Die Sopranos Members Only (1999–2007) watch online HD

Two years after the end of Season Five, The Sopranos came back to the small screen with the first half of the final batch of episodes (12 eps aired in 2006, the other 9 the following year). The 21-month gap might have been excessive for some fans, but the long wait is justified by one simple fact: Members Only is the show's best season opener. Ever.

Instead of the usual shots of the Sopranos' driveway and Tony picking up the newspaper, we get a two-minute recap of what has happened to some major characters: Meadow is still dating Finn, AJ has grown longer hair and is turning more rebellious than usual, Bobby and Janice have a baby, Eugene Pontecorvo has inherited a considerable amount of cash and Vito Spatafore has lost a remarkable lot of weight. All of this is played to a text (by William S. Burroughs, according to Empire) that somehow describes exactly what we are watching. How it fits in isn't immediately clear, but given the hallucinatory nature of Burroughs' prose, perhaps the inclusion of his work indicates the metaphysical aspect of the series, exemplified by Drea de Matteo's dream sequence cameo, will be highlighted in early episodes of Season Six.

Amidst all the happiness implied in the prologue lies a darker reality: though Tony and Carmela are happily back together, there' still the issue of Uncle Junior, whose Alzheimer's is getting worse day after day. In addition, Eugene wants to move to Florida, something that Tony won't accept, not knowing his employee is doing so because he is an FBI informant. Plus, Johnny Sack is languishing in jail following his arrest in the Season Five finale (from which Tony narrowly escaped), meaning his crew is run by the psychotic Phil Leotardo (Frank Vincent), who still holds a grudge against Tony for how the Blundetto situation was dealt with and shows it by having his men harass Hesh (Jerry Adler), Tony's Jewish associate.

Some critics said the first part of the last season was weaker than previous ones, maybe because they were expecting the premiere to introduce the main plot of the entire series, which it doesn't. But hey, since when does "different" mean "weaker"? And besides, given the dark climax of the previous season, one might forgive Members Only for being more low-key. That is, until the downright startling final minutes, the most effective reminder of why the show is so loved all over the world. It's a beautiful, absurdly terrifying epilogue that makes the writer's point quite clearly: Season Six ain't gonna be a light affair. Salute.

Its hard to filter through all the crap we seem to be force fed these days television-wise, although there are some exceptions.

After waiting patiently for two years the show we all know and love is finally back, and with a vengeance I might add.

When we last left Tony trudging through the snow covered back yards of North Caldwell, NJ to the sounds of Van Morrison, we were all left scratching our heads wondering, "What could David Chase possibly have in store for our hero in the seasons to come?" Well, who had any idea that we would be blessed with so many great new one-liners and story lines in just one episode? "Members Only", delivers on so many levels all the way to the closing credits. I don't like ruining anything for late bloomer viewers and absolutely despise those who choose to do so.

But I will say this, if you thought that the magic may have died way back when in the, "Pine Barrens", era then think again. The Sopranos are back on track and after seeing, "Members Only", you'll be hooked all over again.

~ PM

The great thing about Sopranos is the continuity debate it brings up amongst its fans. OK, that's an understatement, there are loads, and loads of great things about the show, but this episode is brilliant in its ability to recap so much of what happened in the 18 months since season 5.

We follow up on Carmella's new pet project, AJ's academic (?!) career, Meadow's professional one, not to mention what's happened to all the made guys, Hesh, Dr. Melfi, what about the rats, Ray Curto etc. It makes you think that at any given point they can pick up on a theme mentioned before and it's a flawless transition, and even if you've forgotten it, you are reminded with a 'bang'. Needless to mention the cultural continuity, the restaurants, the arguments, the chemistry it's all there.

This episode is unique in several ways, for one it's LOADED with events, due to two reasons, the first being a lot of plot-lines are resolved, and the second is that Season 5 ended in a very transitional phase (Johnny Sack's arrest). Nevertheless, it's an episode that will surely capture everyone attention, as once again the week by week gut wrenching commences as we wait for next week's episode.

I feel like I can keep going on, discussing that it was so well made, that the IMDb boards are full of people discussing it, and comparing it to the season poster, and the trailer. The cliffhanger ending is classic, and we are comfortably drawn into the chaotic world of Tony Soprano as he utters the doom-inducing words "just as things were going good" (sic).

Wow! Talk about starting the season off with a bang, HOLY SH*T! First of all I've been waiting for 'The Sopranos' to come back for TWO WHOLE YEARS, so last night I was excited as could be. Let me just break it down for you...

In by far the best season opener of all time, a lot happens. We open up with a music montage of what the crew has been up to for last year and a half. The music I hated, but the recap I liked. AJ has grown long hair, Meadow is strip-teasing her boyfriend Finn and has lost a lot of weight, Janice ha d her and Bobby's baby, Bobby has started to build model trains, Junior is slowly loosing his mind, Christopher is now adjusted to the fact Adriana is gone, Vito Spadafore or Vito the Salami Smoker has lost a whole bunch of weight with his commercial weight loss campaign and Tony and Carmela seem to be happy together. Here is where the action starts...

Carmela tells Tony she's having dreams about Adriana, which freak Tony out. Long-time informant Raymond Curto dies of a freak heart-attack while informing and Sopranos' soldier Eugene Pontecorvo has inherited $2 Million and wants to retire to Florida, if Tony says it's okay. This episode was more about Eugene Pontecorvo a gangster in the show who has gotten next to nothing screen time. He is having troubles with his wife, his heroin-addicted son, and on top of it all Tony says he can't retire. His wife begins to pressure him, then we find out he's an FBI INFORMANT!!! The pressure gets too much for Eugene and he eventually kills himself. Hesh also gets attacked by low-level thugs who put his Jewish bookie friend in a coma. The episode ends with Tony looking after Junior, when Junior in a whacked state-of-mind comes down the stairs, mistakes Tony for Pussy La Manga, and shoots Tony in the ribcage. The episode ends with Tony bloody and weak reaching for the phone to call 9-1-1. TALK ABOUT A CLIFFHANGER!

When reviewing this episode I gave it an 8.5 and not a 9 or a 9.5 for a reason. Although it's very exciting and well-done, it doesn't give itself a lot room for the season to come. It doesn't really open any new plot points to be expanded on, which is really astray from all the other season openers. You are left to pondered whether Tony died or not (COME ON! HE DIDN'T DIE! THAT WOULD SUCK!) The whole 'Eugene Pontecorvo' story line was good but out of the ordinary. He really didn't have an effect on the show one way or another. It's weird they chose to elaborate on him, a character it seemed nothing ever happened to. It was entertaining and well written, but it left me wanting a little more. Great episode, but I'm almost positive there will be better episodes to come. My Rating: 8.5/10

Eugene, one of the hit-man, now wants to retire and move to Florid. But unfortunately he is not given the permission. Later in the episode we find out he was an FBI informant. Now that their main now is dead they want more from him, so he ends up hanging himself. And Junior whose Alzheimer's grows shoots Tony at the end.

Luckily I am watching the show just now so unlike the rest I didn't have to wait for 2 whole years. This would be too much. But it definitely was a rewarding season start, best first episode in the seasons so far.

Eugene's death scene was amazing.I have never seen such a detailed hanging scene and they did it well, it made it so much more disturbing. An episode centred around one of the hit men we didn't see so much about was a good idea. Also, now we wonder who will be the next FBI informant, I think in the final season it should be someone who will shock us at the end.

Tony being shot by Junior came out of nowhere and for this reason was also a great part of the episode. Dominic Chianese is definitely great at this role.

After nearly a two year wait "The Sopranos" returned with a bang! It seems as if season 6 will be the best and have the most drama allowed by law, as seen with this first episode "Members Only". In a real shocker one of Tony's longtime members Eugene Pontecorvo, wants out wanting to start a new life and relocate in Florida, but you know what honor and sticking it out means to Tony and the gang. So Gene's request is denied only then a shock happens that leaves an impact on our emotions and shows us right away that this season will be full of high drama! I don't want to say no more many might be waiting to watch this episode on DVD who don't get HBO, so wait for the shocker even though Eugene was a minor character this scene leaves an impact. Only this episode ends with a bang as Tony is shot by Uncle Junior! The big question was Junior in his right mind or not? Is he playing crazy or did he finally just want to put Tony out for good? This episode has paved the way for a high drama season and it's shaping up to be the most exciting since season three.

Tony will recover...if you look at the future episodes you'll see him listed as a cast member. I just think he got hurt pretty bad. (At least I hope so.) But you could still see him breathing in that last closeup shot. But he has bloomed into a whale! As far as Uncle Junior goes...it's obvious he's got early stages of Alzheimers or dementia. So I think you'll see him put into Green Acres or another nursing home. He won't be whacked...as it's apparent he's wacko. I see some problems ahead with Phil Leotardo though. It looks like he's steadily gaining power as Johnny Sack is in jail. It seems to be a great season off to a great start.

Maybe Uncle Junior is actually in control of his facilities. Maybe Uncle Junior is like the real life Vincent "The Chin" Gigante...playing crazy to avoid prosecution. Maybe Uncle Junior just hit Tony so he can take over, just like he always wanted to. Just a thought.

Maybe Tony's sister was in on the hit. If not, why the lame excuse to get Tony over to Uncle Junior's house? The biggest hint might be the look in Uncle Junior's eyes as he was watching "Paths of Glory" before Tony arrived. Anyone know what Uncle Junior said to Tony when he shot him? The secret may be revealed in the translation.

Maybe, the first episode was actually the final episode. Tony will die and the rest of the series will get us to the part we just saw. Maybe. Who knows!

I thought the episode of the soldier who wanted out of the family brought up an interesting topic. But I didn't see the point of showing all that agony of his hanging himself. It was just gratuitous pain with no point. They could have shown his feet writhing around, and not for so long, and accomplished the same thing. It also didn't ring true. He was a pistolero. He would surely have shot himself. There remains the intriguing question of who is going to run things while Tony is laid up (shot in the liver, I think, not just the "rib cage")? Will Sil be able to hold it together, or will Christopher or Paulie make a grab for more power? Will Phil seize the day and launch an attack? If there is a running theme to this excellent series I think it is that Tony is a fundamentally evil influence and whatever he turns his hand to ultimately turns out badly. From the beginning I have predicted that in the last episode Tony is going to get whacked, and his last conscious thought is going to be about those ducks, a la the ending in "Citizen Kane." It is going to be interesting finding out.

Seasons 1, 3 and 4 of the Sopranos are among the greatest TV seasons ever, and are great art. Seasons 2, 5 and 6 are very good, though not as great as the others. Season 6 was not as good as earlier seasons for two major reasons: it is too obvious in terms of the points it makes, and it includes too much of the New York family. One of the things that surprised and impressed me about the Sopranos is that often it made its points in subtle ways. For example, Paulie is a weasel, but this is never directly stated by anybody. Rather, it is shown, as in Season 3 at the ceremony when Christopher is made, Paulie says any problem Christopher ever has should be brought to Tony. Only a couple episodes later, Christopher has complained to Tony about Paulie sniffing his girlfriends underwear, and Paulie is furious, saying "You ever go whining to Tony about personal stuff between me and you, we'll have a big problem." Paulie is fiercely loyal to Tony when Tony is around, but completely different when Tony is not. Now, season 6 has none of this subtlety. A lot of obvious jokes about Vito being gay are made, like him nibbling on a sausage. Everything is spelled and out and obvious, like Phils obsessive hounding of Vito, as well as his grudge towards Tony and disdain of Johnny Sack crying. Also over the top is Paulie and Vito giving Carmela money while Tony is in the coma, but being unhappy about doing so, as if Tony dies then they feel that money will have been wasted. The Sopranos went from sophisticated programming with subtle, clever messages to obvious and simple. Secondly, there is way too much stuff in season 6 showing the NYC gangsters. There are actually scenes where no jersey gangster is present, just Phil and John, or Phil, Gerry and Butchie. The first four or five seasons of the show are about a community in New Jersey in which Tony Soprano is both a gangster and a loving family man. Then, the writers started including all this stuff with the NYC gangsters, which waters down the show and adds extra characters who are not worthwhile. Imagine if in season 6 of Seinfeld four characters living in Brooklyn were all of a sudden introduced, and shown as neurotic and very similar to Jerry and his friends in Manhattan. One of the things that made Season 3 so great was the introduction of two fascinating and vivid characters in New Jersey: Gloria Trillo and Ralph Cifaretto. Then in season 6 they introduce Gerry and Butchie, who do not even live in Jersey, and are not developed as characters at all. As earlier stated, Season 6 of the Sopranos is was too obvious and wastes time on meaningless characters in NYC. This episode does have good aspects, like a compelling story in which Eugene Pontecorvo wants out of the mob and is tormented by family problems, particularly his son using drugs, is interesting. The actor portraying Eugene does an outstanding job, as the desperation he shows is very convincing. The episode also suggests that Tony has been too forgiving of Uncle Junior, as the old man already tried to have him killed, and many thought Tony should have taken Juniors life. Tony chooses to maintain his relationship with Junior, and now must pay a huge, and perhaps fatal, price. The episode shows, in classic Sopranos form, the complexity of human relationships. Phil Leatordo has taken over for Johnny Sack as acting boss of the NYC family, because John is incarcerated, and Tony respects the job Phil does. One of the great things about HBO shows is that the characters and situations they are in feel vivid and real. Tony and Phil do not have a good relationship, however, Tony speaks admiringly of how Phil handles the business, and this is similar to real life relationships. Rarely do people dislike every little thing about another person, and even in their enemies people can usually find some qualities. Contrarily, even in our best friends we can always find faults. Another interesting aspect of the episode is Carmela worrying about Adrianna. Adriannas mother has shared her concerns about Adrianna with Carmela, and Carmela becomes very worried. This type of situation is unique to the Soprnaos, and shows the day to day troubles that a gangster has. Tony had to have Adrianna killed, but now his wife is intensely worried about Adriannas whereabouts. Obviously, Tony cannot tell Carmela what actually happened, and this is quite a troubling situation for him. When we hear of mobsters offing informants in the news, we never imagine the problems it could cause them in their personal lives. The Sopranos adds this other dimension to mob stories. Also, an ironic situation involves several gangsters praising a recently deceased gangster for his loyalty to the mob, when the viewer knows this person was actually an FBI informant. Lastly, this episode shows the staggering misfortune experienced by Johnny Sack. He is a very ambitious mobster, and for years he yearns to have the top spot in the NYC family, and as soon as he gets it, he is locked up with a long list of charges against him. Not only is it a crushing blow to his career in the mob, but shows a life that will be squandered. Here is a man who is intelligent, elegant, and worldly, and has an appreciation for the finer things in life, such as travelling to Europe and stylish clothing. And this man is locked up in a jail cell, stripped of his dignity and cut off from his family. This is a clear message that crime does not pay. In summary, this episode has its good parts, and is a good opener to a season in that it is dynamic, and much happens. However, earlier seasons of the Sopranos are a very tough act to follow.

The first episode of this season was great, but I think Tony does die and the rest of the episodes are the filler of what happened over the past year, because if you hadn't noticed Christopher became a captain, we never knew Janice was pregnant, and Carmela said something about Adriana about her being missing for over a year. So I think the episodes to come are a filler upper of what happened. Thats my opinion. I could be wrong otherwise, but that is just a guess on my part, because I would like to know how Christopher got named captain and whats been going on from the last season to the first episode of this season. Also in the beginning of the show they talked about the "Seven" somethings, and they didn't include Tony in it, so I think he died.

First off: Tony will live. He got thru to 911. (11 has an open line and the call is traced. The cops are sent Tony is found. Uncle Jun goes to the nut hatch. The feds lost two more leads this episode. They need to establish new leads. Wouldn't it be funny if they tried to put the screws to Silvio. Phil Leotardo is nothing much to worry about. He will try to assume too much power. Johnny Sack will get out and when he notices that Phil has gained some power, Phil will get whacked. Maybe a shoot out. Maybe Sack gets it too. The hanging scene may have been disturbing to some, but I saw it as a possible attempt at realism. Face it, Gene screwed up. The hanging didn't snap his neck, so he was hanging and convulsing until he was strangled to death.

The Sopranos

A classic take on the most beloved genre which clearly suggests the crazy love it received from the audience but also left a long lasting impression on critics and awards shows where it took away five justified Golden Globes to its home. The Sopranos is a character driven series about a family that basically runs the whole town, just illegally.

The writing is adaptive, gripping and ground-breaking on terms of its structure that is so eerily easy as it slips away from the audience like some jelly; it is sweet, nutritious and immensely pleasing. It is rich on technical aspects like its metaphorical cinematography, sharp sound effects and up beating songs along with palpable background score. The series is shot beautifully, each and every color sparks up neatly; especially the visuals that are taken in sunny days are amazing.

The performance by the cast is plausible since the effort is clearly visible but Gandolfini, Bracco, Falco and Imperioli stands alone due to their easiness in their acts. Gandolfini; at the heart of it, oozes power and the aegis nature which is what helps makers keep the audience rooting for the character.

The relationship between Gandolfini and Bracco is the highlight of the series due its fragile tone which is soothing to experience as it lights up the series in a whole new way. Pragmatic conversations, three dimensional character, gut-wrenching politics, brawny dialogues and brilliant execution are the high points of the feature that makes it one of the best series.

Season 06

This sixth and final chapter is way too mature and intelligent even for its own standards and with manipulative bluffs and characters being played like puppets, the writers, the makers and the actors are literally giving their all in.

Members Only

To give a nail-biting tensed environment throughout the course of the episode where it basically is just taking its first step, proves how fine the polishing of the writing is, and addition to that add more characters and handle accordingly is just bizarrely genius.

Gene wants to move to Florida. The gang won't let him. His wife, who in an odd way resembles Carmela, is on his case. Gene's son apparently is doing drugs. And Gene is torn about being an informant. What's a man to do? Meanwhile, Tony gets called in to watch his addled uncle. While Tony is cooking a meal for the witless old man, the uncle becomes convinced Tony is an old enemy who must be dealt with. While the story arc involving Gene is critical to the episode, the scenes involving the now completely dotty uncle are priceless. You only have to watch Junior scurrying about to realize how far gone he is. It is a tribute to the writers and the acting of the actor playing Junior that dementia onset is portrayed so convincingly.