(AP Photo/HBO, Barry Wetcher)
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I am amazed at the beginning of this season's Sopranos. Faithful viewers, like me, understand that the Sopranos are mobsters; and part of their modus operandi, of course, is that they run around breaking knee caps, blackmailing folks, and doing all kinds of unsavory deeds.
For those who haven't seen the series thus far this season: Tony has been shot by his uncle, who has dementia; Tony is back from the dead and his "near death" experience and is recovering.
In last Sunday night's episode, "The Fleshy Part of the Thigh," a conservative Christian pastor(some would say right-wing, yes I have said it too.) visits and prays for him the night before his final surgery.(I was very impressed with how the writers presented the pastor as a conservative, but not some wacko, nut case. The pastor character was very balanced, not the typical Christian sterotype you see on TV and in movies.)
Bob Brewster, the pastor, gives Tony the very "basics" of the gospel: plan of salvation, adinfinitum. Tony responds with a sort of humanity that is very different from his ordinary persona. HAS THE NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE CHANGED HIM?
(Mario Anzuoni/Reuters)
| At one point, which was quite amusing, Tony tells the pastor he is concerned that the church position on birth control might one day effect the legality of viagra, which Tony thinks he will need after his surgery. Bob, the pastor, tells Tony viagra is OK for procreation. Camela sees where the conversation is going and ask Bob to leave so Tony can get some rest, After Pastor Bob leaves, Carmela says to Tony "What are you, a wiseass?"
Bob comes back later in the show and they mildly debate the issue of intelligent design (didn't call it that). Tony's good friends are also visiting who happen to be Jewish. And, after Pastor Bob leaves, the wife (Jewish) says to Tony something like, "The evangelical Christians are the biggest supporters of the State of Israel."
Pastor Bob comes back and tries to get Tony to turn his life around. Tony declines the offer; but after, the pastor leaves, Tony says he believes there is a higher power.
What is going on with the Sopranos? Is Tony Changing? A Good Mobster? What an Oxymoron!!! Stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!!
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