observor wrote:Yes, i see there are a lot of books on the show.
There are also a lot of great posts on this site written several years ago during the shows run and shortly afterwards which offer insight, interpretation and supported opinion. The site creator and administrator - Fly on Melfi's Wall - and several others have contributed poignant writing that could help you understand and connect some of the elements you currently see as random and disconnected. I came to this site late, years after the show had ended and activity here had peaked. Reading a lot of the content here and on another online site created by one who identifies him(her)self as "master-of-sopranos" entitled the "Definitive explanation of the Sopranos Finale" - some of which I agree with, some of which I don't entirely agree or disagree with, some of which I'd similarly previously considered at least in part -helped me understand aspects of the work a lot better. If you read and consider some of it before, after and/or while you rewatch the series, I'm fairly certain it would help you see at least in part what was being attempted.
I know Fly is very busy away from here and others who are well-informed no longer stop by often but perhaps at some point some of them could direct you to particular threads or suggest you read posts by specific members.
Meanwhile I'd say browse and sample various thread titles, try the search function located along the top of the main page. It seems you'd like to understand better what all the fuss is/was about. Sorry I can't presently be more helpful. Too bad there's not a "best of" list of posts. Capos?
But it is a rather complex work and usually can only be grasped a bit at a time with reading, re watching, reflection and consideration. Without effort, just enjoy the humor and the whackings I suppose.