HBO populates its comedy pilots (THR)

Just stumbled on this little lovely in my feeds. HBO is casting new comedy pilots (gee, things have shifted significantly with the changing of the guard, will be interesting to see the direction of new programming, although I'm still waiting to see oldies like Big Love and Flight of the Conchords).

Jason Dohring landed an HBO show, Washingtonienne (no, I haven't read the book, but I know of it, and it's author, and, um, yeah, this should be interesting). Sure, he was great as Josef on Moonlight, a non-woobified extreme "mature" vamp version of Veronica Mars' Logan Echolls, but not always on his game. I could never tell if that was him or the script, if he was working as best he could with what was he was given (with that show, I lean to the latter). Shannon Sossyman landed a role on How to Make it in America, someone I never really enjoyed but found her to be better on Moonlight. With her, I always wondered if she had improved as an actress or if I just expected so little, she didn't disappoint. Eh, who cares. That show is done (thankfully). Kate Burton also joins Dohring in Washingtonienne. I really loved her as Ellis Grey on Grey's Anatomy and thought her character, whether physically present or not, added a fabulous dynamic to that show (for me, it also helped that she caused great distress for Meredith) back before I lost interest in even snarking on it and gave up being a glutton for Shonda Rhimes' punishment. I just saw Empire Falls again and she did so much with that role.

While deciding on some funny for Friday, I kept coming back to old clips of Eddie Izzard. Earlier this week, while listening to a TV news story covering Barack Obama's trip to Berlin, the obvious call-back to JFK's famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech, I immediately started mumbling lines from Eddie's Dress to Kill bit about it. Because that's how my mind works. Eh, historical context, shmistorical context. He's an effin' doughnut. Ever since, I have craved some Dress-to-Kill-funny. So here you go (so hard to choose). . .

Eddie Izzard - Ich Bin Ein Berliner

Eddie Izzard - Do you have a flag?

Star Wars Trilogy - Eddie Izzard

And I know it's not Dress to Kill, but I have to include this version of Death Star Canteen (from Circle):

Eddie Izzard- Death Star Canteen

HBO Pays Tribute to George Carlin

Early Monday morning when I saw the headline about George Carlin's death in my news feed, I was saddened and confused. I hadn't read or watched or listened to any news yet, but it wasn't even in every feed, so maybe it could be some stupid Hollywood rumor gone wrong, right? After days of coverage of Tim Russert's sudden death, I figured it would be reported at least in every entertainment oriented feed. Then I clicked on the link and learned it was indeed true. Now there are Carlin tributes everywhere you look, especially all over the net, which is a fitting tribute for someone who railed against censorship on the foundation of freedom of speech, which in turn contributed to one of the best lectures of my old Media Law class (one of my absolute favorites). I don't know, maybe news outlets were weary from over-saturation after the near constant coverage of Russert's death (couldn't you just hear him saying, "Thanks guys, it's overwhelming how much you miss and respect me, but isn't there some news to cover? Massive flood in the Midwest? What are McCain and Obama up to?"), but it doesn't really matter because George Carlin isn't around to comment on it.

As a tribute, HBO is airing all of his comedy specials this week on the various HBOs and NBC will air the first episode of SNL hosted by Carlin on Saturday night. As entertaining as that may be (knowing that Carlin was coked out of his mind like all of the other legendary players not ready for primetime), Carlin's final interview given to Psychology Today on June 13 covering his writing process and beliefs about comedy is a true tribute.

Oh, and on the same day, we learned that actress and comedian Dody Goodman died. Funny has had a tough damn week. Grease is the word and Blanche will be missed . . .
Blanche: When I hear music, I just can't make my feet behave.
Sonny: Thinks she's Tinkerbell.
Blanche: Hush, Sonny.

Nothing like Fight of the Conchords for some Friday funny. Here's the new video for "Ladies of the World" that Sub Pop put up on YouTube a few days ago.

I started to write an intro. review about the finale of The Wire and it got a little long. Evidently, I have a lot to say about it and was nowhere near finished when I realized it would have to be a separate post. Long story short, I avoided  anything that even mentioned the show for the last week out of fear of spoilers. I was spoiled about Omar but I didn't want to know a damn thing about the finale. These are two interviews with David Simon that offer a little insight into the background of the show:

An interview with David Simon from last Thursday's Fresh Air on NPR with David Simon. It's 39 minutes long, so settle in for a good listen

Here's another actually just posted today on Salon.com with David Simon that spends a lot of time covering the Baltimore Sun storyline, the truth and fiction behind it.

And because you can't watch the ending without thinking about the beginning, here's the famous f*cking McNulty and Bunk scene from season one. The boys doing old-fashioned police work with limited dialogue, maybe a stretch at times but entertaining as hell, always makes me grin. And I love the backstory. I'm gonna miss Wendell Pierce and his sidekick cigar.

• This just went up at Radar's "The Idiot Box" earlier today. Seems they had a little one-on-one with NBC's Entertainment head honcho Ben Silverman at a launch party for Lipstick Jungle (ugh). And Ben Silverman loves the 30 Rock. Well, doy, it wins shiny awards that translate into advertising dollars, forget that it's fabulous and funny and helmed by TV's girl-geek-goddess Tina Fey (hey, I love that show, just sayin). This was obvious because he included it in each answer when asked about the future for Friday Night Lights.

I love it. You love it. Unfortunately, no one watches it. That's the thing with shows. People have to watch them. We're NBC, we have a reputation to uphold. And, man, with this writers' strike ... well, we'll see what we can do. But start watching 30 Rock.

True, the strike didn't help FNL. Being a critical darling (often the first nail in a show's coffin) with an incomplete season and a small audience doesn't bode well for any show. But if it hadn't been shoved to Friday night with the lame excuse of the show's name confusing people when it aired any other night (how stupid do you think viewers are?), it might have a chance at a larger audience. Changing time slots can be positive, but Friday at 9/8 pm is a killer for many shows, especially those looking for an audience, needing big numbers for survival. Although, competitors Women's Murder Club and Moonlight somehow manage to do so (I know!). I hate it when execs put out a hit out on a good show.

• Also at NBC, president and CEO Jeff Zucker announced that the peacock network is ditching upfronts and pilots. With more networks moving to year-round programming, the upfronts announcement is not a surprise. And why trot out your fall schedule to advertisers with such fanfare when so much changes? Apart from the fact that a lot of people get good work during the pilot season, I've never really understood the point of network-produced pilots.They rarely represent the show that ends up being produced and most of them don't even make it to a schedule. If it does, so many changes occur between the pilot and the first episode, they often barely resemble each other. Putting more into the first six episodes of a show seems like a logical move, economically and creatively. Maybe a small mini-pilot, such as the Veronica Mars season four FBI pitch, would be a good compromise for those not willing to ditch pilots completely. But the industry doesn't always embrace change (looking at you, studio system), so we'll have to see if it catches on.

• So, I missed all of In Treatment this week. After Tell Me You Love Me, I'm not psyched to watch a show about therapy sessions, but for Gabriel Byrne, I'm willing to give it a whirl. Although, I may not make it through "Jake and Amy" because of the possibility for Tell Me You Love Me redux (or reflux, depending on how you look at it). For those who missed it, HBO is airing all the episodes in "Week One" marathons this weekend, HBO2 on Saturday night and on HBO Sunday evening.

• For some Lost giggles, check this out. The gals at Jezebel figured out that their relationship with Lost is much like one with an abusive boyfriend, complete with indicators from the National Domestic Abuse Hotline. Ah, I remember that feeling. It's okay, you're not alone, all TV-geeks go through it at least once. Hee.

My random thoughts on TV that aren’t long enough to stand alone but combined make for one long-ass post:

• Did you watch the Emmys on Sunday? Yeah, nothing else was on but Tell Me You Love Me, so the Emmys it was. Did you also find them boring while still reminding the viewing public how out of touch voters are? Sure, sure, no surprise, especially after six years of Lauren Graham snubs, but you can't blame them for dissing her for last season. Maybe that will change with her new development deal at NBC. So, did you hear a chorus of "Are you f*cking kidding me?" in bad faux-Jersey accents sweep the country when Sally Field won? Followed by "You gotta be f*cking kidding me." when James Spader took the stage? Oh, right, ratings sucked, not enough viewers for it to be audible. Well, at least Spader seemed genuinely befuddled, more so than usual. Okay, so I've crushed on Spader since he was typecast as '80s elitist sleezoid, and he's a fine actor even though the other Jimmy really did deserve the statue, but who watches Boston Legal besides my stepmother and William Shatner? Sally Field reminded me why I don't watch Brothers & Sisters, not for what she said but the shrill rambling (Brain fever, Celeste?), I don't care if Everwood's Emily VanCamp is a cast member now. Give me a Chris Pratt guest stint, maybe I'll reconsider for a few. But what's up with Katherine Heigl actually winning? Did the other gals split the votes? I've always liked her, but, really? Nah-ah, the S-word is not allowed here. Eh, I'm so tired of the Shondafication of the small screen, I'm elated Grey's didn't take more statues. Huh? I agree, Seacrest is a manscaped asshat. But thankfully Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, and Steve Carrell were on the recycled stage to give us one worthy laugh.
  

• Oh, Tell Me You Love Me. Sorry, I just can't make that commitment. No, no, it's not me, it's you. Who wants to watch a show about annoying people going through couples therapy for intimacy issues? Agony. It's as if thirtysomething stopped taking its antidepressants and ditched the fun-fun-fun storylines that dealt with kid barf, money matters, soul-sucking bosses, death, and cancer. I tried watching the second episode but my muttering "ShutupShutupShutup" followed by "Uggggh" repeatedly drowned out dialogue. I had issues with the promos that showed creator Cynthia Mort saying something about not even thinking about the sex when she conceived the first script; it just didn't occur to her. I don't remember exactly what she said because my brain imploded on that statement. A show with sexual intimacy as the central theme yet nookie didn't cross the mind? So when it was pitched to HBO, they weren't interested in all the "ground-breaking" nekkid, it was greenlit just because of issues, issues, issues, yay! Riiight. Do airlines service your island of delusion yet? Because I'd love to visit.

• Mad Men was renewed. I thought it would be, but after last week's ending, I would  toss my telly if it wasn't. It rocked my socks. Betty mid-afternoon still in her pink nightie ensemb, perfect hair, cigarette a dangling, using live pigeons in her front yard as skeet just left me giddy and speechless but for a "Hell Yeah!" Housewife Barbie has a dark side, now please let Mouse Ears cross over too. It's a repeat of "5G" tonight, but that's okay. Now that I have renamed the day Mad Men Thursday, I'll be back.
  

• Top Chef, why are we just now becoming friends? We’ve met once or twice, passing primetime acquaintances, and I got your messages about meeting up again but never returned the calls. Now, I look forward to our weekly sit-downs to see what detail Colicchio will nitpick; how Padma can be both goofy and condescending in one breath; if Queer Eye's delightful Ted will judge or that Food & Wine whiner Gail instead; how the camera will catch Hung in some obnoxious act which he will completely deny during a confessional; what Big Gay Chef comment Dale will make this week; how overblown Casey's hair will be during her talkingheads; if Brian will incorporate seafood into a dessert; will Sara expertly roll her eyes while making couscous; and what inane Quick Fire challenge our little cheftestants will face. Sadly, Sara will not get the chance to roll her eyes in Aspen. But maybe she can get an investor now to exhibit her mad skills on a Jamaican cheese farm.

• The new Fall season starts next week. Okay, so Fox launched new shows this week, as has The CW. Again, never got around to commenting on their upfronts either, so meh. Don't really plan on watching Fox much besides 24 anyway. If it weren't for Keifer, sweeeeet Keifer, I would ditch it, although I heard today that Tony "Soul Patch" Alameda will very briefly return. Sneaky rat bastards. Oh, and I will probably catch The Sarah Connor Chronicles whenever it shows up. I did watch Back to You for some inexplicable reason. Kelsey Grammar was trying not to be Frasier Crane, Patricia Heaton the anti-Deborah. I'm a sitcom snob, so studio audiences and laugh tracks don't often reel me in, and I don't think it worked this time either. That said Fred Willard is comedy gold even with a mediocre script.

• I probably won't watch the CW much either but I must admit, I did watch Gossip Girl. Teen dramas are an oxymoron and I am a skosh TV snob. But we've all got guilty pleasures, and these are my guiltiest of TV guilty pleasures. I rarely stick around for a whole season, but I am compelled to check them out once if only to mock. I said I wasn't going to watch GG, but I couldn't help myself. Josh Schwartz, people; no matter how far The O.C. sank, it still hooked my shallow soul in the beginning. As for GG, I have not read the books, nor do I plan to do so. So it's all new to me, and yes, reminds me of Cruel Intentions, but thankfully nobody monotones dialogue like Ryan Phillippe for the small screen. Honestly, it was one of the longest hours of TV I've seen in a while, meaning I checked the clock at the half-hour thinking things must be winding up. Wrong. I miss the comedy of The O.C. because poking fun at itself was incredibly charming. The acting isn't completely wretched. The story is completely predictable. The Humphrey kids are likable, which is good since they are the characters we are supposed to identify with the most as average folk. And Dan already slammed a Ryan-Atwood-new-kid-punch to date-rape-is-fun richie-rich asshole, Chuck. As for the music, not a fan. Although they did work an Air song into the popfest, I've had Peter Bjorn & John's "Young Folks" in my head all damn day now and I have no patience for the whistle in any tune. I forgot that Kristen Bell narrates the show and although her voice doesn't have Veronica's specific snarktastic edge, it was disconcerting having listened to so many VMVOs. But then I thought of it like a big F U to the C-double-U. Bank on my popularity for publicity yet cancel my show, fine, but I will still be narrating what you think will be your biggest hit yet while I kick your ass Monday nights on Heroes. Will I watch again? If I'm home, and not busy, and nothing else is on, maybe, um, okay, probably.
  

• I had planned on a bullet for the shows I'm stoked to see in the upcoming weeks but that's just way too much for a wee bullet to support. That last bullet is on roids so it can handle the wordy weight. So, that will be up later in a separate post. I know, it's like the worst cliffhanger ever, right?
  

Since tonight is the season finale of Flight of the Conchords, I'm posting last week's "Cheer Up, Murray." This past week, for some reason, "Cheer Up, Murray" has been on repeat on my mental soundtrack. Probably because I was in a foul mood all week and it actually does make me laugh, or cheer me up for even a few seconds.

I  think with this show, it's hit or miss for folks; it either makes you laugh out loud or change the channel. For me, it is usually a hit, but I have to be in the right mood, or should I say, I shouldn't be in the wrong mood. I'm going to miss Bret and Jemaine crooning about robots and life's woes in my living room every week, but at least HBO is giving them a season two. That's a reason to cheer up.

I know, we're all supposed to spend summer away from the idiot box doing something constructive. Enjoy being outside while it's warm. Catch up on reading. Work on a project. Spend time with friends. Sometimes, though, I don't feel like being bitten by mosquitoes or turning the pages of an actual book; I want to watch something new while on the elliptical. Better yet, zone out and be a tater tot.

Summer television was once a sad affair. It has gotten better in the last decade with cable networks offering originals year-round, prompting the broadcast networks to step up their game. Remember when all you could find during the dog days of summer were repeats featuring characters bundled in their winter wools? That was before the Beverly Hills 90210 summer at the beach club. Although I did miss the weekly lunchtime 90210 snark with my friends, if it weren't for those episodes, we wouldn't have seen Brenda Walsh mocking all of France with her deplorable faux accent (how stupid was Reeek to believe she was Parisian? Come on, Clark Kent. Ripley would not believe it!). All while Kelly and Dylan were back home trying to avoid their more-than-just-friends-sideburns-are-hot attraction during tug-of-war at the beach (actual tug-of-war, dirrties). Brandon dated the racist. Andrea lost the deaf kid. Steve played volleyball and hit on twins. Donna was a model (I know!). David Silver felt guilty for making out with NL's Vacation's Audrey and one-man-banded the end of summer bash with his keyboard. Dammit what was that unoriginal original song? I'm pretty sure it had the word girl in the title. And special. I'm actually glad my memory kicked that one to the curb

True, there are plenty of reruns that still hit primetime in the summer, but even the small netlets try to give viewers something new or "fresh" to watch, often in the form of "reality" shows. They're cheap to produce so if nobody watches, the networks don't lose much; if a show catches on, ca-ching. Cheap and successful, it's a programming exec's dream.

So, what am I watching this summer when I'm not catching fireflies? (Answer: HBO, evidently.)

Big Love: I think this show has pretty much maintained, and escalated, the level of storytelling that it had season one. I'm a bit tired of the Weber gaming storyline but the Greenes do prove that someone is freakier than Roman. I like all the sister-wives for what the contribute to the family, even Nicki although Margene may be my favorite. I wish the fabulous Amanda Seyfried got more camera time without Rhonda or Alby creeping about. I've read some reviews that suggest this show might not be interesting if it didn't feature polygamy. Well, duh. Then it would be 7th Heaven. And nobody needs it to return from the dead. Again.

Entourage: I was not a big fan during the first season, and that's when I tuned in for Piven. The characters were not sympathetic although likeable. Since I have a kink for shows about show business, I gave it a second chance, as apparently many did. Only weeks after the Medellin-centered season three ended, season four hasn't been the best, but it's still entertaining. It's treading in the shallow end a little more often; how many times can we see Vince get laid while Johnny and Turtle strike out? Johnny Drama cracks me up, and E, my favorite, is still the true center and voice of reason of the foursome. I look forward to E's storyline about starting his own talent management business.

Flight of the Conchords: I saw their HBO One Night Stand, so I had to check it out. The offbeat musical format actually works (who knew?), and struggling musicians Jemaine and Bret are so uncomplicated they are captivating, not to mention hilarious. Their songs never fail to make me laugh out loud. The David Bowie dream sequences were stellar last week. Oh, and I adore manager Murray and stalker Mel. Check out this A.V. Club interview with Bret McKenzie.

John from Cincinnati: I'm still in the camp that thinks David Milch had to be high when he conceived these scripts and could not summarize the show for Zippy to save my life. I fell in love with the lyrical, almost Shakespearean quality of Deadwood's banter (even with all the c*cksucking f-bombs, there was still beauty in it), and there are hints of it here, although lines repeated by John does some damage. I empathize with only a few characters, and I dislike most of them, especially Cissy and Shaun. Rebecca De Mornay misses the mark for me. But I somehow end up watching at least half of it every week. Mostly I wait to see which Deadwood character will show up next. And I can't resist the scenes with Charlie Utter's evil twin and Al Bundy's crazy cousin. However, not even actual bad-ass surfing and Dylan McKay (see above) can keep me coming back forever.

The Closer: I sometimes catch this on repeat. I like the weekly crimes/mysteries and Kyra Sedgewick is awesome as Brenda: strong, awkward, and funny, but her accent drives me crazy. Born and raised in the South, I do not recognize it. Not a dialect that exists in nature. I am tired of the excuse that Brenda uses overly sweet southern charm to throw off folks, draw them in, and then show them who's boss. I've done that (yes, it works), but it never sounded like that.

Rescue Me:  I loved this show when it started. Denis Leary was pitch-perfect as Tommy Gavin, a firefighter wrestling his demons with a bottle only to end up having conversations with them. I gave up this season after the Chief killed himself. Not because of that development; it was plausible, just not likely at the time so the writing seemed forced (geez, ask the Chief what he thinks). I stopped watching regularly last season, and it's dwindled even more. Also I would like just one even semi-well-adjusted woman not related to Tommy to walk into his life for more than one episode, and on top of it, have no interest in his willy. He wouldn't know what to do.

What else?

Man vs Wild: I prefer it to Survivorman, but both are interesting. But I think I've seen Bear Grylls pee in a bottle enough for one season. He always acts like it's a last resort for whatever reason, be it dehydration, warmth, jellyfish, but never hesitates to whip it out.

Rock of Love : VH1, why must you create such hypnotic trash? I attribute it to listening to Poison during my developmental early teens; hairspray corroded my brain. (What's your excuse?) At least it's sometimes funny in that delightful laughing at you way. Except for his hidden receding hairline, Bret Michaels really hasn't changed much, just add two young daughters. Although, he does "produce/write/direct/act" now, and I believe he's dipped a toe into the shallow end of the country music pool. I caught the premiere episode, and don't know (or care) if Rodeo has a shot at winning this rocker's, um, heart (stop with the lame innuendos, dude; what's next, instruction on your signature move--the mic stand hump-n-pump?), but she seems to be his female match. Works out often because the body is a temple, owns large cowboy hat collection, talks a lot without saying much, freely discusses medical issues, and laughs excessively at own jokes. Two wacked-out peas in a spandex pod.

Top Chef: I think I'm jonesing for Project Runway. It's the only "competitive reality" show (some classified as such should be called game shows already, Briefcase or No Briefcase) that I watch. But Bravo sucked me in on a lazy Sunday with a marathon. That show is hella hard to watch when on a diet.

Saving Grace: I caught it last week and although Holly Hunter is an amazing actress, I don't know if I want to see Grace's trials as a drunk Oklahoma City cop with a tobacco spitting angel by her side. Even if that angel is Tom Nuttall from Deadwood. And the married partner she is sexing up is Lem from The Shield.  And Laura San Giacomo . . .oh hell, it's a good cast. Still not sold on the show.

Supernatural: I periodically watched the Winchester boys fight evil their first season. Second season, not so much.So I've been catching up some over the summer if I'm in front of the tube on Thursday nights. I do love a good demon hunt, especially by two pretty, snarky boys.

I know, I'm late to the party. I am just now writing about the The Sopranos' series finale, "Made in America." But, really, it took me a week to figure out what to say about it. Other than what I actually muttered in the last few minutes. As I sat literally on the edge of my seat. I went from casually lounging in my chair to sitting on my knees, chewing my fingernails, watching the clock, waiting for Tony to get two in the back of the head. When the "fade to black" heard 'round the nation happened, my mouth dropped open. I then smiled and said "That's. That's it. That's just, that's f*@$&!g perfect." I wasn't incensed or disappointed. I thought it was just as appropriate as Six Feet Under's was last year. I think I may be in the minority?

I kicked off my Sopranos Sunday with a theme dinner. I like theme dinners or munchies for special occasion shows. I actually started that with The Sopranos. Who didn't crave Italian after watching a season one episode? Carm was a little food focused in those early days, and Tony, in his bathrobe, focused on the leftovers. I realized that it influenced my Sunday dinner cravings during the season  This has carried over into other shows, like Veronica Mars snickerdoodles or Dead Like Me waffles, off the top of my head (I have better examples, but I'm tired and memory fails). Anyway, for the finale, I made a simple dish I have just learned to cook: spaghetti and tomato sauce with roasted Italian sausage and peppers.

But the episode? Ah well, just like my tasty dinner, I found it completely satisfying. It was very David Chase. I didn't want Tony to get whacked. I thought it was terribly predictable to do so. In that scene toward the end where he is raking leaves and looking for the ducks, I said, "The ducks are going to come back and they are going to kill him." I meant that the writers were "they," and at some ponit after the symbolic return of the ducks. But I was that convinced he would die. And I hated it. Yeah, yeah, he's doomed, dangerous life, mobsters and FBI, sooner or later. Whatever. Maybe he was killed. Maybe he wasn't. I didn't need to see it. The show was about Tony's two families and how he balances the stress of them both, not just Tony's existence. And that is exactly what I got. With old-school Journey to boot.

Much has been made about Chase's running theme that people never change. He's said that he believes people think they do, but eventually, always revert to old habits. If you want the full skinny, join Television Without Pity's lengthy discussion (last Monday, the thread already had 102 pages, now it's only at 193, so things have slowed a bit, heh).I actually agree. Which was suprising to me because I am at a point in my life where hopefully big changes are occurring, and I  do believe people can start over, choose new paths, fresh starts, all that mumbo jumbo. But I've come to learn that change is not always something we can choose to do, no matter how badly we want it. I don't believe it is impossible, just improbable. Usually people change when life doesn't give them a choice. And those changes are more likely to stick, in my experience. We don't just change; we grow. Growth is a constant.

So what about the Soprano family? Have they grown? I think they have. They've all lost people, had change thrust upon them that forced them to grow. Carmela is no longer as blind to what Tony does, although she chooses to be. Meadow and AJ are aware of exactly how big their "family" truly is and what it means (although maybe not matured, because they really are only older, whinier brats). Tony has grown. He's learned a few things, figured out issues with his blood family. He hasn't changed, but he has grown. He just continues to be the same guy and is aware of it. Of course Dr. Melfi had to drop him; there was nothing more she could do for him anyway. Is that reaching? Yeah, maybe.

The core theme is life goes on. Was the fade to black before a murder, something actually foreshadowed by Bobby? Well, he would know now but we can't ask Bobby; he's running toy choo-choos in hell. Maybe Tony was taken out. Or  goes to prison. Or becomes an informant. Or chokes on a wee onion ring. Or ends up like Uncle Junior at age 80. I don't need to know because life goes on. Janice became her mother. Junior waits to die of natural causes oblivious to the world around him. Meadow might become a lawyer. Or a doctor. Or a lawyer. AJ inevitably crashes his BMW. Carmela sells her latest property. Paulie runs his crew, gets tan, gets killed. The orange cat continues to stare at Christopher's picture (the cat debate amuses me; if it is anyone, it's Chrissy because the cat killed a rat at the safehouse, so old habits do die hard, and of course he would stare at his own picture--Chrissy loved himself the most). Silvio rests in his coma. The girls at the Ba-Da-Bing keep dancing. Life goes on. And as Steve Perry says, on and on and on and on.