Sopranos, w/ spoilers, I guess?

The hit Italian mob show, The Sopranos is perfect for anyone who loves the Godfather (but might’ve found it too boring, (@ Mr. Rivers)). Located right here in local Northern New Jersey, it brings a little excitement close to home. Full of uncensored sex, drugs, and violence straight from the first episode, it is certainly entertaining. However, the first season also deals heavily with “taboo” topics such as, mental health issues, gang violence, and loyalty. The show follows the main character, Anthony Soprano, his gang, his family, and most importantly, his demons. Each episode is sort of it’s own story usually with a self contained beginning and ending, with each bit coming together later to form an overlying story. The first episode really sets up the whole show, showing whose role is what, how business is handled, and Within the first episode, Anthony has a panic attack at his family barbeque and passes out. He has been assigned to see a therapist, Dr. Melfi. Right off the bat, Tony points out the obvious by saying his being there is taboo, and if anyone ever found, he would be killed. She thought he was exaggerating but later in the show, he forces her to leave for her own safety, as an attempt on his life is made for seeing her. He dives into his issues with his god-awful mother (easily the worst character on the whole show), and a bizarre family of ducks living in his pool, as well as the fact his wife is flirting with and feeding their local pastor. Dr. Melfi eventually suggests he may have depression, and he gets pissed, thinking she’s suggesting he’s mentally slow, and he doesn’t want to be like all the softies in the world. He later returns home, and his terrible mother makes him pass out from another anxiety attack. He returns, and tells the doctor about about a dream he had of a duck stealing his penis (honestly very unexpected from a serious mob show). The show goes on, dealing with gross point blank murders, lots of strip club breasts, and drug dealing. The women in this show have an interesting tone, everyone other than Melfi is almost complete unbearable, much in the way Skylar White is in Breaking Bad. The mother of Tony, Livia, is the most selfish soulless old woman in existence, with even going as far as trying to kill her own son. Regardless, there are many more panic attacks and deeper themes dealing with mental health. Considering this show came out in the 90s, when people started to become more comfortable with dealing with mental health issues, it’s important that such a large show tackles it. However, the overarching theme of mental health issues, and revealing humanity within these mob members makes for a much more dramatic, well fleshed out show. It’s not all just boobs, blow, and booze. Just, be sure not to watch it when your little brother can walk in on a full nude lap dance.