The Sopranos: Reflecting on 19 Years Since the Finale

It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 19 years since one of television’s most iconic broadcasts wrapped up. June 10, 2007, saw Tony Soprano enter Holsten’s Diner—and, well, he never did come back out.

That’s right—nearly two decades have passed since “The Sopranos” aired its final episode. “Made in America” offered one of those cliffhangers that David Chase excelled at, and, to this day, it leaves viewers pondering what really happened to Tony.

Some think he was shot, others argue he succumbed to a heart attack, and then there’s this idea that the screen going black simply symbolizes the end of his anxious existence. The ambiguity is part of what made the show a cultural phenomenon and has sparked endless theories.

Now, speaking of theories, let’s dive into a few intriguing ones that fans have discussed around “The Sopranos.”

5. Chris Moltisanti’s Last Moments

As the series progresses, Tony’s network of crew members sadly narrows. The often paranoid Chris, who’s got a tendency to panic, begins to feel the pressure as he tries to find a successor in the crime world. Unfortunately, the only candidate he has is his unreliable “nephew,” Christopher Moltisanti.

Throughout the series, Tony makes an effort to mentor Chrissy, but Moltisanti continues to struggle with addiction. Towards the end, Chris relapses and ends up in a car crash, leaving Tony with no choice but to confront him directly. Prior to this chaos, think about the scene where they’re discussing business—with hints suggesting that Chris might actually be a rat.

It’s interesting, isn’t it? Chris wears a hat promoting a film at a crucial meeting, which recalls a moment in Season 5 where something similar occurred to another character.

4. Noah and Meadow’s Relationship

Noah Tannenbaum, one of those characters you love to hate, starts dating Meadow during the earlier seasons. His cocky nature doesn’t sit well with viewers, but Meadow is committed… at least for a while. When she returns home for the weekend, conflict brews with Noah’s manic-depressive roommate, Caitlin, and upon returning to school, his mood changes drastically.

In a way, his excuse for breaking up with Meadow feels like a cover for potentially cheating on him with Caitlin. Remember when they shared that moment in his room? It seems likely there was more happening than we were led to believe, especially since Meadow seems unusually down afterward.

3. The Cat Theory for Adriana

One of the show’s most heart-wrenching moments comes with the fate of Chris’ girlfriend, Adriana. Her tragic end leaves a mark, and as the series continues into its final season, cats appear mysteriously at the Bada Bing. There’s a playful theory circulating that one of those cats might be Adriana reincarnated!

Fans speculate that this cat is drawn to Chris’s image due to feelings of betrayal and loss. The connection is amusing, especially given Adriana’s love for feline-themed clothing during her life.

2. Phil Leotardo’s Hidden Truth

Phil’s antagonism toward Tony is a major theme in the final seasons, particularly rooted in his reaction to Vito’s coming out. His extreme response raises eyebrows, leading some fans to muse whether Phil might actually have repressed homosexual tendencies himself.

This idea is a bit out there—maybe too out there, in my view. Yet, there are instances throughout the series that give it an air of plausibility. Phil’s reactions can seem excessive, and perhaps they stem from his own struggles with identity.

1. Carmine Lupertazzi Jr. as the Puppet Master

Now, here’s a theory that’s personally appealing to me: what if Carmine Lupertazzi Jr. isn’t as dim-witted as he seems? He often comes across as an incompetent buffoon, but what if it’s all an act? Fans have pointed out moments where he strategically leaks information, manipulating situations between New York and New Jersey.

As the series progresses into its final chapters, you can see instances where his supposed failures could actually be cunning maneuvers instead. If this theory holds water, viewers might just find themselves viewing “The Sopranos” through an entirely different lens upon rewatching.