May Adriana Rest in Peace

The latest episode of the Sopranos was an instant classic to my mind. Every scene was composed with care, but the killing of Adriana was truly operatic. It was a fitting tribute to the actress Drea de Matteo who has played her role with such wit and beauty. In maybe a ten minute stretch we were pulled in several emotional directions after finally seeing Adriana telling her boyfriend Christopher that she’s been playing along with the FBI the past year.

At first Christopher reacts violently, choking Adriana until she literally turns blue in the face. Then they slump into each other’s arms crying and questioning the possibility of a future in the witness relocation program. But after Christopher leaves to clear his head, we’re made to maybe think that Christopher has attempted suicide. But we also know enough to doubt Tony’s word in his caring telephone call to Adriana. So when we see her escaping on the interstate, we breathe easier knowing her character will live on while this magnificent actress spins away to play her new role in “Joey” (I hope the money’s good.) But when we witness her grief in the passenger seat alongside Silvio, we understand her escape was just a daydream and watch with horror the unfolding of her fate as Silvio turns from sympathy to the devil.

It’s the only television show I watch with any sense of “must see.” Scenes such as these are one of the reasons why. And also the light but evocative moments like this: Christopher explaining to his Uncle Tony why he’s late. And Silvio, played by Stevie Van Zandt of E Street fame, is there to witness this line as well: “The highway was jammed with broken heroes on a last chance power drive.” There’s one episode left this season, and just one more season after that. It is indeed the last chance power drive. And after the murder of such an innocent there's no place left to hide.