It’s the end of an era: this past Sunday marked the start of HBO’s nine-season-long series The Sopranos’ final stretch.  Long hailed as the series that changed television – introducing violence, sex and intricately-woven (often metaphorically-laced) plot lines to American audiences in an entirely unprecedented way – Tony Soprano and co.’s last hurray is far from being taken lightly.

And, while one might envision the show’s typical fan base as soft-bellied suburbanites over 45, the Sopranos is still going strong with a younger set - specifically, the Millennials.  Case in point, this past Sunday a pair of twenty-something East Village dwellers – Pablo Lopez-Douzoglou and Matt Kliegman – hosted a few of their friends for a Sopranos party. 

Why the fascination with over-the-hill mobsters when plenty of their peers are across town, gathered on the dance-floor? Curious, we stopped by, had a Cannoli (or two), and asked around to find out exactly what explains the motivation to be mob groupie.  Our partygoers’ responses, in their own words: 

Pablo Lopez, 22
Web Designer at Nerve.com; Drummer for Sigmund Droid

Overall reactions?
I liked the suspense built up in the scene in the lake; I thought Tony was going to kill Bacala.  Also, the fact that AJ has a beard that looks like AJ from the Backstreet Boys.  And Christopher’s one-line in the whole episode with Tony’s reaction was great. 

Which character do you most identify with?
I think I identify most with Bobby Bacala because he is the nice guy who just happens to be stuck with this lifestyle, the fact that he didn’t want to kill the guy showed that he was a little more human than the other mobsters. 

Do you think it’s the best show on television?
Best drama.  I will always think that The Simpsons is the best show on TV.  It definitely rivals some of the best series.  It’s like watching one big long film.

Do you think Tony’s going to get busted this season?
Yeah.  I think there’s no way for him to ever quit the business… Or killed.  But busted is more probable. 

Explain your love for the series in five words or less:
Tony Soprano kills and goes to therapy. 

That’s seven, but I’ll take it. 

Julian Wadsworth, 24
DJ and Editor at Modernista

So, what’d you think?
It was tense.  The use of tension through the calm moments in the episode was edgy - lake shots and shots of children.  It’s unpredictable.  I’m trying to erase last season from my mind because it was horrible.  I feel good about this season.  Everything gets fucked. 

Which character do you most identify with?
Absolutely none of them, and I’m proud of that. 

Did you find Tony’s psychiatrist sexy?
For clandestine liaisons, for damn sure. 

CLOWE, 22
Head Photographer, Purple Alligator Photography

What was your favorite scene in the episode?
When Tony wakes up in the middle of the night to visit his sister and brother-in-law. 

What don’t you like about the Sopranos?
What’s not to like?  It’s the perfect Sunday evening activity. 

Who would you most like to see killed in the next episode?
An abusive midget. 

Do you think people that love the Sopranos are just wannabe mobsters?
Yes.  There is a psychological shift that happens when something is pursued religiously.  Also, I think the Sopranos killed real mobs. 

Do you think Tony is sexy?
No, I’m allergic to anger. 

Molly Yestadt, 23
Milliner, aka: Mad Hatter

Who do you think has the best style on the show?
I think that Tony’s sister was perfect-looking.  Her summer/beach look was perfect with her leathery skin and bathing suit/skirt-wraps sort of half covering up what needs to be covered.

Who is most in need of a makeover?
Maybe the maid needed a makeover.  I feel that she was made to look too Aunt-Jemimaish.  An American live-in nanny might be a touch more aware of the trends than that.  But, maybe not. 

What are your thoughts on AJ’s facial hair?
AJ’s facial hair – welcome my friend.  A little nerdy because it doesn’t exactly make him look old, just goofy.

Matt Kliegman, aka Steamclam, 23
DJ, Video Editor and host of weekly Monday night party at The Gallery Bar

Are you a big Sopranos fan?
I’m not the biggest Sopranos fan. I sorta started watching it a few seasons ago and have watched it casually since. I haven’t seen all of them… but I’ve seen a bunch and know it fairly well... so that’s my caveat… 

What were your overall impressions of the episode?
I thought the episode was sorta uneventful. I was expecting the last season to build up to this big super-awesome melee of gang fighting and blood and every thing... the seeds are sorta there... with the other dude killing Vito (the gay one) and all that. So I was expecting this big thing, which maybe is coming soon...but there aren't a lot of episodes left so they’re gonna have to start getting crazy soon… it was more of a screen saver than an episode.

If you could trade places with any of the characters, who would it be?
I'd be AJ cuz his girl is baangin! Or Carmela so I could blow Tony. 

Do you think that the series is ending at the right time?
I think the story could go forever. They could just keep adding shit. But it had a good run and maybe it’s better to stop before it gets too blah and they start repeating themselves too much, you know? And then kill Tony and have someone replace him... it’d be like Saved By the Bell The College Years sorta... I usually prefer when things end early than go on forever and suck... The Beatles? Yeah, cool. But the Rolling Stones? I suppose you gotta get outta the game before all the fans are geriatrics...

Supposedly Norman Mailer has credited the series as the equivalent to the modern-day American novel.  Warranted, or bullshit?
I think Mr. Mailer is pretty on to it.  I don’t think it’s bullshit.

~Alisa Gould-Simon