The Sopranos, Series 5

The Soprano's series 5 is another immensly strong series from David Chase and the HBO production team. We catch up with Tony (James Gandolfini) as his two families are once tearing him apart.

There is pressure on the New Jersey Crime Boss as a gang war is on the verge of exploding at the same time as his cousin, Tony Blundetto (played by the superb Steve Buscemi) is about to be released from the pen after a long stretch. Blundetto initially wants to go straight, but its not long before he's roped back into the thick of the action.

Meanwhile, the Feds continue to pile the pressure on Adriana forcing her to make a life changing decision. Recovering junkie Christopher still has many issues to contend with, and Blundetto's arrival does nothing to help his relationship with Tony.

Tony still has marital problem to contend with as he tries to make amends with Carmella. The big man also tries to make sense of his life through his regular sessions on the psychiatrists couch with Dr Melfi.

All in all an incredibly strong series that continues to deliver, the only sour point I can think of is the 'dream' episode which is a whole episode of Tony having a nightmare. I didn't like this episode, it was a bit arty and frankly weird.

A great series all round though and thoroughly recommended.