Tony Sopranos needs to die.

Or perhaps more accurately, Tony Soprano wants to die.  Yet he can't.  He comes literally to death's door--the "Finnerty" Family Reunion--Cousin Tony is going to usher him in--but Tony either lacks the courage or is just too strong for his own good and breaks out of his coma instead.

Carmela, through Dr. Melfi's help, now sees in bold letters what being married to the mob is all about--Carmela lies, the children lies, the material gains are a lie.

Only Tony's death will release Tony from his earthly hell and the hell that his family lives in The Family.

So, for those of you who wished Tony would return to his self-hating but butt kicking self, you've apparently gotten your wish.

For some of the rest of us, creator David Chase went to the edge of television convention--and didn't jump.