I was starting with the premise that we have to look at is as -- How do we think the shows Creator David Chase would want it to end? I recall Chase in an interview a while back stating that even from the beginning he had his long range plan in mind - already at that time knowing how he wanted the show to conclude. It's also common knowledge that the show has many references to both "The Godfather" and "Goodfellas". Would he want it to end like The Godfather? With Tony slumping over in a chair, heart attack in his sleep? Nah, don't think so, even though one funny Godfather reference was Tony, when speaking to Artie Bucco after difficulties at Nuovo Vesuvio, telling Artie that he will eat there "until I fall off the chair," a reference to Michael Corleone's death at the end of "The Godfather Part III."
But I would suspect Chase is more of a Goodfellas guy.... So many cast members from Goodfellas are also in the Sopranos.... Lorraine Bracco (Dr. Melfi), Michael Imperioli (Christopher), Frank Vincent (Phil Leotardo) and a bunch of others with smaller roles in the movie. Maybe the best scene relating the Sopranos back to Goodfellas was this one........... Do you remember that Michael Imperioli had a role in Goodfellas as a bartender named Spider. He gets shot in the foot by Joe Pesci over a little thing like not getting Pesci's drink quickly enough... Later, in a Soprano's episode, Christopher shoots a bakery store cashier in the foot, then when asked why - says "It happens." A classic reference to the movie using the same actor - only on the other end of the gun.
OK, let's cut to the chase (not David). In this first episode they've brought up the RICO case angle to get Tony. I think that's where it's going..... Is it possible that the final will have the government getting Tony to "flip" (gee, I'm using Mob terms here) and rat out others and go into the Witness Protection program with his family?? That's what main character Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) did in Goodfellas. But, why would a true-blue mob guy like Tony take that route? Surely he hated those guys, right? Well, maybe his best buddies from his crew aren't around - could Silvio get whacked by New York? Some others have disappointed him in the past with their actions (e.g. Christopher & Paulie). Could they piss Tony off again? Maybe Phil and the New York crew have caused this and Tony testifying against them is a way of revenge, especially since he's arrested at that point anyway...
Again, just one person's theory and I'm probably taking a Bob Beamon leap to go this route, but Tony may also have to protect his loved ones, and this decision could be influenced by his family.
And I may be taking this too far.... maybe it's a subliminal message or hint from Chase, but remember at the end of Goodfellas, the final scene has Henry Hill - already then in the Witness Protection Program, stepping out of his front door in a white bath robe picking up his morning newspaper..... If I'm correct on this.... Haven't we seen Tony a few times in a white bath robe at the end of his driveway picking up his morning paper??
Hey, I'm probably totally off base, but I'll go on record with it..... And we'll find out on June 10. If you have any opinions or predictions yourself, feel free to leave them in the "comments" section...
Bada Bing!!!
