HBO’s Latest Dive into the Sopranos Legacy
HBO’s “Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos” has been making waves, offering fans an in-depth look into the creation and impact of one of television’s greatest dramas. Directed by Alex Gibney, this two-part documentary delves into the genesis of the show, the complexities of its characters, and the genius behind its creator, David Chase. For any Sopranos fan, it’s a treat filled with fascinating behind-the-scenes details and personal anecdotes. However, despite its many merits, there’s one significant topic that was notably absent from the documentary that could have added another layer of depth to the discussion.
The Missing Piece: ‘The Many Saints of Newark’
One glaring omission from “Wise Guy” is any mention of “The Many Saints of Newark,” the 2021 prequel film that explores the origins of the Sopranos universe. Directed by Alan Taylor, the film takes place in the 1960s and ‘70s and centers on Dickie Moltisanti, the father of Christopher Moltisanti, a key character from the original series. The movie also touches upon Tony Soprano’s formative years, providing a backstory that deepens the narrative of the Sopranos universe. Given its connection to the Sopranos legacy, it’s surprising that this film was left out of the discussion.
Why ‘The Many Saints of Newark’ Deserved a Spotlight
1. Continuation of the Sopranos Legacy
“The Many Saints of Newark” is more than just a prequel; it’s a continuation of the Sopranos story told through a new lens. David Chase, who co-wrote the screenplay alongside Lawrence Konner, had a significant role in shaping the film. His involvement in the project makes it an integral part of the Sopranos universe. Discussing the film in “Wise Guy” would have offered viewers insight into how Chase’s vision evolved over the years and how it ties back to the original series.
2. Exploring Unfinished Business
In the documentary, Chase reflects on his satisfaction with the series finale, claiming that he had no unfinished business. However, the decision to return to the Sopranos world with a prequel raises intriguing questions. What motivated Chase to revisit this universe? Was there something specific he wanted to explore further or clarify? Including a segment on “The Many Saints of Newark” could have provided valuable context on Chase’s creative journey and his reasons for the film’s narrative choices.
3. Insights on the Film’s Reception and Impact
“The Many Saints of Newark” was generally well-received, with many praising its return to the gritty, atmospheric world of Jersey. The film’s reception could have sparked an interesting discussion about its impact on the Sopranos fandom and its contribution to the overall narrative. Additionally, examining the film’s connection to the series’ controversial ending might have added depth to the documentary’s exploration of the Sopranos universe.
4. Theoretical Implications for the Series Finale
Some fans and critics, including CinemaBlend’s Sean O’Connell, believe that “The Many Saints of Newark” offers clues or resolutions to the ambiguous ending of the original series. While this theory is speculative, discussing it could have enriched the documentary’s examination of the series finale. It would have been fascinating to hear Chase’s thoughts on this theory and how he views the relationship between the prequel and the series’ ending.
5. The Missed Opportunity for Comprehensive Analysis
Overall, the omission of “The Many Saints of Newark” feels like a missed opportunity for a more comprehensive analysis of the Sopranos universe. Including the film in the discussion would have provided a fuller picture of the legacy of The Sopranos and its ongoing influence. As a completist fan, I found the exclusion to be a small but significant gap in an otherwise engaging documentary.
The Need for a Complete Legacy Discussion
While “Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos” is an excellent documentary that offers deep insights into the creation and impact of The Sopranos, the absence of discussion about “The Many Saints of Newark” is a notable oversight. The prequel film is an important part of the Sopranos legacy and could have added valuable context to the documentary. For fans looking to explore the complete story, both the series and the prequel are essential viewing. Hopefully, future discussions about The Sopranos will address this intriguing piece of the puzzle.
