The Sopranos: The Complete Fifth Season

Some hardcore fans of The Sopranos thought that the 2004 season represented a decline in the series' quality, but in revisiting these 13 episodes, I confess that I didn't detect any precipitous fall. On balance it's a fascinating group of shows, notable for the introductions of Steve Buscemi as Tony's (James Gandolfini) recently paroled cousin Tony Blundetto and Robert Loggia as Feech La Manna, a character previously referred to but not seen until this year. The principal plot thread underpinning the fifth season is the steadily building conflict between ambitious Johnny Sack (Vincent Curatola) and Little Carmine (Ray Abruzzo) following the death of Carmine (Tony Lip)--a conflict that will eventually include Tony. Now separated from Carmela (Edie Falco), Tony develops a romantic interest in his therapist, Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), but you can bet more pressing matters will keep that relationship from maturing. My favorite episode of the year is the offbeat “Test Dream,” which finds Tony having a nightmare peopled with previous victims (and former show regulars, including Joe Pantoliano, Vincent Pastore, and Annabella Sciorra), but there are many other memorable moments in this season, and while it may not compare with the very best of this fine David Chase series, the fifth certainly stands head and shoulders above average network fare. DVD extras include five audio commentaries. Highly recommended. (E. Hulse)