The Prestige TV Podcast The ‘Sopranos’ Episode That Got Us Hooked
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Oct 2, 2025 Van Lathan, a media commentator with a deep understanding of The Sopranos, joins Joanna and Rob to delve into the series' transformative nature. They explore the pivotal episode 'College,' discussing its themes of morality and the complexity of Tony's character. Lathan highlights the show's cultural impact, particularly its portrayal of women through Carmela's lens. The conversation also touches on how the series redefined TV storytelling and the power of nostalgic 1990s elements, all while examining the emotional core of a modern mafioso family.
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Comedy And Art Made Prestige TV
- The Sopranos blends comedy and high art to reach wide audiences while exploring deep themes.
- Its accessibility helped usher in prestige TV and made complex storytelling mainstream.
College Viewing Sparked Deep Connection
- Van watched The Sopranos in college after persuading his dorm to get HBO and immediately connected with the humanized mob depiction.
- He felt seeing mobs as frail people changed his view of mafia storytelling at 19.
Therapy As Structural Device
- Tony going to therapy acts as the show's inciting device and humanizes the mob boss in new ways.
- Therapy opens narrative access to his vulnerabilities and raises personal stakes.
