A lowkey villain is still a villain.
Anyone who has ever watched The Sopranos has been deeply affected by this show. The series is filled with so many deaths, scandals, betrayals, and bloody crimes that it is simply impossible not to be traumatized, or at least left with some thoughts after it.
Every character in the show (and there were many) was so carefully written that it was impossible to hate even the worst of them, simply because they were all portrayed as real humans, with their demons and their inner beauty as well.
It’s funny how a mob family can actually be compelling and even sympathetic. Take for example the most complicated character – and no, it’s not Tony, it’s Carmela. We have so many feelings for her, and that was exactly what the writers were trying to achieve when they wrote her complex personality.
When we see Tony cheating and abusing her, our heart breaks for Carmela. She seems so innocent in those moments that one wants to break into the screen and seek justice for her.
But then, the show continues with scenes that reveal Carmela to be just as flawed as any other character in the series. No, she doesn’t rob or kill anyone, but she is A-okay with her husband doing that.
Carmela’s biggest crime in The Sopranos is her complacency. During a therapy session, she claimed that she wants a safe life for her and her children, but yet she never leaves Tony and plays her role as a mob wife till the end.
In fact, she wants this life because it gives her the opportunity to be among the elite. Carmela lives a lavish lifestyle thanks to the murder, torture, and theft of her husband’s work, however, she has no problem looking the other way.
She is careless, doesn’t think of others, and never takes full responsibility for anything that she or Tony have done. If you’ve never watched the show before and are just getting started, keep in mind that not every crying little woman is a victim.
The Sopranos is available for streaming on Hulu.
