25 years later, David Chase reveals his two favorite scenes from The Sopranos
The creator of the mafia show worn by James Gandolfini looks back on two moments that deeply marked him.
This year marks 25 years since the start of Soprano, an HBO fresco which tells the daily life of a New Jersey gangster in the midst of an existential crisis, and whose organization is in trouble. Carried by James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano), the series broadcast from 1999 to 2007 quickly became a phenomenon, placing itself at the head of the running for the title of best series of all time.
On the occasion of this anniversary, the cast gathered around David Chasethe creator of the series, to remember its highlights and pay tribute to James Gandolfini, who died in 2013. David Chase took advantage of this meeting organized by Empire to look back at two of the moments from the series that had a profound impact on him.
Warning, spoilers!
Like all gangsters, the Sopranos tend to kill their enemies, or at least beat them up. However, this is not the type of scene that David Chase remembers: “Neither of the two (scenes he chose, editor’s note) has nothing to do with the violent aspect of the series. It’s even the opposite, and that really means something”.
The first scene he cites is from episode 4 of the fourth season. In this episode Johnny Sack (Vincent Curatola) is furious because we made a tasteless joke about Ginny's weight (Denise Borino-Quinn), his wife.
“There's a scene where Johnny Sack discovers Ginny's candy stash and catches her red-handed, remembers the creator of the series. She starts to cry. She is on her knees. And she says she's aware that all other men look at their wives appreciatively (unlike Johnny Sack, editor's note). This scene makes me want to cry.”
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David Chase then alludes at the end of the series, which left its mark on an entire generation of spectators and which still raises questions today. Tony Soprano and his family are gathered around a table in a restaurant and order onion rings. “Don’t Stop Believing” by the band Journey is played by the Juke Box. Every time the door opens, a bell rings, attracting Tony's attention, who seems to be preparing for any eventuality, even the worst. Outside, her daughter tries to park, when she finally manages to do so, she reaches the restaurant, the bell rings and… black screen.
“When I hear “Don’t Stop Believing”when I see Meadow running towards the restaurant… it still touches me today, says David Chase. I don’t know what it is precisely, if it’s because I know the end is coming, but even today it moves me”.
The six seasons of Sopranos are available via the Warner Pass on Prime Video.
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