Noumenal Tony Soprano

In my view, the rhythm that Phil mentions is what keeps us watching. Tony offers us a tantalizing glimmer of the potential to be a good man with concern for others. That’s what leads Dr. Melfi to take huge risks in treating him. That’s what keeps mental health professionals trying to treat antisocial patients who are unlikely to change. We have a need to believe in this transformation from a bad man to a good man. This type of transformation is the stuff of Hollywood and television but not real life. The writers are clever enough to raise our expectations only to bring us back to reality.

Glen