Everyone has an opinion about the ending of this fine series. I loved it, but one aspect of it screams contrivance, something I can't put aside. What in the world was the Soprano family doing in a diner, a place with jukeboxes, no less, lined along the counter. The truth is the jukeboxes had to be there in order for old T. to punch out  the marvelous ending theme, "Don't Stop Believin'." They're not going to play it in a restaurant with linen tablecloths, now are they? But still. It bugs me. Could you imagine the conversation:

Carm: "Tone, the kitchen's hot. Let's eat out."

Tony: "Eat out? We got air conditionin'. Cook up some manicott."

Carm: "Tone, let's eat out tonight. I mean it. Don't be cheap."

Tony: "Yeah, well, truth is...I been gamblin' a little too much lately. My mutter would be ashamed, not that I give a f*ck what she woulda thought. I'm broke."

Carm: "That's no excuse for ignoring your family. You're broke! Don't ask me for my money!"

Tony: "Your money! We're Italian. Your money is my money."

Carm: "You miserable b*stard!"

Tony: "Let's not argue, eh? We'll go to Sleasy's, dat diner with the good meatballs. Play some music on the jukebox. I was listening to some doo wop on the stereo on our stake out to look for Phil. Hey, it sounded good and planted the idea for the audience I like oldies."

Carm: 'Err, audience? What?"

Tony: "Never mind. Grab your purse and call the kids."

Copyright 2007 Jo Janoski