The ambiguous final scenes from the last episode of “The Sopranos’’ still inspire debate among fans of the HBO series.
(Craig Blankenhorn/Reuters)
The Globe’s Matthew Gilbert and Joanna Weiss chatted with readers about TV on Boston.com last week. Here is a partial transcript.
Q: I can’t believe the glowing reviews [the wedding episode of “The Office’’] is getting. The jokes were flat, the story line was awful and I hated the YouTube dance the first time around. I can’t stand when Dwight goes into womanizer mode and I thought they tried too hard with the “zany moments at weddings’’ theme that “Friends’’ was able to do so well.
Matthew: I loved it, what can I say. Did justice to Pam and Jim. They are one of sitcom TV’s most likable couples ever.
Joanna: And I liked the way Jim stuck his foot in it and Michael somewhat saved the day, or tried.
Q: The past couple episodes of “Glee’’ have been a bit disappointing. I hope it bounces back to the “Single Ladies’’/Football Team level.
Joanna: That was totally true to what the show should be. Heartwarming without breaking character, if you will.
Matthew: I HATE it, though, when “Glee’’ gives us musical numbers that aren’t part of rehearsal or performances.
Q: Watched “Saturday Night Live’’ a couple weeks ago and it was awful. And I don’t believe the lack of an election is why. The writing - even the digital shorts - was repugnant. What’s gone wrong?
Joanna: I still think the show functions best when it has something good to make fun of, and the Obama administration isn’t cutting it.
Matthew: The writing is weak. They need new writers.
Q: So “FlashForward’’ is not good? I like it! It’s not quite “Lost’’ and some of the acting is bad, but it’s pretty good compared to most of the other stuff on TV.
Joanna: I get really caught up in the logical holes and the boringness and denseness of the characters. I hope real FBI agents are smarter.
Q: “Mad Men’’ needs to get back to focusing on the office! There’s been no follow up to Peggy and Duck! And Joan! I miss Joan.
Joanna: I miss Joan, too. I have to say, I still get over-Betty’d. The workplace gender dynamics are more fascinating - at least to me - than the tale of the unhappy housewife.
Q: I think “Mad Men’’ should start planning its exit strategy. Five seasons like “The Wire.’’
Joanna: Never say never, when it comes to TV. On the other hand, [“Mad Men’’ creator Matthew] Weiner’s mentor is [“Sopranos’’ creator] David Chase, who knew when it was time to end the story.
Q: Yeah, but Chase didn’t know how, and ruined any legacy he had.
Joanna: Ooh, the great debate. I actually thought the ending was brilliant. Ambiguous but harsh. And a meta-statement about the act of watching TV.
Q: You’re crazy. The show was never about the act of watching TV. It was ambiguous all right, and therefore the most selfish artistic act of our generation. We invested in the story and Chase owed us an ending. How can that be debated?
Joanna: The ENDING was about the act of watching TV. As in, your window into this fictional world is shut. It’s over. Now go turn off the tube and live your life.
© Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company.
