On a semi-related note, I've been rewatching all the episodes to get ready for the new season. I gotta say that this show is even better than I remember and I always thought it was great.
The Sopranos is arguably one of the greatest shows ever on TV.
I'm with ya, Travis. Next to 24, The Sopranos is my favorite show currently on TV and one of my faves of all-time. I'm pumped that "the crew" will be back in a few weeks.
It will be interesting to see if the cast looks aged in general since we last saw them. Chianese turns 75 this month. Sirico is in his 60s, Van Zandt is in his mid/late 50s and so on.
Watching the S1 DVDs last week I was struck at how young the cast looked then.
Dr. Melfi was hot, and an integral part of the show as far as I was concerned. I don't know how I'd feel about her parts if I go back and watch as I haven't done that. Still, there's relatively few things that stick with you over time, and what goes between Tony and his doctor after she's assaulted is Good Stuff. I can see how that part of the show might be slowing things down for folks just interested in the ganster stuff, but it's the modern day "normal family life" stuff that makes The Sopranos what it is, IMO.
I think for today's audiences at large, The Sopranos provides the insights into a life most will never experience in the way that The Godfather did in its time. These are not Italian immigrants (for the most part). These are Americans of Italian ancestry (yes, only a slice), and they struggle with being Americans right along with everyone else.