The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award
Sonny’s influence on The Sopranos; take the bus money; Sonny as better father
In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 00:24:05Read transcript
- A Bronx Tale is proposed as the strongest cinematic influence on The Sopranos, particularly Sonny’s neighborhood presence and paternal authority.
- The comparison is qualified: Tony’s brutal behavior corrupts an ideal he admires, whereas the film filters Sonny through C’s view.
- Tony is argued to begin with Sonny-like obligations before power corrupts him; Sonny’s killing and treatment of Lorenzo complicate his charm.
- Sonny’s acceptance of the interracial romance contrasts with Lorenzo’s racism and restrictive working-life advice, making the criminal mentor more seductive.
- Lorenzo should have accepted the lucrative numbers-running offer.
- Lorenzo is criticized as a bad father for romanticizing exploited working life; Sonny is preferred as a mentor and an affair with the mother is joked about.