One more episode of The Sopranos

In probably the most eventful episode of The Sopranos ( this season ) I think the end has pretty much been revealed - or at least we have an idea of what's going to happen in the last episode. If you're like me and usually record episodes for your viewing enjoyment later, there are spoilers in this post.

With this episode, I can't say that I've ever been farther from what the end will have in store for us. You may as well forget anything I have ever predicted for this season. At least that's where I stand.

Obviously Phil has a hard-on for Tony's head on a platter - as well as the rest of Tony's crew. In his own words, "Cut the head off the snake." Lucky for Tony he catches word of this from his FBI friend. So naturally he decides to strike with some imported help from Italy. Unfortunately, they screw it all up and off the wrong guy.

Last week we saw Dr. Melfi speaking with Dr. Kupferberg. He told her that there was no benefit to psychotherapy with a sociopath ( namely Tony ). The topic is breached once again at a dinner party with her, Dr. Kupferberg, and a number of other respected psychiatrists. He even goes so far as to out Tony as her patient. Bad form, Dr. Kupferberg . . . bad form. Dr. Melfi reads the study and draws the conclusion that she can no longer see Tony in therapy. Of course, Tony's pissed.

With the word out about the unsuccessful attempt to strike on Phil, Tony decides to spread the word and advise his crew to go underground. They scatter. Poor Bobby. He left his cell phone in the car so he has no way to know that there's a target on him. At least he got whacked dreaming of better days in the era of old railroad times. As he's getting ready to buy a replica of The Blue Comet at a hobby shop, two of Phil's guys empty their handguns into his chest.

As Silvio and Patsy are trying to leave The Bing, two more of Phil's guys block their exit. A gunfight ensues and Silvio is left in the car, either dead or unconscious. Patsy however, gets away on foot. Tony goes home to tell Carmela and AJ ( yes he's home from the hospital, but still pretty depressed and worried about all the injustices in the world ) that they, and the rest of the family, need to go elsewhere. Although they don't have to worry about getting whacked, ( because family is never touched ) they should anyway just to be safe. We are left with the scene of Tony in a safe house, on a bed with a bare mattress, his automatic weapon that Bobby gave him resting against his chest. Aside a few of the guys from his crew like Paulie downstairs, he's alone. From what they were able to gather from the hospital, they don't expect Silvio to regain consciousness.

My prediction

Strike anything I have ever predicted in the past. AJ will never come into the family business . . . he's much too depressed. He'll probably end up in Africa as a member of the Peace Corps trying to promote peace or end world sadness or something.

Meadow will not rise to the head of the family. Who knows what's going to happen with her? I don't believe the end will even tell us anymore to figure that one out. Carmela's worst fears will be realized. She'll probably be broke and destitute for the rest of life.

I'm not sure about the rest of the crew, but Tony will probably manage to stay alive but broke and looking over his shoulder, alone and powerless, for the rest of his life. If you consider this outcome, I think it's the most possible.

Tony's always prided himself on his power. He's always in control. Wouldn't it be fitting that he ends the series at the opposite end of the spectrum?

What do you think? Am I way off base? What do you expect in the final episode?