist.
There remains an intense focus on the politics and power struggles inside the Soprano family. Funny and surprisingly awkward is the pending release from prison of Tony’s cousin, Tony Blundetto, played by Steve Buscemi.
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Aesthetically, “The Sopranos” is still the cream of the TV crop. With stylistic camera phrasing and lingering looks that catch raised eyebrows and other important mafia nuances, the directors, producers and cinematographers bring a near-movie-quality aesthetic to the show.
That also means incredibly gory and desensitized violence that is an occasional turn-off.
But even though you occasionally cover your face, you can’t turn away. That’s one mark of a quality show.
Shows to watch
– No one asked for it, but Fox has “Test the Nation 2” at 7 p.m. Friday.
– TLC takes bosses and makes them employees on “Now Who’s Boss?” at 9 p.m. Monday.
– Can Jason Schwartzman and Molly Shannon overcome their talent and stink up a Fox comedy? Find out on “Cracking Up” at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday
– The season premiere of “The Shield” is on FX at 9 p.m. Tuesday.
– “Game Over,” a sitcom starring a video game family, premieres on UPN at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
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WILLIAM P. BOHLEN, REDEYE’S TV COLUMNIST, CAN BE REACHED AT [email protected].
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale ([email protected]) and Victoria Rodriguez ([email protected])