BobbyBacala wrote:I've never wanted to join the debate because I don't want anyone to think I am being confrontational at all. However, I rewatched Made In America this morning (it's probably the one episode of any tv series ever that I've watched the most). I also read this entire thread again which I have done numerous times.
I respect everyone's opinion and feel that everyone is entitled to his/her own. That is what makes this show so amazing. Years later it is still be discussed and analyzed.
With that being said, I, for the life of me as hard as I try, cannot understand how anyone can truly believe that Tony does not die in the final scene. I'm sorry. Again, I'm not being confrontational whatsoever. My point is that every single time I watch the series, especially the final episode, I am made more and more aware of the clues leading up to Tony's death. I won't go on and on about this since it's been discussed so much. I just wanted to share my two cents in saying that I've just always felt that there is barely any argument that Tony lives. Cut to silent black abruptly for ten seconds for what? To show life goes on? A typical fade to black with Meadow arriving and the family eating together would be so much more successful in giving this impression.
Tony always having to look over his back? This is established early in the series. It's common sense in any mafia film/show. Again... why the abrupt cut to black to establish that point? Tony didn't even look suspicious in the final scene. Yes, he looks at MOG walk by. So what? We would all look at someone briefly if they came into our field of vision. If he was really suspicious as some seem to think, he would have been much more cautious. I think the point is that Tony wasn't suspicious enough. He was too lost, for once, with his actual family in a nice moment to even realize he is never off the hook. The entire series is founded on the conflict of Tony balancing his two families. For once, Tony lets his guard down while spending time with his actual family and in the end, the two families are finally merged as they bare witness to his murder.
I could go on and on, but I'm not trying to stir anything up. I respect you all greatly and I watch the series time and time again open-minded literally trying to see clues implying Tony lives, but a hard as I look, I just can't find any that aren't easily refuted.
Could not agree more, Baccala.
Tony died at Holsten's. The fear of losing his family that brought him to tears in the Pilot was finally realized as he was killed in front of them, bringing the saga full circle.
Anyone who doesn't come to the conclusion that Tony was killed at Holstens, with all the foreshadowing and symbolism that Chase clubbed us over the head with in the final season, starting with the "Seven Souls" montage through the Blue Comet flashback of "You probably don't hear it when it happens"......well, in my opinion, that person will never be persuaded, short of Chase coming out and saying so, or some alternate filming of the ending where Tony ends up face down in the onion rings.
Which is fine.
Happy 5th Anniversary to the Best Television Show ever made.