Yeah, Chase eventually confirmed the ending but Gandolfini and Falco also filmed a special short at Lebron's request if I remember correctly lol so I also choose to interpret the ending that way, despite all evidence pointing to the contrary
The biggest problem is who ordered it and the motive behind it. No one really makes sense as the suspect.
Does it really matter who ordered it? I think the point is that Tony had so many chances to turn away from the life and never did, and because of that this was bound to happen eventually. I like to think his story was ended by a late visit from karma itself, rather than a character we were introduced to
It matters if you want to have a definitive ending. If you take a more general approach, which is the fact that Tony always has to look up when someone walks in and that he will always have that expectation, it makes more sense.
Hasn't chase said that’s now what’s happening in that last scene tho? Tony’s supposed to be really comfortable, not always looking over his shoulder
it’s hinted in the end of Blue Comet the flashback to Bobby and Tony fishing on vacation in upstate NY about “you don’t really hear it” in terms of being assassinated
I’ve see a pretty good case made that AJ’s girlfriend was a plant by the NY guys, the two most convincing parts were that there was a picture of her in the barbershop where they were meeting and she was there when Carmela told AJ where they were getting dinner and looked interested in that info. This would really support the death theory obviously. I still like the ending where he lives but the point is he is constantly worried/at risk. Whether it’s just a random a guy in a Members Only jacket or the FBI listening in, something is going to get him.
my assumption was always that the truce they seemed to strike with new york was a double cross to not only get phil out of their hair but have tony let his guard down and come out of hiding.
Butch or whoever would be killed if they went back on their word with that third boss who was at the meeting. Besides, Butch did not have the personal grievances with Tony that Phil had. Patsy is primed to be the next Christopher and Bobby. He doesn't make much sense either.
Yeah I definitely don't think Butch would've done it. I think Benny would've been the next Chris. Patsy as the next Bobby definitely makes sense. Tony being suspicious of Patsy also makes sense though. Patsy appearing to be the next Bobby would make him the next Tony after the hit. If he's killed, it wasn't random, and there were only so many people who knew where to find him. Edit: In the end I go back and forth on what I think happens. depends on how i feel i guess. Definitely a testament to how good the finale is.
I think the most complex reading is that Tony always needs to be on edge and will never be able to rest. He’s going out, one way or another, and Chase allows us to feel that anxiety that he feels for the last few minutes of the series
I meant Patsy because he wanted to elevate family to insulate himself. He even suggested it when Paulie wouldn't take the captain spot.
It was always nice how neat the legacy of the show was. It didn't get canceled, it didn't have "the bad season". Now that is all up in the air.